Getting Around: MRT and Buses

Singapore's public transport is efficient and affordable. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the backbone of the system.

Key vocabulary:

• EZ-Link card / NETS FlashPay — Stored-value card for public transport. Tap on entry and exit.
• Interchange — Station where two MRT lines meet (e.g., Jurong East, City Hall)
• Top up — Add money to your card. "I need to top up my EZ-Link."
• Alight — Get off the train/bus. Announcements say "Passengers alighting at..."

Getting to NUH:

NUH is near Kent Ridge MRT (Circle Line). From there, take the free shuttle bus or walk ~10 minutes.

Eating at Hawker Centres

Hawker centres are open-air food courts with affordable, diverse food — a quintessential Singapore experience.

Ordering food:

• "One chicken rice, please" — Point and order. Keep it simple.
• "Dabao" (打包) — Takeaway. "Can dabao?"
• "Makan" — To eat (Malay). "Let's go makan."
• "Kopi" / "Teh" — Coffee / Tea (local style, with condensed milk)
• Kopi-O = black coffee with sugar
• Kopi-C = coffee with evaporated milk
• Kopi kosong = black coffee, no sugar
• Teh follows the same pattern
• "Chope" — Reserve a seat by placing a tissue packet on the table (very common!)

Popular dishes to know:

• Chicken rice — Singapore's national dish
• Laksa — Spicy coconut curry noodle soup
• Nasi lemak — Coconut rice with sambal (Malay)
• Roti prata — Flaky flatbread (Indian)
• Char kway teow — Stir-fried flat noodles
• Kaya toast — Toast with coconut jam + soft-boiled eggs (breakfast staple)

Dietary considerations:

When asking patients about diet: "Do you eat at hawker centres? What do you usually order?" This reveals cultural background and nutritional habits.

Shopping and Daily Needs

• NTUC FairPrice — The most common supermarket chain
• Watsons / Guardian — Pharmacy chains (OTC medicines)
• 7-Eleven / Cheers — Convenience stores
• Shopee / Lazada — Popular online shopping platforms

Useful phrases:

• "How much is this?" / "Can cheaper?" (bargaining at markets)
• "Got discount?" (very Singlish way to ask for a deal)
• "Can pay by PayNow?" — Mobile payment widely used in Singapore

Weather and Clothing

Singapore is tropical: hot (28-34°C) and humid year-round with sudden rain showers.

• Always carry an umbrella
• Indoor spaces (hospitals, MRT, malls) are heavily air-conditioned — bring a light jacket
• Dress code at NUH: smart casual with closed-toe shoes. Scrubs provided for clinical areas.

Communication Essentials

• WhatsApp is the primary messaging app (not WeChat like in China)
• GrabTaxi app for ride-hailing (like Uber/DiDi)
• Google Maps works well for navigation
• SIM card: Get a tourist SIM at Changi Airport or any convenience store
• Emergency: Dial 995 for ambulance, 999 for police