Travel Basics – 2025 Singapore Grand Prix

Plan your trip to the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix. Advice for F1 fans about money, health, weather & staying safe in Singapore.

• The 2025 Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled for October 3-5
• Early bird 2025 tickets are now on sale via our trusted supplier
• We also recommend F1 Experiences Ticket Packages
• This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links

Alongside Monaco and Vatican City, Singapore is one of only three surviving Sovereign City States in the world. Measuring just 721.5 square kilometers, Singapore is comprised of a large island where most of its 5.6m inhabitants live, and sixty smaller islands. Despite having one of the highest population densities in the world, Singapore is a green city with lots of parks and open spaces. The city state is one of the world’s leading commercial hubs and a major trading center. It’s also one of the wealthiest countries in the world and regularly ranks as having one of  the highest costs of living in the world.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Singapore?

International visitors from most developed countries do not need a visa to visit Singapore. All visitors must ensure that their passport or travel document has at least six months of validity upon departure, and also fill in the Singapore Arrival Card within three days of entering the country. Since February 13, 2023, Singapore no longer applies any Covid-19 measures to visitors. More information is here.

Singapore Travel: Need to Know

• Singapore uses the same three-prong electricity sockets as the UK. If you are travelling from elsewhere, you will need to ensure you bring along the correct adaptor to charge your electrical items
• The timezone in Singapore is GMT +8 hours.
• Singaporeans drive on the left of the road.
• The tap water in Singapore is safe to drink
• Useful telephone numbers in Singapore: Police 999, Emergency/Ambulance/Fire 995
• Learn more: 5 Useful Tips for a First-Time Visitor to Singapore / Visit Singapore Official Website

Singapore Money

The Singapore dollar is a strong, stable and well-traded international currency. There are numerous ATMs in Singapore and credit cards are widely accepted. Money changers generally offer competitive exchange rates but be sure to look for the “Licensed Money Changer” sign. Most hotels and restaurants impose a 10% service fee on their bills, so tipping is not necessary. In other situations (e.g. taxis), a tip is welcome but not expected.

Language

Singapore has four official languages – English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. Whilst the majority of Singaporeans are of Asian origin (75% Chinese), English is the language of business, government and schools. All signs are in English and the vast majority of locals also speak good English.

Health

The health service in Singapore is world class, but it’s still worth having decent travel insurance in place for the duration of your stay. Most large hotels have a doctor on call, just ask reception. Pharmacies can be found in most shopping centers and are generally open from 9am to 6pm.

Staying Safe in Singapore

Singapore is known for being one of the safest, cleanest cities in the world. Foreigners are more likely to fall foul of the strict local laws than become a victim of crime themselves. If you are caught littering, spitting gum or smoking in an unauthorised public area, the fine will set you back up to $500 SGD. On a more serious note, penalties for drug offences and violent crimes are severe and the death penalty is still in force in Singapore. The crime rate may be low in Singapore, but that doesn’t mean you should be complacent. Be sure to always keep your belongings close to you, particularly on public transport and in crowded spaces where pickpockets can strike.

Singapore Weather

Singapore has a hot and humid tropical climate. If you have never been to southeast Asia, get ready for a shock, particularly from the high humidity, which averages around 80% in September. The average daytime temperature high in September is 31 °C (89 °F) and the low is around 25 °C (77 °F). Tropical downpours are not uncommon, though they are more likely to occur during the day. Having said that, a large downpour delayed the start of the Singapore Grand Prix and turned the Padang stage lawn into a mudpit. With its location next to the bay, it can actually get a little chilly at the Marina Bay street circuit after the sunset. If you are prone to sweating a lot, take along a spare top for a quick change during the day/night.