Singapore Visa Requirements

If you’re coming from a country which does not require an entry visa 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 log on to www.ica.gov.sg

Weather and Attire in Singapore

It’s sunny here most of the time, so slip into something light and comfortable such as cotton. Be ready with an umbrella though, for unexpected tropical downpours. For most dinners and special occasions, casual dress is acceptable but other establishments may require a more formal dress code. Do check the venue’s dress regulations beforehand.

Useful Telephone Numbers in Singapore

Useful Telephone Numbers

For Emergenices
Police - 999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade - 995 (toll-free)

Hospital 24-hour emergency assistance
Gleneagles (near Orchard Road Area) - (65) 6470-5770
Mount Elizabeth (near Orchard Road Area) - (65) 6731-2218
Raffles Hospital (near Marina Bay Area) - (65) 6311-1555
National University (west side of Island) - (65) 6772-5000
Singapore General Hospital (near Chinatown) - (65) 6772-5000
Tan Tock Seng Hospital (within Novena area) - (65) 6357-8766

Loss of Credit Cards
American Express - 1-800-732-2244
Diners Club - 1-800-292-7055
JCB - 1-800-734-0096
MasterCard - 800-110-0113
Visa - 800-110-0344

Miscellaneous
CitySearch (operated-assisted Yellow Pages) - 1-900-777-7777
Flight Information - 1-800-542-4422
International Calls (operator assistance) - 104
Time - 1711
Touristline (24-hr automated tourist information system) - 1-800-736-2000
Trunk Calls to Malaysia (operator assistance) - 109
Trunk Calls to Malaysia (direct dial) - 02
Weather - (65) 6542-7788

Tipping in Singapore

Tipping is appreciated but is not a common practice as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers’ bills.

Telecommunications in Singapore

Public payphones are either coin or card operated, the latter being more common. Local calls from public payphones are charged at SGD 0.10 per 2 minutes. Overseas calls are charged an access fee of SGD 0.10 to SGD 0.30 per call over and above prevailing call rates.

Calls made using credit cards are charged at least SGD 1.00. Phone cards – from SGD 5.00 – can be purchased at post offices, 7-eleven store and selected shops. Prepaid SIM cards for mobile phones can also be purchased throughout the island. (Note: Passports are required for registration)

Smoking in Singapore

Smoking is not allowed in most public places, especially non-open air spaces. A fine of up to SGD 1,000.00 can be imposed on offenders. Smoking is also prohibited in all entertainment and eating places except in spaces specifically marked as smoking areas.

The Singapore Tourist Pass

The Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides on the MRT, LRT and basic bus services at just SGD 8.00 per day. You can purchase a 1, 2, or 3 day pass with a refundable SGD 10.00 deposit (the pass must be returned within 5 days). The Pass also comes bundled with selected merchant offers to provide you with more benefits during your stay in Singapore. The Singapore Tourist Pass is sold at TransiLink ticket offices at the Changi Airport, Orchard, Bugis MRT stations as well as at selected Singapore Visitors Centres. For more information, call (65) 6223-2282 or visit www.thesingaporetouristpass.com

Singapore Education Services Centre

A one-stop resource centre for those who wish to access education counselling services and seek information on education opportunities in Singapore, or for international students to mingle with their peers through the Overseas Students Association located at 1 orchard Road, #01-01 (YMCA Building, ground Floor). For more information, call (65) 6831-3764 or visit www.singaporeeedu.gov.sg

Singapore Airlines Boarding Pass Privileges

Enjoy offers on shopping, dining and entertainment, tourist attractions and transport services at participating outlets 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 at selected outlets in Changi Airport of the day you fly. For more information, visit www.singaporeair.com/boardingpass

Postal Services in Singapore

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 branches are open Monday through Friday, from 8.30am to 5.00pm and until 1.00pm on Saturday. For more information, visit www.singpost.com.sg

Money Matters in Singapore

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 commerce business at 10.00am.

Local Etiquette for Visitors to Note in Singapore

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

Chinese Meal: It is a 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.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) in Singapore

A Goods & Services Tax of 7% is levied on all purchases in Singapore. As a visitor, you can claim the GST that you paid on your purchases .GST refunds do not apply for land and cruise departures.

Electricity in Singapore

Singapore voltage is 200-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second and utilises a three-pin, square-shaped plug and socket system. If you’re carrying a device different voltage of plug, most hotels can provide you with adaptors. If you’re buying electronic items from here, make sure you check the voltage against that of your home country.

Drinking Water in Singapore

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

Cabby Tours in Singapore

Apart from tour guides, it has been said that taxi drivers are the ones who knows the city best. And what better way to discover Singapore than to bedriven 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 (at least one hour before pick-up time) or visit www.citycab.com.sg for more information on cabby tours.

Airport Tax in Singapore

There is a passenger service charge of SGD 21.00 when you check in at the Changi Airport which will usually be absorbed by your airline. If you are in trabsit for less than 24 hours, you are not required to pay this service charge.

Accommodation in Singapore

There is a wide variety of accommodation options in Singapore. Depending on your preference, you may choose from a range of luxurious five star hotels, resorts, boutique hotels or no-frills budget hotels. Dormitory style accommodations are also available at backpacker and youth hostels.

While we encourage you to make a room reservation before arrival, there are hotel reservation counters available at the airport, managed by the Singapore Hotel Association. For more information and hotels listing, refer to www.visitsingapore.com.