What budget for activities and outings Singapore City?
The cost of living is high in Singapore, one of the most expensive cities in the world. There are a few tricks you can use to save a few dollars. However, if you're going as a family and plan to take advantage of the many activities on offer, the bill will be high..
Admission to national museums costs an average of S$20 per adult and S$15 for children under 12 and over 60. Amusement parks and water parks are expensive, so budget accordingly if you're traveling with the family, and check out websites that may offer online promotions (www.rwsentosa.com, www.wrs.com.sg).
If you're traveling with Singapore Airlines, you can buy the Singapore Explorer Pass for S$70, which offers discounts in many shops and attractions. But beware, the Pass must be purchased before departure and is only valid for 24 hours... Find out more at www.firststopsingapore.com
Don't forget to consult the many flyers available at the tourist office (216 Orchard Road) or in the lobbies of major hotels, which often offer discounts for certain sites or family rates. Finally, if you're a Singapore Tourist Pass holder, check out www.thesingaporetouristpass.com.sg for a list of benefits available to you.
Even though there is a cost involved in doing sports or outdoor activities, you still have the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy yourself at an affordable price, if not free. You can easily get away from it all and enjoy nature for a jog, bike or walk, and www.nparks.gov.sg has great information about the park system with ideas for walks and routes on the Southern Ridges or at Mac Ritchie Reservoir. East Coast Park is a great place for rollerblading or swimming, while enjoying the pleasures of the waterfront with showers and bathrooms available. If you prefer swimming in a pool and more modern facilities, www.myactivesg.com offers free video workouts for adults and children and lists municipal pools and gyms.
The cost of living is high in Singapore. The big luxury brands have higher prices than in France, but you can still get some bargains from small local designers.
If you want to bring back basic souvenirs such as magnets, t-shirts or mugs, you will find your happiness in Chinatown or Bugis Village. Other products are more expensive, but more original with a local touch, such as tea towels, tote bags or melamine plates, to be found at Made by Independent in Tanglin Mall or at cat Socrates in Joo Chiat and Thiong Barhu. The national museum stores also offer nice items from local designers.
You can get an 8% VAT refund on purchases of $100 or more. Remember to keep your passport with you, some stores with the Tax Free Shopping logo will refund you directly. Otherwise, keep your proof of purchase and you can apply at the eTRS kiosks at Changi airport.
Going out to a club is generally more expensive than in Europe, especially if you are a cocktail lover. Depending on the establishment, entry may be free before a certain time, mainly for ladies. For the cinema, count about S$ 12 the ticket and for the shows, unfortunately few good deals are proposed. If you want to try out paid activities in Sentosa, have a look at the flyers available in some hotels, at the tourist office or before boarding the Sentosa Express, they may offer you discounts or family rates.
All forms of payment are accepted, and as in restaurants, service is included, so do not tip.
What budget to eat Singapore City?
For a bite to eat, don't hesitate to try one of the city's many food courts, which offer a wide variety of delicious dishes at very good prices (around S$10 per person is the most economical option). You can make culinary discoveries and try out local specialities in the various districts. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that don't pay much outside, but where you can feast at more-than-affordable prices, mainly in Chinatown and Little India, for a budget of around S$15. You can also easily grab Indian pastries, fresh-cut fruit, and a wide selection of fresh fruit juices and lassis for the connoisseur - it'll only cost you a few dollars and you won't be disappointed!
If you're on a larger budget, the choice is enormous in terms of catering, and you'll need to fork out an average of S$50 per person, drinks not included, and wines can be very expensive. Some restaurants offer BYOB, Bring Your Own Bottle, where you can bring your own bottle of wine.
Be on the lookout for establishments offering happy hours at aperitif time, when certain drinks are discounted, or ladies' nights on Fridays, with free or reduced-price alcohol for women.
VAT will gradually increase from 7% to 9% from 2022 to 2024, leading to higher prices.
Alcohol is expensive in Singapore-about $12 for a pint of beer, and $10 for a basic glass of wine-but most bars offer happy hour, usually from 6pm to 9pm. Women are lucky enough to take advantage of the famous "ladies night" every Wednesday evening, with reduced rates that are much appreciated for outings with girlfriends! More and more eco-responsible cafés are working towards BYO (Bring your own), encouraging you to bring in your cup and fill it with coffee, with a discount on the price (www.byosingapore.com). As in restaurants, taxes and tips are included in bars.
What is the budget for accommodation Singapore City?
Singapore's hotel offer is among the most expensive in Asia, but the choice is nonetheless very varied. In recent years, more and more affordable hotels have opened their doors to tourists. For those on a tight budget, Little India is the most developed area for budget hotels, but the choice is limited to dormitory beds in windowless rooms... Expect to pay S$20 to S$25 for a bed, and although this may not sound very appealing, most hostels are located in lively, pleasant areas, such as Little India or Chinatown. A new concept from Japan is all the rage: Pods, or very atypical and confined capsule rooms, cost S$30 per night. For more comfort, there's a wide choice of charming hotels, from boutique hotels set in old shophouses to mid-range hotels, for S$80 to S$100 a night, mostly in Chinatown, Little India and Kapong. At the other end of the scale, there's no shortage of luxury establishments, mainly in the Colonial District and around Orchard Road, or on Sentosa. There are no real budget limits here..
Prices vary greatly depending on the period, rising at weekends, during vacations or major events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in September or National Day in August. On the other hand, you can find some very attractive special offers in off-peak periods, so don't hesitate to compare prices on the Internet.
Travel budget Singapore City and cost of living
Living in Singapore is much more expensive than in the rest of Southeast Asia, but you can still eat at a reasonable price and find cheap dormitory accommodation. To help you plan your daily budget, here are three examples to suit all budgets.
Low budget: €50 per day per person (public transport, dormitory accommodation and 3 meals in a food court or on the go).
Medium budget: €100 per day per person (public transport, accommodation in a mid-range hotel, meals in a decent restaurant and one paid activity).
Big budget: Over €300 per day per person (cab transport, luxury hotel accommodation, fine dining, paid activities).
Tipping is not de rigueur in Singapore, either in restaurants or hotels, although some cabs may appreciate a small gesture. As for haggling, this is not a common practice in the country. Prices are fixed and generally non-negotiable.
