General Information
- Currency: Singapore dollar (S$, SGD)
- Climate: Average daily temperature is 27º Celsius (81º Fahrenheit), often rising to 32º Celsius (90º Fahrenheit); nights are cooler, averaging 26º Celsius (79º Fahrenheit)
- Time Zone: GMT plus eight hours
- Language: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil are official languages. English is widely used for business
Singapore's Changi Airport (SIN) is at the eastern end of the island, 20 kilometres / 12 miles from the city centre. Limousine, car hire and taxi services are all available. A shuttle bus leaves the airport every 20 minutes from 6:00 am until midnight, calling at all the major hotels in the city centre. The best way to get around town is on the air-conditioned Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) underground rail system, a comprehensive network operating from 6:00 am until midnight, with trains every three to five minutes.
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday - 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Saturday - 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (some banks are open until 3:00 pm)
Sunday - 9:30 am to 3:00 pm (some banks in Orchard Road)
Most banks handle traveller's cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturday. Passports are required when cashing traveller's cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
Credit / Charge Cards
Major cards are widely accepted in Singapore.
Medical Facilities
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets, including supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists work from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Shopping
Most shops and shopping centres open at 10:00 am and close between 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm, seven days a week. Most shops and shopping centres are open on Sundays and public holidays, except during major festive holidays such as Chinese New Year and Christmas Day. Some shops may have shorter trading hours on public holidays.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Offenders can be fined up to S$1000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, designated smoking areas are available in most pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.
Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.
Visa and Entry Facilities
Generally, foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting Singapore as tourists may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore. For more information on visa requirements, contact the nearest Singapore overseas mission. Tourists, however, should have valid passports, onward / return tickets and onward facilities (e.g. visas, entry permits, etc) to their next destination and sufficient funds for their stay in Singapore. If they require a longer stay, they may apply to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority after their arrival.
Women in an advanced state of pregnancy (i.e. six months or more) intending to visit Singapore should make prior application to the nearest Singapore overseas mission.
What to Wear
Due to Singapore's warm and humid climate throughout the year, light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions, but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.
