SG Saathi, your Singapore Travel Buddy

After landing

Changi Airport arrival — what to do first

Changi Airport is organised and straightforward. Follow these steps in order.

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   Immigration

   Follow signs to Immigration. Have your passport, return ticket and hotel address ready. The SG Arrival Card must be submitted online before arrival — check the ICA website.

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   Baggage claim

   Baggage belts are close to immigration exits. Check the screens for your flight number. Trolleys are free at Changi.

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   SIM card or eSIM

   SIM counters (Singtel, StarHub, M1) are in the arrivals hall. Bring your passport. Activation takes a few minutes. Tourist SIMs typically cost SGD 15–30. Alternatively, activate your eSIM before landing.

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   MRT from Changi Airport

   Take the MRT from Changi Airport station (East West Line / Expo interchange). It runs regularly and reaches the city centre in about 30–40 minutes. Buy an EZ-Link card or use contactless payment at the fare gates.

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   Grab pickup

   Grab and taxi pickup zones are marked on each terminal's arrival level. Follow the signs for 'Taxi & Private Hire'. Do not accept unlicensed drivers who approach inside the terminal.

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   Travelling with seniors or heavy luggage

   Lifts are available throughout Changi. If you have heavy bags or elderly parents with limited mobility, consider a metered taxi or Grab for the first leg, then switch to MRT for later trips.

Counter locations and terminal layouts can change. Verify at the Changi Airport official website before travel.

MRT payment

Tap and Go — using contactless on MRT and buses

Singapore MRT and buses accept contactless Visa and Mastercard through the SimplyGo system. Here is what to know before you tap:

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  Contactless cards can work

  Most Visa and Mastercard contactless cards are accepted on Singapore MRT and buses via SimplyGo.

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  Foreign-issued cards may incur fees

  Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee or overseas contactless fee on each tap. Check with your bank before relying on this.

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  Some cards may fail

  If your card has overseas or contactless settings disabled, it will not work at fare gates. Enable overseas contactless use before you travel.

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  EZ-Link or tourist pass is simpler for families

  For families making multiple trips, an EZ-Link card (available at MRT stations and 7-Eleven) or a Singapore Tourist Pass avoids per-transaction conversion fees and works reliably. Cards for children are available.

Fee structures and card acceptance can change. Verify current terms with your bank and the SimplyGo official website before travel.

Practical comfort

Water and restrooms — reassurance for families with seniors

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  Tap water is safe to drink

  Singapore tap water meets WHO drinking water standards and is monitored by PUB, the national water agency. Families can drink tap water at hotels, restaurants and public taps. Buying bottled water is optional.

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  Clean public restrooms are widely available

  Public toilets are available at MRT stations, malls, attractions and most hawker centres. Major malls such as Jewel Changi, VivoCity, ION Orchard and Marina Bay Sands have well-maintained facilities with accessible cubicles.

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  Plan rest breaks at malls

  Singapore's shopping malls are air-conditioned and have seating areas. For families with elderly parents, plan mall stops between outdoor attractions for rest, food and facilities.

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  Carry a small bottle

  Even though tap water is safe, carrying a refillable bottle keeps everyone hydrated between stops, especially during outdoor walks at attractions like Gardens by the Bay.