About Singapore

Singapore is made up of a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters. Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.

Time Difference

Singapore time is 8 hours ahead of GMT.

Climate

Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31°C (88°F), dropping to around 24°C (75°F) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period.

Clothing

Loose and light summer clothing is highly recommended, and unless otherwise specified, casual attire is acceptable for most situations. Smart casuals are recommended during all conference sessions.

Language

English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil are the four official languages in Singapore. English is the language of business and study and is widely spoken and written.

Currency

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere in Singapore, that accept main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Safety

Singapore is a very safe country with low crime rates. However, normal precautions with your belongings are recommended.
Useful phone numbers:
Police: 999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade: 995 (toll-free)

Public Transportation

Singapore has a comprehensive bus network with frequent services and convenient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system. Both are cheap and simple to use. Basic fare starts at around S$2.80, going up S$0.20 for every 210 metres after the 1st km. Taxi fares from the Airport to the City Centre range from S$25 - S$30.. Peak hours attract a surcharge of 35% on top of the taxi fare charged.

For road directions in Singapore, try www.streetdirectory.com.

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.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in enclosed spaces such as vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts (elevators), theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, supermarkets, departmental stores and government offices. With effect from 1 July 2007, smoking is also no longer permitted in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars, night-spots and most non-air-conditioned eating places. Smoking is also an offence on public buses, the Mass Rapid Transport (MRT), taxis and lifts. A maximum fine of SGD 1000 can be imposed on first time offenders.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Singapore is perfectly clean and safe to drink. Bottled mineral water is available at any local supermarket or convenience store.

Drug Abuse

Singapore views drug abuse very seriously. The importation of drugs carries the death penalty. The use of drugs in Singapore is a criminal offence.

Taxes

There is a 7% sales tax, called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Tax refunds may be obtained at Global Refund Singapore counters at Changi Airport for purchases of more than S$300 made at a store or retail chain participating in the Tax Free Shopping Scheme. Ask for a Tax Free Shopping Cheque to be completed, and show the goods and the cheques at the airport departure terminal for customs inspection and refunds.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Singapore. It is, in fact, prohibited at the airport. Most expensive hotels and restaurants already impose a 10% service charge, and a gratuity is not expected in excess of this.

For more information on Singapore, please visit: www.visitsingapore.com