Think of the last time you used an app for something.
As a technologically advanced city, just about everyone on our sunny island uses a smartphone and with that comes the use of a variety of applications. Apps have made it a lot easier to do just about everything from hailing a taxi, buying food, selling or buying clothes and other items, and so much more. These handy apps are convenient and reliable and make life in Singapore a lot easier.
Here are some apps to consider.
1. Navigation: Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, Gothere
Imagine having to go for an interview, or even a casual thing such as meeting your friend. Then you realise that you have no idea where the location is. This is where navigation apps can prove to be extremely helpful.
Navigation apps can help you get to where you need to go. Google Maps is usually the most popular navigation app that people use, with Apple Maps coming in at a close second. Google Maps offers street view, maps out businesses in Singapore, residential areas, and also other places of interest. Apple Maps is only available on iOS, while gothere.sg provides lots of information on store directories and shopping malls but comes at a small price: It is also on iOS only.
On the other hand, if you drive frequently, Waze is an app for drivers and offers information in real time about traffic jams, accidents, alerts for speeding cameras and red lights. It’s helpful in that you are able to get live updates on traffic conditions even before you leave the comfort of your home. This way, you’ll be able to plan for alternative routes to your destination. In turn, saving you lots of time.
2. Taxi: Grab, ComfortDelGro, Gojek
These are ride-share and taxi apps. Grab is the most popular one and can be used on both Android and iOS devices. It is well known not only for being a ride hailing app, but also an app where you can make relevant payment at selected merchants and get rewards in the process.
ComfortDelGro is also available on both Android and iOS powered devices. It is used by taxi drivers on the job full time.
Gojek is also available on both Android and iOS devices and closely competes with Grab. Their prices are all pretty competitive but Gojek can be much cheaper than Grab and ComfortDelGro during certain times of the day.
3. Public Transportation: Citymapper, Bus@sg, Explore Singapore MRT Map, EZ-Link
If public transport is the way to go, then you’ll need to get the Explore Singapore MRT Map which is available on both Android and iOS. There are very many lines running on the MRT and still more in construction, so it is best to have a reliable map.
Citymapper will help you navigate Singapore with ease because it will show you different routes leading to the same destination. It will help you know when the trains are broken down and there is traffic.
Bus@sg is perfect for those who will be going on the bus. It gives bus schedules and lets you know whether or not the bus is on schedule. By marking your frequent bus stops, you will be able to get the information you need even faster.
Ever find yourself waiting impatiently in line at the EZ-Link topup kiosks? You can now find yourself beating the queue with the EZ-Link app where you can seamlessly top up your EZ-Link card through your phone. The app also has a rewards system where every you’ll earn 1 point for every $0.10 spent on the card. These points can then be exchanged for rewards such as limited edition EZ-Link card designs, a free classic Kraftwich and 15% off shopping sites like Zalora.
4. Food: Chope, Burpple, GrabFood, Deliveroo
To make orders, the two most reliable apps are GrabFood and Deliveroo both available on Android and iOS. You can check out the food choices and compare pricing, find details on offers and discounts and even how far away the restaurant is and how long it will take for it to arrive.
Do note that GrabFood used to be a separate app but has now been incorporated into the Grab app itself.
Burpple and Chope are excellent if you are looking for a restaurant to dine in. Using the apps, you can reserve a table at a restaurant of your choice that serves the specific cuisine you are interested in. The location is also available to ensure that you can sufficiently narrow your choices down
In addition, if you’re a food connoisseur, Burpple has a subscription based service called Burpple Beyond where you can pay an annual fee of $69.90 or monthly fee of 9.90. This service allows you to enjoy 1-for-1 dining for you and your friends at over 450 of their partner restaurants.
5. Weather: MyEnv, Weather@SG
MyEnv is an app that provides you with information on the weather forecast and also lets you know what the air quality is like and the temperature too. This app was created by the National Environment Agency and ensures that you’ll always be prepared for the different weather conditions.
Weather@sg will also give you the weather forecast as well as any weather observations well ahead of time and also in real time. This means that you will always be ready for whatever the weather brings, especially in a tropical region like Singapore. You’ll also be well informed should there be heavy rain or even a lightning and thunderstorm.
6. Shopping: Lazada, Zalora, Shopee
Shopping from the comfort of our homes is probably one of the best things in life. Most Singaporeans enjoy shopping online and apps like these make it possible and easy. They also come in handy on that day when you really need to shop but couldn’t be bothered to wrestle with traffic or public transport, or the weather just isn’t cooperating.
Shopee has become a digital market and offers everything from electronics to trendy clothes. They offer great discounts and excellent deals that make the app very popular.
Zalora is focused on fashion items and carries a wide range of options representing a variety of brands.
Lazada is somewhat like the Singaporean version of Amazon. Here, you can find electronics, clothing, appliances and much more. They offer protection for the buyer and free delivery. Payment methods are varied to cater to the needs of different buyers.
7. Entertainment: Culture Trip and Popcorn
Culture Trip is the place to go when looking for guides and information that will help you make the most of your trip to Singapore. The information actually covers the world and is related to architecture, shopping, culture, food, barbers, and hair stylists too.
If you’re an avid movie fan, you can use Popcorn when looking to see what is showing at the various movie theatres. You will find the movie titles and when they will be showing. It also includes other movie-related events and film festivals. You’ll be able to book your movie tickets and also watch trailers on the app to help you make a choice on which movie to watch.
8. Miscellaneous: DBS PayLah!, LalaMove, NLB Mobile
The National Library Board has come up with the NLB Mobile app. With this app, you are able to borrow online books, borrow physical books and even reserve them ahead of time. You only need to scan the barcode of the books for this to work.
DBS PayLah! is a mobile wallet or DBS cardholders that enables the transfer of funds using mobile numbers. Using this app, you can pay their bills, donate to your favorite charities and even make purchases online.
Lalamove is an app that is used to hire large vehicles and vans when you need to move houses or office. It can also be used when you are buying new furniture and require additional help for moving. You are able to pick how many vehicles you need, the size and shape, and how many movers you are in need of. The costs are calculated well ahead of time so that you can make an informed decision when booking.
As long as you have a smartphone, you’ll be able to download these apps and use them. These apps bring about greater convenience and can be a great source of help be it for making online transactions, online shopping, transportation, checking the weather, and much more.
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