These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Singapore, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
How it works: Near attractions like Sentosa, Marina Bay or the airport, touts offer 'discount' tour packages, attraction tickets or private car tours that are overpriced, misrepresented or not properly booked.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets from official counters, the attraction's own website or a reputable operator. Singapore is heavily regulated, so treat any street-side hard sell with caution and compare the official price first.
How it works: When you pay by card, a shop, restaurant or taxi terminal offers to charge you in your home currency instead of Singapore dollars, quietly applying a poor exchange rate and an extra fee.
How to avoid it: Always choose to be charged in Singapore dollars (SGD) so your own bank sets the rate. Decline 'dynamic currency conversion' whenever the terminal offers your home currency.
How it works: Staff or a helpful stranger implies that a large tip is expected, even though most sit-down places already add a service charge and tipping is not customary in Singapore.
How to avoid it: Note that a service charge is usually included on restaurant bills and tipping is not expected. There is no need to add a further large tip, so do not feel pressured into one.