Is Singapore safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide

Singapore, one of the countries in Southeast Asia, has a capital city with the same name. It started out as a British colony but after gaining independence it became a very prosperous and highly developed place, with ultra-modern buildings and skyscrapers. It also has a fascinating culture with a mixture of Chinese, Indian and Malay, and is known for having tasty and cheap food. Fun fact; the name of the city was derived from "Signa Pura" which translates to Lion City.

Singapore is a very popular travel destination and annually welcomed nearly 20 million tourists during the pre-pandemic years. It is a fantastic place for a vacation year round, although tourism seems to be a bit higher between December and June. Mid-December is the most popular as the Chinese Lunar New Year attracts people from all over. Currently, the city is home to nearly 6 million citizens.

You'll discover that Singapore is very safe, but doing some research before taking a vacation here, or anywhere, is still a good idea. Once you've dropped your belongings at a Bounce luggage storage facility in Singapore, rest easy knowing there is a 24/7 customer support team and the BounceShield guarantee. You'll now be ready to meander the Singapore Botanic Gardens, shop on Orchard Road and ride the incredible Singapore Flyer.

Is Singapore safe to visit right now?

Singapore is extremely safe and overall your risk of being a victim of any, whether petty or violent, crime is basically non existent. Always check in with your own government's travel advisories when choosing a travel destination, but right now there are no reasons to worry when visiting Singapore. It is quite impressive that Singapore (officially the Republic of Singapore) actually ranks 11th out of 163 destinations according to the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in the world.

Despite the low crime rates, you should still be on the lookout for pickpockets and scammers, even though they're less abundant than in other countries. As long as you use common sense you'll not have any issues. To protect yourself entirely from petty theft you just need to be aware of it and take certain precautions, which we'll introduce below.

Although we'll tell you all that you need to know about being safe in Singapore, there is no such thing as a perfect safety guide and additional research on the city you're headed to is recommended, no matter if you travel often or not.

Top petty crimes and scams in Singapore affecting tourists

You won't find much crime in Singapore at all, but there are still some things to look out for. Keep reading to learn the best way to protect yourself from petty crime in Singapore. Then, make a list of what you'll see. From Chinatown to Pulau Ubin, you'll want to explore every inch.

Pickpocketing

Singapore has such a low crime rate that any form of crime is rare, but out of everything, petty theft is the most common. To be safe, never leave your bags unattended and hold onto them tightly when in busy public places. Most people that pickpockets target are distracted and not aware of their surroundings, so as long as you show confidence and have your daily destination in mind then you'll be fine. You're more likely to be a target if you have expensive items or accessories on show as well.

Scams

You may encounter scammers while exploring Singapore which is why you should exercise caution and skepticism when someone is trying to sell you something. For example, some con artists will pose as fake landlords and will take your money for a property that doesn't actually exist. Be careful when booking your living accommodations especially if you're using sources that you aren't familiar with.

This Asian country, like many others, also has persistent street vendors who might try to sell you goods, so don't be afraid to be firm when telling them no. When buying items from street vendors, you'll most likely need to use the Singapore dollar as opposed to credit cards, so carry a bit of cash on you when you go out in case you do see something that you like.

Is Singapore safe to travel alone

Singapore is very safe even if you're traveling solo. You'll not be at risk of violent crime of any sort and can feel comfortable walking around almost anywhere at any time of day. Although it is safe, Singapore does have some strict regulations and laws that you'll have to respect, and small offenses are considered illegal. This city state has a reputation for being squeaky clean and you can get a fine for doing so much as throwing chewing gum on the ground. These intense regulations are part of what makes it such a safe place! First time offenders might get off with a warning, but it is easier to just follow the rules and not get in trouble, to begin with.

If you're a solo female traveler then you'll love vacationing in Singapore. This tropical country has sunny days and very friendly locals that will be nothing but kind and respectful, and you can basically ask anyone for directions or help if you need it.

Safest neighborhoods in Singapore

You're not really in danger anywhere that you go in Singapore, but some neighborhoods do have a higher safety rating compared to others. Here are a few places that are considered to be the safest.

Bukit Timah

This is ranked as the safest neighborhood in all of Singapore, and it is only getting safer. You won't have to worry when exploring this part of the city. Don't miss the Bukit Timah nature reserve.

Bishan

Coming in second place is the neighborhood called Bishan. Quaint bookstores, restaurants, cafes, and even gelato shops can be found here. It is a lovely neighborhood with green spaces and parks, and it is very safe.

Marina Bay

Anyone traveling to Singapore will want to hang out in the neighborhood of Marina Bay. It's a safe neighborhood with plenty of activities like the ArtScience Museum, the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for cultural and arts experiences.

There is no doubt that Singapore is a great place to visit, and safety is rarely a concern. Some areas do report a slightly higher crime rate. This includes Yishun North which is not an unsafe area at all but had a high number of loan sharks a while back. Nanyang and Jurong West are the next highest reporters of crime, although they are not dangerous compared to many city neighborhoods across the globe.

Is Singapore public transportation safe?

The public transport network in Singapore is fantastic. Train, bus and taxi are your options when moving around town and they are all fast, efficient and reliable. On top of that, they are super safe. If you ever feel uncomfortable for some reason, the bus captains will be able to help you out. The trains are very clean and comfy, and you shouldn't have any issues when using them. When using the mass rapid transit system it is important to plan your trip ahead so that you know where you're going, and hold onto your bags and valuables as you would in other major cities.

Once you step foot outside of the Singapore Changi airport the rest of the city is yours to explore. Some people even choose to bike around it. If you're spending a lot of time walking or biking around, make sure that you're staying hydrated since the tropical climate can be challenging if you aren't prepared for it. Carry a drink in your bag and if you begin to feel faint, find an air conditioned building to cool down in.

Important emergency numbers in Singapore

Preparation is the key to safety and although your chance of encountering a crime is very low, we've listed Singapore emergency numbers. Write them down or even put them in your phone for the duration of your trip, just so you have them handy if you ever need them. Take note of your embassy number at the same time.

• Police: 999
• Traffic Police: 6547 0000
• Fire and Ambulance: 995
• Non-Emergency Ambulance: 1777

Traveling safely in Singapore

It is hard to say which is the safest country, but Singapore is definitely a contender. With lovely weather, great street food and enough green spaces to call itself a Garden City, there is definitely lots to enjoy here. As long as you respect the law and take regular precautions, there is absolutely nothing to worry about.

To be safe, health insurance is never a bad idea whenever you travel somewhere new. To get a bit more familiar with the city, read this guide on Where to Stay in Singapore: The Ultimate Guide. It is a big city with an extensive public transport system, so read up on How to Get Around Singapore as well.