General Info about Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant cosmopolitan city. With a population of 4.1 million, it is a multi-racial society which enjoys religious harmony. Singapore is a safe city with a lush tropical landscape. Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major center for trade, communications and tourism. It is located one degree north of the equator in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Singapore is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and the key islands of the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip away. Bali, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia are a short flight away. Singapore, with a world-class airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to Southeast Asia.
Land and Climate
By virtue of its tropical location, Singapore tends to be sunny and humid with temperatures ranging between 28 - 32 degrees Centigrade (82.4 - 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit). 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.
Time Difference
Singapore Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time; 14 hours ahead of Central and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.
Language
English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil are the four official languages, with Malay as the national language and English as the language of business and administration.
Religion
Main religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Taoism. Places of worship welcome visitors, however visitors are expected to be properly attired and to respectfully witness the ceremonies or rites. Please note that shoes are not to be worn in Hindu temples and mosques.
Currency
The currency unit is the Singapore dollars (S$) and cents. Approximately S$1.60 = US$1.
Coins are in denominations of: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and $1.
Notes are in denominations of: $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $10,000.
Banking
Banking hours are 9:30am - 3pm weekdays; 9:30am - 1pm Saturdays. Traveler's checks and foreign currencies may be changed at most banks and licensed money changers in most shopping centers.
Most ATM machines offer PLUS, STAR or CIRRUS network systems. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity/Voltage
Standard voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles. Some hotels may be equipped with 110 - 120 volts AC power outlets.
Good & Services Tax (GST)
A 5% Goods & Services Tax is levied on most goods and services purchased from taxable retailers. Quoted prices of merchandise include GST. Combined purchases of SGD 300 or more (with a minimum of SGD 100 spent at a shop or different outlets of the same retail chain displaying the "Tax Free Shopping" logo) are eligible for a refund of the GST paid on goods not consumed in Singapore. Refunds must be processed at the airport only prior to departure flights with proof of purchase and inspection of goods.
Shopping
Singapore is a duty-free port. Prices of goods such as electronic and electrical products, cameras, clocks/watches and jewelry are highly competitive. Department stores and shops usually open from 10am to 9pm daily.
Tipping
Tipping is not very common in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxis drivers do not get tipped.
Inoculation
None required unless arriving from a country where a disease is partly/wholly endemic.
Visa Requirements
Tourist visas are not required for American and Canadian citizens for visits of up to 30 days. However, all visitors are required to have a passport validity of at least 6 months, onward/return tickets, onward facilities (e.g., visa, entry permit, etc.) to their next destination and sufficient funds for their stay in Singapore. For all other nationalities please check the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website (www.ica.gov.sg) for more information.
Airport Facilities
Changi Airport in Singapore is 6 km (10 miles) from the city centre. Changi Airport's two terminals (www.changi.airport.com.sg) offer comprehensive facilities as well as hotels with private bathrooms. Transit passengers who will not be clearing the customs and immigration facilities in Singapore can make advance reservation for temporary accommodation at The Ambassador Transit Hotel within the secured area of the airport (www.airport-hotel.com.sg).
Public transportation from the airport to the city center is readily available. Taxi fare costs SGD 15 - SGD 20 (add surcharge for trips originating from the airport). The Maxicab airport shuttle service operates every 20 minutes and costs SGD 7.
Transportation within Singapore
Getting around in Singapore is really easy and inexpensive. Excellent bus services complement one of the world's most modern and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems. The island's plentiful taxis are metered and air-conditioned. Self-drive and chauffeur-driven cars can be hired from a number of operators.
(i) By Bus
Buses are probably the most economical way to get around Singapore. There are two types of buses in Singapore: the Singapore Bus Service (www.sbs.com.sg) and the Trans-Island Bus Service (www.tibs.com.sg). Details of bus routes and fares are clearly displayed at bus interchanges and you are most welcome to check with the locals if you are not sure of which bus to take. Exact change is required for your fare and it is recommended that you purchase a EZ-Link Fare Card (stored-value card), which may also be used on the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system.
Fares:
SGD 0.60 to SGD 1.20 - non air-conditioned buses.
SGD 0.70 to SGD 1.50 - air-conditioned buses.
Check with the bus driver on the appropriate fare for your destination.
Operating Hours:
From 6am to 12 midnight with regular frequency of 10-15 mins.
(ii) By Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) (www.smrtcorp.com)
Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is a new, clean and easy way to travel. The train consists of two main lines that run north-south and east-west. There will be a third MRT line (the North East Line) scheduled to be completed by mid 2003.
Tickets for your train ride may be purchased at any MRT station from a ticketing machine. Coin-operated ticket-dispensing machines are located inside the main doors at each station. A route plan is available in every station to help you plan your route and determine the required train fare.
Frequency:
Trains operate at intervals of two and a half to eight minutes from 5:30am until 12:30am daily.
Fares:
Rides range from SGD 0.70 to a maximum of SGD 1.60.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): Efficient and inexpensive, the MRT is an efficient way to self-explore Singapore. Operation hours are 6am to 12 midnight daily.
Instead of using cash, you may choose to pay your MRT and bus fares with a stored value ez-link Card. The Card can be bought or revalued from any TransitLink Ticket Sales Office located in most MRT stations and bus interchanges. Each adult Card is sold with a minimum value of SGD 10 plus a deposit fee of SGD 5.
(iii) By Taxi
Over 15,000 air-conditioned licensed cabs provide comfortable, hassle-free travel at a very reasonable cost. They can be flagged down 24 hours a day on most roads, with well-marked taxi stands available outside most major shopping centers and hotels. At Singapore Changi Airport, the taxi stand is located just outside the Arrival Hall on Level 1 of Terminal 1, and at the end of the Arrival Hall on Level 1 of Terminal 2 (South Wing).
All taxis are metered, with fare starting from SGD 2.40. In addition to metered fares, there are applicable surcharges prominently displayed in taxis.
Links to taxi companies: www.tibs.com.sg ; www.comfortgroup.com.sg
(iv) By Rental Cars
Chauffeur driven or self-drive rental cars are available from rental car agencies. You can rent a car from any of the international firms, or from local car hire firms. You will need both a national and international licence. Driving is on the left side of the road, and wearing a seat belt is the law.
Useful Numbers
Police: 999
Fire and Ambulance: 995
International Access Code: 106 for Malaysia (before the country code), 104 for other countries.
Singapore Country Code: 65
City Codes: City codes not required.
Visit these websites for more information on Singapore:
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