Soft Budget (Solo) Tips:
2 minute read
Not going to lie, Singapore is expensive. But with a little pre-planning and smart choices, you can experience the best of it without constantly worrying about money. Here are a few things that worked wonders for me (and my wallet):
Skip the Suite
Hotel rooms in Singapore can burn a hole in your wallet, especially when you’re travelling solo with no one to split costs. Hostels, on the other hand? Absolute gold. In safe countries like Singapore, hostels are more than just budget stays. They’re cozy pockets of chaos, comfort, and community. Highly, highly recommend if you’re travelling solo or with just one or two friends.
Bonus: (for women only) try and find ones that have female dorms for extra comfort and safety
Hawker Hustle
Forget fine dining, real magic sizzles in hawker stalls. If you’re solo and snack-sized like me, these spots are a dream: cheap, cheerful, and full of flavor. Follow the smells, trust the aunties, and eat like a local.
Bonus: your tummy and wallet will both be happy.
Skip the cab, grab the card
Most people who say Singapore is expensive are the ones zipping around in cabs. But hear me out – the MRT is everything. It’s clean, safe, insanely well-connected, and basically a tourist experience in itself. You’ll get places quicker, cheaper, and pick up slices of real city life along the way. I lucked out with a free metro card, but even if you’re paying, it’s a total steal.
Bonus: nothing beats the flex of casually dropping MRT routes in conversation like you grew up in Singapore.
Book it before you blow it
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes carrying forex in cash (no judgment, I do too), here’s the golden rule: pre-book whatever you can. Activities, attractions, even transport passes- get them sorted online before you fly out. Not only does this reduce the amount of money you’re physically carrying (and tempted to blow), it also keeps your daily spending low and your stress levels lower.
Bonus: one less thing to figure out while solo is a lot less anxiety.
Wander, don’t wrestle
It’s tempting to plan your solo trip down to the minute to feel safe and in control, but, leave a little room to breathe. Mark a few things you really want to see, then let the rest of the day take you where it wants. You’ll thank yourself when the best moments come from unplanned discoveries, not perfectly scheduled stops.