Overview: Exceptionally Safe
Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. Violent crime is rare, property crime is low, and the streets are safe to walk day or night.
Singapore is a Level 1 destination: "Exercise Normal Precautions." This is the lowest risk level, the same as countries like Norway and New Zealand.
Why Singapore is So Safe
- Strict laws: Severe penalties deter crime
- Heavy policing: Visible police presence and extensive CCTV
- Low unemployment: Economic stability reduces crime motivation
- Social cohesion: Strong community ties and low inequality
- Death penalty: Capital punishment for drug trafficking and murder
Crime Statistics
Singapore's crime rates are among the lowest of any major city.
| Crime Type | Cases (2023) | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime (total) | ~5,000 | Stable |
| Robbery | ~100 | Very low |
| Housebreaking | ~150 | Declining |
| Outrage of Modesty | ~1,500 | Being addressed |
| Scams (online/phone) | ~30,000+ | Rising sharply |
While violent crime is rare, Singapore has seen a dramatic rise in scams—investment scams, phishing, romance scams, and job scams. This is the main crime risk for expats.
Common Safety Concerns
Scams (Biggest Risk)
- Phishing: Fake bank/government SMS and emails
- Investment scams: Too-good-to-be-true returns, especially crypto
- Job scams: Fake job offers leading to money laundering
- Romance scams: Online relationships leading to money requests
- E-commerce scams: Fake sellers on Carousell and other platforms
Protection Tips: Never click links in SMS from banks. Banks will never ask for OTP. Use official apps only. Be skeptical of high returns. Verify job offers independently.
Petty Crime
- Pickpocketing: Extremely rare but can occur in crowded areas
- Bicycle theft: Most common property crime (lock your bike)
- PMD theft: E-scooters and PMDs sometimes stolen
Personal Safety
- Walking at night: Generally safe everywhere
- Public transport: Very safe, clean, well-monitored
- Taxis/Grab: Licensed, safe, no need for special precautions
- Women's safety: Safe to walk alone at night; harassment is taken seriously
Natural Hazards
Weather Risks
- Lightning: Singapore has high lightning frequency. Stay indoors during storms.
- Flash floods: Occasional during heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas.
- Haze: From Indonesian fires, usually June-October. Check PSI readings.
- Heat: Year-round hot and humid. Stay hydrated.
No Major Natural Disasters
- No earthquakes (not on fault lines)
- No tsunamis (protected by surrounding landmasses)
- No typhoons (too close to equator)
- No volcanoes
Geographic Advantage: Singapore is remarkably free from natural disasters, making it one of the safest places in the world from an environmental standpoint.
Emergency Contacts
Police
Emergency: 999
Non-Emergency: 1800-255-0000
Online report: police.gov.sg
Ambulance / Fire
Emergency: 995
SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force)
US Embassy Singapore
Phone: +65 6476 9100
Address: 27 Napier Road
sg.usembassy.gov
Anti-Scam Hotline
Phone: 1800-722-6688
ScamShield app for protection
Additional Resources
- SGSecure app: Government emergency alert app
- Police@SG app: Report crimes, find stations
- myENV app: Haze readings, weather warnings
Areas and Neighborhoods
Singapore doesn't have "dangerous areas" in the way American cities do. All neighborhoods are generally safe.
Late Night Considerations
- Geylang: Red light district. Safe to walk through but can see solicitation
- Clarke Quay/Boat Quay: Nightlife areas. Drunk people, occasional fights
- Little India: Can be crowded on weekends. Some alcohol-related incidents historically
- Orchard Road: Very safe, well-lit shopping district
Perspective: Even the "less safe" areas of Singapore are safer than most neighborhoods in major US cities. Violent crime is rare everywhere.
Legal Considerations
Singapore's safety partly comes from strict laws with severe penalties.
Things That Are Illegal
- Drug possession: Any amount. Death penalty for trafficking.
- Chewing gum: Importing for sale is banned (personal use technically fine)
- Vandalism: Includes graffiti. Caning is a penalty.
- Jaywalking: Fines if caught within 50m of crossing
- Littering: S$300 fine first offense
- Not flushing toilet: Technically illegal in public toilets
Singapore executes drug traffickers. Even small amounts of marijuana for personal use can result in years in prison. The US Embassy cannot get you out. Do not bring any drugs.
Tips for Staying Safe
General Safety
- Register with the US Embassy's STEP program
- Keep copies of passport and important documents
- Save emergency numbers in your phone
- Install ScamShield app
Scam Prevention
- Never share OTPs with anyone
- Don't click links in unexpected SMS/emails
- Verify callers claiming to be from banks/government
- Be skeptical of investment opportunities
- Check scamalert.sg for known scams
What to Do if Something Happens
- Crime victim: File police report in person or online
- Scammed: Report to police and bank immediately
- Lost passport: Contact US Embassy
- Medical emergency: Call 995 or go to nearest A&E