Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Japan, South Korea & Singapore

Congratulations for having chosen such a fascinating part of the globe to visit: East and Southeast Asia. Whether it's Tokyo with all-around hustle and bustle, neon-lit lanes in Seoul, or futuristic Singapore, the places have the best experiences to offer. But, there is so much to get into your head if this is going to be your first time. Let's skim through some need-to-know info so that you are confident as soon as the foot touches the new world for the first time.

1. Visa Essentials & Planning Ahead

Getting the visa situation sorted early is extremely essential thing to start your journey. That's where ezee Visa steps in-not flashy, just reliable. For travelers from most countries, Japan and South Korea require visas unless you’re from one of those lucky exempt nations. Singapore often gives short-stay landing approvals, but you have to be clean-no overstays or flags on your record.

Tip by experts:/ Don’t just apply last minute. Documents like a return ticket, proof of funds, accommodation details-these get checked. And nothing’s more stressful than scrambling a week before your flight.

2. What to Pack - Beyond the Obvious

It’s easy to pack clothes, adapters, and your camera-but here’s what many travelers forget:

Apps: Grab Line in Japan, KakaoTalk in South Korea, and Grab or Google Pay in Singapore. Mobile card payments are a lifesaver.

Power adapter: Japan and Singapore use Type A (two flat pins) – South Korea uses Type C and F. One little adapter goes a long way.

Medication: Many medicines you take for granted at home are restricted abroad. Carry prescriptions and check what’s allowed, especially for Japan.

Comfortable shoes: You'll walk a ton-whether it's temple courtyards, subway platforms, or Gardens by the Bay.

3. Money & Payments

Cash is still king in Japan-especially in small shops or street stalls. ATMs inside convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) usually accept foreign cards. South Korea and Singapore, on the other hand, lean heavy on cards and mobile payments, and you can usually tap with your phone or watch.

Rounding tip: South Korea’s banks sometimes charge a hefty markup-so switch off dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when prompted. Always choose to pay in local currency if given the option.

4. Getting Around

Japan: The trains are fantastic, but a bit daunting. Grab a reloadable IC card-like Suica or Pasmo-so you don’t need to buy tickets every ride. If you’re doing long stretches (Tokyo to Kyoto), a JR Pass might still pay off.

South Korea: T-money cards do the trick-works on subways, buses, even some taxis. The subway maps are color-coded and almost always have English labels.

Singapore: The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is clean, straightforward, and reaches most spots. You can use a Singapore Tourist Pass or just top up an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card.

Tip for all three: download City-mapper or local transit apps. This saves you lots of time and confusion.

5. Language & Etiquette

Japan: English can be hit or miss in rural areas-carry a phrasebook or app. It’s polite to bow slightly when greeting, and modesty is key. Don’t eat while walking and never speak on the train

South Korea: English is a bit more common, especially among younger folks. Hierarchy matters-so be polite to elders, don’t point with one finger, and wait to be seated in some traditional places.

Singapore: It’s extremely multicultural - English is a main language, so you’re golden. But do respect local rules-like no chewing gum outside designated transit areas and no littering.

A general note: always look for those little printed rules in elevators, temples, or shisha lounges. They’re not trying to ruin your vibe-they just keep things smooth.

6. Food & Dining Tips

Japan: Slurping ramen isn’t rude-it means you’re enjoying it! But eating while standing isn’t recommended outside of street food stalls. Tipping? Not a thing-it may even confuse staff.

South Korea: Try street food in Seoul’s markets-tteokbokki or hotteok make for excellent fuel. You usually pay after eating, and tipping isn’t expected either.

Singapore: Hawker centers are the go-to. You queue, order, and get a buzzer-it’ll vibrate when your food’s ready. Excellent, affordable food. Tipping is generally not done.

Heads-up: food stalls may take cash only-have some small bills or coins on hand.

7. Connectivity & Staying Online

Wi-Fi isn’t always everywhere-especially on trains. Consider renting a portable pocket Wi-Fi or buying a local SIM. Buying a SIM is usually cheaper and fast-there are counters at airports, or you can buy one at convenience stores. Having constant access to maps, translators, and ride apps makes travel 100x smoother.

8. Cultural Surprises

People visiting there shared their experiences, they liked the little quirks:

In Japan, vending machines are everywhere-try hot coffee cans when it’s chilly.

In South Korea, many cafés hire "cat staff" (sharp, curious cats hanging around). And you may need to take off your shoes indoors at traditional guesthouses.

In Singapore, you’ll see people dressed up just to grab coffee-urban style meets tropical pragmatism.

Understanding these reduces culture shock and helps you enjoy those “Oh, that’s so different!” moments.

9. Safety & Hygiene

All three countries are safe, but a few things to keep in mind:

Japan: Earthquakes happen-carry your hotel’s emergency instructions. The tap water is safe, so hydrate.

South Korea: Air quality can drop on certain days-check apps and wear a mask if you’re sensitive.

Singapore: Sunburn’s real-stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen often.

Also, health clinics are modern, but always check if they take your insurance or require upfront payment.

10. Navigating Tours & Day Trips

Solo or in groups, these places offer incredible side trips:

Japan: From Tokyo you can sneak off to Mt. Fuji, Nikko, or hot springs towns like Hakone.

South Korea: Seoul to DMZ tours are popular-but book with a trusted provider. For something chill, try the ancient city of Gyeongju.

Singapore: Pulau Ubin feels like stepping into rural Singapore. And don’t sleep on the night safari or a ride on the Singapore Flyer.

Booking in advance is helpful-especially for limited ticketed places.

Conclusion

The visa has been sorted, the packing list has been fine-tuned, the required apps have been downloaded, and you have had a few cultural dos and don'ts thrown at you. If the pressure is still left, take it as part of being an exciting, whirlwind act. Celebrate all of it!

Call to Action

Want to take the stress off your plate? At ezee Visa, we help sort visas-not with grand promises, but with the kind of support that genuinely counts. If you'd rather leave the paperwork to us, just send a message, and we will take things off your hands so you have time to focus on what matters: exploring.

Have a pleasant journey-which surely shall be a memorable one.