Currency
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000.
Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and SGD 1.
Brunei currency is acceptable at par with the Singapore currency. All banks in Singapore are obliged to accept the Brunei currency notes and coins at par for deposit. This is provided for under the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei and Singapore which took effect on 12 June 1967 and continues to be effective till to-date. There is no reason for businesses to shy away from accepting Brunei notes.
Passports are required when cashing in travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US, Australian and Brunei Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big departmental stores.
An online currency converter service is available at asiaone . Check on today's exchange rate .
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.
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore . Illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.
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. When shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
A 7% GST is levied in Singapore . Under the Global Refund GST Scheme, foreign visitors may claim back the GST paid on purchases. GST refunds are not applicable for land and cruise departures.
Language
There are four official languages in Singapore : Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English.
Money Changers
Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.
Safety
Increasingly, personal safety and security are becoming critical concerns of international travellers. The situation in Singapore remains calm and stable, and the island remains one of the safest in the world to visit.
Enhanced security measures at key installations and other sensitive places ensure that Singapore continues to remain safe. The Singapore Government explicitly states that extremism originating from religion or race has no place in Singapore and swift action will be taken against any extremist or terrorist groups or individuals.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, non-airconditioned eating houses, hawker centers, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. In line with efforts to improve the nightlife experience for all, there are smoking restrictions on entertainment outlets. Smoking is no longer allowed in all pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots, unless within approved smoking rooms or smoking corners. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000.
Spitting
Spitting in public places is an offence.
Time Differences
To find out the time differences between Singapore and other cities, click here .
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.
Touting and Soliciting
While shopping in Singapore is a hassle-free and pleasurable experience, there are, on occasion, incidents of touting and soliciting, as well as incidents where visitors feel pressured into buying products or services from vendors who approach them on the streets. As a consumer, you have every right not to transact with any of these vendors. If you are not interested, ignore the touts or tell them firmly you are not interested and then walk away.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Here is a list of useful telephone numbers.
Police
999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade
995 (toll-free)
STB Touristline (24-hr automated tourist information system)
Tel: 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)
CitySearch (operator-assisted Yellow Pages)
Tel: (65) 1900 777 7777
International Calls
Tel: 104
Time of day
Tel: 1711
Trunk Calls to Malaysia
Dial 109 for operator assistance or 02 for direct dial.
Toll-free lines
Dial 1800 followed by the toll-free line number (in Singapore only).
Weather
Tel: (65) 6542 7788
Visa and Entry Facilities
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.
For more information on visa requirements, click here . To find out more about the types of visas and to download the necessary application forms, click here .
What to Wear
Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any. |
