5 Things to Know about Singapore

By Felecia Ogunnuga, Singapore, National University of Singapore

Moving to a new country is always exciting but can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when it’s a vibrant place like Singapore! As I settled into my year abroad, I quickly discovered a few essential tips that made my experience smoother and more enjoyable. From dealing with the intense heat to navigating daily life, these five things are what I wish I’d known before arriving. Whether you’re preparing for your own adventure in Singapore or just curious about life here, this guide will help you hit the ground running and make the most of your time in the city!

1. Dress appropriately for the weather

Everyone told me Singapore was hot, but I didn’t truly grasp how intense the heat was until I stepped off the plane—it felt like walking into a sauna! This isn’t just the engine heat from the plane; it’s Singapore’s everyday temperature. So, pack light and breathable clothes. Honestly, leave your jackets, hoodies, and sweaters at home—you’re unlikely to need them. But, while shorts and tank tops work well for exploring the city, remember that you’ll need more appropriate attire for university lectures and seminars.

Top Tip: Singapore’s air conditioning is no joke, especially in cinemas and exam halls. It can get chilly, so keep a hoodie or sweater handy for those cooler indoor moments.

2. Get a NetFlash Card

You might be wondering, what exactly is a NETS FlashPay Card? It’s a contactless card that you can load with money to pay for bus fares, MRT rides, and even laundry in your university halls. At NUS (especially in Eusoff Hall), laundry payments can only be made through either a Singapore bank account or this card. So, if you haven’t set up a bank account yet or prefer not to, the NETS FlashPay Card is a perfect solution. You can grab one from any 7-Eleven store (found all over Singapore) or at MRT stations.

Important Tip: When topping up your card at a 7-Eleven, you’ll need cash, so be sure to keep some handy!

3. Open up a Singapore Bank account

You’ve probably heard this before, but opening a bank account in Singapore is incredibly useful. It makes payments much easier during your stay, offers free cash withdrawals, and gives you access to better deals. If you decide to go ahead, make sure to choose well-established banks like DBS or OCBC. DBS even offers an international student bank account that stays open only for the duration of your stay in Singapore, so you won’t need to worry about closing it when you leave—they’ll handle it for you.

4. Set up your SIM card with Holafly or Plan Ahead

4. Set Up Your SIM Card with Holafly or Plan Ahead

Ensuring your phone works as soon as you land in Singapore is crucial—it helps you book a taxi from the airport, check bus routes, and submit the Singapore Arrival Card for immigration on arrival. I was glad I discovered the Holafly app, which lets you purchase and set up an eSIM from your home country, so you can use your phone normally in Singapore right away. Holafly offers various plans; I chose the 5-day unlimited data plan, which cost around €19. It was perfect for settling in while I searched for a local SIM card. They even have plans covering 11 Asian countries, ideal for Southeast Asia travel.

Keep in mind, Holafly works only with phones compatible with eSIMs. If yours isn’t, it’s best to research where to buy a physical SIM card before arriving to ensure a smooth process.

5. Stay Hydrated

As mentioned earlier, Singapore is extremely hot, so my final tip is to stay hydrated! Luckily, tap water in Singapore is completely safe to drink, making it easy and convenient to refill your bottle. Additionally, you’ll find a popular drink called “100 Plus” in Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries. It’s an isotonic sports drink packed with electrolytes to help you recover from the heat, and it tastes great too!