Imagine landing in this great land, and you are overwhelmed by the autogates and immigration checkpoints. Singapore is one of the strictest countries in the world. Can you use your phone while waiting in line? Why are the toilets so clean? Ah Crap, did I bring anything that may be considered illegal? How do I connect to the internet to let my family know Im safe? What is this arrival card Im suppose to fill out?
Fret not! Im here to give you tips and tricks on everything you need to know on surviving this tiny island of glory. Whether as a student, new work permit holder or traveller. I’ve got you covered.
Before you arrive
- Your Arrival Card
You may click on the link here https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
Remember to fill out your Imigration & Checkpoint Authority online form up to 3 days before you arrive.
If you are a student arriving, please ensure you have your student pass ready, or if you have a work permit/s pass, please click on “For Singapore Citizens, Permanent residents & Long-Term Pass Holders”
If you are a tourist, please click the “For Foreign Visitors”
You may also download the ICA App if you are a student or a work permit holder as your details will be saved into the app after the first round, making it easier if you intend to do multiple entries into Singapore for the year (Like travelling to Johor for a day etc)
You will be sent a confirmation email once you have lodged your application, and voila!
2. Items you should NOT have in your bags
Prohibited items are not allowed to be imported into Singapore. These include:
(a) Chewing gum (except dental and medicated gum). YES. In Singapore, you are prohibited from Chewing gum. Toss it before you head to bagage claims.
(b) Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (for example, electronic cigarettes)
(c) Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
(d) Obscene articles, publications, videotapes, videodiscs and software
(e) Reproductions of copyright publications, videotapes, videodiscs and laser discs, records and cassettes
(f) Seditious and treasonable materials.
(g) For food items and other items prohibited (unless you have a license), please view the full list here and here. This includes Bak Kwa (Chinese sweet meat from Malaysia)
3. Download the Grab App- One stop app for transportation, ordering food (local and international), groceries, deliveries.
This amazing app is a must on everyone’s phone. This is especially true for students, tourist etc. The app is equivalent to Uber and tracks your every move while getting a car to pick you up. You may also ordera wide range of local food items delivered to you (incase you are too tired to go out to eat, or just too far to travel for food).
Grab allows you to link your credit or debit card, for a hassle free ride. No more fumbling with currencies you are not familiar with. Lastly I recommend this because if you are sick, you can get medication (Panadol, cough medicine, antacids etc) if you are deadly unwell in your accommodation. You can also pay with cash if you dont have a card.
Don’t forget to download the Grab app for Iphone or Android.
When you arrive:
1. Airport Wifi-FREE
Every square inch of Changi Airport is covered with wifi-for FREE. Thank you Singapore. So there is no excuse not to check in with your family when you arrived. Here are my suggestions on what to do once you disembarked. Call your family and friends to let them know you are safe.
2. Pictures
Take some pictures of yourself arriving. You will want to remember the day you landed in Singapore on your work, study or touring journey. Just don’t start snapping when you’re in line at immigration.
3. Take your time
Need a quick pick me up? Head to some coffee spaces within Changi to get your coffee fix. If you just want to get out of there, just skip this part. I highly recommend this as washrooms are one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen in the world. Dont forget to give a “like” to the washroom attendee for their effort on the rating system!
After clearing immigration and baggage claims:
- Check you have your passport and have taken all your bags/ laptop with you- Once you leave the baggage area, it is a pain to try get back in. Trust me. I left my banner before. Lots of forms to fill after.
- Booking a Taxi-via Grab App or stand in line and wait for a taxi to pick you up. Singapore is very efficient in clearing the crowd. Make sure you know where your destination is.
or If someone is picking you up, then Welcome to Singapore!
Thank you for taking the time to read through and I hope you enjoy this blog.
AC
How to Singapore 