One of the things that makes me proud to be a Singaporean is that my country is one of the safest countries in the world. It has a consistently low crime rate!

To be fair, we’re not a perfect country, but I generally feel safe exploring the island, even on my own! 

So, if you like to travel solo and are thinking of booking a trip here, let me keep your doubts and worries at bay with this guide to exploring Singapore safely!

Tips for Safety in Singapore

• Always carry a small flashlight with you. If you can find a small flashlight, bring one with you in case you get stuck walking in a dark alley or somewhere where the lights suddenly switch off. 
• Carry some pepper spray or a whistle. While it’s unlikely that you’ll use tear gas or a whistle, it’s still better to keep one in case of emergencies. This way, you can easily catch people’s attention. 
• Stay away from dark alleys. Keep out of dark alleyways with little to no lighting nearby. It may be difficult to see where you’re going or what you might bump into in the dark. 
• Be mindful of the alcohol curfew hours. Singapore has alcohol curfews keeping establishments from selling alcoholic beverages between 11:59 pm and 6:00 am. You also can’t drink in public areas between 10:30 pm and 7:00 am.  
• Use a small bag with seals or zippers. To keep your personal belongings safe from snatchers, bring a small bag that can keep all your stuff in one place and seal it with a zipper. Body bags or fanny packs are great examples! 
• Buy travel insurance. Before booking a trip to the Lion City, consider getting travel insurance to ensure that whatever emergency happens to you on your trip, you’re covered. 
• Keep emergency hotlines saved on your phone. Remember these numbers: 999 and 995. The former is the Police Emergency hotline while the latter is the Emergency Ambulance and Fire hotline. 

What is the crime rate in Singapore?

According to Statista, the crime rate in Singapore has consistently been one of the lowest in the world, averaging 847 per 100,000 people. 

The Global Risk Index ranked Singapore as the 4th safest country in the world in 2023, with a risk index of 0.63. The index assesses a country’s overall risk of disaster, whether natural, political, social, or environmental. 

Why is Singapore’s crime rate so low? 

A few reasons why Singapore’s crime rate is consistently low is that it enforces strict laws and hefty fines or penalties for small offences. It also has a death penalty in place for drug-related offences. 

One example is the penalty for importing and selling chewing gum. You can be fined between $500 to $1,000 on your first offence, and about $2,000 or more for repeat cases. 

Singaporeans are also encouraged to report crimes to the police through several channels, whether online or by visiting a police station. 

What is the most common crime committed in Singapore? 

The most common crime committed in Singapore is petty theft and digital scams. According to Statista, about 851 scams, cybercrimes, and 145 theft-related crimes were reported per 100,000 people in 2023. 

Although Singapore is a generally safe country for tourists, the number of cybercrimes has increased greatly over the last decade. 

Is it safe to walk alone at night in Singapore?

Yes, it is safe to walk alone at night in Singapore. Most streets are well-lit and crowded, especially within the Central Business District where most foot traffic is concentrated. 

Is Singapore safe for women?

Yes, Singapore is a safe country to visit for women. According to the World Population Review, Singapore ranks within the top ten safest countries to live and visit for women, owing to the country’s low crime rate. 

Is Singapore safe for solo travellers?

Yes, Singapore is a safe country to visit for solo travellers. According to Budget Direct, in 2023, Singapore welcomed over 11 million tourists from all over the world, with many of them travelling to the island on a solo trip following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Also, in a study conducted by Explore Worldwide using Google search data, Singapore ranked 9 in the most searched cities or countries to visit by solo travellers. Yearly Google search rates for Singapore as a destination rose by 390%.