The answer
Singapore is nearly scam-free — the trap here is surcharge stacking, not touts. Cheapest out: the MRT, ~S$1.60–2.50, 45–60 min to town with one change at Tanah Merah. Just tap your contactless bank card — no ticket needed.
The MRT station sits between T2 and T3. From T1 walk or Skytrain over; from T4 take the free shuttle bus.
Landing after 23:18? The MRT has stopped. Metered taxi S$25–45 to the city — but read the surcharge trap below before you judge the meter.
⚠️ The traps (walk past these)
The meter isn't the final number
Changi's taxis are honest — the meters are real — but the surcharges stack: airport fee S$6–8, +25% peak, +50% midnight–06:00, plus ERP road tolls. A ride that shows S$18 on the meter can settle at S$32.
Do this: budget S$25–45 for a city taxi depending on time of day — or use Grab for a locked upfront price.
The "I'll take Uber" plan
Uber does not operate in Singapore. Travelers stand at the curb refreshing a dead app while the taxi queue moves past them.
Do this: Grab, Gojek or TADA instead — download and set up before you fly.
The EZ-Link purchase reflex
The EZ-Link card costs S$10 with only S$5 usable credit — and your own contactless bank card already works on MRT and buses. (Foreign cards may add a small daily admin fee.)
Do this: short trip? Tap your bank card. EZ-Link only makes sense for long stays or if your bank blocks transit taps.
The last-train miscalc
The last MRT from Changi leaves around 23:18. A 23:00 touchdown plus immigration means you're likely taking a taxi at midnight-surcharge rates.
Do this: landing after 22:30, price the taxi/Grab before you land — the +50% midnight rate kicks in at 00:00.