First timers in Singapore

Our first trip to Singapore, and the first lesson came at immigration.

Check your passport first

Reb’s passport had about five months left before it expired. Many countries ask for at least six months of validity when you travel, and we only got through without trouble because his still squeaked by. Before you book anything, check the expiry date on both passports. We now do this first, every time.

From Changi to the hotel

Changi Airport is as nice as everyone says. We took the shuttle into the city (we joked our way through the “wildlife safari” signs) and checked in at Hotel Grand Central. The room had a machine that gives cold, hot and room-temperature water, which we were more excited about than we should have been.

Food and feet

Hungry, we went out for food and ended up in a shop stacked with Samyang spicy noodles. After that we decided to see Singapore on foot. It’s a city that makes walking easy, and it’s the best way to get a feel for a place on day one.

If it’s your first time

• Check passport validity (at least six months) before booking.
• Changi to the city is easy; you don’t need to over-plan it.
• Walk as much as you can on the first day.