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Certainly one of my favourite issues about flying from North America to Asia is doing a Singapore layover as a result of it has essentially the most high-tech airport on this planet! On this article, I’ll share with you every thing it’s essential to find out about spending 24 hours in Singapore together with visa and entry necessities.

Hello Trisha! I’ve been studying your journey blogs about Singapore and they’re very useful! I’m going to the Maldives and my flight requires a Singapore layover. Do I would like a visa as an American citizen? Are you able to give me ideas please? I’ve a ten hour layover and I’m not actually positive if I ought to keep within the airport or go to town. Thanks for all of your assist!

Shirley Younger, United States

Hello Shirley! Thanks for studying the weblog and for following these adventures! I additionally did a Singapore layover on the way in which to the Maldives! And sure, you must exit of the airport if in case you have a 10-hour layover.

To be truthful, there are various issues to do contained in the airport (it’s like an amusement park!) so it’s actually as much as you if you wish to enterprise into town or not. However with this time that you’ve got, it’s assured that you just gained’t miss your flight so that you determine!

Listed here are a few of my tips on doing a layover in Singapore. If in case you have questions that weren’t answered right here, simply depart a remark and I’ll reply them as quickly as I can! Have a blast in SG!

Xx, Trisha

Can you allow Singapore Airport throughout a layover?

Ready for a flight? Catch a film at Changi’s free 24-hour cinemas in Terminals 2 and three. | DepositPhotos.com

ABSOLUTELY! In case your Singapore layover is greater than 4 hours, you must depart the airport and discover town. Labeled as the very best airport on this planet, getting out of Changi Airport is handy through public transport.

Please word that in case you determine to exit the airport throughout layover, you’ll not be labeled a transit passenger however an everyday traveler. It’s a must to exit the airport as if Singapore is your closing vacation spot after which do the check-in course of once more.

Do I would like a visa if I’ve a layover in Singapore?

Changi leads in technological developments, with automated check-in, bag drop, immigration clearance, and even cleansing robots. | DepositPhotos.com

Most nationalities don’t want a visa to enter Singapore. Nevertheless, in case you plan to exit the airport throughout your layover, the bottom stewards will direct you to the connection lounges as an alternative of customs.

If you’re 100% positive that you’ve got time to exit the airport throughout your Singapore layover, you should comply with the arrivals indicators as an alternative of the connecting flight indicators.

Nobody will actually examine you for it so long as you’ve got your onward boarding cross with you. Simply do the method as if Singapore is your closing vacation spot.

Residents of  Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the UK and america of America DO NOT want a visa to do a Singapore layover.

Under are the international locations that want a visa to enter Singapore:

Singapore layover necessities

Don’t miss the dazzling HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, with a mesmerizing mild and sound present. | DepositPhotos.com

As of February 13, 2023, it’s not required to current any COVID-19 vaccination card or PCR exams to do a Singapore layover.

If you’re exiting the airport in the course of the layover, you’ll have to apply for an SG Arrival Card (SGAC) wiith an digital well being declaration. This is applicable to all nationalities and it’s very straightforward to get one.

If you’re staying contained in the airport or have a Singaporean residency card, you don’t want to use for the SGAC. To use for the SGAC on-line, go to the SGAC e-Service web site or just obtain the MyICA Cell app through Apple Retailer or Google Play.

To use for the SGAC on-line, you’ll be requested for a legitimate passport, contact info, flight info, and details about your lodging in Singapore. If you’re solely in Singapore for a layover, you may depart the lodging part clean.

The SGAC is freed from cost so be sure you solely join utilizing the hyperlinks above. Many faux hyperlinks will cost you so at all times go to the official SGAC web site.

Extra importantly, your SGAC needs to be legitimate 3 days earlier than arriving in Singapore. In the event you dwell within the USA, Canada, or Europe, please word the time distinction and ensure your SGAC adheres to the native time in Singapore.

Additionally, word that the SGAC isn’t a journey visa. It’s an additional requirement for all nationalities getting into or doing a Singapore layover.

Singapore layover issues to do at Changi Airport

Obtain this map in your cell phone to see all the very best issues to do for a Singapore layover.

If you wish to spend time within the airport with out going out throughout your Singapore layover, word that Changi Airport is without doubt one of the prime 5 airports on this planet and there are various actions you are able to do with out going to town middle.

Changi Airport has the quickest airport wifi on this planet so I gained’t point out the wifi connectivity in every space. I swear, you’ll be amazed in regards to the loading velocity of wifi in Singapore!

Listed here are the highest issues to do in Changi Airport for a layover:

1. Butterfly Backyard at Terminal 3

Open on Google Maps

Changi Airport homes a novel Butterfly Backyard, dwelling to over 1,000 butterflies throughout 40 species, a tropical haven for passengers. | DepositPhotos.com

The Butterfly Backyard at Terminal 3 is the world’s first butterfly backyard in an airport, housing over 1,000 butterflies from varied species. You may wander by way of the plush greenery and colourful flowers, watch butterflies fluttering round, and find out about their life cycle on the academic corners.

It’s a fantastic spot for images fans, providing numerous alternatives to seize the fantastic thing about these delicate creatures. Benches are scattered all through, permitting you to take a seat again and soak within the serene atmosphere.

Discover the two-story backyard, with a waterfall and tropical foliage, making it an ideal exercise for a Singapore layover. All gardens in Changi Airport are open-air so take pleasure in this breath of contemporary air after being within the aircraft for hours!

2. Cactus Backyard (Terminal 1)

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Dwelling to greater than 100 species of cacti and arid vegetation from the deserts and dry areas all over the world, the Cactus Backyard is an enchanting place to discover.

Every plant is accompanied by informative indicators that educate guests in regards to the distinctive variations of those vegetation. The backyard gives a rooftop view, which is ideal for watching plane take off and land.

There’s a bar situated inside the backyard, the place you may take pleasure in a drink or two.

3. Sunflower Backyard (Terminal 2)

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The Sunflower Backyard options a number of kinds of sunflowers grown in Changi Airport’s personal nursery. This brilliant and cheerful backyard is a pleasant spot to elevate your spirits.

Take a leisurely stroll among the many vibrant sunflowers and benefit from the sunny ambiance. The backyard supplies a gorgeous backdrop for images, particularly in the course of the golden hours of dawn or sundown.

It additionally serves as a viewing deck for planes, providing a panoramic view of the runway and plane.

4. Jewel Changi Airport

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Jewel Changi Airport, a shocking multi-use advanced situated adjoining to Changi Airport, gives a plethora of actions and sights that may flip your Singapore layover into an pleasant expertise.

Right here’s a information to what you are able to do throughout a layover at Changi Jewel:

HSBC Rain Vortex

Witness the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, standing at 40 metres excessive. It’s a spectacular sight, particularly when illuminated at night time. It’s a fantastic spot for images and rest.

Shiseido Forest Valley

Discover this lush indoor backyard that spans 4 tales. It’s crammed with strolling trails set amongst 1000’s of bushes and vegetation, offering a serene escape from the airport hustle.

Cover Park

Positioned on the prime stage of Changi Jewel Airport, this space contains distinctive sights just like the Cover Bridge, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, and Sky Nets for bouncing and strolling. It’s good for each children and adults on the lookout for a little bit of journey or rest.

Changi Expertise Studio

Go to this interactive digital attraction that provides a behind-the-scenes have a look at the operations of Changi Airport by way of video games and multimedia shows.

Shaw Theatre

A industrial cinema that prices for film screenings, providing the newest releases in a state-of-the-art atmosphere. That is in distinction to the free film theatres situated within the transit areas of Terminals 2 and three, that are accessible solely to passengers who’re in transit.

5. Play areas for teenagers

If you’re touring with kids, you may entertain them by visiting the completely different play areas inside Changi Jewel. There may be an admission payment to entry this space, and the price can differ based mostly on the particular sights you select to go to inside the park.

Discovery Slides

That is a creative sculpture in addition to a playground, providing 4 built-in slides, together with two tube slides and two sliding surfaces.

Foggy Bowls

This space creates a whimsical play expertise with mild concave bowls crammed with mist to create the phantasm of taking part in amongst clouds.

Cover Bridge

Suspended 23 meters above the bottom in Jewel Changi Airport, the Cover Bridge gives beautiful views of the Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley. That includes a glass flooring part for an exhilarating view beneath, it’s a panoramic expertise amidst lush greenery.

Hedge Maze

Singapore’s largest hedge maze gives an intriguing out of doors journey. Navigate by way of the labyrinthine pathways, uncover charming alcoves, and attain the watchtower for a panoramic view of the maze’s intricate structure.

Mirror Maze

This fascinating attraction incorporates a maze of mirrors, making a world of limitless reflections. The distinctive play of sunshine and reflections gives an immersive and disorienting expertise, difficult guests to search out their method by way of the fascinating labyrinth.

To go to these sights, you’d usually buy a ticket for the Cover Park, which can provide varied packages or bundled choices together with entry to a number of sights inside the park.

6. Nature Trails for jogging and stretching

Changi Airport is designed as an outside space with contemporary air which makes it the good airport on this planet, particularly in case you are in a cabin for lengthy hours of flights.

All areas in Changi Airport have nature trails so you may even train throughout your Singapore layover!

The Changi Airport Connector, as an example, is a 3.5-kilometer biking and jogging path that hyperlinks Changi Airport to East Coast Park and the Park Connector Community.

At all times jog on designated paths or areas to make sure security for your self and others. Throughout peak hours or in crowded areas, it is perhaps difficult to jog comfortably. Select much less busy occasions for a extra nice expertise.

7. Take a dip on the rooftop pool

The rooftop pool at Changi Airport is a well-liked spot for vacationers trying to chill out throughout a layover in Singapore. The pool is located on the Aerotel Airport Transit Resort in Terminal 1, close to the D gates.

The pool is accessible to non-hotel visitors, so that you don’t should be staying on the Aerotel to make use of the pool. It’s open from 12 PM – 10 PM every day.

There may be an entrance payment of 25 SGD ($19 USD) to make use of the pool, which generally contains using bathe services, a towel, and generally a complimentary non-alcoholic drink.

Along with the pool, there are bathe services, a poolside bar, and a jacuzzi. The poolside bar gives a variety of drinks and lightweight snacks. You may take pleasure in refreshments whereas lounging by the pool.

8. Finest lounges in Changi Airport Singapore layover

Changi Airport in Singapore, identified for its world-class services, hosts a number of premium lounges that provide consolation and luxurious to vacationers. Listed here are the highest 3 lounges, together with their costs and facilities:

Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminals 1, 2, and 4)

Roughly 58 SGD ($44 USD) for two hours, 75 SGD ($57 USD)for five hours, and 100 SGD ($75 USD) for 10 hours. It has comfy seating, cold and warm meals alternatives, drinks, and a bar.

It additionally has bathe services and Wi-Fi. Some places provide personal resting suites, therapeutic massage providers, and convention services for a further payment.

Ambassador Transit Lounge (Terminals 2 and three)

Ranges from round 38 SGD ($29 USD) for two hours to 58 SGD ($44 USD) for five hours. This contains mild refreshments, drinks, bathe services, and relaxation areas.

Blossom – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge (Terminal 4)

Roughly 58 SGD ($44 USD) for two hours and varies for longer stays. This lounge gives a world buffet and dwell cooking stations.

There are bathe services, comfy seating, Wi-Fi, and leisure choices. Therapeutic massage providers and personal resting areas accessible at a further price.

9. Buying and eating

Changi gives a variety of retail outlets, from luxurious manufacturers to native specialties. There’s additionally a various array of eating choices, together with native Singaporean delicacies, worldwide meals, and well-known fast-food chains.

Singapore has essentially the most various and possibly the most effective cuisines in Asia so make sure that to eat and pattern dishes throughout your layover!

10. Guided tour of Jewel Changi Airport

For many who solely have 2-3 hours within the airport, you may join a guided tour of the Jewel Changi Airport. An area will take you across the hotspots of the airport. This contains the doorway payment to the Cover Park.

GST tax refund at Singapore Airport for foreigners

Not all vacationers know this however in case you buy groceries in Singapore or buy something inside the metropolis, you might be entitled to a refund for purchases of greater than 100 SGD ($75 USD).

Nevertheless, the GST refund is simply relevant to collaborating outlets. You may at all times see indicators on the outlets and eating places if they’re collaborating within the vacationer refund scheme.

To get the refund, make sure that to gather receipts to get to 100 SGD ($75 USD). To use in your GST refunds, you may go to the digital vacationer refunds self-help kiosks on the airport. They’re straightforward to identify and you’ll get the refund immediately.

Learn how to get to Singapore from the airport

As the very best airport on this planet, getting out of the airport throughout your Singapore layover could be very straightforward and environment friendly. Under are the methods on learn how to get to town from the airport:

MRT (Mass Speedy Transit)

The airport is linked to the MRT community, which is a handy and cost-effective method to attain town. The Changi Airport MRT station is situated on the basement of Terminals 2 and three.

The price of an MRT ticket from Changi Airport to varied places in Singapore varies relying on the space and vacation spot. The fare from Changi Airport to town middle is usually round 2-3 SGD ($1.50 USD approx).

Automated ticket machines can be found on the Changi Airport MRT station. These machines settle for money in SGD and main bank cards.

You should purchase a single-trip ticket or a stored-value EZ-Hyperlink card, which can be utilized for a number of journeys on the MRT and buses.

The EZ-Hyperlink card prices 12 SGD ($9 USD), which incorporates 7 SGD ($5 USD) credit score and a non-refundable 5 SGD (3.78 USD) card price.

Singapore airport taxi (personal)

For many who are touring with teams or with kids, it’s higher to pre-book your Singapore airport transportation, particularly in case you are arriving late at night time.

Please word that there’s a midnight surcharge of 10 SGD (round $8 USD) for transfers from 12 midnight to six:00 AM.

There are additionally taxi traces on the arrivals gate. The taxi system in Singapore is well-regulated, and all taxis use a meter to calculate the fare based mostly on the space traveled.

Singapore Airport Shuttle (Shared)

The airport shuttle service at Changi Airport supplies a handy method for vacationers to get to varied places in Singapore, together with lodges.

The shuttle service can normally be booked on the Floor Transport Desk situated within the arrival halls of every terminal. These desks are well-signposted and straightforward to search out. Airport workers at these desks can help you with reserving the shuttle and offering info on the subsequent accessible service.

The fare is round 9 SGD ($7 USD) per grownup and 6 SGD ($5 USD) for a kid beneath 12 years. The precise fare can rely in your vacation spot and the service supplier.

Shuttle providers normally function at common intervals, however the frequency can differ relying on the time of day and demand. Customary baggage allowances apply, and there is perhaps further prices for added or outsized objects.

Busses at Changi Airport

Bus stops are situated on the basement bus bays of Terminals 1, 2, and three. Simply comply with the indicators within the arrival corridor to search out the closest bus cease.

The price of taking a public bus from Changi Airport to town middle in Singapore could be very reasonably priced, usually a lot cheaper than different transport choices like taxis or the MRT.

The bus fare from Changi Airport to town middle is normally round 2.50 SGD ($1.89 USD approx). This may differ barely relying on the particular route and distance.

You may pay the bus fare utilizing an EZ-Hyperlink card or a Singapore Vacationer Cross, that are each tap-and-go good playing cards. These may be bought and topped up on the airport.

If paying in money, it’s essential to have the precise quantity as bus drivers don’t present change. The journey to town middle by bus can take roughly 60-80 minutes, relying on site visitors and the particular vacation spot.

A number of public bus providers function from Changi Airport, together with bus numbers 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110, and 858. Bus 36/36A is a standard alternative for vacationers heading to town middle, because it passes by way of key areas and has a comparatively direct route.

Issues to do throughout a Singapore layover

Once more, in case your Singapore layover is greater than 4 hours, think about going out of the airport. It’s not a trouble and Singapore is price exploring!

Listed here are a few of the greatest Singapore layover excursions that I like to recommend with reasonable hours. This fashion, you may estimate the time it’s essential to return to the airport to catch your onward flight.

1. Singapore Strolling Tour

You most likely need to be extra lively throughout a layover in Singapore so a strolling tour can be perfect. Strolling excursions normally begin within the morning and you’ll select the placement of the tour:

Singapore River and Marina Bay Strolling Tour: every day besides Tuesdays, from 9 AM to 12 PM
Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam: Tue & Thu | 9 AM – 12 PM and Sat & Solar | 2 PM – 5 PM
Singapore for newbies | Each day besides Sundays | 10 AM – 1 PM

Every of those strolling excursions has completely different itineraries. They’re additionally spearheaded by locals so that is the very best layover tour as you’ll be taught so much inside 3 hours!

I like to recommend the Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam tour in your layover. These are essentially the most colourful areas of Singapore with many actions and hawker meals!

2. Singapore on a bicycle

In the event you don’t need to stroll, you may as well join a bicycle tour throughout your layover in Singapore. Just like the strolling excursions above, there are various choices for the routes and landmarks:

Lion Metropolis Bike Tour: 20 KM (12 miles)
Katong Meals Tour on a motorbike: 12 KM (7 miles)
Downtown SG Meals Tour on a motorbike: 14 KM (8 miles)

Most of those bicycle excursions in Singapore go to must-see areas just like the Method 1 Monitor, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore River, Chinatown, Little India, and extra!

Do you know that Singapore has a really wealthy meals tradition? I like to recommend the downtown SG meals tour on a motorbike the place you gained’t solely see landmarks however eat your method by way of town!

3. Singapore Road Meals Tour (Personal)

Personal excursions are really helpful to those that are touring in teams. With this, you may determine when to begin and finish your tour. Personal excursions vary from $349 USD for two vacationers and will get cheaper because the group will get bigger.

This Singapore Road Meals tour that I really like a lot will take you to 10 native spots within the completely different neighborhoods in Singapore. The hosts are additionally locals (born and raised in Singapore) in order that they gives you an intensive historical past class and beneficiant tip about their nation!

4. Gardens by the Bay (1-2 hours)

With restricted time, deal with the key highlights: the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. Each are iconic, climate-controlled conservatories with distinct themes. Purchase your tickets on-line to keep away from ready in line. This additionally permits you to examine for any reductions or combo offers.

Start with the Cloud Forest to see the spectacular indoor waterfall and the mist-filled mountain coated with lush vegetation. It’s a novel expertise that differs vastly from typical botanical gardens.

If time permits after the Cloud Forest, head to the Flower Dome. It’s the world’s largest glass greenhouse and showcases unique vegetation from 5 continents in 9 completely different gardens.

Gardens by the Bay is photogenic, so have your digital camera prepared. The Cloud Forest’s waterfall and the Flower Dome’s floral shows are significantly picturesque.

Count on to do a good quantity of strolling. Snug footwear and applicable clothes for a moist atmosphere are really helpful.

If in case you have a number of further minutes, take a fast stroll within the out of doors gardens. The Supertree Grove, with its futuristic tree-like buildings, is particularly price a fast go to.

5. Merlion Park and Singapore River (2 hours)

Go to both early within the morning or later within the night to keep away from crowds and luxuriate in cooler temperatures. Evenings provide a fantastically lit skyline.

Take pleasure in a leisurely stroll alongside the Singapore River. The riverside is lined with historic websites, paintings, and supplies a glimpse into Singapore’s previous and current. If time permits, shortly go to close by sights just like the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay or the Marina Bay space.

Contemplate a fast go to to Clarke Quay or Boat Quay, each vibrant areas alongside the river identified for his or her eating and leisure choices.

Make the most of public transport just like the MRT or buses for simple entry to and from Merlion Park. The closest MRT station is Raffles Place.

I solely really helpful 5 issues to do throughout a Singapore layover on this article since I don’t need to overwhelm you with selections, on condition that you’ll be pressed for time. In order for you extra choices for actions, seek advice from this text.

Singapore Layover Resorts

Most of you’ll decide to remain in a resort near the airport for a layover and I completely perceive that – you don’t need to miss your connecting flight!

Nevertheless, Singapore’s transportation is basically environment friendly so relaxation assured that you’ll get to the airport in time in your flight, do you have to determine to e-book a resort throughout your layover.

The very best method is to remain in a resort close to the MRT Raffles Station so that you’ll be near all of the landmarks and the practice station to the airport. Under are a few of my really helpful Singapore layover lodges:

Baggage storage in Singapore

If you’re solely in Singapore for a layover, you gained’t have to assert your baggage because it’s tagged to your closing vacation spot. You solely have to take your baggage in case you are switching airways throughout your layover.

When you examine in your baggage at your authentic vacation spot, make sure that to ask the stewardess or examine your suitcase for the tag.

In the event you booked a resort in your Singapore layover, the baggage storage is FREE of cost.

There are baggage storage services accessible in Singapore, offering handy choices for vacationers who have to retailer their luggage briefly. Listed here are a number of locations the place you will discover baggage storage providers:

Changi Airport Baggage Storage

Changi Airport gives baggage storage providers in any respect terminals. The service is obtainable 24/7, making it handy for vacationers arriving or departing at any time. Charges usually vary from 5-15 to SGD ($3-11 USD) per piece for twenty-four hours.

MRT Stations Baggage Storage

Some MRT (Mass Speedy Transit) stations in Singapore, particularly these in central areas or close to vacationer sights, have baggage storage services.

These are self-service lockers, usually coin-operated or with digital fee choices. Costs vary from 10-20 SGD ($8-$15 USD) per day, relying on locker measurement.

Baggage Storage Providers

There are additionally devoted baggage storage providers in Singapore, comparable to Locker & Lock, Baggage Storage Singapore, and Baggage Storage by Smarte Carte.

These providers are situated in varied components of town, together with widespread vacationer areas. These are safe storage, generally providing further providers like baggage wrapping. Costs vary from 5-12 SGD per day.

Baggage Supply Providers

Baggage supply providers in Singapore provide a handy method so that you can transport your luggage from the airport to your resort, residence, or vice versa, with out the trouble of carrying them round.

This can be a door-to-door supply that could be very widespread for vacationers however not each traveler find out about this! Most providers provide monitoring choices and be certain that your baggage is dealt with securely.

Supply may be scheduled in response to your arrival, departure, or resort check-in/check-out occasions. Some suppliers additionally provide baggage wrapping, storage, and even short-term holding.

As a basic estimate, costs can vary from round 10-20 SGD ($8-$15 USD) per bag for traditional supply. Test the service hours to make sure they align together with your journey schedule!

Listed here are a few of the respected baggage supply providers in Singapore:

Changi Airport’s Baggage Service: gives supply from Changi Airport to any tackle in Singapore. That is helpful for vacationers who need to discover town hands-free earlier than checking into their lodging.
Porter Xpress: supplies baggage supply between the airport, lodges, and cruise terminals. Additionally they provide baggage storage and switch providers.
CARTS: focuses on baggage supply and storage providers for passengers at Changi Airport. Providers embrace baggage supply, storage, and even a cell baggage wrapping service.