Travel advices/tips (some precautionary measures to take note)

[sphere]

Saw in the news about the "Man charged with theft on flight..." (here and there), so thought of 'compiling' a list of things we all could take note of when travelling.

[not sure if there is an existing/similar thread on this though... and this thread is not about travel destinations and/or its itinerary]

 

 

Assuming you had already booked the best air tickets and accommodations, the following are the things I would do:

Before traveling

• make sure passport has at least 6 months of validity (save soft copies of documents, if necessary)
• e-register with MFA (sometimes forgotten, especially for short trips, haha)
• submit online arrival card for travel destination, if any
• check VISA requirements, if any, of travel destinations
• check travel destinations' entry requirements/restrictions; health & vaccinations requirements; customs regulations 
• bring enough cash (if cards are not widely accepted as source of transactions at travel destinations)     *
• get travel insurance
• get e-SIM (cheaper) for travel destination(s) in advance, or buy it over there (optional)
• get International Driving License (optional)

Onboard the plane

• carry important documents/cash with you at all times (not leaving them in the bag/luggage)
• board the plane as early as possible     **
• do not help strangers with their bag/luggages on the plane, let the air steward/stewardess do it     ***
• choose aisle seat (optional) - I prefer to keep sight of my bag/luggage
• avoid drinking too much water, else you might need to use the toilet but seatbelt sign is on for a very, very long duration due to turbulence (happened to me once)

Abroad

• do not help strangers with their bag/luggages at the airport (should something happened, you might become the 'accomplice')     ***
• take care of personal safety at all times
• obey the laws and respect the cultures/customs of travel destinations
• lockup important documents/cash, carry minimum cash where possible
• if you are driving, know the traffic rules and check vehicle insurance coverage (optional to drive overseas)

Prior to return

• submit 'Sg Arrival Card' online
• as above on "Onboard the plane"

 

 

* nowadays, I bring YouTrip card (multi-currency travel card/wallet), pretty much hassle-free and easy to use. There are other similar such card options of course.

** this is to ensure that my bag/luggage is within sight from where I'm seated, either above or opposite overhead compartment, don't want to take any chances eh.

*** not because I am not helpful, just a precaution to safeguard ourselves from crime(s), so that we don't leave behind our thumbprints/DNA (or being mistaken as 'accomplice'), etc.

 

 

The above list is not exhaustive, please feel free to share/add on your important 'must do' list eh, haha.

 

[zyjd]

I have a Crumpler Goose (small) and old wallet I use solely for travelling. Other than leaving my phone in my front left pocket out of habit, my travel wallet and passport is always in the crossbody pouch that I wear around. I like that it's small enough that I've never had to remove it while the plane's taking off/landing, and when I go to colder countries and have to wear a jacket - this can be worn underneath it for added safety. I've been a victim of a pickpocketing attempt while in the Grand Bazaar in Istabul, and fortunately all that the thief got out of my coat's pocket was a fabric tissue holder gifted to me some years back that probably felt like a wallet to him hahaha

 

I also don't bring along my credit cards in my travel wallet; besides a simple ATM card for that's enabled for overseas emergency use, I use PayWave on my phone to prevent unnecessary trouble if I ever lose it. Another thing I don't really use is the hotel safe; I might leave my laptop or iPad inside if I was forced to bring it along on holiday, but I've never trusted it enough to put spare cash etc. inside because it's quite easily opened and accessed by the staff of the hotel.

[Steve5380]

I have traveled extensively locally and around the world,  and I recognize the advices given by the TS.  I just never made a list of them, they come naturally.

 

One thing I don't do is to drive overseas, unless it is absolutely necessary.  So I never had a problem with Singaporeans driving on the wrong? (right?) side of the road, the opposite of what we do in the US.   I only have driven on the left side for one year when I worked in Trinidad and Tobago.  After that, starting to drive in the US I had an incident where a car came directly to a front collision with mine and... and I realized that I was driving on the wrong side.  Fortunately, I made it to the right side in time.

[GWTW]

Just one little advise on this matter. Dun rely too much on your mobile phone. Once your mobile is dead, you will have problem. 🥹 

[lonelyglobe]

Bring 2 wallet, put half of the cash and 1 card in each wallet,  in case u lost or kena rob one,  u still have a spare one. 

[AgentFit]

1 hour ago, GWTW said:

Just one little advise on this matter. Dun rely too much on your mobile phone. Once your mobile is dead, you will have problem. 🥹 

 

ya, this piece of advice makes alot of sense as we become increasingly dependent on digital tools.    Really need backup plans.  I normally try to bring along ipad as well, or print out critical info (eg hotel location and booking reference nos) in addition to having this info on my phone.

[youdoyou]

9 hours ago, GWTW said:

Just one little advise on this matter. Dun rely too much on your mobile phone. Once your mobile is dead, you will have problem. 🥹 

And don’t walk around looking lost, with your phone in your hand.
what I do is to walk with purpose, as if I’m on a regular walk through a city. I whip out my phone only periodically to be sure I’m going in the right direction, otherwise I make it a point not to look lost.

[youdoyou]

Also probably an unpopular thing to do, but I usually leave my passport in the room. Better there than risk losing it while I’m out and about.

[doncoin]

Airtag all your bags and suitcases, or those with Find My tech built in. 

[KeyboardCrusader]

18 hours ago, Steve5380 said:

So I never had a problem with Singaporeans driving on the wrong? (right?) side of the road, the opposite of what we do in the US.   I only have driven on the left side for one year when I worked in Trinidad and Tobago.  After that, starting to drive in the US I had an incident where a car came directly to a front collision with mine and... and I realized that I was driving on the wrong side.

what makes you think the right side is the wrong side of the road? We are quite literally on the right side of the car when driving. You purposely use "wrong side" instead of "left side" just to again try to show your "USA supremacy" right?

 

this is a singaporean forum, show some respect to us and our culture and way of living

[egal]

yall bring ur passport, wallet / cash with u even if u go to the plane loo

 

?

[youdoyou]

5 hours ago, egal said:

yall bring ur passport, wallet / cash with u even if u go to the plane loo

 

?

That might be a bit much, at least for me 😛. I feel that the more cautious you appear, the more attention you draw to yourself, which isn’t necessarily what you want especially in a country you’re not familiar with. having said that, different people have different risk appetites so carrying the wallet and passport, even to the plane’s loo, might be more reassuring.

[Steve5380]

7 hours ago, KeyboardCrusader said:

what makes you think the right side is the wrong side of the road? We are quite literally on the right side of the car when driving. You purposely use "wrong side" instead of "left side" just to again try to show your "USA supremacy" right?

 

this is a singaporean forum, show some respect to us and our culture and way of living

 

LOL!!  Are you KeyboardCrusader or KeyboardFighter??  I KNEW that this would come up, that's why I put signs of interrogation after each option. 

 

Yes, you sit on the right side of the car,  but we drive on the right side...  of the road.  Who is more "right"?   No one, it is arbitrary.  You should show more respect to fellow members instead of incorrectly assigning them some evil intentions.

[Steve5380]

6 hours ago, egal said:

yall bring ur passport, wallet / cash with u even if u go to the plane loo

 

?

 

Yes, of course.  We should carry these objects on our persona, so they go wherever we go. 

[Mickey.Lois]

8 hours ago, egal said:

yall bring ur passport, wallet / cash with u even if u go to the plane loo

 

?

 

read the first post on the tip of onboard the plane.

 

I always have a smaller waist pouch to keep my passport, wallet/cash on board a plane. It is wrapped round my waist and goes with me wherever I go in the plane, which of course the farthest will be to the loo. but it never leave me.

 

When reaching the destination, i then put the waist pouch and the entire content into the backpack. It will an another layer of protection should someone try to slit cut your backpack to pickpocket your stuff.

[nipslikesugar]

don't choose in-flight meals that can disturb your bowels movement. one time i had butter chicken and drank some water to push it down, but i think i drank too much. once the seat belt sign was on, my bowels moved and i had to clench my hole so tight i broke a sweat or two. it was the most intense 30 minutes i've ever experienced.😅

[yhtang]

23 hours ago, youdoyou said:

Also probably an unpopular thing to do, but I usually leave my passport in the room. Better there than risk losing it while I’m out and about.

 

I prefer to have my passport with me all the time.

If I need to change currencies, it is often a requirement that I present my passport.

 

My other concern is that, should I ever meet with a calamity of sorts while travelling alone, at least the authorities could know who I am and my nationality based on my passport, and inform the embassy of my country. 

 

[doncoin]

11 hours ago, nipslikesugar said:

don't choose in-flight meals that can disturb your bowels movement. one time i had butter chicken and drank some water to push it down, but i think i drank too much. once the seat belt sign was on, my bowels moved and i had to clench my hole so tight i broke a sweat or two. it was the most intense 30 minutes i've ever experienced.😅

 

 

Also pre-flight meals. Avoid spicy food before your flight.  Happened to me once. Had the laksa at the lounge and then spent part of the 4 hour flight HK running to the toilet. I don't think laksa is the problem per se. But when laksa is mixed with champagne that was served on the flight, it created a rumble. 

[singalion]

On 3/19/2025 at 11:53 PM, KeyboardCrusader said:

what makes you think the right side is the wrong side of the road? We are quite literally on the right side of the car when driving. You purposely use "wrong side" instead of "left side" just to again try to show your "USA supremacy" right?

 

this is a singaporean forum, show some respect to us and our culture and way of living

 

Just as a reference:

 

 

A map indicating which countries drive on the right side of the road, and which drive on the left side. 

 

right side comes up to 75%

 

 

Kindly also respect other cultures and way of living, won't you?

If your tolerance level is that small, just wonder how it is towards other gays...

 

 

 

[singalion]

18 hours ago, youdoyou said:

That might be a bit much, at least for me 😛. I feel that the more cautious you appear, the more attention you draw to yourself, which isn’t necessarily what you want especially in a country you’re not familiar with. having said that, different people have different risk appetites so carrying the wallet and passport, even to the plane’s loo, might be more reassuring.

 

I guess if you empty all your valuables in front of everyone in your seat row, you would leave an impression that there is something to get... ha ha.

 

Not that I intend to point to anyone, but so far the majority of culprits were from Mainland China and flights from Hong Kong, Vietnam, KL to Singapore. (if you read the news). Strangely, it mostly affected SQ and Scoot...

 

That is the most recent:

A man was charged in court on Tuesday (Mar 18) with stealing cash and a credit card while on board a Scoot flight heading to Singapore. 

Zhang Kun, a 51-year-old Chinese national, was purportedly observed by a male passenger taking a bag from the overhead compartment of the plane back to his seat and rummaging through it

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/man-charged-stealing-money-credit-card-scoot-flight-kuala-lumpur-singapore-denies-theft-5006996

 

Before:

The man, a Chinese national, will be charged in court on Thursday with theft.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/man-arrested-steal-us885-cash-flight-changi-airport-4919126

 

Before: 

Zhang Xiuqiang had stolen from three passengers during the flight but was apprehended during disembarkation.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/bit-harsh-china-man-steal-scoot-flight-vietnam-jail-8-months-4042936

 

A man who stole the equivalent of about S$120,000 (US$88,700) from a jeweller on a Singapore Airlines flight was sentenced to two-and-a-half years' jail on Friday (Jun 21).

Peng Hui, a 54-year-old China national, had initially told the court when he was charged that he did not admit guilt, but eventually pleaded guilty to four charges.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/china-national-jailed-stealing-120k-singaporean-jewellery-sq-sia-flight-4426351

 

A recent case involved two Chinese nationals who were fined RM5,700 (US$1,274) by the Balik Pulau Magistrates’ Court after stealing over RM5,500 (US$1,210) from two Malaysian passengers on a flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur. This follows similar incidents, including one on October 26, where a 49-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stealing HK$4,300 (US$553) from passengers aboard a flight from Malaysia to Hong Kong.

https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Airline-News/Be-careful-of-thieves-stealing-valuables-on-flights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[singalion]

13 hours ago, nipslikesugar said:

don't choose in-flight meals that can disturb your bowels movement. one time i had butter chicken and drank some water to push it down, but i think i drank too much. once the seat belt sign was on, my bowels moved and i had to clench my hole so tight i broke a sweat or two. it was the most intense 30 minutes i've ever experienced.😅

 

But it can be the same when you drink too much water or something before your flight and then the take off is delayed (or in precaution of turbulences you can't visit the toilet). The problem is that at Changi the toilets are outside of the departure lounge on the corridors. Once you entered the departure gate section, you need to go out again.

Some airports like in Indonesia it is even worse, when there are just 2 toilets and you need to walk very far...

 

Happened to me on delayed KL flights, when it took hours to take off while sitting already in the plane and I felt I need to go to the toilet very soon but couldn't... and had to wait hoping for the best until the seat belt sign was off after take off (can be another 15 to 20 mins)...

 

Means a sip too big can cause you really trouble....

 

 

[singalion]

3 hours ago, yhtang said:

 

I prefer to have my passport with me all the time.

If I need to change currencies, it is often a requirement that I present my passport.

 

My other concern is that, should I ever meet with a calamity of sorts while travelling alone, at least the authorities could know who I am and my nationality based on my passport, and inform the embassy of my country. 

 

 

But for that (calamity) your national ID or driving licence should do. Getting a new passport can be more troublesome, in particular if you don't have a consulate or embassy nearby...

 

I try to keep the passport always safe at the hotel.

 

But I know like in Vietnam or India, you need to show a passport at the moneychanger or bank, in that case I will just bring it for that purpose but go back to my hotel as soon as I changed the money and plan my trip accordingly. Best is to bring sufficient local currency with you. Most often the exchange rate overseas is worse than at home...or in the other case the exchange rate comes to some cents looking at the amount you then change.  (in particular if you stay in Singapore, most often the rate is better than overseas and in certain countries you can only change at banks, which is very troublesome often). 

 

But I noted that the exchange rate for the Ringgit comes quite close nowadays, changing in Malaysia or in Singapore.)

 

 

Edited March 20 by singalion

[sphere]

On 3/19/2025 at 1:15 PM, GWTW said:

Just one little advise on this matter. Dun rely too much on your mobile phone. Once your mobile is dead, you will have problem. 🥹 

 

On 3/19/2025 at 10:18 PM, AgentFit said:

 

ya, this piece of advice makes alot of sense as we become increasingly dependent on digital tools.    Really need backup plans.  I normally try to bring along ipad as well, or print out critical info (eg hotel location and booking reference nos) in addition to having this info on my phone.

 

I do agree that one should not be overly dependent on digital tools and having printouts as backout.

 

But I'm kind of lazy, haha, plus printouts would a little wastage of papers (usually I showed email where necessary).

As I am not a gaming person, I made sure my phone was fully charged when I travel out and I didn't have to use my phone on the flight (no signal anyway), so when I reached my destination, my phone battery life was usually above 90%.

 

Of course, I understand that a phone could still go 'dead' without warning, so for the important information/documents, I usually WhatsApp & email myself these information/documents. If the phone have to be 'dead' for whatever reason, I could still retrieve the information/documents from my email, as long as there is internet? Haha.

 

The other good thing about our country (along side with a few other countries) is the use of digital ID - Singpass, which means we do not need to bring a physical NRIC, and also our local driving license is included in the Singpass (if required). This is for the need to prove our identification where necessary (again if the phone is 'dead', I could still get it from my email - image copy of NRIC/Passport).

 

Just my sharing on the above eh, haha.

 

Edited March 21 by sphere

[lean n mean]

Email to yrself photos of yr passport info n credit card n ic etc so when they r lost u can retrieve their info to report. 
 

i take a pic or even video my luggage when its checked into the luggage belt. Useful when it comes to insurance claims .

[yhtang]

17 hours ago, lean n mean said:

Email to yrself photos of yr passport info n credit card n ic etc so when they r lost u can retrieve their info to report. 
 

i take a pic or even video my luggage when its checked into the luggage belt. Useful when it comes to insurance claims .

 

This is a good idea. 
 

I once lost my phone in a foreign country.  When I tried to access my email account, my email required me to verify my identity via my mobile phone.  I was unable to do so because I lost my phone. 

 

The moral of the story is not to lose your phone in a foreign country otherwise you will not be able to access the information sent to your email.

[lean n mean]

If u wear disposable undies, bring an extra one in yr bag cos they may tear if you use the toilet often 🤣

 

bring ear plugs or noise cancelling earphones on board  if flying budget cos there may be crying children from hell !!!

[Thatguy642]

I would also like to add that especially as Singaporeans, it’s pretty important to be able to act like you know what you’re doing to prevent being a target. I see it a lot especially with middle aged and even younger millennials/Gen Z where they’re in a different (more vibrant) city but still act oblivious.
 

This comes from Singapore being extremely safe, where you can just be on your phone 24/7 while walking or on the train and just zone out. I feel like SG is the only place where people are this unaware (except maybe Tokyo?) of their surroundings just because they don’t have to be.

 

but in some of the bigger cities where petty crime, etc. is a thing, walking around super slowly while staring at your phone is a pretty good way to make yourself a target.

 

so look up from your phones, look around you and take it all in, be present and aware so you know what’s going on because not many places (in fact, most other places aren’t) as safe as Singapore.

[youdoyou]

36 minutes ago, Thatguy642 said:

I would also like to add that especially as Singaporeans, it’s pretty important to be able to act like you know what you’re doing to prevent being a target. I see it a lot especially with middle aged and even younger millennials/Gen Z where they’re in a different (more vibrant) city but still act oblivious.
 

This comes from Singapore being extremely safe, where you can just be on your phone 24/7 while walking or on the train and just zone out. I feel like SG is the only place where people are this unaware (except maybe Tokyo?) of their surroundings just because they don’t have to be.

 

but in some of the bigger cities where petty crime, etc. is a thing, walking around super slowly while staring at your phone is a pretty good way to make yourself a target.

 

so look up from your phones, look around you and take it all in, be present and aware so you know what’s going on because not many places (in fact, most other places aren’t) as safe as Singapore.

Totally agree. You can’t do this in parts of Latin America, for example. Not a good idea in parts of Europe too.

Adding to this, don’t leave your valuables unattended when you’re elsewhere. Just cos you can reserve a table with your bag or a packet of tissue in Singapore doesn’t mean you can do the same in other countries. It could also be socially inappropriate. 

[egal]

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/travel/emergency-bag-essentials-pack.html

[egal]

k so some bring their passport with them even to the plane loo n some dont

[reece7700]

On 3/20/2025 at 11:31 AM, nipslikesugar said:

don't choose in-flight meals that can disturb your bowels movement. one time i had butter chicken and drank some water to push it down, but i think i drank too much. once the seat belt sign was on, my bowels moved and i had to clench my hole so tight i broke a sweat or two. it was the most intense 30 minutes i've ever experienced.😅

Same for drinking water. While it's good to keep hydrated on board, don't drink before/during landing. Sometimes the aircon, engine noise, and turbulence makes me wanna pee so bad but the seatbelt sign is on and the pilot is taking forever to land the plane. After landing still must wait for plane to taxi to gate. Wtf!

Edited March 23 by reece7700

[sphere]

3 hours ago, egal said:

k so some bring their passport with them even to the plane loo n some dont

 

It is better to have your passport with you at all times, even when going to the toilet onboard the plane.

 

Let's not talk about why would one steal your passport or how he could use it, the thought of losing it onboard the plane (and you still couldn't find it when you reach your destination), you would have a hard time clearing immigration without a passport. The problem/hassle you face at immigration is really not worth the while - our passport is quite a compact size that fits into most pockets anyway? Haha.

 

Edited March 23 by sphere

[sphere]

1 hour ago, reece7700 said:

Same for drinking water. While it's good to keep hydrated on board, don't drink before/during landing. Sometimes the aircon, engine noise, and turbulence makes me wanna pee so bad but the seatbelt sign is on and the pilot is taking forever to land the plane. After landing still must wait for plane to taxi to gate. Wtf!

 

I totally agree as I had a bad experience once that I had to pee so bad, but the seatbelt sign was on for a prolong period of time (due to turbulence). The flight stewardess saw my facial expression (she sat diagonally across me) and asked if I was alright, which I signalled her my urgent need to use the toilet. She cleared through her intercom and let me use it, even when the seatbelt sign was still on. I thanked her again upon leaving the plane.

 

Nowadays I just filled my water bottle half full, as I have the urge to finish everything to avoid wastage, haha.

 

[egal]

thts true with the passport

 

one moment of carelessness can have devastating consequences

 

oh yess goin to pee

 

i like window seats but i m not sure if it psychological  i seem to need to pee when goin to land soon

 

urgh

 then they take so long to taxi etc

 

i nvr trust putting things into the overhead compartment

 

also bringing an ipad to vacation is a killjoy

 

unless u go to japan or korea or hongkong but still

 

 

Edited March 23 by egal

[egal]

take pics of ur luggage

[ethanchen]

Never keep your wallet or valuables in ur back pocket. Ever got bump in crowded areas and got pickpocket.