Leaving Changi airport while on transitting

[neljelpoo]

Hi everyone!

Just a quick question which I want to clarify because I'm pretty sure it's not a problem...but basically I have a 7 hour transit at Singapore Changi airport later this year in the middle of the night and wanted to catch up with some friends.

So I was wondering if my luggage is checked all the way to the final destination (Taiwan) and I already have my boarding passes for the connecting flight, can I just enter Singapore through the borders and upon returning, go straight towards customs as I have already 'checked-in'?

I'm assuming the answer is a yes but a clarification would be great!

Thank you in advance

 

[Alanslegal]

Answer is definitely yes. I have done so multiple times now - often to meet my sister for dinner. The most recent time I did this was on 14/7/15 where I was flying SYD-xSIN-NRT and had a 7 hour transit. If you are flying Singapore Airlines, check to see if you are eligible for the Singapore Airlines Changi Dollars (for transit passengers) - if you are, use the vouchers to buy wine for your friend

 

[opusman]

I've done it for 20 minutes to go to a shop that was landside at the terminal. No problems at all.

 

[Anna]

You didn't say what passport you have, but it is no problem with an Aust passport. I don't know if it would be the same for every country.

 

[RooFlyer]

Heck yes! There's an MRT station at the airport; exit through immigration, jump on the train and you are downtown in 20-30 minutes (depending if its a through train or if you have to change). All signed very clearly and usual Singaporean efficiency! You say 'middle of the night' - I guess you'll have to check the timetable, or maybe your friends will be picking you up.

 

[kamchatsky]

The answer is a big YES! In fact, Singapore government is encourage you to do this by offering you a free tour if your transit time is more than 5.5 hours:


Airport Attractions - Singapore Changi Airport


Of course, it depends on the nationality of passport used and whether a visa is required to enter Singapore.


I have done it quite a number of times. In fact, once I did 23:50 hour transit and stayed overnight at downtown.

 

[dajop]

Heck yes! There's an MRT station at the airport; exit through immigration, jump on the train and you are downtown in 20-30 minutes (depending if its a through train or if you have to change). All signed very clearly and usual Singaporean efficiency! You say 'middle of the night' - I guess you'll have to check the timetable, or maybe your friends will be picking you up.

There are no trains at all that are "through trains". Travel time is approx. 30 mins, must change at Tanah Merah interchange. Into city is reliable, due to frequency of trains to city, can take longer going to airport depending on wait time at Tanah Merah for airport bound train (0-12 mins depending on time of day and luck)!

Last train that connects to central Singapore is 23:18, although you can get a train as late as 00:06 to Tanah Merah, from which you can take a taxi to city, save $3-5 or so, but hardly worth it unless there are long queues for taxis at the airport.

 

[neljelpoo]

Thank you all for your time in replying

Sounds like it's a big yes from everyone ~

 

[JohnK]

Shouldn't be a problem. I have done it many times.

Another transit next month arriving 00:25am and departing 9:30am. I could have come in a few hours earlier but it's silly season for hotels. I would rather spend the money on pokies so if not too tired I am going invest the money I could have wasted on hotel.

 

[cmon0005]

Yes do it every time I transit through Singapore with a greater than 4hr transit unless it's late at night will just settle into a lounge that's open.