Fast Facts

Singapore Fast Facts

Airport Tax

There's passenger service charge of S$21.00 during check-in at Changi Airport. This is usually absorbed by your airline, If you are in transit for less than 24 hours, you are not required to pay this service charge.

Cabby Tours

Apart from tour guides, it has been said that taxi drivers are the ones who know the city best, And what better way to discover Singapore than being driven by a qualified cabby tour guide who can point out interesting aspects of the city? Choose from any of the eight different tours including farm visits, night tours and heartland tours.

Call (65) 6542 5831 or (65) 6542 8297 for tour bookings (minimum of one hour prior to pick-up time) or visit www.citycab.com.sg for more information on cabby tours.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink. If you wish for bottled water, they are available at all local supermarkets and most stores island-wide.

Electricity

Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second that utilizes a three-pin, square-shaped plug and socket system. If you are carrying a device with a different voltage or pin head, most hotels can provide you with transformers. If you're buying electronic items from Singapore, make sure you check the voltage against that of your home country.

Goods & Service Taxi (GST)

A Goods & Services Tax (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 refunds do not apply for land and cruise departures. Learn more about tax-free shopping here.

Local Etiquette for Visitors to Note

Dressing: Dress appropriately when visiting temples and mosques.

Removal of shoes: It is common practice to remove one's shoes or sandals when entering temples and mosques, as well as local homes.

Use of hands to eat or pass food: The right hand is used when eating an Indian or Malay meal.

Chinese Meal: It is taboo to stick your chopsticks into your food. If you are served with two spoons, remember: the Chinese porcelain one is used for eating, while the other - usually a silver one with a longer handle - is used for serving.

Money Matters

There are licensed money changers in Changi Airport and most shopping centres in the city, aside from banks and hotels. Before exchanging your money for any other currency, remember to check the foreign exchange rates. Most licensed money changers commence business at 10:00.

Postal Services

Singapore Post has more than 1,300 postal outlets island-wide for your convenience. They offer a wide range of postal telecommunication and agency services; most are open Monday through Friday from 8.30am to 5.00pm and until 1.00pm on Saturday. www.singpost.com.sg

SIA Boarding Pass Privileges

Enjoy discounts on shopping, dining and entertainment, tourist attractions and transport services at over 300 different locations when you present your Singapore Airlines or SilkAir boarding pass within seven days from the date of flight. In addition you can look forward to attractive offers in selected outlets at Changi Airport on the day you fly. Download SIA Boarding Pass Privileges

Singapore Education Services Centre

A one-stop resource centre for those wishing to access education counselling services and research information on education opportunities in Singapore, or for international students to mingle with their peers through the Overseas Student Association. 1 Orchard Road, #01-01 (YMCA Building, ground floor) Tel (65) 6831 3764 or visit www.singaporeedu.gov.sg

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, bus-stops, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, non-air conditioned eating houses, food centres, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices but there are designated smoking areas all over town. A fine of up to S$1,000 can be imposed on offenders. In line with efforts to improve the nightlife experience for all, entertainment outlets will be smoke-free with effect from July 2007.

Telecommunications

Call from public phones cost S$0.10 for 3 minutes. Phones are either coin or card operated, the latter being the most commonly used. Phone cards from S$3.00 can be purchased at post offices and shops. You can also use your credit card at selected phone booths. The IDD code is 001. SIM cards for mobile phones can be purchased from selected shops throughout the island. 3G and 3.5G phones are common among mobile phone users here. For mobile users on the US and Japan networks, please call Singtel mobile hot-line: 1626, should you require handphones for rent.

Internet

Getting connected in Singapore is a breeze. Some hotels and most restaurants and cafes have free wireless broadband internet connections, just bring your laptop or blackberry and logon.

Tipping

This practice is appreciated but is optional; tipping taxis drivers is encouraged. Hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills but tipping is always plesently acknowledge.

Weather & Attire

It's sunny here most of the time so slip into something light and comfortable, cotton is best. Be ready with a foldable umbrella though, for unexpected tropical downpours. For most dinner or special occasions, causal dress is acceptable but other establishments may require a more formal dress code. Do check the venue's dress regulations beforehand.

Visa Requirements

If you're coming from a country which does not require an entry via to Singapore, you may be given a social visit pass of up to 30 days upon arrival. Contact your local travel agent for more information or visit ICA Visa Requirements to learn more.

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