General Informational For Visitors To Singapore
From its humble beginnings as a trading port to the bustling metropolis it is today, the dynamic city of Singapore is located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Malaysia and Indonesia. The main island is about 42 km from west to east and 23 km from north to south.
- Climate
- Culture
- Language
- Time
- Electricity
- Drinking Water
- Money
- Banking
- Money Changers
- Telephone Country Code
- Smoking
- Tipping
- Touting and Soliciting
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Medical Facilities
- Transportation
For further information about Singapore can be found at: http://www.visitsingapore.com
Climate
The climate in Singapore is generally warm and humid with no distinct seasons. The daily average temperature ranges between 24°C (75°F) to 31°C (87°F). November and December are generally the rainy seasons.
Culture
Singapore is a multicultural society with a blend of Malay, Chinese, Arab, Indian and English cultures. Citizens live in harmony with each other and see themselves first as Singaporeans regardless of their ethnicity or religion.
Language
Most Singaporeans speak at least one of the four official languages of Singapore – English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. In schools, children are taught in English but they also learn another language - Mandarin, Malay or Tamil. Singaporeans have a unique version of English commonly known as Singlish which is a mixture of English with other Malay and Hokkien words. Phrases sometimes end off with terms like ‘lah’, ‘leh’ and ‘ah’.
Time
Singapore time is 8 hours (+8 GMT) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second using 3 square pin plugs (similar to the UK). On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage.
Drinking Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore.
Money
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at the airport, hotels, banks or licensed money changers. All major credit cards are accepted and can be used without paying a surcharge.
Banking
Banking hours are from Mondays to Fridays: 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. Saturdays: 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs. Most banks can process travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays. Passports are required when cashing in travellers' cheques and a nominal commission may be charged.
Money Changers
Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have licensed money changer.
Telephone Country Code
The country code of Singapore is +65
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in air-conditioned eating places, public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, supermarkets, department stores and government offices.
Tipping
Tipping is not a practice in Singapore. Almost all hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills.
Touting and Soliciting
Shopping in Singapore is a hassle-free experience. However, there are the occasional touts and solicitors who may approach visitors to buy products or services on the streets. If you are not interested, ignore the touts or tell them firmly you are not interested and then walk away.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
A GST of 7% is levied on all purchases in Singapore. As a visitor, you can claim the GST that you paid on your purchases when you take them home. The GST refund form must be validated by Customs at the Singapore Changi Airport before departure by air travel and is not applicable for land and cruise departures.
Medical Facilities
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world. Pharmacies are readily available at supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists generally work from 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs.
Most hotels have their own doctor on-call around the clock. Other doctors are listed under Medical Practitioners in the Yellow Pages of the Singapore Phone Book.
Transportation
Travelling around Singapore is a cinch! An efficient network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system ensures that your ride is hassle-free and extremely affordable. To get you around, pick up a copy of the MRT guide from the Station Control Rooms in all MRT stations. For more information on both the MRT and bus services, you can refer to the Transit Link Guide which is available for purchase in most MRT stations and bus interchanges as well as at major bookstores.