Singapore Travel Information

Singapore, with a population of 3.87 million is located at one of the major crossroads of the world. Singapore's strategic position has lead to its growth into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism. It 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. Accessibility to other nearby countries is viable via a short flight.


Airport Tax
A passenger service charge of S$21.00 will be charged during check-in at Changi Airport. However, this charge is usually absorbed by your airline. Passengers in transit for less than 24 hours are not required to pay the service charge.

Cabby Tours
Apart from tour guides, taxi drivers are the ones who know Singapore best. Eight different tours are available where you will be driven around by a qualified taxi driver. Discover juicy tidbits on various areas that can only come from local knowledge. Tours include 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. Bottled water is available at all local supermarkets and most stores island-wide.

Electricity
Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second that utilises a three-pin, square-shaped plug and socket system. If you are carrying devices with different voltages most hotels will provide transformers. Before purchasing any electrical equipment, ensure that you check the voltage against that of your home country.

Goods And Services Tax (GST)
A GST of 7% is levied on all purchases in Singapore. As a visitor, you can claim back the GST you paid on your purchases when you take them home. The GST refund does not apply for land and cruise departures.

Local Etiquette
Dressing - Dress appropriately when visiting temples and mosques.

Removal of shoes - It is common practice to remove one's footwear when entering temples, mosques and local homes.

Use of hands to eat or pass food - The right hand is used when eating an Indian or Malay meal. Please do not under any circumstances use the left hand.

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

Money
Licensed money changers can be found in Changi Airport and most shopping centres in the city. Most money changers commence business at 10.00am.

If you are holding banknotes or traveller' cheques of other national currencies rather than Euro banknotes, it is best to consult your country's local banks prior to your trip. Not to worry, you can always exchange these notes at the various bank counters in Changi Airport and most local money changers.

Postal Services
Singapore post has more than 1300 postal outlets island-wide for your convinience, offering postal, telecommunication and agency services. Most open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 5.00pm and until 1.00pm on Saturday. www.singpost.com.sg

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. However, there are designated smoking points all over town. A fine of S$1,000 can be imposed on offenders. Smoking in air-conditioned nighspots, pubs, discos and bars is permitted.

Telecommunications
Calling from public phones costs S$0.10 for 3 minutes. Phones are mostly card operated with coin phones still available albeit rare. 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 island-wide. For mobile phone users on US and Japanese networks, please call the SingTel mobile hotline - 1626, should you require handphones for rent.

Tipping
Optional but much appreciated. Tipping taxi drivers is encouraged. Hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge.