Imagine leaving behind Tallinn’s peaceful old streets and fairytale towers. You trade quiet mornings and medieval charm for a city full of movement and light. Welcome to Singapore.
Here, things feel alive all the time. Street food stalls sizzle just a few steps from designer shops. Tall buildings shine above you while green jungle paths wait just around the corner. You’re trading a quiet walk through old stone streets for warm tropical evenings, bright city lights, and the exciting energy of something different. It’s a shift in energy, in culture, in pace.
Whether you’re planning your first big solo trip or a short tropical break, or you just want a place that’s safe and easy to explore, Singapore ticks all the boxes. Estonian citizens can visit Singapore for short periods without needing a visa. However, if you plan to stay a little longer, the Singapore eVisa makes the entire process quick, secure, and extremely easy online.
Why Singapore Should Appeal to Estonians
For a traveler coming from the chilled charm of the Baltic, Singapore feels like a technicolor dream. And it’s not just the weather.
English is everywhere in Singapore, from MRT signs to café menus. That means you won’t need to dust off your high school German or rely on wild hand gestures to order coffee. Singapore is also one of the world’s safest cities, with an efficient transport system that’ll make Tallinn’s trams blush.
Singapore shares something with Estonia beyond small size and efficiency. It’s a city-state with a strong sense of identity. Tallinn is full of creative tech spaces and fresh ideas. Singapore matches that energy with sharp planning, strong pride, and multicultural energy.
And don’t forget about travel routes. Finnair via Helsinki or Turkish Airlines through Istanbul will conveniently take you to Singapore any time of year.
There’s also something deeply appealing to Estonians in Singapore’s people. Like Estonians, Singaporeans are very practical. They care about the value of education, safety, and choice. You’ll find everything from vegan satay and halal Korean BBQ to espresso from a café that looks like it came straight out of Telliskivi Creative City.
Understanding Visa Requirements
If you’re traveling from Estonia to Singapore, you’ll need to apply for an eVisa before your trip. Estonian passport holders aren’t visa-exempt for Singapore, so it’s important to get your paperwork sorted ahead of time.
Instead of trying to navigate government forms or embassies, you can apply online through a simplified form. It takes just a few minutes to fill out, and the process is fast, secure, and backed by real-time support.
Here’s how it works:
- Check eligibility: Singapore eVisa for Estonian citizens is valid for 63 days from the issue date, with a maximum stay of up to 29 consecutive days.
- Complete the online form: It’s straightforward and user-friendly, with no government jargon.
- Upload documents: Usually just your passport scan, photo, and Travel confirmation documents.
- Secure Payment: You must pay your fee using a Credit or Debit card. There are no hidden fees.
- Wait for approval: Most applications are processed within 2-6 working days. It depends on which processing option you choose.
Planning Your Flight & Arrival
Let’s talk take-off.
The best part is that Estonians will never be far away from home. Flights from Tallinn via Helsinki (Finnair), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) will drop you in the heart of Southeast Asia. Flight times typically take around 15 to 20 hours, including layovers. It is not direct, but it’s definitely smooth.
As for timing your trip, Singapore’s weather stays pretty steady, but it gets hottest from June to August. For cooler days with less rain, go between December and February. March and May are nice too. It’ll be warm but not too hot, just right for your first tropical adventure. Perfect for enjoying the sunshine without feeling overwhelmed.
When you land at Changi Airport, you’ll feel the shift immediately. It’s more than an airport. It’s a welcome mat woven with orchids and technology. Grab a SIM card at the arrivals hall and load your ride-hailing app (Grab is the local Uber). And hop on the MRT or a taxi to get into town in under 30 minutes.
Weather & What to Pack
Here, the weather doesn’t play by European rules. There are no distinct seasons. Instead, you get steady highs around 30°C all year and sudden bursts of rain that vanish as quickly as they arrive. Rain showers often last less than an hour and are oddly refreshing, almost like a reset button for the city.
Humidity is the real boss in this tropical paradise. It’s thick, unapologetic, and constant. That’s why you’ll want to pack light, literally and figuratively.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Breathable clothing: Think linen shirts, cotton t-shirts, and clothes that won’t cling when you sweat.
- Quick-dry fabrics: They’ll save you during sudden downpours or sticky afternoons.
- Sunscreen and a reusable water bottle: The UV is no joke, and dehydration can sneak up quickly.
- A small umbrella: Locals carry them more often for the sun than for the rain.
- Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll do more walking than you think, especially in places like Gardens by the Bay.
- Swimwear: Even if you’re not heading to Sentosa’s beaches, many hotels have rooftop pools.
- Plug adapter: Singapore uses the British-style Type G power outlet. Bring one, or pick it up at Changi upon arrival.
Navigating and Getting Around
Singapore’s public transport isn’t just efficient, it’s poetry in motion.
You can easily hop on the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) for the fastest way around. It’s clean, safe, and connects almost every part of the city, and connects effortlessly with buses. For these, grab yourself an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card from any MRT station.
Trains are also punctual. The stations are spotless, and announcements are made in clear English. If you prefer a ride, simply use the Grab app. It’s reliable and affordable, especially for late-night adventures.
Download Citymapper, Google Maps, or MyTransport.SG to plan your routes like a local. Walking is also lovely in most parts, especially in early mornings or after sunset.
Must-See Sights & Cultural Highlights
Singapore is compact, but every part of it feels like stepping into a new story. History fans, nature lovers, and even those who just enjoy city lights will find something that sparks their interest. No matter what you’re into, there’s always a corner of the city calling you in.
Video Courtesy @DashingHeights
Iconic Landmarks
Start with the skyline, Marina Bay Sands is a hotel unlike any other. Its three towers hold up a boat-shaped rooftop with an infinity pool that gives dreamy city views. Even if you’re not staying, the SkyPark Observation Deck is perfect at sunset.
Just below lies Gardens by the Bay, where the Supertree Grove shines in a free nighttime light and sound show. Don’t skip Merlion Park either. Singapore’s famous half-lion, half-fish statue stands proudly by the bay. It may be touristy, but like the Eiffel Tower, it’s something you’ll want to see.
Cultural Districts
In Chinatown, you’ll smell incense from temples while people tap away on laptops in trendy cafés. Look up to see red lanterns swaying above old shophouses, close to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and traditional medicine stores.
Take a quick MRT ride to Little India. It’s lively and colorful, with saris at shop entrances, Bollywood music in the air, and spices leading you to the nearest curry spot. Then you can head to Kampong Glam. It is known for its Malay-Arab culture and the Grand Sultan Mosque. Haji Lane is full of cool shops, indie boutiques, murals, street art, and cozy cafés.
Photo Credit: www.nhb.gov.sg
Museums & Heritage
The National Museum of Singapore shows you how the country changed quickly over time. From a colonial trading port to a major global city. The exhibits are fun and engaging, rather than dry or typical classroom lessons.
For something more niche, the Peranakan Museum shows a special mix of Chinese, Malay, and European culture. It’s colorful and personal, with bright tiles, old jewelry, and family stories. It is a great way to explore local heritage. And if you’re in the mood for something unusual and fascinating, Haw Par Villa offers a surreal stroll through Chinese mythology.
Food & Culinary Adventures
Start your food adventure at a hawker centre. They’re the beating heart of the island. Maxwell Food Centre is perfect for first-timers. Order the legendary Hainanese chicken rice. Try laksa if you’re craving heat. If you consider yourself brave enough, then go for the spicy, messy chilli crab.
Breakfast here means kaya toast. It features coconut jam on crispy bread, accompanied by a runny egg and strong coffee.
Vegetarian? Halal? Pescatarian? Singapore’s got you. And if you’re missing European flavors, you’ll find Spanish, French, and even Estonian-inspired cafés tucked in corners of Tiong Bahru and Orchard Road.
Shopping, Leisure & Nightlife
Singapore may be small, but it knows how to indulge in luxury. Whether you’re hunting down bargain souvenirs, sipping cocktails on a rooftop, or losing hours in a theme park, this city doesn’t do boring.
Shopping
Start on Orchard Road is a 2.5-kilometer stretch that’s basically a shopping theme park. Flagship stores, massive malls, underground walkways, it’s all right here. You’ll find global brands, quirky local designers, and strong air conditioning to cool you down. It’s practically a reward for walking.
Shopping in Singapore goes beyond fancy malls. Bugis Street Market offers bargains and bubble tea, all in one lively spot. In Chinatown, you’ll find charming gifts like trinkets, tea sets, and scrolls that feel personal.
Leisure
Sentosa Island is Singapore’s playground. Reachable by cable car or monorail. It’s home to Universal Studios, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and even S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the largest in the world.
If you’re not a fan of theme parks, try relaxing at Tanjong Beach Club. You can sip a cocktail, feel the sand under your feet, and enjoy gentle music. For stunning views, head to rooftop bars like CE LA VI or 1-Altitude.
Nightlife
At night, Clarke Quay shines with bright lights and music. There are bars, clubs, and quiet spots by the river. Marina Bay Sands even has a fancy casino, but you need to be 21 and dressed nicely. After exploring the city and tasting chilli crab, you’re sure to have a fantastic experience.
Day Trips & Excursions
If you want a break from the busy city, there are fun ways to slow things down. Take a ferry to Pulau Ubin for quiet roads and bike rides. You can walk through the green paths of the Southern Ridges and enjoy the view. You can also visit the famous Singapore Zoo or try the Night Safari.
Looking to learn something? Join a Peranakan cooking class, go on a heritage walk, or explore old colonial buildings on foot.
Practical Tips for Estonians
You’ve got your flights booked, your MRT card loaded, and chilli crab under your belt. Now let’s cover the tips that’ll make your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Money Matters: The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is the local currency used here. You’ll find ATMs everywhere, and credit cards are widely accepted. It’s smart to carry some cash for taxis, markets, or small vendors. Singapore has a no-tip culture, and service charges are already included in your bill.
Health & Safety: Singapore is one of the safest cities, with low crime and strict laws. You can walk around even late at night without worry. Tap water is very clean, though bottled or filtered water is often served out of habit. Clinics are easy to find, pharmacists speak English, and unless you’re taking health risks. Travel insurance is rarely needed over there.
Communication & Connectivity: To stay connected, grab a prepaid SIM or e-SIM from Singtel, StarHub, or M1. Those are available at Changi Airport or online. Wi-Fi is easy to find, but it can be slow. Therefore, consider downloading useful apps like Grab or Google Translate before your trip.
Etiquette & Social Harmony: There are quite a few rules to consider. Don’t litter, jaywalk, or chew gum (it’s technically banned for sale). Don’t eat or drink on public transport. These may sound strict, but they’re the reason the city is so spotless and efficient.
You need to show respect for multiculturalism. Dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques. Remove your shoes at someone’s home. And always queue, it’s practically a national pastime.
Conclusion
From the old streets of Tallinn to the beautiful gardens of Singapore, you’re entering a world where tradition and modern life blend effortlessly. You can sip kopi at a hawker stall, catch a train, and watch the city light up in the rain.
But to experience all of this, need to apply for your Singapore eVisa first. You can apply for your e-visa online. It’s quick and very easy. Pack your adapter, prep your playlist, and get set for an unforgettable trip.
Bon voyage.
