Useful Mobile Apps for Tourists in Singapore

It’s 2017 and we live in the age of smartphones. For every problem mankind faces, chances are, there’s an app for it—but no one needs a smartphone full of gimmicky apps!

Here’s our guide to the 18 must-have smartphone apps for navigating Singapore and getting the best out of our sunny city-state!

Public Transportation - Explore Singapore MRT Map, SG BusLeh, Citymapper

Explore Singapore MRT Map (left), Citymapper (right)

Count on Explore Singapore MRT map (ios/Android) to give you an up-to-date map of Singapore's train system, timetables and directions between stations. SG BusLeh (ios/Android) is also another essential app that tells you the bus schedule, next bus arrival timing and bus routes.

More than just the typical navigation map, Citymapper (ios/Android) even plans routes based on preferences such as ‘fewest transfers’ and ‘heat safe’(route). It also tells you the best section of the train to board in order to minimise transfer times in stations.

 

Taxis - Grab, Comfort DelGro, Surge, NoSurge 

Grab (left), Surge (right)

Singapore has an efficient public transport system to help you get around the island, but there are still places in Singapore that can be pretty secluded. Besides Uber (ios/android), you can also download Grab (a taxi app similar to Uber) (ios/android) and Comfort Delgro (ios/android), an app created by Singapore’s dominating taxi company.

If you would like to find out the Uber surge rates around your current location before ordering one, download Surge (ios) or NoSurge (Android).

 

Weather - MyEnv

MyEnv

Although it’s generally either sunny or rainy in Singapore (we are located along the equator), Singapore gets the occasional haze. To monitor the PSI (amount of air pollution), you’d want to have MyEnv (ios/Android) downloaded on your phone. Besides giving you the latest air quality information, the app also sends push-notification alerts when it’s raining at certain locations—so you are well-prepared regardless of the weather!

 

Dining - Hungrygowhere, Chope, Eatigo

Hungrygowhere (left), Eatigo (Right)

If you’re the type of person who likes to find out what’s good at a restaurant before going there, apps like Hungrygowhere (ios/Android) and Chope (ios/Android) allow you to read reviews of various eateries in Singapore and make reservations to dine there.

And if you want to take your restaurant reservation game to the next level, Eatigo (ios/Android) is the way to go! Offering time-based discounts, users can make restaurant reservations and enjoy dining discounts at the same time. You’re welcome.

 

Shopping - Here Got Sale, Pocket Malls Singapore

Here Got Sale (left), Pocket Malls Singapore (Right)

If it’s one thing Singaporeans can’t resist—besides food—it’s a sale! For all you shopaholics out there, you’d wanna download Here Got Sale (ios/android) onto your phones. The app lists the latest warehouse sales, clearance sales, discounts, sales and promotions from retailers.

And if the Singapore’s mega malls get too complex to navigate, you can count on Pocket Malls Singapore (ios) to locate the stores you’re looking for. Integrated with Foursquare service, users can also view photos, reviews and useful tips for the stores.

 

Entertainment - Hosay, Singlish Can Lah!, The ENTERTAINER

Hosay (left), The ENTERTAINER (right)

Surprise locals by ordering kopi in a thick Singaporean accent! Hosay (ios) and Singlish Can Lah! (Android)! These apps will be your guides to learning Colloquial Singaporean English (a.k.a. Singlish). The former even offers  users audio clips so you can learn as you listen!

For those of you who want to experience Singapore’s attractions or leisure activities without forking out a hefty sum, download The ENTERTAINER (ios/Android)! The app shares discount and freebie coupons from a variety of merchants so you can enjoy yourself without worrying about burning a hole in your pocket.

 

Misc - Wireless@SG, iChangi

Wireless@SG (left), iChangi (right)

Wireless@SG (ios/Android) is Singapore’s largest free Wi-Fi network. While you don’t need to download the app to use the service, the app offers users additional benefits such as quick Wi-Fi setup (for SIM and non-SIM devices), hotspot locator and hotspot rating.

Voted the world’s best airport 5 years in a row, Changi Airport even has an app of its own! Besides notifying you of changes in your flight, iChangi (ios/Android) also shows you terminal maps, 360-degree panoramic view of key attractions at Changi Airport and information about shops, restaurants, facilities and services available at the airport!