Essentials

the only 2 you need

Several ways to save money when travelling:

-If you're staying at a hotel, bring the bottled water along with you as the weather is just like Brunei's but you don't need me to tell you that. AND buying water at any 7-11s are expensive. If you run out of it, there are water refills along the road so bottle-up. Or, you can drink the tap water as it is safe. (But let's stick to bottled hotel water yes?)

-Get the EZ-link card. Don't buy he tourist pass or the green card at the MRT station.
Pros:
-It saves you time from getting in a line to buy a one-trip fare ticket.
-You can use it on busses.

Cons:
-the card itself is $5 non-refundable, compared to the $1 refundable green card.

You can top-up the card up to $500 max. If you plan to hop around the public transportation, top it up with $20 (I'm staying a week so it only makes sense).
If you're staying shorter than that, top it up $10. Lights will go on when your card balance reaches $3. That means you have to top up again.

Other than that, bring a foldable umbrella because of the monsoon. Tissues (everything is pretty clean around here)

And if you love books, apply for a membership at any bookstores (I'm looking at Kinokuniya) but think about if it's worth the application fees.

Study map routes and don't be afraid to ask around if you get lost!
Download helpful apps.
I'm highly relying on Google Maps on my phone as it tells me which bus/MRT to take and what time it departs and provides me a route to the stations.
ION Orchard also has an app for easy directory.

Cheers!

xom. [Posted via Blogaway]