How to visit Jewel in Changi on layover without paying extra?
If I have a 5+hour layover at Changi Airport, what is the procedure to visit Jewel and the rain vortex without having to pay departure tax?
Both incoming and outgoing flights are with Singapore Airlines.
If that's not possible, what's the most I can see of it e.g. from a train?
Best Answer
If just seeing the artificial waterfall is what you’re after, you can do that at no extra cost from inside the transit area without ever entering Singapore. The transit shuttle from B to E (see Kate’s map) passes through the Jewel at a nice height to see the waterfall and the surrounding open space; see these pictures I took from inside that transit shuttle in April 2019:
Left: View of the waterfall and interior of Jewel. Right: the tracks of the automated people mover passing through Jewel. Click on the pictures for high resolution.
My memory is not entirely fresh, it could have been that the shuttles briefly waited in front of the waterfall to provide best views but even if they didn’t they don’t travel that quickly.
Note that while there is only one arrival platform in each of the terminal wings, the bit through Jewel serves as a passing area to double the capacity of the shuttles so if you’re in the unlucky direction there’ll be another path of the shuttle between you and the water. Fret not, the shuttle is free and goes back and forth all day so just board again.
Also note that if my memory serves me correctly Kate’s map is not accurate; you want to be on the inner circle to get a view of the waterfall (i.e. the shuttle passes through the part of Jewel closer to terminal 1).
I will also point out although it is at best tangential to the other points in this answer that on the other leg of my flight with Singapore Airlines that April (Asia–SIN–Europe return) I had an 18-hour layover, entered Singapore visa-free and went sightseeing in the city without having to pay any additional fee to get back airside. At no point in that transit did I pass any booth that had anything about a departure tax mentioned so reading about it here is the first time I saw it.
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Can I visit Jewel during transit?
3. Can transit passengers visit Jewel? We recommend transit passengers to cater for at least 5 hours of transit time to comfortably visit and experience Jewel. All passengers are reminded to check in for their departing flights at least 2 hours before their flight departure time.Is Jewel Changi Airport Free?
Admission: S$5.00 (or S$3.00 for Changi Rewards members) per entry to Canopy Park. S$39 for children and seniors; S$54 for adults for a bundle package to every attraction. On a budget with nowhere to fly off to? That's no reason not to check Jewel Changi Airport right now.Can you leave Changi Airport on a layover?
Yes. However, customers are reminded to ensure that they meet all requirements of their flight itinerary, which may include both transit and entry requirements to their final destination. In addition, they may be asked to show their onward ticket(s) when checking in at their original point of departure.Can I go out of Singapore airport during transit?
\u2013 Take note that as a transit passenger, you are only allowed to enter and exit Singapore once during your layover period. That being said, you are not able to join more than 1 tour. \u2013 Don't forget to leave your luggage at the airport.My HUGE mistake at JEWEL CHANGI | Exploring SINGAPORE'S CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINALS 2019
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Answer 2
You don't have to pay anything extra. If you are eligible for visa on arrival, or VFTF, then you can clear immigration and visit. It is right next to Terminal 1. Even if you have around 2 hour layover, you can comfortably visit.
There is an official tour also which can be availed free of charge. It will take longer and your layover needs to coincide with the tour timings. It also includes free admissions to otherwise chargeable areas.
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