For many of us in Singapore, especially those with kids, the December holidays here and travel will undoubtedly be on the agenda.
Before we actually set off for a destination, though, there has to be a fair amount of planning. From creating a travel itinerary, to comparing prices and trying to squeeze every bit of value out of our trips.
As with a lot of things, travel isn’t cheap. With flights, hotels, currency exchange, meals, and attractions all meaning we have to spend more each time we go abroad, being intentional with our pre-departure preparations can make a real difference to the final bill.
What might look like small decisions often add up. Incurring heftier foreign transaction fees, overspending on data roaming, and ignoring advanced bookings. These are just a few avoidable costs. But, the good news is that a little groundwork before you fly can easily save you hundreds (or maybe thousands).
With that in mind, here are 6 practical things every Singaporean traveller should sort out before leaving the country.
Read Also: 6 Best Year-End Holiday Destinations For Singaporeans Based On Exchange Rates In 2025
#1 Set Up A Multi-Currency Card Before You Fly
One of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary foreign currency fees, particularly on credit cards, is to equip yourself with a good multi-currency card.
For most people, this means setting up pre-paid debit card that allows for FX spending, like YouTrip, Revolut, Wise, or even Trust Bank’s foreign currency function.
These cards let you lock in competitive exchange rates upfront and spend overseas without the typical 3.5% foreign transaction fee that banks often tag onto credit cards so that you can earn air miles.
Remember, spending on an air miles credit card overseas effectively means that you’re “buying” miles given the often hefty FX fees involved.
Pre-paid multicurrency debit cards that can hold multiple currencies and allow you to tap to pay while overseas, whether at a convenience store in Tokyo or splitting a meal in Bangkok. Given that many of these cards are app-based, you get instant notifications that help you track holiday spending more clearly.
#2 Withdraw Cash Smartly (Or Avoid It Entirely)
Most Singaporeans still carry some cash overseas, even if digital payments are widely accepted. There’s nothing wrong with that but the method matters too. Small, frequent withdrawals from overseas ATMs usually attract repeated fixed fees, which we obviously want to avoid.
A preferable approach is to withdraw a larger amount in one go so you just pay the ATM fee once. Some cards (particularly the multi-currency cards just mentioned) partner with ATM networks that waive or reduce fees altogether, which is worth checking before you leave.
The other question is whether you should exchange money in Singapore or overseas. This can depend on where you’re headed.
For more obscure destinations, like exclusive beach resorts and smaller cities, bringing cash from Singapore might be cheaper, safer and more convenient. But, with big tourist hubs (like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong), it can actually be potentially cheaper to use popular money changers in your destination.
It’s useful to do a quick search on local travel forums or check comparison sites before deciding. You may even find that you barely need cash. Some places will be highly digital, such as cities in Europe, while places like Japan can have many small businesses that still only accept cash.
#3 Arrange Overseas Data Roaming Or Buy An eSIM
Some of us may feel that data is almost like air when you travel, absolutely critical. Yet many Singaporeans still land in a foreign airport, switch on their phones in order to contact their hotels or get a ride hail service – and get hit by expensive pay-per-use roaming charges. You may also think that getting a local SIM card is cheaper, but that not only not always true, it can also be time-consuming and stressful.
Sorting out your connectivity before departure avoids this entirely. Almost every telco in Singapore has affordable roaming plans for the region you’re in. If you prefer eSIMs, some of the better options might be to use popular providers like Airalo or Nomad. These let you purchase a data plan and then activate an eSIM in advance of travel. You simply purchase the eSIM, install the plan and you’re ready to connect as soon as the plane lands.
#4 Download Local Taxi, Transport, And Food Delivery Apps Before You Go
This might be one of the biggest money savers because tourists often overpay when they rely on hotel taxis, airport limousines, or street-hail rides. Local ride-hailing apps level the playing field.
In many countries, options like Grab and Uber (as well as Didi in China) work out significantly cheaper and more predictable.
Having these apps downloaded and logged in – along with payment methods sorted – before you leave Singapore saves time when you arrive.
You avoid the scenario where you’re standing outside an airport, frantically trying to download an app and linking your card to it.
The same applies to public transport and food delivery. Apps like Citymapper, local metro apps, or services such as Deliveroo, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Meituan can often provide you with an extra option if you don’t feel like heading out to eat for every meal.
#5 Activate And Test Your Payment Apps
Digital payments are so seamless in Singapore that we forget other countries may handle them differently.
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayNow-linked debit cards and app-based wallets like GrabPay, WeChat Pay or Alipay may or may not work overseas depending on merchant support and card compatibility.
Testing your payment apps before you fly reduces surprises. For example, some cards need a one-time password (OTP) for overseas transactions.
Certain destinations, especially China, also require the proper setup of Alipay+ or WeChat Pay linked to your Singapore card. Doing this properly ensures you’re not stuck at a payment terminal while a queue forms behind you.
#6 Check For Tourist Passes And Pre-Book Attractions
Some of the easiest savings come from pre-booking activities. Many cities offer tourist passes that combine public transport with discounted entry to museums, theme parks, or guided tours.
Buying these packages often costs far less than paying for each attraction separately. Another option is to buy entry to specific attractions and activities by visiting sites like Klook or Pelago before you head off to your destination.
Many global attractions can be accessed via these sites and they can also give you discounts by buying online ahead of time versus buying on-site on the day you visit. You also skip the queue when you get there, so you can potentially save both money and time.
Sometimes, popular tourist attractions may also be booked out by the time we arrive at the location. This may potentially spoil our travel experience.
Trying To Save Money Doesn’t Mean A Less Fun Holiday
Saving money on travel doesn’t mean cutting back on the joy of the trip you’re going on. It simply means avoiding the small leaks that quietly drain your budget.
When you sort out your currency, payment methods, apps, data, and attraction tickets before leaving, your holiday becomes smoother and way more cost-efficient. In fact, the cost-savings can go toward improving your holiday, allowing you to do and experience more.
A bit of pre-planning goes a long way. And when you come home with experiences, memories, and maybe even some leftover travel money, you’ll be glad you took these small steps (to avoid stress and save money) before stepping onto the plane.
Read Also: Where Your Airfare Really Goes: The Hidden Costs Behind Every Flight Ticket, And Who Gets Paid
