Singapore’s a dream destination, but watch out! Your wallet might take a hit from sneaky charges.
From restaurant bills to hotel stays, unexpected costs lurk everywhere.
Want to keep your budget intact? I’ve got you covered with 10 hidden fees to watch for.
Read on to save money and enjoy your trip without financial surprises. 😊
1. Service Charges and GST at Restaurants
When dining out in Singapore, be prepared for additional charges on your bill.
Most restaurants add a 10% service charge and a 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST) to your total.
This means an extra 19% on top of your meal cost.
For example, if your dinner costs $100, you’ll actually pay $119.
These charges are rarely included in the menu prices, so always factor them in when budgeting for meals.
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2. Tourism Tax on Hotel Stays
When booking a hotel in Singapore, don’t overlook the Tourism Tax.
This is an additional charge of 10% on top of your room rate, imposed by the government to boost local tourism infrastructure.
Combined with the 9% GST, you could be paying almost 20% more than the listed room price.
Be sure to account for these taxes in your budget to avoid any unpleasant surprises at checkout.
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3. Alcohol Taxes
Singapore’s alcohol taxes can give you quite a shock.
The government imposes high duties on alcoholic beverages to discourage excessive drinking.
For every liter of beer, there’s a S$60 tax, while wines and spirits are taxed at S$88 per liter.
This translates to significantly higher prices in bars and restaurants.
A simple pint of beer can cost you S$12-15, while cocktails often range from S$20-25.
If you’re planning nights out, budget generously or consider limiting your alcohol intake to keep costs down.
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4. Attraction Ticket Bundles
While attraction ticket bundles in Singapore might seem like a great deal, they can sometimes lead to overspending.
These packages often include entry to multiple attractions at a discounted rate.
However, you might end up paying for places you don’t actually visit.
For instance, a 5-attraction pass might cost S$100, saving you money if you visit all 5.
But if you only make it to 3, you’ve overpaid.
Always calculate if the bundle truly saves you money based on the attractions you’ll definitely visit.
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5. Late-Night Transportation Costs
Getting around Singapore after midnight can put a dent in your wallet.
Public transportation like MRT and buses stop running around midnight, leaving taxis and ride-hailing services as your main options.
These services often charge a midnight surcharge, typically 50% more than daytime rates.
For example, a ride that costs S$20 during the day might set you back S$30 at night.
If you’re planning late nights out, factor in these increased transportation costs or consider staying closer to your accommodation to avoid the surcharge.
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6. Currency Exchange Fees
Currency exchange can quietly eat into your budget in Singapore.
While many places accept credit cards, some smaller shops and hawker centers are cash-only.
When exchanging money, avoid airports and hotels as they often offer poor rates.
Instead, head to licensed money changers in areas like Chinatown or Little India.
Be wary of hidden fees at ATMs too. Some banks charge a foreign transaction fee of 2-3% plus a fixed fee of S$5-8 per withdrawal.
To minimize these costs, make fewer, larger withdrawals instead of multiple small ones.
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7. Unforeseen Medical Costs
Medical care in Singapore is excellent but can be expensive for tourists.
A simple doctor’s visit for a minor ailment can cost S$50-150, while more serious conditions requiring hospitalization can run into thousands.
Singapore doesn’t have reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries, meaning you’ll need to pay upfront.
Travel insurance is crucial to cover these potential costs.
Without it, even a small medical issue could significantly impact your budget.
Always read the fine print of your insurance policy to understand what’s covered.
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8. Taxi Booking Fees
While taxis in Singapore are generally affordable, booking fees can add up quickly.
If you call to book a taxi, you’ll pay a S$2.30-3.30 booking fee on top of the metered fare.
During peak hours (Monday to Friday, 6am-9:30am and 6pm-midnight), this fee increases to S$3.30-4.50.
Additionally, there’s a 25% surcharge on the metered fare during peak hours.
To avoid these fees, try hailing a taxi on the street or use ride-hailing apps like Grab which often have more transparent pricing.
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9. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP)
Singapore’s Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system can catch tourists off guard.
This automated toll collection system charges vehicles entering certain areas during peak hours.
Rates vary depending on location and time, ranging from S$0.50 to S$6 per entry.
If you’re renting a car, these charges are often added to your final bill.
Even taxi rides can become more expensive due to ERP.
To avoid surprises, ask your car rental company about ERP charges or plan your routes to avoid ERP zones during peak hours.
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10. Parking Fees
Parking in Singapore can be surprisingly expensive, especially in the city center.
Shopping malls and attractions often charge hourly rates that can quickly add up.
For instance, at Marina Bay Sands, you’ll pay S$14.00 for the first hour and S$1.50 for every subsequent half hour. Other popular malls might charge S$3-4 per hour.
If you’re renting a car, factor in these costs.
Consider using public transport for city visits to avoid parking hassles and save money.
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