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Few scams

South-Eastern Asia

Tourist scams in Singapore

Singapore has a low risk of tourist scams. Most taxi drivers and shopkeepers are honest, but watch for bogus monks asking for donations, shop rip-offs, disputed taxi charges and pickpockets in crowds.
  1. 1 On the streetOccasionalBogus monks asking for donationsPeople dressed in monks' robes approach tourists for donations. They are usually bogus.Streets and areas visited by tourists. 2Read
  2. 2 TheftOccasionalPickpocketing in crowdsA thief takes belongings from your pocket or bag in a crowd. No specific method is described.Crowded areas. 3Read
  3. 3 ShoppingOccasionalShop rip-offsA shop cheats a customer over a purchase. Most shopkeepers are honest; no specific sales trick is described.Across the country 3Read
  4. 4 TaxisOccasionalQuestionable taxi extra chargesA driver may request an extra charge that you suspect is wrong. Singapore taxis are generally honest, and many extra charges are legitimate. Check the meter, window sticker and receipt before treating a charge as a scam.Across the country 3Read

Habits that keep you safe

Taxis

  • Check whether your booking uses the meter or a fixed fare.
  • Expect legitimate booking, time-based, road-pricing and pickup charges. Check them against the window sticker and receipt.
  • An airport pickup can have a surcharge. There is no surcharge simply for travelling to the airport.
  • Check payment fees before paying. Credit-card payment carries a 10% surcharge; other cards or app payments can carry a S$0.30 charge.
  • For travel between Singapore and Malaysia, use licensed cross-border taxis. Private transfer companies advertising cheaper fares online are described as illegal operators.

Your belongings

  • Keep bags zipped and close to your body in crowds.
  • Keep your wallet and phone where you can feel or see them.
  • Carry only the valuables you need for the day.
  • Keep a separate copy of important documents and card-blocking contact details.

Money

  • Unless another currency is stated, prices marked $ mean Singapore dollars.
  • Check the full price and any extra charges before paying.
  • Keep receipts for purchases you may need to dispute.
  • Avoid accepting S$1,000 or S$10,000 notes. They are rarely seen and difficult to use.

Nights out

  • Ask for drink, room and entertainment prices before ordering.
  • Expect hostess KTV lounges to cost much more than family karaoke venues.
  • At Thai discos, drinks and flower garlands or sashes can cost S$50 to S$10,000 or more. Spending buys a chance to chat, with no promise of sex.
  • Visit Thai discos with a Singaporean guide who understands the etiquette, or skip them.

Police and officials

  • Singapore Police Force officers wear distinctive dark blue uniforms.
  • Officers working out of uniform must show their warrant cards when carrying out police duties.
  • Report crimes promptly and keep any evidence you have.

What travellers say about Singapore

Discussions on other sites, summarised in our words. Open a link to read the full thread.

Questions

Are tourist scams common in Singapore?

The overall risk is low. Most visitors have no problems, and taxi drivers and shopkeepers are generally honest. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.

Should I give money to monks who approach me?

People in monks' robes who pester tourists for donations are usually bogus. Decline and walk away.

Where should I watch for pickpockets?

Be alert in crowded areas. Keep bags closed and valuables out of easy-to-reach pockets. No specific pickpocket hotspot is identified.

Does a taxi surcharge mean I am being scammed?

No. Many surcharges are legitimate. Check the meter, fare sticker and printed receipt. Call the taxi company if a charge seems wrong. Airport pickup charges can apply, but there is no surcharge simply for going to the airport.

Are cheap private transfers to Malaysia licensed?

Only licensed cross-border taxis can legally provide taxi travel between Singapore and Malaysia. Private transfer companies advertising cheaper fares online are described as illegal operators. Riding one as a passenger is not itself a crime.

What can I do if a shop cheats me?

Keep your receipt and purchase details. Call the Singapore Tourism Board on 1800-736-2000 from within Singapore. The Small Claims Tribunal also has an expedited process for tourists.

Can karaoke or Thai disco bills be very high?

Yes. Hostess KTV lounges can be much more expensive than family karaoke. Thai disco drinks and flower gifts can cost S$50 to S$10,000 or more. High prices alone do not prove a scam; ask for prices before spending.

How can I check someone claiming to be a police officer?

Uniformed officers wear dark blue. Officers carrying out duties out of uniform must present their warrant cards. This is an identity check, not evidence that fake police are a common tourist scam.

What should I do if my card or wallet is stolen?

Block missing cards through your issuer immediately. Report the theft promptly to the police, save your report details and contact your insurer if you have cover.

Which number should I call about a scam?

Call 1799 for a police scam enquiry. Call 999 if you need emergency police help. For a shop rip-off, the free domestic tourism hotline is 1800-736-2000.

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