Flights

Singapore Changi International Airport is served by more than 70 airlines flying to more than 160 cities in 53 countries, and is well-placed to meet Singapore ’s aviation needs well into the future. Visit www.visitsingapore.com to find out how you can travel to Singapore by air.

Climate and Attire

For sun babies, Singapore ’s tropical climate is heaven-sent! The island is warm and humid all year round, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celsius and minimum of 23 degrees Celsius. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy sunbathing, swimming, sailing and other water sports. But for those who do not enjoy the tropical climate, Singapore is sheltered from the worst effects of the sun with air-conditioning in almost all of its shops, hotels, office buildings and restaurants. 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. Wear light, comfortable, cotton clothing to beat the heat. Carry a foldable umbrella for those unexpected tropical showers.

Transport

Transportation is comprehensive and inexpensive in Singapore. The following mode of travel is available:
Taxis
Singapore has more than 15,000 air-conditioned taxis plying local roads and providing 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 centres and hotels. Rates are metered. The initial flag down meter fare is SGD2.40 which covers the first 1km. Additional charges of SGD0.10 for every 225m thereafter.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

The MRT in Singapore is a modern, air-conditioned passenger train service with stations all over the island. A copy of A Quick Guide to MRT Travel can be obtained from the Station Control Rooms in all MRT stations. Trains operate at intervals of between two and a half minutes and eight minutes from 0530 hours until 0030 hours daily. Traveling on the MRT is cheap, with rides ranging from SGD 0.80 to a maximum of SGD1.70.

Instead of using cash, you may choose to pay your MRT and bus fares with a stored value ez-link card. The card may be bought or revalued at any TransitLink Ticket Sales Office located in most MRT stations and bus interchanges. Each adult card is sold with a minimum value of SGD10 plus a deposit fee of SGD5. For more information on both the MRT and bus services, you can refer to the TransitLink Guide which is available at SGD2.00 in most MRT stations and bus interchanges as well as at major bookstores.

Buses
Singapore Bus Services and Trans-Island Bus Services both operate regular and inexpensive services. Three CityBuzz services loop the city, buzzing at key stops and major tourist attractions, including Orchard Road , Little India, Chinatown , Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam and Suntec City . The air-conditioned double deck buses will allow you to travel in cool comfort while you feast your eyes on the sights of Singapore . Fares are SGD1 a trip by cash or ez-link. For greater value, a SGD5 CityBuzzPass packs you with unlimited travel on all CityBuzz services for a whole day. Operating hours are 1000 hours to 2200 hours, every 10 to 15 minutes. CityBuzzPass is available at all TransitLink Ticket Offices.

Currency

The basic unit is the Singapore Dollar (S$). For money changing, banks and money changers are located in most shopping centres and airports. You are advised to check the rate of exchange applicable to your own country before leaving for Singapore . There is no restriction on the amount of currency you can bring in. Visit www.forex.asia.com/currency.htm/ for currency converter

Credit Cards

Credit and Charge cards such as American Express, Diners, Master and Visa are acceptable at most establishments. Should any shop insist on adding any surcharge, contact the relevant credit card company involved.

People and Language

Singapore’s population of almost four million comprise 77% Chinese, 14% Malay, 8% Indian and 1% Eurasians and people of other descent. There are four official languages - Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood.

Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore . Illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.

Drinking Water

It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore . However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.

Electricity

Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second.

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 SGD1,000.

Tipping

Tipping is not practised 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.

Immigration Entry Requirement

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 except nationals of the following countries – Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, PR China, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia. Besides their valid passports or travel documents, visitors must also be in possession of an onward or a return ticket and sufficient funds for their stay in Singapore. Visit www.mfa.gov.sg for more information.

When Leaving Singapore

An airport departure tax of SGD21 for all flights applies, For convenience, passengers can buy their airport tax coupons at most hotels, travel agents and airline offices.