Singapore Overview
Lying almost on the equator, Singapore is a thriving city-state that has
overcome its dearth of natural resources to become one of the juggernaut
economies of Asia. In the crowded streets of Chinatown,
fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers are still a part of
everyday life. In Little
India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a
picture of your favourite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab
Street, the cry of the imam can be heard from the nearby Sultan
Mosque.
Singapore may have traded in its rough-and-ready opium dens and pearl luggers
for towers of concrete and glass, and its steamy rickshaw image for hi-tech
wizardry, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under
the languorous ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. It is this carefully stage-managed
combination of Western modernity and treasured Eastern and colonial past
that makes Singapore such an accessible slice of Asia.
Local Area Information
The Republic of Singapore is made up of the main island of Singapore and
60 other smaller islands.
With a total area of 253 square miles (655 square kilometers), the main
island resides a population of 3.87 million. Singapore measures a maximum
26 miles (42 kilometers) from East to West and 14 miles (23 kilometers) from
North to South.
Lying close to the southern part of Malaysia, the two countries are linked
by 2 causeways.
Geographical Information
Singapore lies close to the southern extremity of the Eurasian tectonic
plate and the northeast extension of the Sumatra-Java oceanic trench.
Language
English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil
Population
3.87 million
Visa
Foreigners holding travel documents issued by certain countries require
either a Business or Social visa.
(For more information, please visit the Singapore Immigration website : www.sir.gov.sg)
Customs
Travelers enjoy Duty-Free concessions if they:
- are at least 18 years old
- have arrived from countries other than Malaysia
- have been away from Singapore for at least 48 hours
The Singapore Customs and Excise Department collects a 3% Goods and Services
Tax (GST) on all goods imported into Singapore.
GST relief is given for all new purchases as a tourist or returning Citizen/Permanent
Resident of Singapore.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar. Most shops and entertainment
outlets accepted major credit cards and travelers' checks.
Use our Currency
Converter to check the exchange rate that corresponds to your local currency.
Taxes
There is a 3% Goods and Services Tax imposed in major shops and departments,
with an additional of 10% service charge in restaurants, 1% government tax
is also added in hotels.
Tipping
There is no need to tip if a 10% service charge is already added to the bill.
If not, tipping is up to one's preferences.
Public phones
Most public phones accept coins or phonecards purchased from bookstalls and
newsagents, with a minimum value of S$2.00.
Mobile phones
Mobile phone network in Singapore is GSM 900/1800 and CDMA.
Check with your mobile phone company before leaving home about international
auto roam services available in Singapore.
Shopping and Business Hours in Singapore
In general, the opening hours of most stores are Sunday to Thursday 10:30
a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Saturday 10.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
Most shops welcome all credit cards.
With shopping as one of Singapore's major attractions, the government has
instituted several consumer's laws protecting buyers.
Shopping districts includes Colonial Singapore Area, Chinatown,
Little India and Arab Street.
However, the main shopping district is the Orchard
Road situated at the heart of the city, with major department stores
and malls stretching up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers).
Banks and Government offices
Banking hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 9:30 a.m.
to 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays.
Offices
Majority of the offices is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday
and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
Time Difference
GMT +8 There is no summer time clock change.
Climate
Singapore has a relatively uniform temperature ranging from 250C to 320C (770F
to 89.60F) throughout the whole year. Humidity ranges from an average of 66%.
More showers are expected from November to January and are usually sudden
but brief.
Click here to view Current Weather Forecast
Clothing
Dressing is informal and casual at most occasions.
Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Include
a waterproof jacket if rain is expected.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied throughout Singapore at 220-240 volts, 50 cycles AC
system.
Health
Medical facilities in Singapore are of high standard.
Tap water in the hotel is potable and if desired, may be boiled prior to consumption
using the facilities provided in-room.
View Singapore Hospitals and Health Information
Emergency call numbers
Fire/ Ambulance 995
Police 999
Police Hotline 1800 6225 0000
Samaritans of Singapore 1800 6221 4444
Non-emergency Ambulance Service 1777
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