Travel alerts & warnings
Singapore driving guide.
Singapore has well-maintained roads, clear English-language signs and strict traffic enforcement. Driving is convenient for reaching outlying attractions, but congestion, electronic road charges and paid parking can make central-city trips expensive.
- Advisory
- Normal precautions
- Drives on
- Left
- Best season
- February to March…
- Permit honored
- Yes
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Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Singapore is generally a safe destination for travelers.
- Exercise normal precautionin Singapore.
- Review our travel guidance for Singapore to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
Driving there
Your permit in Singapore
- Singapore honors the International Driving Permit. The permit is a translation of your license into ten languages — it is not a license on its own.
- Carry your valid U.S. driver's license with the permit at all times. The permit is valid for one year and only while your U.S. license is valid.
- Rental companies and local police can be stricter than national law. Confirm the requirement with your rental company before you travel.
Advisory information is published by the U.S. Department of State and reproduced here for convenience. It can change at any time — always check the official advisory before you travel. USIDA does not issue travel advisories.
Before you drive
Top travel tips for Singapore
Road rules
Keep left unless overtaking, wear seat belts in every seat and do not use a handheld phone while driving. Children under 1.35 metres generally require an approved child restraint or booster seat in rental cars.
Speed limits
The default limit is 50 km/h unless signs indicate otherwise; expressway limits generally range from 70 to 90 km/h. Watch for lower limits in school and Silver Zones, and expect speed-camera enforcement.
Electronic tolls and parking
Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) charges depend on the route and time. Ask your rental company how its vehicle's ERP equipment works and how charges are settled; many car parks also use electronic payment.
Fuel
Petrol stations are widespread and commonly accept major credit cards. Check the rental vehicle's required fuel grade and return-fuel policy; 95-octane unleaded is widely available, but use the grade specified for your car.
Rentals and police checks
Carry your original valid home driving licence, International Driving Permit, passport and rental documents; an IDP does not replace your licence. Confirm the company's minimum age and licence-holding requirements. If stopped, follow officers' instructions and be ready to present your documents; never drive after drinking.
Worth the drive
Places to see in Singapore
Sentosa
Southern Singapore · About 15–25 minutes from central Singapore, depending on traffic.
Beaches, waterfront walks and major attractions make this an easy full-day outing; island admission and parking charges may apply.
Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Northern Singapore · About 30–40 minutes from central Singapore, depending on traffic.
Visit wildlife attractions including Singapore Zoo and Night Safari; driving is useful for late departures after an evening visit.
Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay · About 5–15 minutes from central Singapore, depending on traffic.
Explore the conservatories and Supertree Grove, with paid parking available for a visit extending into the evening.
Changi Village and Changi Beach Park
Eastern Singapore · About 30–40 minutes from central Singapore, depending on traffic.
Combine hawker food with coastal walks and aircraft views in a quieter corner of the island.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Central-western Singapore · About 20–30 minutes from central Singapore, depending on traffic.
Walk through tropical rainforest toward Singapore's highest natural point; arrive early because nearby parking is limited.
East Coast Park
Southeastern Singapore · About 15–25 minutes from central Singapore, depending on traffic and the chosen car park.
Enjoy seaside cycling, beach walks and food stops; choose a car park near your intended destination because the park stretches along the coast.
Heading to Singapore?
Apply online in about ten minutes. We print and mail your permit, and you can track it the whole way.