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.