From the airport, I had to take a taxi to my friend’s house, alone (that gutsy for a first timer, eh?). It was 1145pm, probably not that late for urban time, but still late nonetheless.

A few meters from the Budget Terminal exit was the taxi queue. There were around 40 people (mix of Caucasians, Indians, Chinese, and pinoys) before me so it was quite a wait. I reprimanded myself for bringing big luggage and an oversized hand carry bag and not listening to my husband who repeatedly asked why I needed such big bags. I was lugging around a total of 30kg, really heavy for my 5’2” frame.

Anyway, as I waited in line, I tried not to be too obvious that I was observing how the process went. There were 4 taxi slots that can be served at a time and 2 guards(?) who assisted and directed the passengers to each of the vehicles. When my turn came, I was directed to a not-so-new model car. The Chinese driver had a difficult time in lifting may bags and said “help, help”. Again, the double words. I guess this is the Singapore habit? 

Inside the taxi was a small flat screen,I gave the driver the address, which I wrote down to save misunderstandings. He said, “Ok, I take you there. But I am not very sure with the block, ok? Maybe you can call a friend when near already?” I agreed, I also texted my friend on the arrangement, and was on constant communication the whole trip.My friend also told me that taxi fee should not exceed SGD 35. I learned later on that there were different taxi rates for different times, peak/off-peak, etc. I had my midnight view of Singapore, a series of tall buildings, trees, and a crisscross of highways. The airport was far from my soon to be house, the trip took around 35minutes, no traffic.

I paid SGD 31, almost Php 1000, for my first Singapore taxi ride.