I can't
say enough about this amazing little country.
We spent 5 years there as a family and enjoyed South East Asia very
much.
If you get the chance, make Singapore a stop on your Asian visit!
SINGAPORE TRAVEL
INFORMATION & TIPS
Singapore is a thriving city-state that
prides itself on tastefully combining its treasured Eastern and Colonial past with Western modernity. The comfort levels felt
among its diverse peoples and a growing international population can avow to that.
In the streets of its cultural
enclaves like Chinatown and Little India, traditional trades and activities are still alive and well. But just a few miles
away is the city’s central business district with state-of-the-art buildings boasting modern architecture.
Places to shop and feast, two of the locals’ favourite past times, are peppered throughout the island.
Its
position on the geographical map of the region make Singapore a natural hop-off point to other regional destinations.
Electrical Appliances
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug
fittings of the 3-pin square type are in use. Many hotels have 110-volt outlets.
Airport Transfers
Changi International Airport is 20km (12 miles) east of the city (travel time - 30 minutes).
Public transport is readily available to the city centre which is about 16km (10 miles) from the airport.
There is a regular bus route between the airport and the train station. The Airbus, a premium shuttle-bus
service running every 20 minutes between 0900-2305, (tickets can be purchased from the Airbus Counter at the Arrival
Hall).
Currency Matters
Singapore Dollar (S$) = 100 cents.
Notes are in denominations of S$10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of S$1, and 50, 20, 10,
5 and 1 cent.
Currency exchange: Foreign currencies, travellers cheques and cheques can be changed at most
banks and licensed money changers. Automated teller machines (ATM) are also in operation.
Banking hours: Mon-Fri
0930-1500; Sat 0930-1300. Branches of certain major banks on Orchard Road open Sun 0930-1500.
Special Prohibited Items
Other than the usual restrictions on bringing in drugs and firearms, chewing gum
and tobacco products must be declared on arrival.
Special Health Regulations
A yellow fever certificate of vaccination is required from persons over one year of age who have been in or passed through
any country classified either partly or wholly as a yellow fever endemic zone within the previous six days. The countries
formerly classified as endemic zones are considered by the Singapore authorities to be still infected.
Rabies
is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice
without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.
Drinking
Water
Tap water is safe for drinking.
Dress Code
Light, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round. Certain places of worship in Singapore require women to don
headscarves and long skirts or pants before entering their premises.
Travel
Wisdom
Violent crime is rare. But petty crime, particularly bag-snatching is increasing. Visitors should not
leave bags unattended, even for very short periods. It would be prudent to leave passports, tickets and unneeded cash/travellers
cheques in the hotel safe or at (hosts') home.
Web Links To Visit
http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/experience.html
This is the official Singapore Tourism Board website.
You can also reach it through
www.newasia-singapore.com
Like most of Singapore, the site is well-organised and efficiently gets you through
a lot of information. Use the search engine to find out specific information you may need. Don’t forget to check out
its promotions and competition pages – you might win yourself a trip to Singapore. Like most other destination sites,
it gives you a host of suggested itineraries and ideas for exploring the country.
