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.
Come funziona: 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.
Come evitarla: 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.
Come funziona: 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.
Come evitarla: 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.
Come funziona: 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.
Come evitarla: 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.