Singapore is a small island nation in Southeast Asia, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, just north of the equator.
It’s both a city and a country, packed into 728 square kilometers—roughly half the size of Los Angeles.
Despite its size, it’s a major global hub for finance, trade, and travel.
Historically, Singapore was a fishing village until it became a British trading post in 1819.
Japan occupied it during World War II and eventually gained full independence in 1965.
Since then, it’s transformed rapidly into one of the most developed and efficient countries in the world.
It’s multicultural, with a population mostly made up of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian communities.
It has four official languages: English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.
Nearly 17 million people visited in 2024.
What draws them here?
A mix of modern design and strict urban planning, plus incredible food, safety, and ease of getting around.
It’s known for its hawker centers, gardens that look like sci-fi movie sets, and a skyline that rivals that of any major city.
Visitors come for everything from street eats to luxury shopping, theme parks to quiet temples, all within a compact, organized space that’s incredibly visitor-friendly.
On top of all that, it’s also a safe place to visit.
There are some pretty unique laws, however, that could unexpectedly land you in trouble if you’re not aware of the rules about chewing gum and flushing toilets.
Warnings & Dangers in Singapore
OVERALL RISK: LOW
There's a low risk in Singapore, with no elevated travel advisories. You should have no hesitation about visiting this unique land.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Public transport in Singapore is clean, reliable, and safe at all hours. The MRT and buses are well-monitored. Taxis are metered and regulated, though rideshare apps like Grab are more common now.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Petty theft is rare thanks to strict laws and strong enforcement. Still, it’s smart to stay aware in crowded places like markets or transit hubs. Don’t leave your belongings unattended, especially in hawker centers or busy tourist spots.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Singapore doesn’t experience typhoons, earthquakes, or volcanoes. Flooding can happen after intense rain, but it’s usually short-lived and managed quickly. The main weather inconvenience is heat and humidity, not natural disasters. You won’t need to worry about severe weather derailing your plans.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Violent crime is rare in Singapore, and muggings are almost unheard of, making this a low risk. You can walk around safely, even at night. Still, stay aware in unfamiliar areas like you would anywhere else. Local law enforcement is highly visible and quick to respond.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
This is a low risk. Singapore takes security seriously and has strong counterterrorism measures in place. Bag checks and security screenings are common in malls and public spaces. There have been no recent incidents, but authorities remain on alert. Travelers don’t need to be worried, just aware.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Scams targeting tourists are uncommon, especially compared to other parts of Southeast Asia. Occasionally, you might run into overcharging at souvenir shops or unlicensed tour operators. Stick with official services, and you’ll be fine. Taxi scams are rare due to strict regulations.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Singapore is one of the safest places in the world for solo female travelers. Street harassment is rare and not tolerated. Public spaces are well-lit and monitored. In fact, I found it interesting while reviewing the local laws that "insulting the modesty of women" is against the law. That will limit harassment, catcalling, and unscrupulous photographers from snapping a photo of you.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Tap water in Singapore is completely safe to drink and meets international standards. You can fill up a bottle from any sink or fountain. There’s no need for bottled water unless you prefer it. It’s one of the few countries in the region where this is true.
Safest Places to Visit in Singapore
Singapore’s tourism website is pretty easy to remember — visitsingapore.com.
Start with the Travel Tips header to get an overview of the country and some great etiquette advice.
Now, remember, this is a city/country that is half the size of Los Angeles.
But there’s a lot to do packed into a small place.
Gardens by the Bay is probably the most photographed spot—giant vertical gardens lit up at night and a biodome with climate-controlled mountain landscapes inside.
Marina Bay Sands next door has the famous rooftop infinity pool (hotel guests only), but even if you’re not staying there, the observation deck is worth the view.
For history and culture, head to Kampong Glam (Malay heritage), Chinatown, and Little India—three areas that feel completely different from each other and are full of temples, markets, and street food.
The National Museum of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum offer solid background if you’re into context.
Sentosa Island is Singapore’s version of a resort zone, with beaches, Universal Studios, the SEA Aquarium, and zip lines.
It’s touristy but fun.
For nature, check out MacRitchie Reservoir and its treetop walk or the Southern Ridges trail for a more local vibe.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to some of Singapore’s top animal parks, including the Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and the new Bird Paradise.
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only one of its kind in the UNESCO collection.
It also houses the world’s largest orchid garden.
Places to Avoid in Singapore
Singapore is safe across the board, barring places like dark alleys at night and places you would avoid in any city (even your own).
However, I want to use this time to explain some of the things to avoid that might catch you off guard.
Extensive and strict laws that are consistently enforced are the reason for such low crime rates.
Some might say they are even overboard, but that’s not my call to make.
For example, the U.S. State Department details the following crimes and possible punishments in Singapore.
- Vandalism: Mandatory caning. (Caning is when a person is hit on the buttocks up to 24 times with a flexible type of wood.)
- Jaywalking: Arrest
- Spitting: Arrest
- Drug Crimes: Caning or the death penalty
- Sex Crimes, including “lewd, unwanted behavior toward women”: Fines and imprisonment.
- Unwanted Physical Contact: Long prison sentences or caning.
Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
If you’re planning to visit Malaysia or Indonesia as part of your trip to Singapore, please read our related articles on those countries.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Singapore
- Singapore’s police force is known as the SPF—Singapore Police Force. For emergencies, call 999. You can also use the Police@SG mobile app or walk into a neighborhood police post. The emergency number for ambulances and fire is 995, so know which one to use depending on the situation.
- Singapore uses the SGSecure app to send emergency alerts directly to residents and visitors. Download it before your trip. It covers things like major accidents, security incidents, or natural disasters (though rare).
- Tourists can drive in Singapore with a valid foreign license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) for up to 12 months. If your license isn’t in English, you’ll definitely need the IDP. The rules of the road are strict, and speeding or even slight reckless behavior can lead to fines—or worse.
- Use mosquito repellent, especially in the evenings or in parks. Mosquitoes spread both Dengue and Chikungunya and while Singapore works hard to control outbreaks, cases still happen.
- Singapore’s heat isn’t just hot—it’s intensely humid, which means you’ll sweat more than you think. Dehydration can sneak up quickly. Always carry water, and if you’re walking around all day, grab something with electrolytes too. Coconut water, sports drinks, or even electrolyte tablets can make a big difference.
- You can’t buy or bring chewing gum into Singapore—seriously. It’s banned for cleanliness reasons. Medical gum, like nicotine gum, is allowed with a prescription, but standard gum is not. If you try to bring it in, it can be confiscated at customs. Locals aren’t messing around about this.
- Singapore doesn’t ban alcohol, but public drinking is restricted between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. That means no beers at the park or streetside wine after hours. Bars and restaurants are exempt, but convenience stores can’t sell alcohol during those hours. Being drunk and disorderly is also a fast way to get fined.
- Under Singapore’s Computer Misuse Act, hacking isn’t just about breaking into systems—it also includes things like accessing unsecured networks. If your phone auto-connects to open Wi-Fi, that can technically be a crime. Turn off the “auto-discover” or “auto-connect” setting to avoid trouble, even unintentionally.
- Singapore law requires you to flush public toilets after use, and yes, you can get fined for not doing it. While enforcement might seem unlikely, the country takes cleanliness very seriously. Toilets in malls, MRT stations, and hawker centers are monitored, so just do your part and hit the button.
- If you see a packet of tissues, an umbrella, or even a water bottle on a table at a hawker center, don’t sit there—it’s chope’d (reserved). Locals use these items to hold tables while they queue for food. It’s a small but important rule that helps keep the flow moving at busy food courts.
So... How Safe Is Singapore Really?
Across the board, other nations rank Singapore as a place with low risk and not upgraded travel advisories.
On a scale of one to four, with one being the lowest, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia all rank Singapore as a Level 1. That means using standard precautions.
In fact, a 2025 report from Travel and Tour World listed Singapore as one of the most peaceful places to visit.
On top of that, a 2024 report listed Singapore as the safest city in the world.
While you’ll need standard precautions and a good understanding of local laws, there’s no reason to reconsider a trip to Singapore.
How Does Singapore Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Singapore | 90 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
| Mauritius | 80 |
| Kazakhstan | 72 |
| Germany | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers don’t need a visa for short stays—90 days for U.S., Canada, UK, and EU passport holders. Check ICA’s website for your country. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. You'll need a completed SG Arrival Card, which you can submit online before flying in.
Currency
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar (SGD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for hawker stalls and taxis. ATMs are easy to find and reliable. Avoid currency exchange booths at airports unless necessary—their rates tend to be worse than those in the city.
Weather
Singapore is hot and humid year-round, averaging 80–90°F (27–32°C) with high humidity. Sudden rain showers are common, especially from November through January. Dress light, pack an umbrella, and plan indoor breaks to stay cool. There's no “dry season,” just variations in how often it rains.
Airports
Changi Airport is the main entry point and is consistently ranked among the world’s best. It’s clean, efficient, and full of amenities—think butterfly garden and free movie theaters. Immigration is fast, and transportation to the city is easy by MRT, taxi, or Grab. Expect clear signage in English.
Travel Insurance
Not required, but highly recommended. Medical care is excellent but expensive without insurance. Choose a policy that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip delays. Singapore is safe, but things still happen—missed flights, lost bags, and food poisoning. Insurance helps turn a disaster into a mild inconvenience.
Singapore Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| Low °C | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| High °F | 86 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 86 |
| Low °F | 77 | 77 | 77 | 79 | 79 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 |
How safe is Singapore? I have seen people reserve seats with iphonex or laptops. That’s how safe it is. For lady traveler, beware of hidden cams in toilets and crocs. That’s about it. The article is correct about being safe to travel around at night.
Overall it seems a very safe place to visit since the new government came in power they made a few new laws and they seem to work. Petty crimes come with high punishment.
lol what new government? The ruling party has been unchanged since the founding of the city state.
Incredible place
Having traveled to Singapore all by myself last year as a 29-year-old woman, I can tell you it is SAFE. This breakdown is spot on about the place. There will be risks anywhere you go but in terms of being one of the safest places to travel to, you will struggle to find one safer than Singapore!
Hi Mel
Could you please share in which district was your stay in SG?
Thanks
One of the best
Singapore is a wonderful place with friendly and lively people. If you go there with a free open mind, you will feel like you are not visiting a place you never been to but rather going to a place you have known your whole life. My father was from Singapore and we went last year together. He loved it and now we will be going back every year, just the two of us.
Singapore, Exceptional Place to Visit.
Singapore has a rare culture whereby the Government did a great job in ensuring that the people do not use religion to suppress one another plus the 4 major groups of people, the Malays, Indians, Chinese and Eurasians all live together harmoniously through mutual respect.
It’s a great place to shop, eat and basically see the possibilities of a nation that is a dream to many.
The excellent transport system, from electric rail and buses will take you everywhere.
Simply installing certain apps can even tell you if your stop is coming soon, or simply ask any of the locals as almost everyone speaks the English language. Visit and be amazed! Just go to any housing estate!
There will be malls and fast food everywhere plus the usual hawker centers serving local cuisines at very affordable prices.
The country is very safe, just play it safe and watch over your belongings. Women are absolutely safe to go anywhere at any time, but as per usual, just be safe as well. That’s how the local life, that’s how you should too when you visit.
Small package big power.
This is the safest country out of all the SEA countries i have been to. Absolutely amazing and stunning. The food is delicious and offers a lot of different type of cuisines. Transport is accurate and timely, and road traffic was incredibly smooth except during evening at around 6pm, but this is not affected if you are travelling by rail. The malls, casino and cultural sites are well maintained. Love the environment and greenery. Would come back again.
Singapore is the safest country in the world crime rates are low and petty is usually uncommon
Not as safe as it once was
There is a preconception that Singapore is very safe, and it is (usually) but there have been plenty incidents of organized, premeditated violent attacks, usually many against one, against foreigners, Brits, Americans, Europeans and others without local accent should be careful, as well as other tourists, at certain places, usually in the early hours or late evenings, near circular road and boat Quay, for roaming groups of violent individuals, whether they be local or not. These attacks have been consistently downplayed, due to the death penalty existing, murders are sometimes charged as grievous bodily harm, for example, due to fear of racial pushbacks by local gangs (yes Singapore gang culture is there and its not just for show) so be careful and don’t believe that it is that safe. I have witnessed plenty violent fights in Singapore in the wee hours, in central areas. If you are alone Especially be careful, watch your back. The punches usually come from the back or the sides, usually a distraction or conversation is used to draw attention of the victim. Be wary of groups of guys at night.
Lived there for 2 years never had problem with locals on drunken yobbo tourist
I got raped here
nice
Hey! Watch your mouth!
That’s not very nice. Doesn’t mean you are anonymous means you can make such comments.
If you got raped then the police should have caught the rapist and put him behind bars.. I’m a Singaporean and the law here is strict!
No one escapes the law!
Basically everyone is treated equally..
this is true
went here before, great.
swag
as a local,, everything here is true! it really is safe,, and although some may argue that food here is expensive,, that’s not entirely true, if u explore more outside of the “tourist” zones (for eg Marina Bay, Esplanade, HarbourFront) and go to places like Tiong Bahru, Bishan, Sengkang you’ll definitely find cheaper options!! HAVE FUN IF YALL COME OK 🙂
Not so safe
Like the website says, don’t let your guard down just because you’re feeling safe. Crime does happen in Singapore, just as it does in other countries as well. Try to avoid carrying large sums of cash and keep your belongings with you.
Safe as it may be Singapore sucks. You can’t fart without incurring a thousand dollar fine. Chewing gum is not allowed. I mean really, chewing gum? What are we in grade school?Everything is uber expensive and you can’t enjoy anything.
You might be safe from criminals on the street but criminals in government abound.
I was extorted out of 4 grand for chewing nicotine gum on the subway. (I bought the gum at a local pharmacy and had no idea gum was banned in Singapore.)
This is why I give Singapore a 1 star rating. If I could I would give it zero stars.
I’ve been around the world three times and Singapore is at the bottom of my list of places to go.
Imagine rating a country poorly because you didn’t get to chew gum. And since when do you get a fine for farting? Are you high?
This isn’t true. No one gets fined for that. And you won’t be able to find chewing gums legally anywhere in Singapore, so it’s impossible to have bought chewing gums from local pharmacies that are regulated.
In any case, consumption of chewing gum is legal. It’s the sale of chewing gum that’s illegal.
there’s literally signs everywhere on the subways that you are not allowed to eat or drink on trains and stations.. maybe KNOW the law beforehand and RESPECT the it before rating it one star ya?
I have spent more than 52 weeks in Singapore. Basically a good overall view of Singapore. But it lacks one key issue. Singapore keeps the antiquated colonial British law against the LGBT community. It is against the law to be gay in Singapore. That is not to say there is no gay sex to be found in the city and no gay bars. But gay and lesbian tourists should bear in mind that there is possibility, however remote, that you will be discovered and charged under Section 377A of the criminal code. This should definitely be added to your comments above. Incidentally, the same law is in effect in Malaysia.
Thank God they have this law, this kind of law should be available in the whole world.
377A is off the books now. Thank God. But pity for Anonymous.
If you’re wondering how safe Singapore is, you can pretty much go for a jog in a public park at night and you’ll most likely have no problems, since there are now widespread police-operated CCTVs in the country. Avoid going in isolated alleys/places at Geylang/Little India as you might encounter unsavory people looking to make a quick buck out of you. Food is amazing here as long as you know where to find them. A good amount of the law enforcement in the streets are conscripts but they still uphold the law with no issues. Public transport and infrastructure is well-maintained and laid out which makes it convenient to get to places within a short amount of time. If you’re lost as a tourist, people will most likely help you in finding your location as long as they are able to. Crime is quite low as the media will somehow find the time report a petty theft case or someone not wearing a mask (yes, Singapore takes mask mandate seriously as of right now in writing, which failing to comply can land you in jail or a fine) on the news. As the article has mentioned, as long as you use your common sense and stay vigilant, you will most likely have no problems. I hope you will find Singapore an experience different from any other when you come here as a tourist or an expat.
And CCTVs can be hidden even in unusual places
Amazing country. Safest in the world, don’t do anything stupid and nothing stupid will happen to you.
One of the most beautiful cities on earth!
Singapore is an amazing place. It’s so hard to understand why aren’t there more cities/countries following what they are doing? I mean, this place is one of the most modern, clean and filled with attractions I’ve seen in the whole world! And you feel very safe here at all times, day and night. Of course bad things can happen here as well, but it’s a rarity to hear about muggings, murders or even pickpocketing. The rules here are stricter than in other places but seeing as they seem to be working very well, I tend to agree with them. Just do your research before coming here to know what is ok or not, don’t do stupid things and you’ll be fine.
The food here is amazing and I didn’t find something I didn’t like. You’ll find food and entertainment at any hour of the night. And I love that so much of Singapore is covered in greenery. Why can’t other major cities do this as well? Our planet is going to s*** and here’s a good example of what to do and we don’t follow it?! Why?
Once I saw the Gardens by the Bay I didn’t want to leave this place. It’s one thing to see them on Youtube and another to be here and see them from up close. Then there’s the Cloud Forest Dome that has the world’s tallest indoor waterfall which is spectacular.
There are so many things to see and visit here, like the Orchard Road, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer, Chinatown, Sentosa Island, Clarke Quay, Universal Studios Singapore, Merlion Park, Asian Civilizations Museum, Granite Island, Fort Canning Park.
Take the time to visit everything because they all have something special worth seeing. To fully explore Singapore you need much more than a few days.
Great country to visit
I live there most of my life and it still my number one place to go to on holiday.
It’s people is so polite and helpfully, the only thing I see is the importers and
you can tell who they are, just don’t have want true Singaporean care about
each other. Hopefully I can make it there this year.
My opinion is travel to there
Travel to there if you have the time. Maybe you feel lucky. However if you commit a crime don’t expect a pleasant punishment. They cane their prisoners and many criminals stop doing crime over fear of pain rather than fear that they will get in trouble. I never been there but i would like to go someday.
Very unsafe if you are homosexual
Not safe if you are of male homosexual identity. I was at bar one night exclusive for men and a group of men followed me around and put drug in my drink. I then was gang raped whilst being unconscious and horrid words written on my body. I wish I stay at home in Korea because it ruin my life and holiday.
Gay bar
I don’t believe you.
I want my privacy thank you very much
Of course i’ll feel safe with cameras watching me everywhere i go cause thats what you want the cops knowing your every move. Thats sarcasm by the way. I don’t feel safe having someone watching over me like a 12 year old.
It’s safe but the people are very dull, rude and phone addicted. I have never see so many people shuffling like zombies along the street while watching TV on their phone. Not much politeness or compassion shown in public.
People go on about how great the food is, but the local food is filthy crap.
Singapore hates gay people
It’s a fact that Singapore hates gay people. I’m not gay myself but for some reason people detest gay people over there. If you’re gay don’t go.
Best Country Ever
Extremely good! When I went I don’t even want to leave. Everything is clean and ordered, on the subways people immediately makes room for little children, and everyone is friendly. The only thing is that the things are pretty expensive there.