9 Best Tricks to Save Money At Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

When was the last time you visited Universal Studios Singapore (USS)? I’m just throwing a wild guess here, but I think you would have probably hesitated to answer. Singaporeans often complain that there isn’t anything fun to do in Singapore. These grumbles are aplenty despite the fact that we have a world-class theme park right on our shores! This has probably got a lot to do with the local perception that USS is expensive. Well, we’re not entirely wrong. A one-day adult ticket into USS will set you back by a jaw-breaking 75 Singapore dollars. (Cue internal auntie screeching, “Do you know how many plates of chicken rice I can buy with 75 dollars?!”) Okay, I’ve rambled too much. You know that USS is expensive. That’s probably why you clicked to read this article – to find out how to save money at USS, right?

USS may be expensive but if you’re kiasu enough, there’s bound to be plenty of ways to save money at USS. Without further ado, read on to learn 9 of the best tips to save money at USS!

1. Bring Your Own Drinks

Singapore is hot. The sun is merciless. At USS, you will be walking under the hot sun for most of the day. Understandably, you’ll get thirsty. You’ll need water. A nearby store selling slushies catches your eye. It’s like an oasis in the desert! Parched, you quickly head over. The drinks look so good, so refreshing, so… hydrating. Wait. What? They cost almost $10?!

You’re now faced with a terrible dilemma. Get the drink and give up on any grand plans to save money at USS. Or, resist the drink and risk a heatstroke. It’s not a nice problem to have, especially when all you want to do is have fun at USS, without compromising your savings or your health.

Luckily, this problem is easily solved. Just pack a bottle (or bottles) of water before you visit USS. You’ll be able to hydrate yourself and save money at USS at the same time. Moreover, USS is well equipped with various (free) water coolers so you can just fill up your bottles again when they’re empty. It’s a super easy tip but it’ll help you greatly to save money at USS!

2. Don’t Have Your Meals in the Park

This should come as a no-brainer. We’ve established that to save money at USS, don’t buy the drinks in USS. Why stop at drinks? Don’t buy the food there too!

Food in USS can be outrageously pricey. For example, a turkey leg (“A” – singular, mind you!) costs about $12. Additionally, lunch and dinner sets cost more than $14 on average. My inner auntie is starting to yell bloody murder already.

Pack Your Own Meals

There are 2 ways to solve this problem and save money at USS. Like Tip 1, you can pack your own food. However, this might not be very ideal as the food may go bad, especially since you will be out in the sun most of the time. Besides, who really wants to cook a whole meal before leaving the house to have fun?

Have Your Meals Outside the Park

Alternatively, you can just have your meals outside the park. A great variety of restaurants are located within walking distance from USS. For example, right outside the entrance to USS, you’ll find the Malaysian Food Street. If you’re feeling more fast food, McDonalds and Texas Chicken are just a stone’s throw away. More importantly, these food options are definitely cheaper than what USS offers. It’s a great way to save money at USS without compromising on taste!

Also – don’t worry about not being able to re-enter USS if you leave the park for lunch. You are allowed to leave and re-enter the park anytime within the day. Just remember to get a hand stamp at the exit gates before you leave!

3. Buy Your USS Tickets Online

This is a neat trick to save money at USS that y’all should know. Many of us shy away from USS because of the pricey tickets. But did you know that you can actually get tickets at cheaper prices? And no, I’m not talking about shady black markets or gangs… These are legitimate ways to get your USS tickets at a better price!

RWS Website Promotion Page

If you want to save money at USS, don’t rush to buy the tickets at the entrance gates. Instead, go online and look up the Promotions page of the RWS Websites. Seasonal deals are often offered online!

Third-Party Retailers like Klook

If you haven’t heard about Klook, then you can’t sit with us at the Kiasu Singaporeans table. Just joking, but seriously though – you’ve got to check out Klook. This nifty site is home to various discounted travel packages, tours and tickets – USS included. With a few clicks, you’ll land yourself a pretty generous discount for USS tickets. Sometimes, their promotions even come with meal or shopping vouchers. These discounts will help greatly to save money at USS.

4. Search Carousell for USS tickets

Tried out Tip 3 but feel that the tickets still aren’t cheap enough? Wondering if there’s a better way to save money at USS?

Well… there is. However, I’ll have to put a disclaimer first that this tip requires a great deal of personal discretion. No… still not black markets and shady gangs… But, Carousell.

Carousell is a treasure trove of goods and services for sale. And among those goods – presto, USS tickets! With the expiry date drawing nearer, some sellers grow desperate and list the tickets up at ridiculously low prices. Hooray for those who seek to save money at USS!

However, such sales are not authorised by USS. Hence, there’s always a risk that the seller is a scammer. Do make sure to be on guard when buying USS tickets from Carousell. It might be best to meet up and receive the physical copy of the ticket before making payment. You might want to save money at USS, but it’s probably wise to remember this often-repeated line: “If the deal is too good to be true, it probably is.”

Nonetheless, this is not to scare you away from buying your USS ticket via Carousell. As much as there are sly scammers, there are also genuine sellers who are truly selling their USS tickets cheaply. Exercise due personal discretion and you should be fine!

5. Get a 6 Month Season Pass

Let’s do some math.

A one-day adult ticket costs $75. On the other hand, a 6 month USS adult season pass costs $108. That’s a difference of just $33. However, with the former, you get just one day in USS. Didn’t manage to ride the insanely popular Battlestar Galactica? Oh well, too bad. But with the latter, you’re granted 6 months UNLIMITED access into USS. Didn’t manage to ride the Battlestar Galactica? Oh man. It’s alright, I’ll just come back next week. And the week after next week! And the week after the week after next week!

In the bigger picture, the season pass is a great way to save money at USS, especially if you want to relive the fun over and over again.

6. Walk into Sentosa

This is a simple hack but it works nonetheless to save money at USS. Instead of hopping onto the monorail the next time you visit USS, why not walk into Sentosa?

Sentosa is connected to the mainland via the Sentosa Boardwalk. For the athletically uninclined, fret not. The walk will take you tops 15 minutes. Moreover, the boardwalk is fully sheltered so you are well protected from the sun. There are also travellators at a certain section of the boardwalk that’ll make the journey easier. Moreover, the boardwalk is an excellent way to enjoy the scenic surroundings. Do try this out the next time you visit USS and let us know if it has helped you save money at USS!

7. Get a RWS Invites Members Card

That said, the above tip only helps you save money at USS only if you are going to USS by public transport. I’m driving leh, then how? Fret not. There’s still a way to save money at USS – the RWS Invites Membership.

The RWS Invites memberships opens doors to an amazing host of vouchers, rebates and discounts. Firstly, you are entitled to all-day free parking at Resorts World Sentosa. If you’re wondering if there’s any catch – rejoice. This perk is available any day, any time, even including public holidays. Estimated savings from parking alone are around $28.

In addition, just for becoming a member, you are gifted Welcome vouchers. These vouchers can be used in various participating stalls in Resorts World Sentosa. Besides Welcome vouchers, other freebies include Anniversary gifts too!

The list of goodies doesn’t end here. The RWS Invites Membership also entitles you to a whole range of rebates! You are also entitled to various exclusive RWS promotions. Talk about savings!

So… how much does the RWS Invites Membership cost? Given its luxurious perks, you’d expect membership to cost a bomb. However, it actually only costs a mere $8. This fee is just a one-time enrolment fee at that too, so you don’t have to worry about the costs accumulating.

Given its extensive perks and its low price point, the RWS Invites Members card is definitely one of the best and smartest ways to save money at USS!

8. Bring All Your Own Necessary Items

Everything that you think you’ll need for a fun day at USS – bring it. I’m serious. Ponchos, umbrellas, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, snacks… bring them all. You can find these items sold in USS but their prices are drastically marked up. It’s better to be safe than sorry so just bring everything that you think might be needed! It might be a bit more troublesome but it’ll help you save money at USS.

Don’t worry about lugging your heavy bag around USS. There are lockers around USS that you can deposit your bag into if you feel that it’s really weighing you down.

If you’re going to USS with your child, you might want to bring your own stroller! USS does have strollers for rent but they’ll cost you. For example, a single stroller costs $15 per day. It’s money that can be saved if you just bring your own stroller!

9. Buy Your Souvenirs Online

Ah, souvenirs. It’s so easy to be tempted by that cute Minion water bottle. Or that adorable Elmo magnet. But, in our quest to save money at USS, resistance is key! Souvenirs’ prices in USS, like other major tourist attractions, are awfully marked up. Instead of purchasing them at the gift shops in USS, try buying them online instead! Online websites like Lazada and Shopee are likely to have the souvenirs that you are eyeing.

Conclusion

Cost shouldn’t get in your way of having fun. Now that you have these tips to save money at Universal Studios Singapore, go ahead and have the time of your life!

Also, here are some additional lifestyle tips and articles in Singapore for better everyday living.

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