Before this series starts, MOINK20 wrote this article with the purpose of highlighting small details and processes – things can be ignored in the next parts – about Singapore. 

Moreover, this blog mainly focuses on my personal experience, thus it can not be as specific as some tourist sites. Sorry for such inconvenience ._.

A whole new journey of MOINK20 is about to be told…

#1: Getting to Singapore (for ASEAN citizens)

Nowadays, travelling to Singapore by planes has already been somewhat mainstream. So, MOINK20 will only focus on the immigration process at Changi airport:

If you are a ASEAN citizen (including Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Myanmar, Brunei), you don’t need to apply for any kind of visa at home. All you need to do is to fly there, fill in the above form, give it with your passport in at the immigration counter, and answer some simple questions
One immigration counter at Changi airport. Be confident when answering questions, and you’ll be good to go

#2: Getting accommodations at Singapore

For backpackers, please notice that the hotel/hostel fee at Singapore is quite expensive, about S$100/night. To save money, you can travel by groups, or check out their promotions beforehand.

My hotel during 5 nights at Singapore, which charged me S$100/night
However, their treats tasted excellent. I “accidentally” ate the whole jar, and the manager was pleased whenever I asked for some biscuits

#3: Getting energy in Singapore

ALWAYS bare in mind that the Singaporean sockets are different then those of many other nations. And remember to prepare for it, unless you want to get yourself in troubles!

These sockets caused me enough annoyance for the whole trip 🙂

#4: Getting sim cards in Singapore

Back in the old days, I used to say no to local sim cards, for various reasons, like high price or bureaucratic process.

But in Singapore, that problem was solved.

With such benefit, a sim card won’t be a problem!

#5: Getting from place to place in Singapore

Taxis, buses and Subway are means available in Singapore.

  • Taxi: Mostly Uber. The fee is quite high, and in rush hours, you even have to pay more, due to the increased tax on vehicles.
At Singapore, people drive on the left side (like at England, Japan)
  • Buses and subway: To use these reasonable and fast means of transport, here are the steps:
Buying the card: Come to any information counter at the subway station and buy the Flashpay card (above), price S$7
Then, come to machines like this one, insert the Flashpay card, and begin to put money in your card (minimum S$10/turn)

Simple like that. Now, anytime you want to use bus or subway, swipe the card TWICE, before and after you travel.

A bus stop at Singapore
The place you swipe your card; please notice, that 1/ if you forget to swipe your card when getting off the bus, it will continue charging until your money reach S$0 and 2/ If you forget to bring your card, tell that to the bus driver, and put cash in the box next to the driver. If your destination costs S$2 but you have only S$5 note, then say goodbye to your note, since the drivers can not give you changes
A subway station in Singapore; it gets crowded all times in day

#6: Getting enough time in Singapore

At here, people starts their days quite late. If you wanna hang out, most attractions open around 10am and later (except natural sites). After 10pm, most shops and eateries close, too. So, be hurry, if you want to explore this country!

Arabian Street at 8am

#7: Getting cheap goods at Singapore

MOINK20 arrived at Singapore in July – the “paradise” season of sales. If you want to buy luxury goods at the mega-discounted price, then summer shall be your golden chance!

Something I bought. All those item cost less then 80$ :))

#8: Getting to understand each other in Singapore

Here, Chinese speaks Chinese. Indian speaks Indians. Malays speak Malay. But between races, they use English. So, all you need is a average English, and you’ll be cool here!

A little note is that Singaporean use Singlish – a version of English.

Kết quả hình ảnh cho singlish
Some differences between English and Singlish

The minor ending

Well, these are all my notes, before this series begins. Sorry for letting you guys wait, but this so far is the best I can do.

I will try my best ._.

Khanh Tr.