Last minute travel plans? How you can get away with it with Changi Recommends!

I usually know where I will be months in advance but sometimes, an opportunity pops up and before I know it, I’m off on my next adventure. Life is more exciting with a little bit of spontaneity aye?

However, even as a frequent traveller, last minute travel plans can be really stressful.

Where are you going to stay? What are you going to do? Do you have WiFi? What about having local currency? Have you bought insurance?

I don’t want to be biased but I am so lucky (and proud!) to be from Singapore whose airport has once again won Best Airport in the World for the 7th time.

I digress.

But in the best airport, surely you’d expect unparalleled service.

I am pretty sure that most of my fellow Singaporeans would have heard of or have used Changi Recommends at some point, but for those who have not, it is a one-stop travel concierge providing all products and services you’ll need pre-travel and during your travels.

Whether you’re travelling inbound or outbound, Changi Recommends’ products will come in handy for you in many ways.

The best thing about Changi Recommends is that everything essential that you need for your travels is found on their ONE platform. As someone who is constantly travelling, I cannot stress how convenient this is!

For instance, I remember travelling to Japan and I had a ton of tabs open just trying to find a SIM card for my trip but everything was in Japanese and confusing.

Changi Recommends allows you to book everything online on their site, from attraction tickets to Japan Rail passes, airport transfers, flight tickets, hotels, travel insurance, WiFi and Meet & Greet services. You can even change foreign currency on their website too!

The confirmation is INSTANT and ready for immediate use, so no worries if it is a last minute trip.

Below are more on what Changi Recommends offers for everyone.

P.S. This post includes discount codes you don’t want to miss!

1. Rent a portable WiFi router

Helsinki, Finland

This is probably what Changi Recommends is most known for. ChangiWIFI provides you with unlimited data across more than 70 countries. Prices start from SGD5/day and you can customise this based on your travel dates and destinations.

These are great for group travel as they can connect up to 5 devices (and you can share the cost!).

Just book your device online and collect it before you fly at any of the 11 counters located in all 4 terminals that are open 24/7. The set up is quick and you’re connected right away!

Once you’re back in Singapore, just drop it off at their counters, easy peasy.

Get 2 free days when you rent with promo code 2FREEDAYSBLOG*.

2. Buy a SIM card (overseas and local)

If you are a solo traveller, maybe you’d prefer to have a SIM card. Similar to ChangiWIFI, book your SIM card online and head to Changi Recommends’ counter before your flight where someone will assist you in activating and registering the SIM card quickly for you.

Once you land in your destination, you’re connected and ready to explore!

Do note the number of days or amount of data that the SIM card is valid for and if top up is available, especially if you’re on a longer trip, this might affect your decision!

Singapore skyline

For my international readers visiting or transiting in Singapore, Changi Recommends also provides local Singapore SIM cards or WiFi routers you can pick up when you land.

3. Get discounted tickets on attractions

Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles

Sometimes, our itinerary is flexible and buying a fixed date ticket or tour is a scary commitment. So, having the option to buy online and be issued e-tickets immediately is a huge bonus.

Changi Recommends offers just that. I can buy the attraction passes online as and when I confirm my date of visit, regardless of how last minute it is. As the e-tickets are issued immediately and ready for use, there is no need to worry.

There are more than 2,000 attractions and tours at a discounted price all around the world, including JR train passes and Universal Studios tickets so you can’t miss this out!

Get 8% off with promo code GTYAS8.*
Get 10% off with promo code GTYAS10.*

4. Book discounted accommodations

Changi Recommends, if you don’t know already, even has a huge catalogue of hotels for your choosing.

Accommodation is a huge expense of every trip. ChangiHotels has more than 300,000 properties and 5,000 destinations at a markdown, so why pay more?

Get 10% off hotel booking with promo code HTLADSTAYS.*

5. Arrange for Airport Transfer

I never use airport transfer services unless I’m travelling with my family and we have a lot of luggage.

Airport transfer is useful for families travelling with young children or older folks when getting around can be cumbersome with all that baggage you’re carrying.

Be sure to book the airport transfer service 4 days in advance and take note of the number of baggage you can fit into the car. There are 3 options to choose from: the 5-seater, 7-seater or the 10-seater that can take up to 7 persons with 7 pieces of luggages.

Your chauffeur’s details will be sent to you 24 hours before your departure, so just look out for your name on a placard at the arrival hall and feel like VIP!

One thing to note is that they do not have a return booking option so if you require that, you would have to make two separate bookings.

6. Change your currency in the comfort of your home!

Gone are the days you’d have to go down to a physical money changer to change foreign currency.

You can simply order your foreign currency online now and have it delivered to your doorstep, much like online shopping – WOW!

The rates are live Forex rates and are pretty competitive, nothing like those crazy airport rates you see.

This service is only available for Singapore residents only. There is a SGD3 service charge for each transaction and you have to change at least SGD300. This service is capped at changing SGD4999.99, so if you need anything more, you can wait till the next day to get more money changed.

7. Obtain the ever essential Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is something I NEVER travel without! I’ve claimed more than SGD3000 from a single annual travel insurance policy alone once (thanks to a bad fall from skiing in Jan 2019 which resulted in a torn ACL…)

and thanks to insurance,

Flew business class on Singapore Airlines!

Changi Recommends’ HyfeAssure travel insurance is underwritten by HL Assurance. The prices are comparable to most competitors in the market, making it one of the most affordable travel insurances available. You can easily get a quote online if you don’t believe me.

The advantage of getting a travel insurance with them is, you can get instant claims of up to $200 immediately at the Changi Recommends airport counters such as baggage delay/ damage and travel delay/ misconnection (terms apply). You have NO IDEA how much I value that – I’m so sick of waiting months just to get my travel claims reimbursed.

This service is available to Singapore residents only.

Get 60% off with promo code: MSHIPHYFE19.*