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Credit/Charge Cards
Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in
Singapore. |
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Currency
Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian
Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most
major shopping centers and big departmental stores. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Medical Facilities
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in
the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental
surgeons.
Pharmacies are readily available at supermarkets,
department stores, hotels and shopping centers.
Registered pharmacists generally work from 0900 hrs to
1800 hrs. |
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Mobile Phones
There are two mobile phone networks - GSM900 and GSM1800
- and three mobile telephone service providers -
SingTel, M1 and StarHub. To make international calls,
the access codes are 001, 013, or 019 for SingTel, 002
or 021 for M1, and 008 or 018 for StarHub. |
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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.
An online currency converter service is available at
asiaone.
To check today's exchange rate, please
click here. |
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Safety
Increasingly, personal safety and security are becoming
critical concerns of international travelers. 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. |
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles,
museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas,
air-conditioned restaurants, non air-conditioned 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 |
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Tipping
Tipping is not practiced 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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
Information courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board.
