7 Essential Android Apps in Singapore

Let me share with you a list of Android apps that I use in Singapore almost every day. If you are living here - or even passing through - this will be helpful to you.

Naturally, I'll open the list with the most important app of all in my opinion, or rather series of similar apps. They have a single functionality - free Wi-Fi access nearly island-wide, whenever you're in a mall, establishment, restaurant or other public venues. All you have to do is fire up the app, create an account and let it set up free Wi-Fi access for you through "Wireless@SGx" hotspots. If you've already had an account, choose a suitable one from the list below, otherwise have your pick.

Technically speaking, these apps are not necessary in order to achieve the same result, but it will most likely save you a good 15 minutes or more of fiddling with advanced settings in the dark underbelly of Android. Provided you can still get there.

• Wireless@SG

I commute by bus at least a few times a week so this is personally one of the most frequently used app in my phone. The app shows the approximate arrival time of buses according to bus stops. There's hits and misses so the app doesn't always show the precise timing, but it will give you the estimate to know whether you should run for the bus or just take it slowly for the next one.

• SG Buses on Playstore

An all-in-one solution to finding the nearest cinema, movies currently screening, show times, booking the tickets and even choosing the best seats at some cinemas. Good for after-hours movie session, but in Singapore it's good practice to book tickets at least half a day early for the availability of good seats, and give it a day during weekends.

• Showtimezz@SG on Playstore

Simple app that shows the MRT map with a search function. Comes with a route planning option. Might be not very helpful in everyday life if you know the map by heart, but sometimes could be a handy tool.

• Explore Singapore MRT map on Playstore

Cross-platform app that tries to combine every bit of information in Singapore into one place. In my opinion I found it over-bloated and not intuitive, but a few people I know swear that it's a single best app that they could find. It would be wrong not to include in this list since nearly a thousand people have rated it five-stars in the android market.

Among the functionalities are: bus timing, sales promotions, interesting spots, restaurants, night spots, taxi and movie booking and more.

• ShowNearby™ on Playstore

Mobile application from Streetdirectory pretty much says it. Highly detailed map of Singapore and businesses with a bit of social interaction options like tips and ratings. To me it still doesn't beat Android's native Google Map because of a cluttered interface and slow loading time, but it's way more detailed, especially about the local pedestrian routes and underpasses. It also offers better public transport informations, cab fare calculation and more details about the next restaurant I'm going to invade. Available for offline use and search.

• Singapore Map on Playstore

Search for good food around based on the website HGW, where restaurants, hawker centres, foodcourts get reviewed and rated by other customers. The best app for the job if you are not sure where to go for your next dining-out session.

One time I was wondering purposelessly in an unfamiliar area and fired up the app just to check what's interesting nearby and discovered one of the best big prawn noodles and beef soups in town, located in a nondescript hidden street (which apparently was a famous food street Tai Thong Crescent). The app has gotten a lot better over the years, so do give it a try.

• HungryGoWhere on Playstore

Other apps I tried but not worth having their special section:

• Kopi - how to order coffee
• F ave - offers and deals
• SG Malls - everything about malls
• ImHungry@SG - food delivery
• iChangi - everything about Changi airport
• Singapore Travel Guide - app for tourist

This article keeps expanding as long as I find any noteworthy apps, so check back every once in a while.

Have fun exploring!