TRAVEL GUIDE TO SINGAPORE
Singapore, a tiny island state situated at the tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, was founded in 1819 by Sir Standford Raffles of the British's East India Company.
Since independence in 1965, Singapore has grown from a small island with no natural resources and racked with unemployment, to a thriving modern city-state with one of the highest incomes in Asia. Many have described Singapore's economic success as a miracle of the century.
Climate
Singapore is located close to the equator. It has a hot and humid tropic climate with occasional showers through most parts of the year. The monsoon season is from November to January. Temperatures average between 22 to 34 degrees Celsius (71.6 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) with a humidity of between 60 to 80%.
It is a great place for those looking for a good tan. The weather offers ample opportunity for outdoor activities and water sports. If the climate is too hot for you, you can easily find place to cool down, be it under one of the many large shady trees all throughout the island, or by stepping into any one of the many air-conditioned shopping centres or eateries.
Night Life
Singapore transforms itself from a garden city during the day, to a glamorous city of glittering light and exciting night life after sunset. Being one of the safest country in the world, night time brings with it many alluring possibilities, from pub-hopping or alfresco dining, to a romantic stroll in the city. Most eateries and shopping centres are opened til late.
Culture
Singapore is a microcosm of Asia, populated by Chinese (which form the majority of about 75% of the population), Malays, Indians, Eurasians, and a large group of expatriates from all across the globe. These diverse groups bring with them their varied cultures and festivals, making Singapore's cultural heritage so vibrant, rich and very unique.
The main festivals celebrated are the Chinese New Year, Hungry Ghost Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Deepavali, Thaipusam, Hari Raya Haji, Hari Raya Puasa, Veesak Day, Good Friday, Easter and Christmas.
Money Matters
The currency used is the Singapore Dollar. You may exchange for the local currency at the airport, banks, hotels or through licensed money changers found in most shopping centres.
All major credit cards (Visa, American Express, Diners, MasterCard etc) and excepted in major stores and eateries. ATMs are conveniently located throughout the island and they will accept Visa Plus and MasterCard Cirrus.
Customs
Duty-free for 1litre of alcohol for visitors aged 18 years and above who arrive from a country other than Malaysia. There are no concessions on cigarettes and other tobacco products. The following items are prohibited: explosives, firearms, controlled drugs and pornographic material.
Airport Tax
A Passenger Service Charge of S$21 should be incorporated in your airline ticket. If this has not been done, you may have to pay the S$21 upon check-in, unless it is absorbed by your airline.
Passengers who are in transit for less than 24 hours in Singapore need not pay this service charge.
Tax-Free Shopping
A 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on purchases in Singapore. Tourists may claim for a refund of the GST paid on goods purchased from retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme.
On the day of your departure, produce the duly completed GST tax refund form (obtained from participating retailers), your purchases and receipts to the Tourist Refund Counter at the airport.
Note that GST refunds are not applicable for land and cruise departures.
For more information on GST refunds click here.
Transportation
Having invested largely in its public transport infrastructure, Singapore is undoubtedly the easiest city to get around in Asia. The Mass Rapid Transport rail system operates daily from 0530 hrs to 0030 hrs. Stored value passes (EZ-Link card) may be bought at most stations, and they may be used for multiple trips and on buses too.
Bus transportation is mainly by 2 major transport companies (SBS Transit and SMRT Corporation), which provide over 300 bus services covering all parts of the island. Exact bus fares are required. Alternatively, you may make payment via an EZ-Link card.
There is a network of over 22,000 air-conditioned taxis operating in Singapore. Taxis may be flagged down on the road or booked for a fee. Depending on where and when you board the taxi, some surcharges may apply. These surcharges are prominently displayed inside all taxis. There is no need for tipping of cab drivers.
Other Useful Information
Country Code
The country code for Singapore is 65. There is no area code.
Mobile Phone Calls
There are 3 mobile phone services providers: SingTel, StarHub and M1, and 2 mobile phone networks: GSM900 and GSM1800. International calls can be made using the following access codes:
* For SingTel: 001, 013 or 019
* For StarHub: 008 or 018
* For M1: 002 or 021
Postal Service
Singapore Post operates an extensive network of postal service centres throughout the island. They are opened Mondays through Fridays from 0830 hrs to 1700 hrs, and until 1300 hrs on Saturdays.
Tipping
Tipping is not practiced in Singapore, as there is already a 10% service charge levied in most hotels and restaurants.
Electricity
Singapore uses 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Transformers may be bought at many of the local shops, alternatively, many hotels also do provide transformers to their guests on request.
Water
Water in Singapore is safe for drinking straight from the tap. For those who prefer bottled water, they may be purchased from most supermarkets and convenience stores.
Smoking
Smoking is banned in all air-conditioned buildings, public service vehicles, lifts, libraries, museums, cinemas, theaters, supermarkets etc. Most outdoor eateries have designated smoking areas for smokers.
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is dealt with very seriously in Singapore. Drug trafficking carries with it a mandatory death penalty.
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