Singapore has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. The city is known for its many natural and historic landmarks, shopping malls, as well as one of the most culturally diverse cuisines in the world. But it is also known for being quite expensive.

In fact, Singapore has recently been named the world’s most expensive city for the fifth year in a row. This is the reason why many tourists with tight budgets choose to skip a visit to the city while in the region. What they don’t know is that there are many ways to enjoy everything Singapore has to offer even if you’re traveling on a budget.

In this article, we’ll offer some useful tips on how to save money during your stay in the city.

Use the Local Train System

Like most tourists, you will probably try to cram as many visits to local attractions as possible into your itinerary. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time getting around from one place to another, you need to find a quick and reliable way to do it. Unless you’re traveling with at least two more people, taking a taxi might not be the most financially savvy decision.

Thankfully, Singapore has a very well-developed public transportation system with Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) train connections throughout the city. Rather than paying a flat-rate fare, you’ll only pay for the distance traveled. You can even preplan your commute expenses using the online fare calculator. You might also want to consider buying a prepaid train card to save even more money, not to mention the time you would otherwise spend waiting in line at the train station.

Don’t Buy Bottled Water

Did you know that Singapore is one of the few countries in the region where it is safe to drink water directly from the tap? The Public Utilities Board (PUB) conducts almost half a million rigorous tests per year to ensure the safety and quality of the local drinking water supply.

As such, there is no need to buy bottled water while in Singapore. Considering that one bottle of water costs about US$1.50 (S$2), you could save dozens of dollars this way.

Go Easy on Alcohol and Cigarettes

Exploring the city’s nightlife certainly has its perks, but it can be very expensive. If you’d like to go out for a drink at a local nightclub, it could cost you up to US$25. This includes the price of admission, as well as a single watery drink. If you’re going out with a group of friends, a single night out in Singapore could cost you hundreds of dollars.

Like alcohol, cigarettes are very expensive here, so you will have to plan your budget accordingly if you’re a smoker. A pack of Marlboro costs about US$10, which puts Singapore high on the list of countries with the highest price of cigarettes per pack. And if you thought you could save money by relying on e-cigarettes during your stay, you’re out of luck, as the government has recently banned all vaping products.

Look for Free Attractions and Events

Singapore offers its visitors plenty of free entertainment options. The world-famous Esplanade Theatre organizes many free open-air events, including concerts, ballet performances, and outdoor stage plays. You will also find street performers and open-air art displays along the riverfront, as well as in the city center.

If you prefer spending your time indoors, there are many museums in Singapore, most of them within walking distance from each other. Although they do charge a symbolic entrance fee, they tend to waive it on a select number of days every month. The dates are usually announced at least a month or two in advance, so you can research them online before your visit.

You can learn more about free attractions and events in the city at the nearest Singapore Visitor Centre.

Follow the Rules

As in every other city in the world, there are certain rules that you need to follow while in Singapore. These include the usual stuff like wearing a seatbelt, not crossing the street outside of marked crosswalks, and not talking on your phone while driving. But there are also some other rules you should keep in mind.

For example, you shouldn’t chew gum, drink, or eat while using public transportation. If you’re renting a bike during your stay, you mustn’t ride it on pedestrian-only walkways. As we’ve already said, vaping is illegal, as is exiting a public toilet without flushing. On top of that, spitting and feeding pigeons are both offenses that come with an S$500 (US$370) fine.

Look for Hotel Deals

You can also save money during your trip to Singapore by staying at the Furama City Centre or the Furama RiverFront. Both hotels provide exceptional service and offer numerous indoor activity options, as well as restaurants with the finest selection of local and international cuisine. They are within walking distance of dozens of popular local sites, so you won’t have to pay for transportation.

Finally, if you book your room on the hotel’s website, you are guaranteed to get the lowest rate possible. And if you find a better rate on another website, not only will the hotel match it but they will offer you an extra 15% off the lower rate. On top of that, you will get an additional 20% discount if you book your room at least 14 days ahead of your arrival.

Visit Furama’s website now to learn more about the hotels and book a room at the best available rates.