Everything you need to know about traveling and shopping in Singapore

If you're considering traveling to Singapore, we provide all the information you need to plan your trip.

How much money do you need to travel?

Singapore can be described as an expensive country. The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), and travel requires a stopover in Russia, as there are no direct flights from Cuba to that country. This makes the ticket price higher.

1 Singapore Dollar (SGD) Is equal to 0.73 US Dollar (USD) (Nov. 15, 10:32 UTC)

lodging options

Accommodation in Singapore can be expensive. However, there are alternatives if you book well in advance. Accommodation options include hotels and hostels. Hostels are the cheapest option.

We suggest looking for accommodation options on Airbnb or in Chinatown. Some alternatives include B&B Private Rm525 Shared Bath Central location for only USD 21 per night or 10 Bed Mixed Dorm(3) (with windows) for only USD 18 per night, Robertson Quay, or Furama City Center. You can also consider more affordable options such as capsules (mini spaces where you can sleep) like 7 Wonders Boutique Capsule for USD 15 per night or Blue Jazz Hostel for only USD 11 per night.

Food in Singapore

The cheapest food in Singapore is found in food courts or Hawkers: these are the areas with numerous street-side restaurants where you can find all kinds of traditional food from Singapore's diverse popular cuisine. According to statistics, there are more than 6 food stalls in the capital city alone.

At these stalls, you can buy traditional Chinese and Malaysian dishes. Prices range from 2 to 8 Singapore dollars, depending on the dish you choose. These food stalls, which are like small restaurants, share tables, chairs, and other amenities. Another option for eating traditional food at affordable prices is the Little India area.

You should know that spices and coconut are widely used in Malaysian cuisine. Indian cuisine is famous for its spicy vegetarian dishes. Cantonese, or Chinese, is the most popular in Singapore; stir-fried dishes are abundant there.

About shopping you should know:

If you're going shopping in Singapore, you should know that if you make purchases over SGD 100 in official establishments, you can request a refund of the consumer tax, popularly known as the Tax Refund, upon leaving the country. You must ask the cashier at the establishments where you shop for the special receipt (or purchase form that you must fill out) to obtain the Tax Refund. You must show these at the airport upon leaving the country.

Places to do your shopping

In Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam, the Arab quarter, you'll find stalls and bazaars selling affordable goods. Here you can buy textiles, food, and decorative items, such as Arabic spices, Indian saris, fabrics, and sandals.

In Bugis Junction, the city's former red-light district, you can find a covered market with affordable, modern clothing, fruit, and souvenirs. It's a sort of warehouse that offers a wide variety of secondhand items, curiosities, clothing, and technology at very affordable prices. You can find clothing and shoes from popular brands here.

Everything related to photography supplies, electronics, and the latest technology equipment can be found in a five-story shopping center located in downtown Singapore: Funan Center IT Mall. Prices are more affordable on the upper floors of this supermarket. You can visit Sim Lim Square, where you'll find popular gadgets, modern electronics, and computers.

For cosmetics, we suggest heading to TANGS, considered the best cosmetics store in the entire capital. For affordable, trendy clothing, you can visit 313@Somerset.

You may be interested: Cubans can travel to Singapore without a visa.