Things Singaporeans didn’t know they could get completely for free

Living in Singapore doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. Believe it or not, there are a plethora of hidden perks in Singapore that you can enjoy without shelling out a single cent.

Yes, you heard that right — completely free. No clause, no minimum spend, just FREE. From healthcare check-ups to beauty products and even public transportation, here are some things you probably didn’t know you can get for free in Singapore.

Things you didn’t know you can get completely free in Singapore

1. Free MRT rides

We’ve all been there — phone dead, wallet MIA, and you desperately need to get home.
 
While not officially promoted by SMRT, you will most probably be allowed to ride on the MRT for free in such a situation.

Simply head to the control station at any MRT and explain your situation nicely. The staff member will ask for your personal details and destination before issuing a “free travel monitoring system” pass. Keep that piece of paper until your stop, show it to the control station and they’ll grant you a free exit. 

Remember, this is a courtesy, not a right, and shouldn’t be abused.

2. Free medical check ups

The Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) offers a range of free services to empower women to take charge of their health. 

Free mammography services 

Women aged 50 and above can get free mammograms (breast cancer screenings) at the SCS Multi-Service Centre in Bishan. 

Eligibility:

• Singaporean or Permanent Resident
• Women aged 50 years and above
• Have not undergone a mammogram in the last 24 months
• You possess a valid Blue or Orange Community Health Assist Scheme Card CHAS card
• Have no breast symptoms such as breast lumps or blood-stained nipple discharge
• Have not been breastfeeding for the past 6 months
• Have not received breast implants

Free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) tests

For women aged 30 and above, the SCS offers free HPV testing. HPV is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Early detection of HPV can prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Eligibility:

• Singaporean or Permanent Resident
• Women aged 30 and above
• Have engaged in sexual intercourse or are sexually active
• Not pregnant

Free pap smears

The most common screening test for cervical cancer, for women aged 25 to 69. 

Eligibility: 

• Singaporean or Permanent Resident
• Women aged 25 to 29
• Have engaged in sexual intercourse or are sexually active

3. Free sanitary pads 

Did you know that you can get free sanitary pad samples in Singapore? Simple register online and a sample pack will be sent to your address at no cost! 

• Laurier Fresh Protect Cool 25cm 2s
• Kotex® Starter Pack
• 1 Kotex Soft® Overnight 35cm
• 1 Kotex Soft® Comfort 28cm
• 2 Kotex® Fresh Liners Regular
• Adore full-sized sanitary pad pack (choose one)
• Happy Day (Day Pad, 24cm)
• Get Comfortable (Pantyliner, 15.5cm)
• Sleep Tight (Night Pad, 33cm)
• UUcare®
• Random product
• Blood Corn Sanitary Pads

4. Free beauty product samples 

Besides sanitary pads, you can also get beauty, skin care, make-up and even perfume samples for free! Here are some of our favourites: 

• Dr Hauschka — skin care
• Bifesta — Micellar cleansing sheets
• Cetaphil — Skin care and baby samples
• MoistDiane — Hair care
• Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream
• Lancome — 7-day skin care trial kit
• Elemis — 10-piece sample trial
• Lancome — IDOLE The Fragrance sample

5. Free sports class 

You don’t have to shell out a single cent for those Zumba classes. Decathlon Singapore offers a variety of free classes that cater to different interests and age groups, ranging from Bolly Zumba to hockey, basketball, inline skating and more. 

Either that, or you can use your free $100 ActiveSG credits to access swimming pools, gyms and other fitness facilities in Singapore. 

6. Free water

Stop paying for water when you’re outside. There are free water dispensers in most shopping mall nursing rooms and almost anywhere with baby changing facilities. Just bring your own bottle! 

Here’s a map you can refer to for public water coolers in Singapore, which was created by Singapore undergrad Tng Ming Kang.