Singapore in 5 days: budget itinerary for travelers who know it's expensive — but escapable

Hawker centers, Chinatown hostels, MRT on EZ-Link, free Gardens by the Bay and the neighborhoods nobody tells you about. How to spend SGD 200/day instead of SGD 600.

1. Singapore in 5 days: budget itinerary for travelers who know it's expensive — but escapable

   Hawker centers, Chinatown hostels, MRT on EZ-Link, free Gardens by the Bay and the neighborhoods nobody tells you about. How to spend SGD 200/day instead of SGD 600.

2. 01.

   US, UK, Canadian, Australian and EU citizens do NOT need a visa for Singapore — 90-day tourist stamp issued free on arrival.

3. 02.

   Round-trip economy from the US runs USD 1,400-2,200 in 2026 (best via SFO/LAX direct on Singapore Airlines, 17-18h nonstop). From the UK, LHR direct on Singapore Airlines or BA runs GBP 750-1,200, 13h nonstop.

4. 03.

   Sydney/Melbourne to SIN is 8h direct and one of the best stopover deals on long-haul to Europe — round-trip AUD 900-1,500.

5. 04.

   EZ-Link card (SGD 10 with SGD 5 credit) covers MRT, tram and bus; average ride SGD 1.50.

6. 05.

   Main hawker centers: Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, Old Airport Road, Tiong Bahru, Chomp Chomp. Hainanese chicken rice plate SGD 4-7.

7. 🇸🇬 Singapura

   Hawker centers, Chinatown hostels, MRT on EZ-Link, free Gardens by the Bay and the neighborhoods nobody tells you about. How to spend SGD 200/day instead of SGD 600.