What to Do at Changi Airport Singapore Upon Arrival 🇸🇬✈️

Changi Airport is one of the most beautiful airports in the world — but landing there for the first time can feel overwhelming if you don't know what to expect. Here's a quick step-by-step guide covering exactly what to do from the moment your flight lands to the moment you check into your hotel. Ganito lang 'yan! 😉

Step 1: Submit Your SG Arrival Card Before You Land 📋

Before anything else — and ideally before you even board your flight — make sure you've submitted your SG Arrival Card (SGAC). This is a mandatory pre-arrival digital declaration required by Singapore's Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for all foreign visitors.

SGAC submission is completely free of charge. ICA does not support or endorse services offered by commercial entities assisting to submit the SG Arrival Card at a fee.

🌐 Access the SG Arrival Card here: eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard

You can file the SGAC within three days before arrival, counting the arrival day itself. You'll need your hotel name and address ready — if you're staying at multiple places, enter the address of your first accommodation.

⚠️ Important: Book your hotel in advance before filling out the SGAC — the form requires a specific hotel name and address. Entering just "hotel in Singapore" isn't enough.

Step 2: Clear Singapore Immigration 🛂

Once you land at Changi, follow the signs to immigration. If you submitted your SGAC, all you have to prepare is your passport.

The process is generally smooth and fast at Changi. Automated lanes are available for eligible passport holders.

Step 3: Collect Your Checked-In Baggage 🧳

After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area. Changi's carousels are clearly labelled by flight number and are straightforward to navigate. You will also pass by customs but if you have nothing to declare, just gp through the green lane.

Step 4: Get Some Cash for Hawker Centers 💵

Once you have your bags, you're technically ready to go. But here's a practical tip before heading out:

Singapore is largely cashless — trains, buses, most restaurants, and convenience stores all accept credit and debit cards. Apple Pay works too. But if you're planning to eat at Hawker Centers — and you absolutely should — it's worth withdrawing a small amount of Singapore Dollars (SGD) at the airport. Some hawker stalls, especially at older centers, are still cash-preferred.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a 0% forex card like the GCash Visa card for ATM withdrawals abroad — 0% foreign exchange markup and zero withdrawal fees. Full comparison: ATM Withdrawal Calculator for Filipino Travelers →

Step 5: Head to Your Hotel via Train 🚇

The most practical and affordable way to get from Changi Airport to your hotel is by MRT train. The Changi Airport MRT station is directly connected to the terminals — no taxi or transfer needed.

For less than ₱200, you can reach your hotel from the airport by train. Just tap your credit or debit card directly at the MRT gates — no separate transport card needed.

Where to Stay in Singapore 🏨

Two areas worth considering for first-time visitors:

• 🏨 Village Hotel Bugis — in the heart of Bugis, close to Arab Street, Haji Lane, and direct MRT access
• 🏨 Hotel Mi Bencoolen — centrally located, good value, easy MRT connections to major attractions

You can book either of these — or any hotel worldwide — on Agoda using promo code HEYIANCHOTEL for up to 10% off or ₱6,000 off. Open the Agoda app → tap Deals → type the promo code before booking. Redeemable up to 5 times per account.

Planning Your Singapore Itinerary? 🗺️

Once you're settled in, the rest of your Singapore trip is ready and waiting. For a full day-by-day guide covering Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, Chinatown, Marina Bay Sands, and more:

👉 The Only Singapore Itinerary You Need as a First Timer →

Hope this helps! More travels soon!