Singapore Health & Safety

Health & Safety

Before travelling to Singapore be sure you are up to date on all routine immunizations according to schedules approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice. See your doctor at least 4-6 weeks prior to travel to allow time for shots to take effect. The following vaccinations may be recommended for travel to Southeast Asia: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, Typhoid, and booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.

Tap water is safe for drinking and sanitation standards are very high. As Singapore is hot and humid it is advised to drink a lot of water. Malaria is not a problem but dengue fever is endemic to the region so ensure that you have mosquito repellent on hand.

Medical care in Singapore is excellent at both public and private clinics. For minor problems just visit the nearest shopping mall for a general practitioner. Generally patients are received without appointments and the total cost rarely exceeds $20 including any medicine required. For more serious problems visit either Mount Elizabeth Hospital, Singapore General Hospital or Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world but you should still be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Travelers should also be aware of laws that prohibit and carry heavy fines for jay-walking, spitting, littering, and drinking and eating on public transport. Chewing gum is banned and is only available in pharmacies for medical purposes but you will have to show ID and sign the register.

For crimes such as illegal entry and overstaying your visa for over 90 days the punishment of caning is imposed. This is also the case for vandalism, robbery, corruption, molestation and rape. In Singapore having sex with a girl under the age of 16 is considered rape. Crimes involving kidnapping, murder, unauthorized possession of firearms and drug trafficking are punishable by death. Homosexuality is illegal with a punishment of life in prison although this is rarely enforced and there is actually a fairly large gay community. Begging is also illegal but you will probably see some beggars on the streets.

Emergency numbers are: Ambulance 995; Fire 995; Police 999; Singapore General Hospital 6222 3322; Drug & Poison Information Centre 6423 9119.

We strongly advise that all Australian travellers check the latest travel advice on the Australian Government Smart Traveller site.