Discovering Singapore: 30 Lessons Learned as a Nigerian Tourist

By Oluwatosin Ajibade

Of all my trips in 2022, my visit to Singapore was the most memorable. In this article, I will share 30 facts about Singapore with you. Most of these facts are from my own experience, while the rest were a product of research. 

Before I delve fully into details about my visit, here are 30 facts you need to know about Singapore as a Nigerian:

1. Getting into Singapore as a Nigerian is easier if you meet the requirements. As a Nigerian passport holder, I had the following documents:

• You must fill out your ICA form two days before your arrival. 
• My printed E-Visa.
• Vaccination card.
• Yellow fever card.
• Hotel Card
• A maximum PTA Fee of $1,000 (They did not request this per se)

2. Singapore’s four major languages are Malay, Mandarin, Tamo (from India), and English. If you can break down your English to a simple level, you should have no problem conversing with some indigenes. 
3. Singaporeans are very strict with their rules. Ensure you read the rules of the country before you make a move to go there. Under no circumstances should you disregard their rules. I guess this explains why Singapore is globally ranked high in terms of transparency in the public and private sectors. 
4. Singaporeans are very strict with their rules. Ensure you read the rules of the country before you make a move to go there. Under no circumstances should you disregard their rules. I guess this explains why Singapore is globally ranked high in terms of transparency in the public and private sectors. 
5. All food is imported. Singapore does not have any dairy farms or poultry.
6. For some reason, there are no homeless people or beggars in the country.
7. It is unlawful to sell, buy, or even chew chewing gum in Singapore except for medical purposes. 
8. This might not be relevant to your travel operations, but you should know that parents can sue their children for not taking care of them.
9. Singaporeans LOVE their President. Do not disrespect her.
10. In case you need to visit a mall, Orchard road has all the malls and major brands that sell authentic products. Singapore frowns at the sale of fake products.
11. Singapore gained independence on August 9, 1965
12. The president is a female, and she earns about 4 million dollars per year.
13. The crime rate is so low because there are cameras everywhere. No robbery in Singapore. If you pickpocket, you will be caught in 12 hours and jailed. 
14. The British colonized Singapore.
15. Istana- means Palace in the Malay language – this is the presidential house where she lives.
16. Six universities in Singapore are the best in Asia.
17. The Muslims cannot be cremated, so they are respected and buried on top of each other.
18. The Singaporeans will be buried for 15 years and then exhumed and cremated, and the ashes will be buried in the crematory. 
19. The main source of income is the manufacturing of high-technology products, machinery, and engines.
20. Top income earners come from the financial sector.
21. Strikes and demonstrations are not allowed in Singapore. It is illegal. If they go on strike, the economy will go down. 
22. Singapore does not produce oil. They only refine oil.
23. Chijmes building was where they had the wedding in Crazy Rich Asians film. The building is more than 100 years old.
24. Singapore has a children policy of two children per family. 
25. Companies cannot employ foreigners to work. The companies must have six Singaporeans to one foreigner.
26. Doctors earn 10,000 SGD per month.
27. All male citizens aged 18 and above must go into the army.
28. Singapore is very safe. Every street is lit up. 7 pm to 7 am.
29. The original Singaporeans are all gone. They were all fishermen, and they are no more. 
30. You cannot get Singaporeans citizenship through marriage. 

If you read up to this point, I hope you have learned a few that can help you during your visit.

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