A Guide To Visiting Singapore On A Budget
How to Reach?
I flew into Singapore from Delhi last month and honestly it wasn’t as painful as I expected. Air India and Scoot both run direct flights that take about 5 hours. I got a round trip for around 18,000 INR if you book at least two months ahead. Scoot is the cheaper option but they charge for everything so don’t forget to add baggage fees.
From Changi Airport, skip the taxi unless you’re dead tired. The MRT train is super easy and costs like 2 SGD to get into the city. Just follow the signs, buy a ticket from the machine, and you’re good. I took the green line to Bugis and it took 30 minutes total. Way better than paying 30-40 SGD for a cab.
If you’re coming from nearby countries, the ferry from Batam or Bintan in Indonesia is actually pretty decent. But from India, flying is basically your only real choice. Pro tip: avoid flying during Indian holidays because prices double.
Where to Stay?
Look, Singapore hotels are expensive. That’s just the truth. I stayed in a pod hostel in Little India for 4,500 INR per night and it wasn’t bad. The pods are tiny but clean, you get your own space with a curtain, and the common areas were actually nice. They had free breakfast too which saved me money.
For couples or if you want more privacy, I checked out some guesthouses in Geylang that were around 6,000-7,000 INR. To be fair, the area has a bit of a reputation but during the day it’s fine. I wouldn’t walk around around alone at 3am though.
The best budget hack I found was staying in hostels in Chinatown or Little India. I met this guy who paid 3,000 INR for a dorm bed in a really clean place near Mustafa Centre. If you’re solo, that’s the way to go. Hotels in Orchard or Marina Bay will easily cost you 15,000+ INR per night and honestly aren’t worth it unless someone else is paying.
I stayed 6 nights and my total accommodation came to about 28,000 INR. That’s on the higher side for budget travel but I didn’t want to share a room with strangers the whole time.
What to Eat?
This is where Singapore actually shines even on a budget. The hawker centres are legit amazing. I ate at Maxwell Food Centre almost every day. A plate of chicken rice costs 4-6 SGD and it’s actually really good. Not life-changing or anything but solid.
My favorite was the laksa at Sungei Road Laksa. It’s 5 SGD and seriously spicy. I had to order iced tea after every bowl. Ngl, the chili crab is overrated and expensive. I tried it once at a tourist spot and paid 35 SGD for basically crab in sweet sauce. Skip it.
For breakfast, I got kaya toast and kopi from those old school coffee shops. Costs like 3 SGD and fills you up. If you’re vegetarian, it’s a bit trickier but not impossible. The Indian places in Little India have thalis for 8-10 SGD that are decent.
Night markets were my go-to when I wanted something different. Bugis Street has stalls with Korean corn dogs and all that trendy stuff for 6-8 SGD. I actually preferred the simple zi char places where you point at vegetables and they cook them with rice. Cheap and tasty.
One honest negative – the cafes and Instagram spots are ridiculously overpriced. I saw a avocado toast for 18 SGD. No thanks. Stick to hawker centres and you’ll eat well for under 1,500 INR per day easily.
Best Time to Visit
I went in August and it was hot as hell with random rain. To be fair, Singapore is pretty much the same all year. It’s always humid. But if you want slightly less rain, December to February is better. I know people who went in June and said it was unbearable.
The worst time is probably July and August because of the haze from Indonesia fires. My eyes were burning some days. Check the PSI levels before you book. Anything above 100 is rough.
Shoulder seasons like March-April or September-October seemed decent from what other travelers told me. But seriously, there’s no perfect time. Just bring good deodorant and lightweight clothes.
I actually liked visiting during the school holidays because the hawker centres were busier but the attractions had more energy. Your call.
Budget (Indian Rupees)
Okay let’s get real with numbers. I spent 7 days in Singapore on a tight budget and here’s exactly what it looked like for one person:
– Flights from Delhi: 18,000 INR round trip
– Accommodation (6 nights): 28,000 INR
– Food: around 1,200 INR per day = 8,400 INR
– Transport (MRT and buses): 2,500 INR total
– Attractions and activities: 12,000 INR (I didn’t go crazy)
– SIM card and misc: 2,000 INR
Total came to about 71,000 INR for the week. That’s not super cheap but it’s doable. If you stay in dorms and eat only at hawker centres, you could probably do it for 55,000-60,000 INR including flights.
The context I read said accommodations at 125 USD which is about 10,500 INR per night. That’s not budget in my opinion. I think they meant per person or something. Anyway, I managed to keep it under 5,000 INR per day including everything.
Transportation is actually cheap. I got an EZ-Link card for 12 SGD and reloaded it whenever needed. Never took a taxi once.
Tips for First-Timers
Don’t bother with the tourist traps. Gardens by the Bay is nice but the paid parts aren’t worth it. I walked around the free areas and that was enough. The supertrees look cool at night with the lights but you don’t need to pay to see them from outside.
Buy the Singapore Tourist Pass if you’re staying more than 3 days. It gave me unlimited MRT rides for 20 SGD and was totally worth it. I used the train like 8 times a day sometimes.
Carry water everywhere. It’s hot and the bottled water in convenience stores is expensive. Most malls have free water coolers.
Download the Grab app but don’t use it for taxis unless you have to. The MRT is faster most times anyway. I only used Grab twice when I was exhausted.
Be careful with chewing gum. I know it’s a cliche but they really do fine you. I didn’t bring any and didn’t miss it.
If you’re Indian, Little India will feel like home. I went there when I needed familiar food and cheap SIM top-ups. Mustafa Centre is open 24 hours and has everything.
Don’t try to do too much. Singapore is small but the heat will tire you out. I made the mistake of planning 4 activities in one day and regretted it by 2pm.
Free stuff is everywhere if you look. The museums have free entry on certain days. Libraries are air-conditioned and nice to sit in. Many parks are beautiful and don’t cost anything.
One thing that surprised me was how clean it is. Like seriously clean. You won’t see trash anywhere. But the rules are strict so don’t be that person who litters.
FAQ
Is Singapore actually expensive?
Yes it is, but you can manage if you skip fancy stuff. Food and transport are reasonable. It’s the hotels and attractions that hurt your wallet.
Can I visit Singapore on 50,000 INR?
For a week including flights? It’s tight but possible if two people share a room and you’re really careful. Solo is harder.
What’s the cheapest area to stay?
Little India or Geylang. Avoid Sentosa if you’re on budget – it’s basically a money trap.
Do I need a visa?
Indians need a visa but it’s pretty straightforward now. They give you 30 days usually.
Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Very safe. I saw girls walking around at midnight without any issues. Still, common sense applies everywhere.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes. Medical stuff is crazy expensive there. I paid 1,800 INR for a week’s coverage and slept better.
What’s the best hawker centre?
Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, and Tekka Centre in Little India. All good but Maxwell was my daily spot.
Can I survive without speaking English?
Everyone speaks English so no worries. Even the aunties at hawker centres understand basic stuff.
Is it worth visiting if I’ve been to other Asian cities?
It’s different. Super clean, efficient, and the food scene is solid. But if you’re expecting crazy cheap prices like Thailand, you’ll be disappointed.
What should I avoid spending money on?
Souvenirs, taxi rides, fancy cafes, and paid garden attractions. The free stuff is honestly just as good.
I came back from Singapore thinking it’s not the cheapest destination but it’s manageable if you plan right. The efficiency of everything is actually impressive. Trains run on time, people follow rules, and you feel safe everywhere. But yeah, your wallet will feel it. If you love good food and hate chaos, you’ll probably enjoy it. If you want cheap backpacking vibes, maybe go somewhere else first.
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