âšď¸ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.7 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://www.bhtp.com/blog/safe-travel-singapore/ |
| Last Crawled | 2026-03-22 15:24:47 (22 days ago) |
| First Indexed | 2024-12-19 22:35:53 (1 year ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Is it safe to travel to Singapore? | Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection |
| Meta Description | Plan your trip to Singapore with confidence. Itâs one of the worldâs safest travel destinations. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | You may know Singapore one of two ways: as the setting for the film
Crazy Rich Asians
, or as a country that enforces its laws very strictly. Maybe you know it as both, and the resulting contradiction may also make you wonder whether itâs safe to travel to Singapore.
Â
For
most
travelers,
the answer is simple: Singapore is absolutely a safe place to visit.
Â
Get to know Singapore
Â
First, what is Singapore exactly â a country or a city?
Â
The answer to that question is yes. Singapore is a country and a city.
Â
Itâs a largely urban city-state located on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, a long strip of land that extends south and west of Thailand.
Â
Singapore is extremely close to Indonesia, though it has more in common with Malaysia. Both were British protectorates, and as such retain vestiges of British influence.
Â
This is a boon for American travelers, since it means that many Singaporeans speak excellent English.
Â
Singaporeâs location also means itâs definitely tropical. Youâll need to dress as you would if you were visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, or any other country in Southeast Asia, and mosquito repellent is a must.
Â
Singapore as a destination
Â
To return to the lede, have you seen
Crazy Rich Asians
? Most of it was shot in Singapore, and gives you a good idea of the city-stateâs attractions.
Â
Start with the airport
Â
First, Changi Airport is amazing. Itâs the worldâs best by acclimation. Singaporeans go to the airport to shop and hang out, even if theyâve never flown out of Changi in their lives.
Â
If you think itâs damning with faint praise to say that one of the best things about Singapore is its airport, you need to recalibrate what an airport can be.Â
Â
Travel + Leisure
has your complete guide (can you imagine a complete guide to OâHare?), but Changi has:
Â
The worldâs largest indoor waterfall
Â
Tropical gardens
Â
A sunflower garden
Â
A cacti garden
Â
The worldâs first airport butterfly garden
Â
Ever-changing light installations
Â
Mesmerizing modern art
Â
A dinosaur park (!)
Â
A food hall
Â
A movie theater
Â
A ropes course
Â
A swimming pool
Â
More than 300 boutiques and flagship stores
Â
Now do you understand why your first stop in Singapore should be your first stop in Singapore? Changi is special.
Â
Food: the hawker centers
Â
If you remember the scene from
Crazy Rich Asians
where everyone buys street food, that takes place in a hawker center.Â
Â
A hawker center basically takes street food and moves it indoors into a more controlled environment. The tastes and the adventure are the same; itâs only the risk of disease that goes away.
Â
As
Vogue
âs
â
Crazy Rich Asians
â Guide to Singaporeâ
points out, the movie scene was filmed in the Newton Food Centre, which is just one of many hawker centers around Singapore. Â
Â
ForeverVacation
recommends the chili crab, laksa and satay, but honestly, just look for the long lines, try a little of everything and youâll eat like royalty.
Â
Outside of the hawker centers, high-end dining options are plentiful â and delicious.
Â
If you love to eat, Singapore gives you lots of options ⌠and lots of places to explore.
Â
Other crazy attractions
Â
Singapore boasts the worldâs second-tallest Ferris wheel, the worldâs highest and largest infinity pool (not for the faint of heart or scared of heights) and incredible shopping.
Â
If you want to tick off scenes from the movie, be sure to stop at the Gardens by the Bay, a 250-acre park with massive lighted trees and two domed conservatories. It was the site of the movieâs wedding reception.
Â
Donât let its small size fool you: Thereâs lots to see and do in Singapore.
Â
Singapore as a safe destination: the numbers
Â
If you believe destination safety can be reflected in numbers, all the numbers tilt in favor of Singapore.
Â
For instance:Â
Â
1:
Singapore has a level-one (âexercise normal precautionsâ) rating from
the State Department
.
Â
5:
Singapore was rated as the fifth-most-peaceable country in the world according to the
Global Peace Index
, published by Vision of Humanity.
Â
7:
Singapore was named as the seventh-safest country in the
2024 Global Residence Index
.
Â
8:
Singapore was named the worldâs eighth-safest city on Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protectionâs latest ranking of
the world's safest cities
. Itâs been a perennial top-10 finisher since it first appeared in our rankings.
Â
23:
Singapore ranked as the 23rd-safest city in the world out of the 311 cities evaluated by
Numbeo
.
Â
74:
Singaporeâs average (on a 100-point scale) of all safety measures according to
GeoSure Global
. The country gets the highest marks for personal safety (95) and the lowest marks for LGBTQ+ safety (56).
Â
Singapore as a safe destination: the reality
Â
The numbers look good, but itâs Singaporeâs approach to creating a just and orderly society that make it stand out.
Â
Laws in Singapore are rigid. Behaviors that are part of everyday life in New York City, like jaywalking, are verboten in Singapore, and come with large fines attached.
Â
Dangerous behaviors that tourists occasionally indulge in, like public drunkenness and recreational drug use, have even harsher consequences.
Â
The bottom line is that keeping the peace is very important in Singapore, and authorities will go the distance to make sure the peace is kept.
Â
AlcoholÂ
Â
If youâre headed to Singapore to drink, you should reconsider.
Â
ForeverVacation notes that, âThe legal drinking age is 18 years (make sure you bring identification or you could be refused service) and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.â
Â
Furthermore, according to
the State Department
, âThe areas of Geylang and Little India are designated as âLiquor Control Zonesâ where drinking in public places is prohibited all weekend, on public holidays, and on the eve of public holidays.â
Â
If youâre caught drinking outside of those hours, expect a fine of up to SG$1,000.
Â
Itâs not only lack of I.D. that could cause you not to be served. Servers in Singapore regularly refuse service to people who in their opinion have had too much to drink.Â
Â
Drugs
Â
The same caveats apply to drugs.
Â
The authorities can authorize luggage searches and blood and urine tests of suspected drug users, and a positive test can result in detention and/or denial of entry.
Â
Other violations
Â
As mentioned earlier, engaging in behaviors commonplace in the U.S. can result in your arrest. In addition to jaywalking, they include:
Â
Spitting
Â
Chewing gum
Â
Littering
Â
Smoking
Â
Catcalling
Â
Taking unauthorized pictures of women
Â
Watching a public demonstration
Â
Read the State Departmentâs travelerâs profile of Singapore before you go so youâre not caught by surprise.
Â
The upside of strict enforcement
Â
The upside of Singaporeâs rigid approach to doâs and donâts is that many of the issues other countries face are non-issues in Singapore.
Â
Petty theft, for instance.
Â
As Claire from the travel blog
Claireâs Footsteps
writes, âPetty theft can happen, but even that is uncommon when compared to large Western cities like London, Paris or Barcelona â just use your common sense and you should be able to avoid this.â
Â
Other areas where Singapore is relatively worry-free are:
Â
Neighborhoods
Â
There are really no neighborhoods in Singapore that would be considered off-limits.
Â
Transportation
Â
Transportation in Singapore is uniformly safe. Itâs even not terrible to drive around, as long as you remember they drive on the left.
Â
Scams
Â
Scams are few and far between.
Â
Healthcare
Â
Singaporeâs healthcare system is world-class â but itâs expensive and providers demand payment up-front. For that reason, travel insurance from
Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection
is recommended.
Â
Food and water safety
Â
The hawker centers make consumption of street food as safe as possible. If the chili crab gives you travelerâs belly, thatâs on you.
Â
You can also drink the tap water.
Â
Cultural considerations
Â
Modest dress is recommended, especially when visiting mosques, but itâs not a long-sleeves/long-pants all-the-time thing. Singapore is in the tropics, after all.
Â
Singapore for solo female travelers
Â
Unlike many Asian countries, Singapore is a place where solo female travelers can feel safe.
Â
âIâve visited Singapore as a solo female traveller twice and have felt completely safe, 100% of the time,â Claire wrote.Â
Â
"I didnât experience any catcalling or unwanted attention from men on the street,â she added. âEveryone who I had a conversation with was respectful, friendly and polite.â
Â
The fact that there are typically strict Singaporean laws protecting women from unwanted attention certainly makes a difference; still, the peace of mind those laws provide is unusual and important.
Â
Singapore for LGBTQ+ travelers
Â
Singapore has the reputation of being unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. Thatâs not untrue, but itâs also not exactly true.
Â
The truth is this: Singapore does not sanction gay marriage â which isnât an issue unless youâre a resident of Singapore.
Â
Singapore has also outlawed âacts of indecencyâ between two men but doesnât enforce the law.
Â
It also wonât issue dependent passes to lesbian and gay partners, even if theyâve been legally married in another country.
Â
On the ground, according to Claire, âsome attitudes in Singapore can still be conservative, but the younger generation is much more inclusive and open, and there are plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly areas throughout the city.â
Â
Final caveats
Â
Singapore is hot and humid, so dress for the heat and drink plenty of fluids.
Â
Disease
Â
Because itâs a tropical country, Singapore has its share of tropical diseases â malaria, dengue and chikungunya, primarily.Â
Â
According to the State Department, âUse the [CDC]-recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays. â
Â
Natural disasters
Â
Unlike its neighbors, Singapore is largely immune from:
Â
Typhoons
Â
Earthquakes
Â
Volcanic eruptions
Â
However, disasters in Malaysia or Indonesia can affect conditions in Singapore, so keep an eye on regional weather issues and disasters.Â
Â
If youâre a law-follower, youâll have a great time in Singapore; if youâre not, itâs probably not for you. Either way, grab some travel insurance and youâll be ready to follow in the footsteps of the crazy-rich Asians.
Â
Just keep the chewing gum in your pocket.
 |
| Markdown | [Skip to Content](https://www.bhtp.com/blog/safe-travel-singapore/#main-content)
[](https://www.bhtp.com/ "Homepage")
- [Plans](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/)
- [Claims](https://www.bhtp.com/claims-info/)
- [Resources](https://www.bhtp.com/resources/)
- [Contact](https://www.bhtp.com/contact-us/)
- [Partner](https://www.bhtp.com/partner/)
- [E\&O](https://www.bhtp.com/eo/)
- [844-411-BHTP](tel:844-411-2487 "BHTP Phone Number")
- [My Trip](https://app.bhtp.com/mytrip/)
- [Plans](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/)
- [Claims](https://www.bhtp.com/claims-info/)
- [Resources](https://www.bhtp.com/resources/)
- [Contact](https://www.bhtp.com/contact-us/)
- [Partner](https://www.bhtp.com/partner/)
- [E\&O](https://www.bhtp.com/eo/)
- [844-411-BHTP](tel:844-411-2487 "BHTP Phone Number")
- [My Trip](https://app.bhtp.com/mytrip/)
[Get A Quote](https://www.bhtp.com/#quote_form)
[Blog](https://www.bhtp.com/blog/)

# IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE?
December 16, 2024
You may know Singapore one of two ways: as the setting for the film *Crazy Rich Asians*, or as a country that enforces its laws very strictly. Maybe you know it as both, and the resulting contradiction may also make you wonder whether itâs safe to travel to Singapore.
For most travelers, the answer is simple: Singapore is absolutely a safe place to visit.
## **Get to know Singapore**
First, what is Singapore exactly â a country or a city?
The answer to that question is yes. Singapore is a country and a city.
Itâs a largely urban city-state located on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, a long strip of land that extends south and west of Thailand.
Singapore is extremely close to Indonesia, though it has more in common with Malaysia. Both were British protectorates, and as such retain vestiges of British influence. This is a boon for American travelers, since it means that many Singaporeans speak excellent English.
Singaporeâs location also means itâs definitely tropical. Youâll need to dress as you would if you were visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, or any other country in Southeast Asia, and mosquito repellent is a must.

## **Singapore as a destination**
To return to the lede, have you seen *Crazy Rich Asians*? Most of it was shot in Singapore, and gives you a good idea of the city-stateâs attractions.
### **Start with the airport**
First, Changi Airport is amazing. Itâs the worldâs best by acclimation. Singaporeans go to the airport to shop and hang out, even if theyâve never flown out of Changi in their lives.
If you think itâs damning with faint praise to say that one of the best things about Singapore is its airport, you need to recalibrate what an airport can be.
*[Travel + Leisure](https://www.travelandleisure.com/singapore-changi-airport-guide-7693478)* has your complete guide (can you imagine a complete guide to OâHare?), but Changi has:
- The worldâs largest indoor waterfall
- Tropical gardens
- A sunflower garden
- A cacti garden
- The worldâs first airport butterfly garden
- Ever-changing light installations
- Mesmerizing modern art
- A dinosaur park (!)
- A food hall
- A movie theater
- A ropes course
- A swimming pool
- More than 300 boutiques and flagship stores
Now do you understand why your first stop in Singapore should be your first stop in Singapore? Changi is special.
### **Food: the hawker centers**
If you remember the scene from *Crazy Rich Asians* where everyone buys street food, that takes place in a hawker center.
A hawker center basically takes street food and moves it indoors into a more controlled environment. The tastes and the adventure are the same; itâs only the risk of disease that goes away.
As *Vogue*âs [â*Crazy Rich Asians*â Guide to Singaporeâ](https://www.vogue.com/article/crazy-rich-asians-movie-singapore-travel-guide) points out, the movie scene was filmed in the Newton Food Centre, which is just one of many hawker centers around Singapore.
[ForeverVacation](https://forevervacation.com/the-vacationer/is-singapore-safe-to-visit) recommends the chili crab, laksa and satay, but honestly, just look for the long lines, try a little of everything and youâll eat like royalty.
Outside of the hawker centers, high-end dining options are plentiful â and delicious.
If you love to eat, Singapore gives you lots of options ⌠and lots of places to explore.
### **Other crazy attractions**
Singapore boasts the worldâs second-tallest Ferris wheel, the worldâs highest and largest infinity pool (not for the faint of heart or scared of heights) and incredible shopping.
If you want to tick off scenes from the movie, be sure to stop at the Gardens by the Bay, a 250-acre park with massive lighted trees and two domed conservatories. It was the site of the movieâs wedding reception.
Donât let its small size fool you: Thereâs lots to see and do in Singapore.

## **Singapore as a safe destination: the numbers**
If you believe destination safety can be reflected in numbers, all the numbers tilt in favor of Singapore.
For instance:
- **1:** Singapore has a level-one (âexercise normal precautionsâ) rating from [the State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Singapore.html).
- **5:** Singapore was rated as the fifth-most-peaceable country in the world according to the [Global Peace Index](https://www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/), published by Vision of Humanity.
- **7:** Singapore was named as the seventh-safest country in the [2024 Global Residence Index](https://globalresidenceindex.com/hnwi-index/safety-index/).
- **8:** Singapore was named the worldâs eighth-safest city on Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protectionâs latest ranking of [the world's safest cities](https://www.bhtp.com/blog/safest-cities-to-travel/). Itâs been a perennial top-10 finisher since it first appeared in our rankings.
- **23:** Singapore ranked as the 23rd-safest city in the world out of the 311 cities evaluated by [Numbeo](https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp?title=2024-mid&displayColumn=1).
- **74:** Singaporeâs average (on a 100-point scale) of all safety measures according to [GeoSure Global](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/geosure/id811335043). The country gets the highest marks for personal safety (95) and the lowest marks for LGBTQ+ safety (56).

## **Singapore as a safe destination: the reality**
The numbers look good, but itâs Singaporeâs approach to creating a just and orderly society that make it stand out.
Laws in Singapore are rigid. Behaviors that are part of everyday life in New York City, like jaywalking, are verboten in Singapore, and come with large fines attached.
Dangerous behaviors that tourists occasionally indulge in, like public drunkenness and recreational drug use, have even harsher consequences.
The bottom line is that keeping the peace is very important in Singapore, and authorities will go the distance to make sure the peace is kept.
### **Alcohol**
If youâre headed to Singapore to drink, you should reconsider.
ForeverVacation notes that, âThe legal drinking age is 18 years (make sure you bring identification or you could be refused service) and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.â
Furthermore, according to [the State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Singapore.html), âThe areas of Geylang and Little India are designated as âLiquor Control Zonesâ where drinking in public places is prohibited all weekend, on public holidays, and on the eve of public holidays.â
If youâre caught drinking outside of those hours, expect a fine of up to SG\$1,000.
Itâs not only lack of I.D. that could cause you not to be served. Servers in Singapore regularly refuse service to people who in their opinion have had too much to drink.
### **Drugs**
The same caveats apply to drugs.
The authorities can authorize luggage searches and blood and urine tests of suspected drug users, and a positive test can result in detention and/or denial of entry.
### **Other violations**
As mentioned earlier, engaging in behaviors commonplace in the U.S. can result in your arrest. In addition to jaywalking, they include:
- Spitting
- Chewing gum
- Littering
- Smoking
- Catcalling
- Taking unauthorized pictures of women
- Watching a public demonstration
Read the State Departmentâs travelerâs profile of Singapore before you go so youâre not caught by surprise.
[LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TRAVEL INSURANCE PLANS](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/)
### **The upside of strict enforcement**
The upside of Singaporeâs rigid approach to doâs and donâts is that many of the issues other countries face are non-issues in Singapore.
Petty theft, for instance.
As Claire from the travel blog [Claireâs Footsteps](https://clairesfootsteps.com/is-singapore-safe/) writes, âPetty theft can happen, but even that is uncommon when compared to large Western cities like London, Paris or Barcelona â just use your common sense and you should be able to avoid this.â
Other areas where Singapore is relatively worry-free are:
#### Neighborhoods
There are really no neighborhoods in Singapore that would be considered off-limits.
#### Transportation
Transportation in Singapore is uniformly safe. Itâs even not terrible to drive around, as long as you remember they drive on the left.
#### Scams
Scams are few and far between.
#### Healthcare
Singaporeâs healthcare system is world-class â but itâs expensive and providers demand payment up-front. For that reason, travel insurance from [Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/) is recommended.
#### Food and water safety
The hawker centers make consumption of street food as safe as possible. If the chili crab gives you travelerâs belly, thatâs on you.
You can also drink the tap water.
#### Cultural considerations
Modest dress is recommended, especially when visiting mosques, but itâs not a long-sleeves/long-pants all-the-time thing. Singapore is in the tropics, after all.

## **Singapore for solo female travelers**
Unlike many Asian countries, Singapore is a place where solo female travelers can feel safe.
âIâve visited Singapore as a solo female traveller twice and have felt completely safe, 100% of the time,â Claire wrote.
"I didnât experience any catcalling or unwanted attention from men on the street,â she added. âEveryone who I had a conversation with was respectful, friendly and polite.â
The fact that there are typically strict Singaporean laws protecting women from unwanted attention certainly makes a difference; still, the peace of mind those laws provide is unusual and important.
## **Singapore for LGBTQ+ travelers**
Singapore has the reputation of being unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. Thatâs not untrue, but itâs also not exactly true. The truth is this: Singapore does not sanction gay marriage â which isnât an issue unless youâre a resident of Singapore.
Singapore has also outlawed âacts of indecencyâ between two men but doesnât enforce the law. It also wonât issue dependent passes to lesbian and gay partners, even if theyâve been legally married in another country.
On the ground, according to Claire, âsome attitudes in Singapore can still be conservative, but the younger generation is much more inclusive and open, and there are plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly areas throughout the city.â

## **Final caveats**
Singapore is hot and humid, so dress for the heat and drink plenty of fluids.
### **Disease**
Because itâs a tropical country, Singapore has its share of tropical diseases â malaria, dengue and chikungunya, primarily.
According to the State Department, âUse the \[CDC\]-recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays. â
### **Natural disasters**
Unlike its neighbors, Singapore is largely immune from:
- Typhoons
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
However, disasters in Malaysia or Indonesia can affect conditions in Singapore, so keep an eye on regional weather issues and disasters.
If youâre a law-follower, youâll have a great time in Singapore; if youâre not, itâs probably not for you. Either way, grab some travel insurance and youâll be ready to follow in the footsteps of the crazy-rich Asians.
Just keep the chewing gum in your pocket.
***
***

### **Questions About Travel Insurance?**
Check out our online guide, "What Is Travel Insurance All About?" We've provided in-depth answers to all your travel insurance questions, starting with the basics.
[CHECK OUT THE GUIDE](https://www.bhtp.com/what-is-travel-insurance/)
***
[Back To All Blogs](https://www.bhtp.com/blog/)
### Become A Safer Traveler
Sign up for our newsletter
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google [Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy) and [Terms of Service](https://policies.google.com/terms) apply.
### Company
- [About Us](https://www.bhtp.com/about-us/)
- [Customer Reviews](https://www.bhtp.com/testimonials/)
- [Press](https://www.bhtp.com/press/)
- [E\&O Insurance](https://www.bhtp.com/eo/)
- [Careers](https://www.bhtp.com/careers/)
- [Partner](https://www.bhtp.com/partner/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.bhtp.com/legal/privacy-policy/)
- [Legal](https://www.bhtp.com/legal/terms-conditions/)
### Plans
- [ExactCare](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/exactcare/)
- [ExactCare Value](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/exactcare-value/)
- [ExactCare Extra](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/exactcare-extra/)
- [LuxuryCare](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/luxurycare/)
- [WaveCare](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/wavecare/)
- [AdrenalineCare](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/adrenalinecare/)
### Resources
- [What Is Travel Insurance](https://www.bhtp.com/what-is-travel-insurance/)
- [Planning](https://www.bhtp.com/planning/)
- [All About Flight Insurance](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/aircare/what-is-flight-insurance/)
- [All About Cruise Insurance](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/wavecare/what-is-cruise-insurance/)
- [Blog](https://www.bhtp.com/blog/)
- [Testimonials](https://www.bhtp.com/testimonials/)
- [FAQ's](https://www.bhtp.com/faq/)
- [Alerts](https://app.bhtp.com/alertlist/%20)
- [Sitemap](https://www.bhtp.com/sitemap-index.xml)
- [AI Information](https://www.bhtp.com/ai-info/)
### Claims
- [Start a Claim](https://app.bhtp.com/mytrip/policysearch/)
- [How It Works](https://www.bhtp.com/claims-info/)
- [Upload A Document](https://travelclaims.bhspecialty.com/bhtp/check-claim)
- [Check Claim Status](https://travelclaims.bhspecialty.com/bhtp/check-claim)
### Contact
- [Contact Us](https://www.bhtp.com/contact-us/)
- [assist@bhtp.com](mailto:assist@bhtp.com "Assist Email Address")
- [844-411-2487](tel:844-411-2487 "BHTP Phone Number")
Š Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, 2014 - 2026
The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the travel insurance policy. Plans vary per state. If you have questions about coverage available under our plans, please review the policy or contact us at 844-411-2487 or assist@bhtp.com. Please visit www.bhtp.com/legal/disclaimer for additional legal and privacy information. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection (BHTP) is a registered trademark of Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (BHSIC). Travel Insurance is underwritten by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company; NAIC \#22276.

[](http://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/business-reviews/insurance-travel/berkshire-hathaway-travel-protection-in-stevens-point-wi-1000025944/#sealclick) |
| Readable Markdown | You may know Singapore one of two ways: as the setting for the film *Crazy Rich Asians*, or as a country that enforces its laws very strictly. Maybe you know it as both, and the resulting contradiction may also make you wonder whether itâs safe to travel to Singapore.
For most travelers, the answer is simple: Singapore is absolutely a safe place to visit.
## **Get to know Singapore**
First, what is Singapore exactly â a country or a city?
The answer to that question is yes. Singapore is a country and a city.
Itâs a largely urban city-state located on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, a long strip of land that extends south and west of Thailand.
Singapore is extremely close to Indonesia, though it has more in common with Malaysia. Both were British protectorates, and as such retain vestiges of British influence. This is a boon for American travelers, since it means that many Singaporeans speak excellent English.
Singaporeâs location also means itâs definitely tropical. Youâll need to dress as you would if you were visiting Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, or any other country in Southeast Asia, and mosquito repellent is a must.

## **Singapore as a destination**
To return to the lede, have you seen *Crazy Rich Asians*? Most of it was shot in Singapore, and gives you a good idea of the city-stateâs attractions.
### **Start with the airport**
First, Changi Airport is amazing. Itâs the worldâs best by acclimation. Singaporeans go to the airport to shop and hang out, even if theyâve never flown out of Changi in their lives.
If you think itâs damning with faint praise to say that one of the best things about Singapore is its airport, you need to recalibrate what an airport can be.
*[Travel + Leisure](https://www.travelandleisure.com/singapore-changi-airport-guide-7693478)* has your complete guide (can you imagine a complete guide to OâHare?), but Changi has:
- The worldâs largest indoor waterfall
- Tropical gardens
- A sunflower garden
- A cacti garden
- The worldâs first airport butterfly garden
- Ever-changing light installations
- Mesmerizing modern art
- A dinosaur park (!)
- A food hall
- A movie theater
- A ropes course
- A swimming pool
- More than 300 boutiques and flagship stores
Now do you understand why your first stop in Singapore should be your first stop in Singapore? Changi is special.
### **Food: the hawker centers**
If you remember the scene from *Crazy Rich Asians* where everyone buys street food, that takes place in a hawker center.
A hawker center basically takes street food and moves it indoors into a more controlled environment. The tastes and the adventure are the same; itâs only the risk of disease that goes away.
As *Vogue*âs [â*Crazy Rich Asians*â Guide to Singaporeâ](https://www.vogue.com/article/crazy-rich-asians-movie-singapore-travel-guide) points out, the movie scene was filmed in the Newton Food Centre, which is just one of many hawker centers around Singapore.
[ForeverVacation](https://forevervacation.com/the-vacationer/is-singapore-safe-to-visit) recommends the chili crab, laksa and satay, but honestly, just look for the long lines, try a little of everything and youâll eat like royalty.
Outside of the hawker centers, high-end dining options are plentiful â and delicious.
If you love to eat, Singapore gives you lots of options ⌠and lots of places to explore.
### **Other crazy attractions**
Singapore boasts the worldâs second-tallest Ferris wheel, the worldâs highest and largest infinity pool (not for the faint of heart or scared of heights) and incredible shopping.
If you want to tick off scenes from the movie, be sure to stop at the Gardens by the Bay, a 250-acre park with massive lighted trees and two domed conservatories. It was the site of the movieâs wedding reception.
Donât let its small size fool you: Thereâs lots to see and do in Singapore.

## **Singapore as a safe destination: the numbers**
If you believe destination safety can be reflected in numbers, all the numbers tilt in favor of Singapore.
For instance:
- **1:** Singapore has a level-one (âexercise normal precautionsâ) rating from [the State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Singapore.html).
- **5:** Singapore was rated as the fifth-most-peaceable country in the world according to the [Global Peace Index](https://www.visionofhumanity.org/maps/#/), published by Vision of Humanity.
- **7:** Singapore was named as the seventh-safest country in the [2024 Global Residence Index](https://globalresidenceindex.com/hnwi-index/safety-index/).
- **8:** Singapore was named the worldâs eighth-safest city on Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protectionâs latest ranking of [the world's safest cities](https://www.bhtp.com/blog/safest-cities-to-travel/). Itâs been a perennial top-10 finisher since it first appeared in our rankings.
- **23:** Singapore ranked as the 23rd-safest city in the world out of the 311 cities evaluated by [Numbeo](https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp?title=2024-mid&displayColumn=1).
- **74:** Singaporeâs average (on a 100-point scale) of all safety measures according to [GeoSure Global](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/geosure/id811335043). The country gets the highest marks for personal safety (95) and the lowest marks for LGBTQ+ safety (56).

## **Singapore as a safe destination: the reality**
The numbers look good, but itâs Singaporeâs approach to creating a just and orderly society that make it stand out.
Laws in Singapore are rigid. Behaviors that are part of everyday life in New York City, like jaywalking, are verboten in Singapore, and come with large fines attached.
Dangerous behaviors that tourists occasionally indulge in, like public drunkenness and recreational drug use, have even harsher consequences.
The bottom line is that keeping the peace is very important in Singapore, and authorities will go the distance to make sure the peace is kept.
### **Alcohol**
If youâre headed to Singapore to drink, you should reconsider.
ForeverVacation notes that, âThe legal drinking age is 18 years (make sure you bring identification or you could be refused service) and drinking alcohol in public places is prohibited between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.â
Furthermore, according to [the State Department](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Singapore.html), âThe areas of Geylang and Little India are designated as âLiquor Control Zonesâ where drinking in public places is prohibited all weekend, on public holidays, and on the eve of public holidays.â
If youâre caught drinking outside of those hours, expect a fine of up to SG\$1,000.
Itâs not only lack of I.D. that could cause you not to be served. Servers in Singapore regularly refuse service to people who in their opinion have had too much to drink.
### **Drugs**
The same caveats apply to drugs.
The authorities can authorize luggage searches and blood and urine tests of suspected drug users, and a positive test can result in detention and/or denial of entry.
### **Other violations**
As mentioned earlier, engaging in behaviors commonplace in the U.S. can result in your arrest. In addition to jaywalking, they include:
- Spitting
- Chewing gum
- Littering
- Smoking
- Catcalling
- Taking unauthorized pictures of women
- Watching a public demonstration
Read the State Departmentâs travelerâs profile of Singapore before you go so youâre not caught by surprise.
### **The upside of strict enforcement**
The upside of Singaporeâs rigid approach to doâs and donâts is that many of the issues other countries face are non-issues in Singapore.
Petty theft, for instance.
As Claire from the travel blog [Claireâs Footsteps](https://clairesfootsteps.com/is-singapore-safe/) writes, âPetty theft can happen, but even that is uncommon when compared to large Western cities like London, Paris or Barcelona â just use your common sense and you should be able to avoid this.â
Other areas where Singapore is relatively worry-free are:
#### Neighborhoods
There are really no neighborhoods in Singapore that would be considered off-limits.
#### Transportation
Transportation in Singapore is uniformly safe. Itâs even not terrible to drive around, as long as you remember they drive on the left.
#### Scams
Scams are few and far between.
#### Healthcare
Singaporeâs healthcare system is world-class â but itâs expensive and providers demand payment up-front. For that reason, travel insurance from [Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection](https://www.bhtp.com/travel-insurance/) is recommended.
#### Food and water safety
The hawker centers make consumption of street food as safe as possible. If the chili crab gives you travelerâs belly, thatâs on you.
You can also drink the tap water.
#### Cultural considerations
Modest dress is recommended, especially when visiting mosques, but itâs not a long-sleeves/long-pants all-the-time thing. Singapore is in the tropics, after all.

## **Singapore for solo female travelers**
Unlike many Asian countries, Singapore is a place where solo female travelers can feel safe.
âIâve visited Singapore as a solo female traveller twice and have felt completely safe, 100% of the time,â Claire wrote.
"I didnât experience any catcalling or unwanted attention from men on the street,â she added. âEveryone who I had a conversation with was respectful, friendly and polite.â
The fact that there are typically strict Singaporean laws protecting women from unwanted attention certainly makes a difference; still, the peace of mind those laws provide is unusual and important.
## **Singapore for LGBTQ+ travelers**
Singapore has the reputation of being unwelcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers. Thatâs not untrue, but itâs also not exactly true. The truth is this: Singapore does not sanction gay marriage â which isnât an issue unless youâre a resident of Singapore.
Singapore has also outlawed âacts of indecencyâ between two men but doesnât enforce the law. It also wonât issue dependent passes to lesbian and gay partners, even if theyâve been legally married in another country.
On the ground, according to Claire, âsome attitudes in Singapore can still be conservative, but the younger generation is much more inclusive and open, and there are plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly areas throughout the city.â

## **Final caveats**
Singapore is hot and humid, so dress for the heat and drink plenty of fluids.
### **Disease**
Because itâs a tropical country, Singapore has its share of tropical diseases â malaria, dengue and chikungunya, primarily.
According to the State Department, âUse the \[CDC\]-recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers, even for short stays. â
### **Natural disasters**
Unlike its neighbors, Singapore is largely immune from:
- Typhoons
- Earthquakes
- Volcanic eruptions
However, disasters in Malaysia or Indonesia can affect conditions in Singapore, so keep an eye on regional weather issues and disasters.
If youâre a law-follower, youâll have a great time in Singapore; if youâre not, itâs probably not for you. Either way, grab some travel insurance and youâll be ready to follow in the footsteps of the crazy-rich Asians.
Just keep the chewing gum in your pocket. |
| Shard | 56 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 6597453009702905256 |
| Unparsed URL | com,bhtp!www,/blog/safe-travel-singapore/ s443 |