How much does a trip to Singapore cost? How can you save on travel expenses while still having a fantastic experience? Let’s find out with Living Nomads.
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For us, Singapore holds a special allure thanks to the seamless blend of modern living and distinctive cultural elements. However, everyone knows that the cost of living in the “Lion City” is quite high. So, what are the actual costs of a trip there, and how can you travel on a budget? In this article, we’re sharing all our most practical tips and insights.
After reading this, you’ll be able to confidently explore the destination to the fullest without worrying too much about your wallet.
What Are the Main Costs of a Trip to Singapore?
Universal Studios Singapore Ticket
The main expenses for a trip to Singapore include airfare, accommodation, dining, sightseeing, shopping, and transportation. Depending on the length of your stay, the services you choose, and your spending habits, the total cost can range from 15 to 30 million VND per person.
How Much Does a Flight to Singapore Cost?
In our experience, airfare to Singapore fluctuates based on several factors. The final price depends on the airline, when you book, whether you choose a one-way or round-trip ticket, the class of service (economy vs. business), and your departure point.
Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Ticket in Singapore
Generally, we find that a round-trip ticket from Vietnam to Singapore costs between 4 and 10 million VND per person. These costs will certainly be higher if you plan to fly during peak seasons such as Christmas, the Lunar New Year (Tet), or major festivals.
Singtel 4G/5G Singapore SIM Card (SG Airport & City Pick Up)
To snag the best deals, my strategy is to book at least 2–3 months in advance and keep a close eye on promotional offers. If you diligently watch for sales from budget airlines like Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific, or AirAsia, you can easily find fantastic fares starting from just 1.5 to 2 million VND for a one-way flight.
How Much Does Transportation Cost in Singapore?
Singapore NETS FlashPay Travel Card
MRT (Subway): This is the fastest and most popular mode of transport recommended by Klook. Each trip costs between 1.50 and 4 SGD (approximately 25,000 – 65,000 VND).
Bus: If you prefer a leisurely view of the city streets, you can hop on a bus; the fare is comparable to the MRT, averaging around 1.60 SGD (about 23,000 VND) per trip.
However, my top tip for saving money is to purchase a NETS FlashPay card for around 12.1 SGD. This handy card can save you about 30% compared to the hassle of buying individual tickets for each leg of your journey. Additionally, if your itinerary is packed with sightseeing spots, the Singapore Tourist Pass is a fantastic choice. It offers the flexibility to select a 1, 2, or 3-day pass, allowing you unlimited rides on the MRT and buses.
Taxi Costs in Singapore
Taxi fares in Singapore are relatively high, ranging from SGD 3.20 (approx. 52,000 VND) for the first kilometer to SGD 0.22 (approx. 3,500 VND) for each subsequent kilometer. Peak-hour surcharges and airport fees also apply. To save money, you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab, which offer fixed fares.
Private Car Rental Costs in Singapore
Singapore Point to Point Transfers by Ascendx
Renting a private car offers flexibility but comes at a higher cost. Rental prices range from SGD 50 to SGD 150 (approx. 800,000 – 2,400,000 VND) per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental duration. You can book affordable, convenient car rentals or private car services with a driver in Singapore via Klook to save on costs!
Bicycle Rental Costs in Singapore
Singapore Marina Bay Evening Bike Tour
Renting a bicycle is a budget-friendly way to explore Singapore. Rental rates range from SGD 5 to SGD 15 (approx. 80,000 – 240,000 VND) per day. You can also join sightseeing cycling tours to admire the city while enjoying the fresh air of the place known as the “cleanest city in the world.”
How Much Does Food Cost in Singapore?
TungLok Peking Duck at Orchard Central and Novena Square
Food expenses in Singapore vary depending on your choices. If you opt to dine at hawker centers, you can expect to spend around SGD 15 (approx. 240,000 VND) per day. If you dine out at restaurants frequently, costs can range from 30 to 50 SGD (approximately 480,000 – 800,000 VND) per day.
Dining Costs at Hawker Centres
Hawker centres are open-air food courts featuring numerous stalls that sell local dishes at affordable prices. You can find a wide variety of delicious meals for under 5 SGD (approximately 80,000 VND) per hearty portion.
Money-saving tips:
- Visit hawker centres during lunch or dinner hours for a wider selection of dishes.
- Share food with friends to sample a variety of items.
- Ask locals for recommendations on delicious and reasonably priced stalls.
Costs for Food Tours in Singapore
Singapore Food Journey Half-Day Guided Tour
Joining a food tour is a fantastic way to explore Singapore’s culinary scene and learn about local culture. Tour prices typically range from 100 to 200 SGD (approximately 1.6–3.2 million VND) per person. Book the Singapore Food Tour at Chinatown Hawker Centre or the Singapore Food Tasting Tour on Klook to savor Singapore’s specialties.
Restaurant Dining Costs in Singapore
Ya Kun Kaya Toast in Singapore
Singapore boasts countless restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. Prices at restaurants are generally higher than at hawker centers, ranging from 20 to 50 SGD (approximately 320,000–800,000 VND) per person. Purchase vouchers for Ya Kun Kaya Toast or Dancing Crab in Singapore to save on costs!
Costs of Famous Singaporean Dishes
Hainanese Chicken Rice: Singapore’s national dish; priced at around 3–5 SGD (approximately 48,000–80,000 VND).
Chilli Crab: A signature Singaporean dish; priced at around 60–80 SGD (approximately 960,000–1.28 million VND) per crab.
Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with coconut milk; priced at around 5–8 SGD (approximately 80,000–128,000 VND).
Fun Toast at Chinatown, Singapore
Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried noodles with dark soy sauce; priced at around 5–7 SGD (approximately 80,000–112,000 VND). Fruit juice: Fresh, delicious fruit juice is reasonably priced at around 3–5 SGD (approx. 48,000–80,000 VND) per glass.
Beer: Beer in Singapore is quite expensive, costing around 12 SGD (approx. 192,000 VND) for a 330ml can.
How Much Do Hotels in Singapore Cost?
Singapore—the “Lion City”—is renowned for its modernity, vibrancy, and high cost of living. So, what are the hotel costs in Singapore? The average cost per person for a hotel stay is 133 SGD (approx. 360,000 VND). For two people sharing a double room, the average price is 266 SGD (approx. 720,000 VND). Hotel rates vary depending on the type of accommodation, location, and time of booking.
Singapore Hotel Costs
Singapore offers a wide range of hotels to suit every need, from family travel and business trips to luxury getaways. Rates vary based on the hotel category, amenities, and location. High-end hotels may offer premium services such as in-room hot tubs, buffets, private butlers, and spa facilities. Average rates for luxury hotels range from 350 to 800 SGD per night (approx. 945,000–2,160,000 VND). Consider the following Singapore hotels:
- COMO Metropolitan Singapore: Address: 30 Bideford Road (COMO Orchard)
- Artyzen Singapore: Address: 9 Cuscaden Rd
- ST Signature Bugis Middle: Address: 21 Middle Rd
Budget Accommodation Costs – Singapore Hostels
Hostels are a suitable choice for travelers looking to save money. They typically offer dormitory-style rooms equipped with essential amenities such as comfortable beds, privacy features, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning. Average rates range from 40 to 48 SGD per night (approximately 108,000 – 130,000 VND).
Although hostel costs in Singapore are higher than in other countries, you receive high-quality service throughout your stay. Hostels located further from the city center and major tourist attractions are generally cheaper. Consider the following budget-friendly hostels:
- Dream Lodge: Address: 172 Tyrwhitt Road
- Bluewaters Pods 38 Hongkong St – Hostel: Address: 38 Hongkong St (02-01)
- Spacepod Lavender: Address: 111J King George’s Avenue
Short-Term Apartment Rental Costs in Singapore
Apartment hotels are an ideal choice for both short-term and long-term stays. These units come fully equipped with amenities such as housekeeping services, fully stocked kitchens, and basic utilities. Average rates for apartment hotels range from 200 to 250 SGD per night (approximately 540,000 – 675,000 VND). Consider the following serviced apartments:
- Citadines Connect Rochester Singapore: Address: 1 Rochester Park
- Citadines Science Park Singapore: Address: 7 Science Park Drive
- Recharge Residences: Address: 301 River Valley Rd
Cost of Beach Resorts in Singapore
Beach resorts are the perfect choice for travelers seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive vacation. These resorts offer stunning views and premium amenities such as fine-dining restaurants, gyms, private pools, saunas, and more. Average room rates range from 350 to 800 SGD per night (approximately 945,000 – 2,160,000 VND). Here are some beachfront resorts for your reference:
- Siloso Beach Resort, Sentosa: Address: 51 Imbiah Walk (Sentosa Island)
- Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa: Address: 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa Island
- Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore: Address: 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa
How Much Does a 5-Day, 4-Night Trip to Singapore Cost?
Singapore—the “Lion City”—is a captivating travel destination offering a wide range of entertainment, culinary experiences, and vibrant shopping opportunities. The cost of a 5-day, 4-night trip to Singapore can range from 11,235,000 VND to 26,630,000 VND, depending on your choices.
Let’s take a look at the key expenses involved in planning your trip.
| Category | Price range (VND/person) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flight ticket | 2.500.000 - 8.000.000 |
| Hotel (5 days, 4 nights) | 7.500.000 - 20.000.000 |
| Airport shuttle (round-trip) | 1.000.000 - 1.500.000 |
| Singapore Sightseeing Tour (5 Days) | 3.000.000 - 5.000.000 |
| Sightseeing Costs | 1.500.000 - 3.000.000 |
| Singapore 4G SIM Card | 100.000 - 200.000 |
| Total | 15.600.000 - 37.700.000 |
How Much Does a 3-Day, 2-Night Trip to Singapore Cost?
The cost of a 3-day, 2-night trip to Singapore can range from 10 million to 24 million VND, depending on your choice of flights, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing activities, and shopping. Below are some of the essential costs for such a trip:
| Category | Price range (VND/person) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip flight ticket | 2.500.000 - 8.000.000 |
| Hotel (2 nights) | 3.000.000 - 8.000.000 |
| Airport shuttle (round-trip) | 750.000 - 1.125.000 |
| Singapore Sightseeing Tour (3 Days) | 2.250.000 - 3.750.000 |
| Sightseeing Costs | 1.125.000 - 2.250.000 |
| Singapore 4G SIM Card | 100.000 - 200.000 |
| Total | 9.725.000 - 23.325.000 |
A few notes:
These are only estimated costs; actual expenses may vary based on factors such as travel dates, hotel location, the number of attractions visited, and other services.
What Is Singapore’s Currency?
Singapore’s official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), abbreviated as SGD or denoted by the symbols $ or S$ to distinguish it from other dollar currencies. 1 SGD is equivalent to approximately 18,805.64 VND (as of May 2024).
165 Sky Dining by Singapore Flyer
Singapore uses both banknotes and coins. Banknotes come in various denominations: S$1, S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, S$25, S$50, S$100, S$500, S$1,000, and S$10,000. They are printed on polymer and cotton materials, making them durable and colorful.
Coins also come in various denominations: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents. 1 SGD equals 100 cents.
How to Exchange Currency for Independent Travel to Singapore
Singtel 4G/5G Singapore SIM Card (SG Airport & City Pick Up)
Exchanging Singapore Dollars (SGD) in Vietnam
Gold and jewelry shops: You can exchange currency at reputable local gold and jewelry shops.
Banks: Exchanging money at a bank is a safe option, though exchange rates are often less favorable. Be sure to have necessary identification documents ready, such as your passport, visa, and ID card.
Exchanging Singapore Dollars in Singapore
165 Sky Dining by Singapore Flyer
Changi Airport: Currency exchange services are available at the airport, but rates are usually lower.
People’s Park Complex and Lucky Plaza: These are popular currency exchange locations offering better rates than the airport.
Chinatown and Little India: Exchange rates in these areas are often more favorable compared to other parts of the city.
Tips for Exchanging Singapore Currency
Southeast Asia | 4G/5G eSIM Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (Instant Purchase and QR Code Retrieval)
- Exchange enough cash for daily expenses and use credit or debit cards for larger payments.
- Exchange money at reputable locations to avoid counterfeit bills.
- Keep your exchange receipts; they will be useful if you need to convert the currency back later.
Budget-Friendly Singapore Travel Tips
Singapore is known as an expensive city, but you can still explore the island nation affordably. Here are some budget-friendly travel tips to keep in mind:
Avoid peak seasons: June–July and February are peak travel months in Singapore, when service prices are higher. Consider visiting between August and November to save money.
Shop during sales: Singapore holds sales from June to July, making it the perfect time to snag great bargains. Enjoy free beaches: Singapore boasts many beautiful beaches where you can swim, play sports, or simply admire the scenery at no cost.
Visit free attractions: There are numerous free sights to explore, such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Clarke Quay.
Dine at hawker centres: These casual food courts offer a chance to enjoy local dishes at affordable prices.
Drink tap water: Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink, so there is no need to buy bottled water.
Walk or rent a bike: Singapore features safe pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes, allowing you to save money while getting some exercise.
Stay outside the city center: Choose a hotel in a less bustling area to cut costs; public transport makes getting around easy.
Buy tickets online: Purchasing tickets for attractions and public transport online is often cheaper than buying them in person.
Prepare travel essentials: Buy a local prepaid SIM card for affordable call rates and mobile data.
Singapore is a captivating destination with countless exciting things to discover. While the cost of visiting might be a concern for many, the money-saving tips shared here will help you enjoy a fantastic trip without worrying about expenses.
How much money should you bring to Singapore? Now that you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in an independent trip, it’s time to plan the details, look for deals, choose activities that fit your budget, and set off on your adventure!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Singapore you can refer to
- Sentosa FUN Pass
- [Klook Exclusive] Universal Studios Singapore™ 1 Day Ticket
- Gardens by the Bay Ticket Singapore
- S.E.A. Aquarium™ One-Day Ticket
- ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Ticket
- Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass
- Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Tickets in Singapore
- Singapore Flyer Tickets
- Skyline Luge Singapore: Skyline Luge & Skyride
- Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck or Sampan Ride
- Adventure Cove Waterpark™ One-Day Ticket
- Science Centre Singapore, Butterflies Up-Close, Omni Theatre
- Singapore River Cruise
- Madame Tussauds Singapore Ticket
- Wings of Time Show Ticket in Singapore
- Klook Pass Singapore
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (Changi Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
- 4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: The ultimate Singapore travel guide.
