India to Singapore - A Complete Guide - Singapore Packages from India
India to Singapore - A Complete Guide - Singapore Packages from India (courtesy: nathanchase)

Singapore may be small in size, but this country has enough to keep you amazed for months! One of the top tourist destinations in Asia, Singapore is bursting with shopping arenas, theme parks, futuristic gardens, ritzy resorts, eclectic restaurants and heritage sites. When flying from India to Singapore, prepare to land in a wonderland of sorts.

Indians’ Love for Singapore

About 7.5 percent of Singapore’s population is of Indian ethnicity. Also, Tamil (the language commonly spoken in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu) is one of the 4 official languages of this island country. Heritage aside, Indians have a preference for Singapore when it comes to higher education and jobs. The strong economy and high-quality of life attracts a lot of Indian expats looking to grow in their career.

Even in terms of tourism, Singapore figures on most Indians’ top list of places to travel abroad, especially theirs who have never stepped outside of India. This is mainly because of relative affordability (as compared to other developed countries in the west), short flight duration and reasonable airfare. The abundance of skyscrapers, malls, touristy places, well-connected public transport system, nature parks and activities sure add to the charm of visiting Singapore!

Where is Singapore?

The Republic of Singapore is a city-state that is part of Southeast Asia. This island nation is located off the Malay Peninsula. The Singaporean territory consists of Mainland Singapore, apart from 63 satellite islands or islets and an outlying islet.

Only 3 of these islands are inhabited while 4 are reserved for the Army. Singapore is home to 10 artificial islands that have been reclaimed from the sea. Spread over 728.3 square kilometres, this Asian country lies just 1 degree north of the equator, putting it in the northern hemisphere.

Singapore’s weather is mostly humid, with a dry season from February to April – making it a great time for a vacation. Singapore follows the Singapore Time (SGT) or Singapore Standard Time (SST) which is UTC+8.

India to Singapore Map

India to Singapore Map
India to Singapore Map

Singapore is located to the southeast of India, taking a minimum of 4 hours and 25 minutes to reach. While the Indian Ocean makes it possible to sail from India to Singapore in 4 days, a road trip will mean 52 hours of non-stop driving at the very least.

India to Singapore Distance

The shortest road distance from India to Singapore is 3,536 km while the aerial distance between these two Asian countries is 3,170 km approximately. If one thinks of reaching Singapore via sea, the Port of Singapore is about 1,891 nautical miles away from the Port of Chennai.

Which is Closer to India? Singapore or Malaysia?

Singapore and Malaysia are neighbouring countries, both located in the Indian Ocean. The shortest distance from India to Singapore is almost similar to that from India to Malaysia, a little over 3,000 km. Even the shortest non-stop flights between India and Singapore and India and Malaysia take about 4 hours, placing both the nations neck to neck in competition.

However, one must remember that Singapore is lower than Peninsular Malaysia. If taking the road from India, one will reach Malaysia much before Singapore, making the former much closer to India than the latter. Malaysia is a larger Asian nation, and more diverse in terms of relief features, ethnicities and demography.

Singapore, on the other hand, flaunts a fast-paced lifestyle fuelled by an active start-up scene, an abundance of corporate clout and a thriving community of international students. While this country is mostly a city, there are a wide range of activities to be enjoyed here.

How to Reach Singapore from India?

There are at least 3 ways to reach Singapore from India – by air, by the sea and by land. Thanks to frequent flights, the aerial route remains the most preferred and also the shortest, and sometimes, the cheapest way to travel from India to Singapore. However, the other modes of transport have their own unique excitement.

India to Singapore by Flight

India to Singapore by Air - Singapore International Airport, Flight Operators
India to Singapore by Air – Singapore International Airport, Flight Operators (courtesy: shawnanggg)

There are numerous flights that leave from various cities in India to Singapore International Airport. The frequency is good and the rates relatively affordable, making this mode of travel the most popular among all others.

Singapore Airport

The main international airport in Singapore is the Changi Airport. All flights from India land at the Singapore Changi Airport. However, this country has another civil airport – Seletar Airport, located in the north-eastern part of the nation. The latter mostly services chartered flights, apart from running flight training for private carriers and their operations.

Along with these two public airports, Singapore is home to 5 military air bases (Changi Air Base West and East, Tengah Air Base, Paya Lebar Air Base and Sembawang Air Base) and an airstrip (Pulau Sudong Airport).

Flight Duration from India

The shortest flights from some south Indian cities to Singapore take 4 hours and 20 minutes while a few more take 4 and a half hours. On an average, non-stop flights between the two countries do not exceed 6 hours. Many Indian cities have direct connections to this island city-state, sometimes, with one or two halts.

Flight Operators from India to Singapore

Flights are available from various Indian airports to Changi International Airport. Airlines that fly non-stop between the two countries are Air India – the national carrier of India, IndiGo, Air-India Express, Singapore Airlines – the national carrier of Singapore, Vistara, Air New Zealand, ANA (All Nippon Airways), SilkAir, Lufthansa, Qantas, Emirates and Jetstar Asia.

Many other airlines also operate on this route, although with at least one stopover. Some of these carriers are flydubai, Cathay Pacific, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Etihad. Expect layovers in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Departing Cities from India and Average Ticket Price

Non-stop flights to Singapore Airport are available from the Indian cities of New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Madurai, Kolkata, Chennai, Mumbai and Tiruchirappalli. All of these are facilitated by either the low-cost Air-India Express or the full-fare Air India. For other cities such as Pune, Surat, Cochin and Nagpur, direct connections with layovers are possible.

Chennai to Singapore has the cheapest one-way fare at INR 15,000 per seat for economy class. The most affordable return tickets come at INR 30,000 per head. However, average air tickets cost slightly more, hovering around the INR 20,000 ballpark figure for a single journey.

India to Singapore by Cruise

India to Singapore by Sea Cruise - Singapore port, Cruise Operators
India to Singapore by Sea Cruise – Singapore port, Cruise Operators

The sea route between India and Singapore is presently only used for cargo and other business purposes. Commercial cruises are not common even though some special cruise liners publish their itineraries from time to time. At the moment, only Crystal Cruises has a voyage planned.

Slated for a 15-day sail in January 2023, passengers booked on the uber luxurious Crystal Symphony can look forward to a journey that passes not only through India but also Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia to ultimately arrive at Singapore.

Sea Route Distance and Time Taken

The shortest sea route from India to Singapore Port begins at the port of Chennai. The distance of about 1,880 nautical miles can be reached in 5 days at a good sailing speed. However, relaxing cruises are designed to maximize the time at sea to afford the passengers sufficient time to enjoy various amenities aboard.

Cruise Fare

Singapore vacation packages from India that offer a double occupancy suite aboard the swanky Crystal Symphony are priced at upwards of USD 5,300 per person. Exorbitant as it is, the fare goes upwards for higher category suites and meals at restaurants that boast of 6-star service.

India to Singapore by Road

Once an impossibility, driving down to Singapore from India is now quite doable. The India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway provides excellent connectivity to a lot of Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore.

The shortest distance by road between India and Singapore is 3,535 km. Starting from the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur, the IMT Trilateral Highway passes through Myanmar and Thailand. Thereafter, there is road connectivity through Malaysia, before you have to get on one of the bridges that connect Malaysia to Singapore.

You can either take the Seletar Expressway (SLE) or the Second Link Expressway E3 to cross over to Singapore from Malaysia. The entire journey from India to Singapore will take approximately 53 hours without stops. However, a reasonable estimate is 5 days or more, including time for rest and meals.

Visiting Singapore from various Indian Cities

Singapore Packages from India - All Inclusive Cost, Deals & Itinerary
Singapore Packages from India – All Inclusive Cost, Deals & Itinerary (courtesy: sreeharid1)

Most of the tier-1 and tier-2 Indian cities have either non-stop or direct flights with halts to Singapore’s Changi International Airport. If travelling from smaller cities, you might have to book a domestic flight to one of the airports that have a suitable connection to  Singapore.

Delhi to Singapore

The aerial distance between New Delhi and Singapore is 4,150 km. There is just one non-stop flight connecting the two country capitals. Being the shortest direct connection from Delhi to Singapore, this flight takes 6 hours and is operated by Air India.

The cheapest flight costs a little over INR 13,000 per person, but one must book two separate flights – a SpiceJet flight from Delhi to Bangkok and a connecting Jetstar flight to Singapore. The average on-way fare from New Delhi to Singapore is INR 22,000 while the average journey duration is 13 hours.

Other carriers that ply on this route are GoAir, Scoot, Air-India Express, IndiGo, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines. Stopovers can be in Abu Dhabi, Malé, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Manila, Doha, Dubai Chennai, Bangalore or Hyderabad.

The road journey from New Delhi to Singapore will take almost 100 hours of non-stop driving as the cities are almost 6,000 km away from each other. Factoring in pit-stops and night halts, this trip could take up to 10 days.

The route passes through the Indian states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur before entering the international leg through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia to reach Singapore.

Mumbai to Singapore

Mumbai is over 3,900 km away from Singapore when you consider the air line distance. There is only one non-stop flight that connects these two metro cities. Run by Air India, the flight from Mumbai to Singapore takes 5 and a half hours.

There are many other flight options which are both direct and indirect, but there will be at least one stopover on the way. The average journey duration between Mumbai and Singapore is 15 hours including halts while the average cost of a one-way economy ticket is INR 18,000. The cheapest single journey fare is around INR 11,000.

Other airlines that can fly you to Singapore from Mumbai, the financial capital of India, are Singapore Airlines – the national airline of Singapore, GoAir, Air-India Express, Jetstar, IndiGo, AirAsia, SpiceJet, Scoot, Vistara, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Garuda Indonesia. If there is any international layover, it is likely to be in Abu Dhabi, Malé, Jakarta, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Manila, Doha or Dubai.

If you prefer the luxe life, you can pre-book a suite on the grand Crystal Symphony and embark on a 15-day voyage from Mumbai to Singapore. While on the cruise, watch live performances, attend lectures, go for swims or play your favourite sports. Michelin-inspired dining and relaxing spa treatments also await.

A road trip all the way to Singapore will take at least 115 hours without stops. To cover the 6,800 odd kilometres between Mumbai and Singapore, you will have to plan for a 10 day trip to be able to rest sufficiently. The journey will take you through the Indian states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Thereafter, you will cross the IMT Highway and then pass through Malaysia and cross a bridge over to Singapore.

Bangalore to Singapore

Bangalore is about 3,170 km away from Singapore by air while the driving distance between the two cities is over 7,000 km. The shortest flight from Bangalore to Singapore is the direct flight operated by Air India, taking only 4 hours and 20 minutes.

The cheapest one-way ticket costs INR 22,000 per head while the average fare for an economy seat hovers around INR 23,000. Depending on the layover duration, your total journey can sometimes exceed 24 hours, so it is advisable to book the direct flight even if it is slightly more expensive than the other connections.

Other airlines connecting Bangalore and Singapore are Emirates, Alliance Air, Singapore Airlines and Etihad. Layovers are most likely to be in Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Malé and Dubai.

If driving down to Singapore, you will take about 12 days to smoothly finish the journey which can be done in 120 hours of non-stop driving. Enjoy the experience of driving through Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh. Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Once out of India, the roads will take you past Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, and on to Singapore.

Chennai to Singapore

The air line distance between Chennai and Singapore is 2,900 km while the road journey is almost 6,700 km long. The non-stop flight from Chennai to Singapore is also the cheapest and obviously the fastest. Operated by the pocket-friendly Air-India Express, the flight takes 4 hours and 25 minutes while costing INR 15,540.

The average journey time between Chennai and Singapore is 10 hours while the average cost of a single journey economy class ticket is INR 20,000. Other carriers that fly on this route are Air India, SpiceJet, AirAsia, Scoot, GoAir, Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Etihad. If you choose a long and costly flight with an international layover, it will mostly be in Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai or Dhaka.

Driving all the way from Chennai to Singapore will take about 12 days with night-halts and breaks for meals and at gas stations. However, the route is very scenic as you will take the coastal road with a gorgeous view of the Bay of Bengal.

The drive will take you past the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur within India. The international stretch passes through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia to bring you to Singapore.

Kolkata to Singapore

Singapore is located at a distance of almost 2,900 km from Kolkata – the capital of West Bengal. Over the years, there have been several airlines that offered direct non-stop flights from Kolkata to Singapore. Some of those are Singapore Airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Air India, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, SilkAir, Druk Air and Air-India Express. You might have to keep an eye out for the availability and flight schedule of these airlines.

The shortest flight time is less than 4 and a half hours. However, the average journey time is 20 hours, accounting for layovers on the flights that are generally available. One-way fares range from INR 23,000 to over INR 40,000 on an average. Other airlines that fly between Kolkata and Singapore, but with halts, are Alliance Air, Emirates, SriLankan Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Expect international stopovers in Malé, Hong Kong and Colombo.

The road journey from Kolkata to Singapore spans more than 5,000 km and takes 90 hours of non-stop driving. Plan for a one-way journey of a week at least for a comfortable road trip. You will cross West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur before embarking on the international leg through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia to arrive into Singapore.

Hyderabad to Singapore

Hyderabad and Singapore are separated by about 6,400 kilometres of road and 3,300 km by air. The only non-stop flight from Hyderabad to Singapore is operated by Air-India Express. Priced at INR 17,000 for a one-way journey, this is both the cheapest and the shortest way to travel – 4 hours 24 minutes only.

On an average an economy class ticket costs INR 33,000 while the average journey duration hovers around 10 hours. Other airlines that fly on this route are IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, AirAsia, Emirates, SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, Jetstar, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Alliance Air. International layovers are most likely to be in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Dhaka, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai.

A road journey to Singapore from Hyderabad will see you travelling for more than 11 days. The route passes through Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur in India. International border crossings happen at the intersection of India-Myanmar, Myanmar-Thailand, Thailand-Malaysia and Malaysia-Singapore.

Ahmedabad to Singapore

Ahmedabad is 4,144 km away from Singapore by air. While there are no non-stop flights from Ahmedabad to Singapore at the moment, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia and All Nippon Airways sometimes fly direct, in just 5 hours and 50 minutes, making this the shortest way to travel.

On an average it takes at least 10 hours to get to Singapore from Ahmedabad since there is a minimum of 1 layover enroute. One-way fares begin at INR 21,500 while prices generally cross INR 34,000 for a single journey.

Other airlines that connect Ahmedabad and Singapore are Air India, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad, SriLankan Airlines, Qatar Airways, Jetstar, Emirates, Biman Bangladesh Airlines and Garuda Indonesia. Foreign layovers are in Colombo, Malé, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka, Ho Chi Minh City and Jakarta.

From Ahmedabad, the road to Singapore is over 6,600 km long, taking 112 hours of non-stop driving. Budget for an eleven-day trip if you are planning to take breaks. The route passes through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur before crossing the countries of Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia to reach Singapore.

Goa to Singapore

The aerial distance from Goa to Singapore is 2,564 km while the land route is around 7,000 km long. There are no non-stop flights but connections with layovers are available. Flights take at least 10 hours including halts, and cost anywhere between INR 22,000 and INR 40,000 on an average.

Airlines that fly between Goa and Singapore are Air India, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines, Etihad, Alliance Air and Qatar Airways. International halts are mostly in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong.

If driving, there are two routes to choose from Goa. You can either pass through Karnataka and Telangana to reach Maharashtra for the onward journey, or straightaway drive through Maharashtra. Thereafter, you will cross Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Take the IMT Highway and then drive past Malaysia to arrive in Singapore.

Pune to Singapore

To fly 3,800 km from Pune to Singapore, you could either drive down to Mumbai and catch a direct flight or opt for a connecting flight that costs upwards of INR 23,000. The lack of frequency can lead to a travel time of at least 22 hours.

Airlines that operate between these two cities are Air India, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines Biman, Alliance Air, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines. Expect foreign layovers in Manila, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Dhaka, Abu Dhabi and Jakarta.

Driving the 6,700 odd kilometres from Pune to Singapore will take over 11 days and you will cross Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. The foreign bits of the road trip pass through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia to get you to Singapore.

Cochin to Singapore

The smartest way to scale the 3,200 km between Cochin and Singapore is to take the Air-India Express direct flight which takes 4 hours and 45 minutes and costs INR 18,450 – the cheapest. Other indirect connections can take almost a day or more, and will cost you a fortune.

Other airlines that fly from Cochin to Singapore are Air India, Alliance Air, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Jetstar, Qatar Airways and Etihad. International halts are likely to be in Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Malé and Jakarta.

Sailing is another way to travel to Singapore if you get on the long voyage offered by Crystal Cruises. Although the cruise originates in Mumbai, the itinerary includes a halt in Cochin. The suites aboard Crystal Symphony are butler-serviced, letting you live in the lap of luxury.

If driving for 7,500+ km from Kochi to Singapore, your journey might take a couple of weeks. You will have to cross Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur in India. Overseas, you will pass through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia before entering Singapore.

Nagpur to Singapore

The air line distance from Nagpur to Singapore is 3,408 km while the road distance is almost 6,000 km. Flight fares begin from INR 23,000 while the journey takes at least 9 hours including layovers. Air India, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines connect Nagpur to Singapore. Overseas halts can be at Manila, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Taipei, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.

A road trip to Singapore from Nagpur will take about 10 days as you cross the Indian states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur. Once you leave India, you must drive through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia before reaching Singapore.

Surat to Singapore

The aerial distance between Surat and Singapore is 4025 km and it takes over 9 hours for the journey since there is at least 1 layover. Airfares start from INR 13,000 and the airlines that can fly you from Surat to Singapore are Air India, Jetstar, GoAir, Scoot, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Air-India Express, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Etihad, Biman and Garuda Indonesia. International stopovers are in Malé, Bangkok, Jakarta, Abu Dhabi, Dhaka, Dubai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City and Doha.

There are two driving routes to cross the 6,700 odd kilometres between Surat and Singapore. After you pass through Gujarat, you can either drive through Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh or go via Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Jharkhand. Thereafter, the routes merge as you cross Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Nagaland and Manipur before embarking on the international leg through Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, and on to Singapore.

India & Singapore’s Currency

India & Singapore’ Currency - Accepted Currencies & Conversion Rate
India & Singapore’ Currency – Accepted Currencies & Conversion Rate

Singapore’s currency is the Singapore dollar. Often called Sing or Sing-dollar, it is denoted by SGD or S$. Each Sing-dollar is subdivided into 100 cents (¢) and 1000 mils (₥). Commonly used coins are in the denominations of 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢ and $1 while popular banknotes are $2, $5, $10, $50, $100.

Accepted Currencies

The Indian rupee (INR) is a restricted currency and cannot be used outside India. Some shopping malls and hotels in Singapore accept a few foreign currencies (apart from the national Singaporean currency). You may find it possible to make payments in Brunei dollars (BND banknotes only), US dollars (USD), Australian dollars (AUD), British pounds (GBP) and yen (JPY).

Average Conversion Rate

Looking to book activities in Singapore or make cash payments for your meals? Here are some useful currency conversion rates (as of May 2021):

  • 1 SGD = 55.30 INR
  • 1 BND = 55.45 INR
  • 1 BND = 1.00 SGD
  • 1 USD = 73.25 INR
  • 1 USD = 1.32 SGD
  • 1 AUD = 57.47 INR
  • 1 AUD = 1.04 SGD
  • 1 INR = 1.48 JPY
  • 1 SGD = 81.98 JPY
  • 1 GBP = 102.37 INR
  • 1 GBP = 1.85 SGD

Is USD accepted in Singapore?

Yes, one will find it easy to use their US dollars at most establishments without having to exchange them into Sings.

Singapore Visa details for Indians

Singapore Visa for Indian Nationals
Singapore Visa for Indian Nationals

Indians must apply for a visa online within 30 days of travelling to Singapore. The eVisa is valid for up to 2 years with multiple entries, and allows you to stay for up to 30 days on each entry. One needs to fill up the visa application form (Form 14A), have a recent passport-size colour photo, and a copy of the biodata page of the passport.

Other supporting documents like a letter of introduction, return air tickets, hotel bookings, bank statements, salary slips and invitation letter from a resident may be required on a case-to-case basis. Visas are processed within a single business day.

Is a Passport required for Indians?

Yes, Indians are required to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Singapore.

Singapore Visa Fee

The Singapore eVisa costs a non-refundable sum of SGD 30.

Singapore Visa on Arrival

Singapore does not offer visa on arrival to Indians.

Communication in Singapore

India to Singapore Phone Connectivity, Roaming, International SIM Cards
India to Singapore Phone Connectivity, Roaming, International SIM Cards (courtesy: kelvin1987)

StarHub, M1 and Singtel are some of the popular mobile network providers in Singapore. Tourist SIM cards are easily available at the airport, supermarkets and convenience stores for as little as SGD 12.

International SIM Cards from Indian Airports

You can buy an international SIM suited for Singapore while you are still in India. Operators like Matrix, TSIM and PlanetRoam offer home-delivery of the travel SIM. You might also find Matrix kiosks at some international airports in India.

Airtel Call Rates from Singapore to India

If you are an Airtel subscriber, benefit from their international roaming packs which start from just INR 649. Facilities include unlimited incoming calls and up to 500 free minutes of calling to India.

India to Singapore Phone Code

The international dialling code for Singapore is +65. This must be prefixed to any Singaporean number that you call from an Indian SIM.

Availability of Indian Cuisine in Singapore

Availability of Indian Cuisine in Singapore
Availability of Indian Cuisine in Singapore (courtesy: edoronila)

Indian cuisine is readily available in Singapore, whether at upscale restaurants or roadside carts. From South Indian chutneys to North Indian parathas, tourists have multiple options to choose from. If you’re vegetarian, you will still be able to enjoy Singaporean delicacies like bee hoon, spring rolls, kueh and stir-fried kai lan.

Respect to Singapore’s Culture & Sentiments

Respect to Singapore Culture & Sentiments
Respect to Singapore Culture & Sentiments (courtesy: yusronell)

Singapore’ history & culture is a mix of Eastern and Western influences. The ever-increasing influx of foreigners in a land where multiple ethnicities are present underscores the importance of being respectful to everyone.

What to Do and What Not To

Follow these tips to have a smooth time in Singapore:

  1. Address elders as “uncle” or “auntie” to give honour and appear polite.
  2. Eating or littering is prohibited on most sidewalks and public transport. Disobeying these rules can attract huge fines and punishment in the form of community service or jail term.
  3. Remember to stand in a queue on the left when riding an escalator. The right of way is given to those in a hurry.

Dress Code

Fortunately, Singapore does not have a dress code, and visitors are free to wear whatever they are comfortable in. One must keep in mind the hot and humid climate of this island country though. Light, breathable fabrics and flip flops are great for sightseeing. However, it’s nice to have something stylish if you’re going to a fine-dining restaurant.

What to Carry

Singapore’ weather warrants lots of sunscreen, a pair of shades and an umbrella or a raincoat for those unseasonal showers. If you have Singapore walking tours on your itinerary, wear comfy shoes and carry a backpack with water to keep you hydrated.

Things to Note if Travelling with Kids

Singapore tour packages from India that cater to families with children offer much for the little ones, at the same time, putting the parents’ worries to rest. Some pointers for travelling with kids:

  1. Whether it’s Singapore resorts or public restrooms, this nation is very safe for children and convenient for parents. In fact, Singapore Airport has diaper changing stations in both the male and female restrooms!
  2. There are plenty of free attractions for toddlers such as the Singapore cable car in Sentosa or Gardens by the Bay (Children’s Garden only). And if you are paying, there is the SEA Aquarium, Science Centre and lots of theme parks.
  3. Thanks to the robust medical infrastructure, in case you have an emergency, you can ensure proper treatment for your child in Singapore.

Activities & Things to Do

Activities and Things to do in Singapore
Activities and Things to do in Singapore (courtesy: imyashkh)

Exciting activities to do in Singapore are:

Adventure Sports

Thrill-seekers rejoice! Singapore offers night safari, F1, indoor skydiving and even water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, river safari, stand-up paddle boating, reverse bungee, kayaking and indoor surfing to holidayers.

Shopping

Whether you wish to buy electronics for yourself or souvenirs for family or just window shop, the countless malls and shopping streets of Singapore will baffle you. Pick Orchard Road for high-end malls and branded articles or head to Chinatown or Little India for big bargains.

Explore the Parks & Gardens

It is not just nature reserves but manmade gardens that add to the greenery of Singapore. Stroll through Gardens by the Bay, Fort Canning Park or Singapore Botanic Gardens among several others.

What to do in Singapore for Honeymoon

The ideal Singapore honeymoon package will include various romantic activities like a river cruise along Clarke Quay. A dinner date at the top of Marina Bay Sands, with a bird’s eye view of the entire nation or a night of drinking and dancing at a beach bar in Sentosa are other ideas.

What to do in Singapore with Family

To keep the whole family entertained, a trip to Universal Studios Singapore is highly recommended. If the heart-thumping rides are too wild for your comfort, watch the fireworks and waterworks near the Merlion or visit Singapore Zoo or Jurong Bird Park to feel one with nature.

What to do in Singapore on a Budget

Loads of free things in Singapore await the travel on a shoestring budget. Listen to a live concert at the Esplanade, try the tree-top walk at MacRitchie Reservoir or go on a trail hike to Mount Faber Park or Chestnut Nature Park.

What to do in Singapore for Non Swimmers

One does not need to know swimming to make the most of Singapore’s nightlife, walking tours or food trails. In fact, the underwater glass tunnel that is also the famous SEA Aquarium, lets you observe sea creatures without even getting wet!


It is only a few hours from India to Singapore but the buzz of activity there feels like it’s a world far removed from your humdrum life. Plan your vacation soon to experience all the best offerings of this tiny nation.