Is Singapore safe? Can you drink tap water? Are there mosquitoes or any diseases?

Most of the concerns are unnecessary. But a few things are good to know ahead of time.

Find the best hotels in Singapore

Is Singapore safe?

Yes, definitely.

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world - often compared to Japan or Iceland.

• 👉 In the evening, we had no problem getting around the city
• No uncomfortable situations, no feeling of insecurity
• Singapore is perfectly safe even for female solo travellers

This is a place where you can go alone at night, you don't have to deal with pickpockets on the subway, nor do you have to watch your backpack every second.

There's one catch, though.

Safety is redeemed by strict rules.

• High fines
• zero tolerance for drugs (even death sentences are possible)
• chewing gum ban (because of the waste)

No tolerance for tourists either. Rules and laws are enforced on everyone here.

Crime: what to watch out for

Crime is very low, but not zero.

Realistically, you are more likely to encounter petty pickpocketing at tourist sites, but from other tourists rather than locals.

Serious and serious crime such as robbery, murder or kidnapping is practically zero.

There are no areas to avoid in Singapore either.

Health risks

There is no increased incidence of any exotic diseases in Singapore and in this respect it is one of the safest tropical countries.

There are no exotic diseases or extremely dangerous animals.

Drinking water: can you drink from the tap?

Yes, no problem.

There is water in Singapore:

• Clean
• Safe
• safe to drink

We drank it normally and there is no reason to buy bottled water.

Diseases and vaccinations

This is a common question - mainly because of Asia.

No compulsory vaccinations are needed. Singapore is not a "tropical jungle" in the sense of health risks.

At the same time, Singapore is not a destination, but usually just a stop along the way.

So decide on vaccinations according to where you are going. We have experience from other countries, for example:

• Health risks and vaccinations - Indonesia
• Health risks and vaccinations - Thailand
• Health risks and vaccinations - Australia
• Health risks and vaccinations - Brunei

Mosquitoes and dengue

This is about the only topic that is being addressed.

• Dengue is emerging in the region
• But in Singapore, the situation is under control.

Realistically you hardly see any mosquitoes in the city centre, more in parks and countryside.

Repellent is good for the evening or in the green, otherwise it's not an issue.

Food and hygiene

We were pleasantly surprised here.

Singapore is extremely clean.

• hawker centres (street food) are controlled
• hygiene is of a high standard

We ate everywhere - without a single problem.

Health care

Healthcare in Singapore is top notch but expensive.

Therefore:

• travel insurance is a must.
• even routine treatment can cost a lot

Dangerous animals and stray dogs

Singapore is a developed city-state, so you have nothing to worry about in this regard.

• No snakes in the city
• No predators
• No "Australian scenarios"
• no stray dogs
• monkeys in the parks at most (and they're more likely to steal food than be dangerous)

Plus, rabies doesn't exist in Singapore.

Swimming and the sea

Singapore is not a classic beach destination

You can swim in Sentosa, but:

• the water is not completely clear
• occasional jellyfish
• boat traffic in the area

What to really do (and what not to do)

What to do:

• Travel insurance
• repellent for the outdoors
• basic precautions (like anywhere)

What not to address:

• Crime
• drinking water
• exotic diseases

Important contacts

These phone contacts are free and can be reached from any phone without roaming.

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 995
• Non-emergency medical assistance: 1777