General Information About Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant metropolis where about 4 million Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians live and work side-by-side. Visitors call it "Surprising Singapore", "Garden City" and even "Instant Asia."

All these descriptions are true. Singapore has a truly international atmosphere with the warmth and friendliness of Asia. It is small - just under 640 square kilometres. Yet within this space are all the attractions a visitor could wish to find. From theme attractions to nature parks, from offshore islands to landmarks, museums and places of worship, Singapore is a destination that cannot wait to be discovered.

Travellers' Essentials:

Language
There are 4 official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national language.

Getting Around
Singapore is serviced by more than 60 major international airlines. With the new Changi Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, visitors can travel conveniently to and from the airport to destinations all over the island. Taxis are also abundantly available from the airport to the city centre. There is a surcharge for all taxi journeys commencing from the airport and for after-midnight rides. The rates are displayed in each taxi. Public buses also ply the airport route and visitors may catch one to town from the underground bus station at the Arrival Hall. Singapore's efficient transport system - bus, taxi and MRT - ensures that visitors can get to any destination within the island with minimum fuss and maximum ease.

Airport Tax
A Passenger Service Charge of S$21 should be incorporated in the air ticket. If this has not been done, you can buy the airport tax coupon in advance at most hotels, travel agencies and airline offices. Passengers who are in transit for less than 24 hours may leave the airport without having to pay the service charge upon departure from Singapore.

Visa and Entry Facilities
A valid passport or international travel document is required for all visitors. Visas are not generally required for social visits of fewer than 14 days, and visitors arriving as tourists are given a 14-day social visit pass on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you may apply to the Immigration Department after your arrival.

Entry visas are required for visitors from Afghanistan, Algeria, Cambodia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Syria, Tunisia Vietnam and Yemen. Visa-free entry is available to citizens of Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. As regulations may change from time to time, check with your nearest Singapore Embassy or Singapore Tourist Promotion Board office before departure.

ASEAN Visa-free Facility
Citizens of the ASEAN countries holding valid passports can visit Malaysia and Thailand for 14 days without a visa. The Philippines only requires a visa for a stay exceeding 21 days. Indonesia offers two months visa-free entry for tourists, provided they have an onward ticket and use designated ports of entry and exit.

Currency
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Other than the Singapore dollar, the United States and Australian dollars, Japanese yen and British pound are also accepted in most shopping centres and big departmental stores.

Money Changers
Banks and hotels can change money and most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are advised not to change money with an unlicensed operator. Most banks open from 9.30 am to 3.00 pm on weekdays and 9.30 am to 11.30 am on Saturdays.

Credit/Charge Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted in Singapore. Hotels, retailers, restaurants, travel agents and even a taxi company readily accept international credit cards. For more information, you can contact the local office of the credit card operators at the following numbers:

American Express Tel: 6299 8133

Diners Card Tel: 6294 4222

Master Card Tel: 6533 2888

Visa Card Tel: 1-800-3451345 (Service Centre)

Medical Facilities
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dentists. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets including supermarkets, department stores, shopping centres and hotels. Most hotels have their own doctors on 24-hour call. For an ambulance, dial 995.

Post Office/Telecoms
Most hotels provide postal services at the front desk. The Changi Airport Post Office is open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm daily from Monday to Saturday. Basic postal services are available round the clock at the General Post Office and the Comcentre branch. International Direct Dialling (IDD) is available at the General Post Office and the Comcentre. IDD calls can also be made from the numerous phone card and credit card phones located at post offices and around the city area. Phone cards come in five denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20 and S$50 and are sold at Singapore Telecom service outlets, post offices, convenience stores and some retail shops. A 20% levy is normally imposed on IDD calls made from hotels.

Electricity
Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Most hotels can provide visitors with a transformer, which can convert the voltage to 110-120 volts AC, 60 cycles per second. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the 3-pin, square-shaped type.

Drinking Water
Singapore water is clean and safe to drink from the tap, and need not be boiled.

Smoking
Smoking in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, cinemas, government offices and air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centres is against the law. First-time offenders may be fined up to a maximum of S$1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.

Tipping
Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged in hotels and restaurants where there is a 10% service charge.

Weather
Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24oC to 32oC. Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing.

What to Wear
Singapore's tropical weather makes light summer clothing (preferably of natural fabrics) most practical, especially for outdoor activities like sightseeing. Most restaurants and nightspots are not restrictive on the dress code - polo shirts, t-shirts, jeans, slacks, blouses, skirts, sun dresses and sneakers are acceptable at most places. Although some establishments require formal wear for the evening, suits and evening dresses will never be out of place in Singapore's trendy nightspots. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.

For more on Singapore, please visit: http://www.visitsingapore.com.