Mandatory Apps Before You Touch Down
Singapore’s a high-tech city that often rewards being prepared. These apps will turn your smartphone into a true travel companion rather than just a decorative gadget.
1. Navigation & Transport
Google Maps
When in a city with complex mall levels, underground MRT lines and hidden pedestrian walkways, Google Maps is your digital compass. It gives walking, transit and driving directions, lets you save locations, and works even offline (if you pre‐download maps). Singapore Travel Insider+2sandpiperhotels+2
Pro tip: Before you land, download the Singapore region map so you can navigate even if roaming or data is flaky.
MyTransport.SG
Developed by the local transport authority, this app provides real-time bus and MRT arrival times, route planning and service alerts.
Pro tip: Use this to avoid waiting in the heat for buses, and to plan your route from your hotel to major attractions.
Grab
When you don’t feel like navigating public transport, Grab is the go-to ride-hailing and taxi booking app. It also covers food delivery, so it’s multi-purpose.
Pro tip: Link your card/payment in advance, so you don’t get stuck fumbling with cash when arriving at night or during rain.
2. Local Essentials & Planning
XE Currency Converter
Even in a streamlined city like Singapore, currency conversion still matters (especially if you’re coming from Israel). XE helps you track rates and make quick conversions.
Pro tip: Use XE to check whether something is a good deal before paying — helps avoid impulse overspend.
MyENV
Singapore’s weather can shift fast (heat, heavy rain, humidity). MyENV gives you weather forecasts, rain alerts, UV index and air quality.
Pro tip: Before planning outdoor walking tours, check MyENV so you can go early (when it’s cooler) or pivot to indoor attractions if showers loom.
3. Food, Dining & Experience
Chope
Singapore is a food-lover’s paradise. Chope allows you to reserve tables at top eateries (hawker centres or fine dining) and avoid waiting in queues.
Pro tip: For peak dinner times (7-9pm), book ahead using Chope — you’ll look like a local rather than an un-prepared tourist.
Burpple
If you want to go beyond the tourist menus and dive into local favourites, this app lets you discover highly-rated food spots and deals.
Pro tip: Search “hawker” + neighbourhood (e.g., Tiong Bahru, Geylang) and use Burpple to spot gems the locals love.
4. Bonus Apps Worth Having
• Visit Singapore Travel Guide – The official tourism board app offers itineraries, hotspot suggestions, events and maps.• YouTrip – If you care about saving on foreign transaction fees, this travel-wallet app is mentioned as useful.
• Foodpanda / Deliveroo – For food delivery when you’re hotel-bound or just want comfort food.
Final Take
If you download six apps before flying to Singapore—Google Maps, MyTransport.SG, Grab, XE Currency Converter, MyENV, and Chope—you’ll cover navigation, transport, weather, money, and dining. Add a couple of bonus apps for extra polish.
By doing this, you’ll walk the city with confidence, skip avoidable hassles, and spend more time enjoying the experience.
