Singapore Travel Tips

Singapore is a huge tourist and business destination. As both play two of the largest roles in the Singaporean economy, every effort has been made to make every guest to this country comfortable and safe. Do not take the following tips as warnings, only advice, remember being a knowledgeable traveler is a big step to a successful vacation. Some of the rules and regulations implemented in Singapore are found nowhere else in the world so it's a good idea to become acquainted with them before you step off the plane.

GENERAL DO'S and DON'TS

Do not use first names unless you are invited to. Use Mr., Mrs. or Miss as titles. Obey the laws, as they are strictly enforced.

Smoking in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, cinemas, government offices and air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centres is against the law. First offenders may be fined up to a maximum of S$1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.

It is common courtesy to ask permission to take pictures of people, mosques or temples. When entering a Singaporean's house or a mosque, remember to take off your shoes. Do not eat or offer anything with your left hand when with Muslims and NEVER use your left hand when shaking hands with a Muslim.

Business cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. Remember to give and receive the card with both hands. It is polite to look the card over and hold it while speaking.

Singapore's clean and green image is the result of more than two decades of public education campaigns and strict laws against littering. Littering of any kind is subject up to S$1,000 fine for first offenders, and up to S$2,000 fine and a stint of corrective work order cleaning a public place for repeat offenders. As an extension of the law against littering, the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited. The high costs and difficulty in removing indiscriminately discarded chewing gum were the reasons for the prohibition.

Spitting is also punishable by law in Singapore. So beware the next time you wish to clear your throat.

Failure to flush the toilet after use can result in a $150 (S$75) fine but then, chances of getting caught are pretty slim. However, urinating in elevators can cause the doors of some to permanently close until the police squad arrives! It's also wise to take your own toilet paper as it's not always available in many public toilets.

BANKING

Generally banks are open from 10am to 3pm, Mondays to Fridays and 11am to 4:30pm, Saturdays.

CURRENCY

The currency unit is the Singapore dollar (S$). Approximately S$1.50 = US$1

Coins are in denominations of: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 cents.

Notes are in denominations of: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $10,000.

Brunei notes are interchangeable with Singapore notes and are quite common.

CUSTOMS

Duty-Free Items: Personal effects and food preparations not exceeding $50 in value. Visitors over 18 and not coming from Malaysia are allowed to bring in duty-free 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of beer, also 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

There is no export duty. Export permits are required for firearms, ammunition, explosives, animals, gold in form, platinum, precious stones and jewellery (except reasonable personal effects), poisons and drugs. Any goods in excess of reasonable personal effects should be declared at exit points and an Outward Declaration form prepared, if need be. For inquiries, call the Airport Customs Department at 65+5427058.

VISITOR'S CARD

This allows visitors to enjoy the best of Singapore at only a fraction of the price. That means you can stretch your dollar further. Use it at your hotel, in the restaurants, places of interest or even for a spa. Visitors can now be assured of getting good value-for-money. What¡¯s more, The Visitors Card is the official travel card for tourists and is supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Ez-Link. Equipped with the Ez-Link travel component, it allows for travel on Singapore¡¯s public transport ¨C the Mass Rapid Transit /Light Rail Transit and public buses.

DRUGS TIPS

The death penalty is mandatory for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15g of heroin, 30g of morphine, 30g of cocaine, 500g of cannabis, 200g of cannabis resin and 1.2kg of opium. Possession of such quantities is deemed as evidence of trafficking. For unauthorised consumption, there is a maximum of 10 years imprisonment or fine of $20,000, or both. In other words, it's better not considering partaking in anything to do with narcotics unless you have a 'death wish'.

DINING OUT

The food of Singapore reflects its multiethnic society. The hotels contain restaurants that specialize in dishes from all over Europe and Asia. The famous hawker centres, however, are possibly the best place to sample the various Singaporean cuisines. You can taste Indian, Malayan and Chinese dishes all in one night. These food centres can be a great experience and are part of the reason why Singapore is considered by many to be "the food capital of Asia." There are very strictly enforced Public Health controls in Singapore, so it is safe to eat food from any of the restaurants or stalls. It is important to note that smoking is completely banned in all air-conditioned restaurants. Be very cautious about your food, not because of health reasons but because of spiciness. If you don't like HOT food, then remember to mention this when you order your food or you could be in for a BURNING surprise.

DRINKING WATER

Singapore water is clean and safe to drink from the tap and need not be boiled.

ENTRY FORMALITIES (VISAS etc.)

Visas are not generally required for social visits of under 14 days and visitors arriving as tourists are given a 14-day social visit pass on arrival. If you want to stay longer, you may apply to the Immigration Department after your arrival.

You should have an onward/return ticket and sufficient funds for your stay. Entry visas are required for visitors from the People's Republic of China, the Russian Federation, India, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Jordan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen. Visa- free entry is available to citizens of Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Visa- free entry is permitted to citizens of other countries for stays ranging from 14-90 days. As regulations may change from time to time, check with your nearest Singapore Embassy or Singapore Tourist Promotion Board office before departure.

ASEAN Visa-free facility

Citizens of the ASEAN countries holding valid passports can visit Malaysia and Thailand for 14 days without a visa. The Philippines only requires a visa for a stay exceeding 21 days. Indonesia offers two months visa-free entry for bona fide tourists, provided they have an onward ticket and use designated ports of entry and exit.

ELECTRICITY

Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Most hotels can provide visitors with a transformer, which can convert the voltage to 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police: Singapore police are very helpful, if you need assistance dial 999

Fire and Ambulance: Dial 995

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well qualified doctors and dentists, many trained overseas. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets including supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists work from 9am till 6pm, with some shops open until 10pm. Most hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call. Contact the Front Office or Room Service for assistance.

PHYSICALLY DISABLED TIPS

Generally Singapore caters to the disabled and many places have ramps and doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. For wheelchair rental in and around Singapore telephone: 65+5431118 for more information.

Sentosa Island is accessible to all and the physically disabled are catered for, simply contact the Sentosa Customer Service Department telephone: 65+2791720 and they will assist you by making prior arrangements so that people with disabilities can be driven in. For those with mobility difficulties, travel by ferry is recommended as it is the most accessible and convenient way to Sentosa. Attendant service is available for those who need help. However, wheeling on the platform after landing at Sentosa can be difficult as there are grids on the rubber surface of the platform where there is a slight slope. Ambulant-disabled may try the bus if overcoming the bus steps does not prove difficult.

Access is difficult from the cable car tower to the entrance of Sentosa as there are many steps. Prior arrangement with the cable car company is recommended so that assistance can be rendered. The monorail offers a comfortable ride to most attractions. However, wheelchair users will find it difficult to gain access to the train as it is operated on an upper level accessible by a flight of stairs. Escalators can only be found at the main station at the ferry terminal and there are no lifts at any other stations. Prior arrangements should be made with the staff for assistance.

The buses are not accessible to wheelchair users as there are steps at the door. The Beach Train is also not accessible to wheelchair users. Another way to get around is by walking or wheeling to destinations within Sentosa. This may be tedious as Sentosa is undulating and is a relatively large attraction. It is therefore wise to plan your route. An alternative is to travel by the coastal track where the pavement is even and easier to wheel or walk. However, the coastal track provides access to only some attractions within Sentosa and the journey is longer.

POST OFFICE/TELECOM

Most hotels provide postal services at the front desk. The Changi Airport Post Office is open from 8am to 8pm daily from Monday to Saturday. Basic postal services are available round the clock at the General Post Office and the Comcentre branch.

International Direct Dialling is available at the General Post Office and Comcentre. IDD calls can also be made from the numerous phone card and credit card phones located at post offices and round the city area. Phone cards come in five denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50 and are sold at Singapore Telecom service outlets, post offices, convenience stores and some retail shops. A 20% levy is normally imposed on IDD calls made from hotels. International Access Code: 106 for Malaysia (before the country code), 104 for other countries. Country Code: 65 City Codes: City codes not required.

REMEMBER to dial Singapore's area code, 65 after the International code if dialing from outside Singapore.

QUARANTINE (For pets)

Singapore is rabies free and would like to keep it that way. Unless you're coming from Australia, chances are your pet's going have to be quarantined for a month. So do yourself and your pet a favour...leave it with a babysitter at home.

RECREATION and SPORTS

Some of the popular recreational activities are: archery, canoeing, cycling, golfing, scuba diving, squash, swimming, tennis, water skiing and wind surfing.

RELIGION

Main religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Taoism. Places of worship welcome visitors, however, visitors are expected to be properly attired and to respectfully witness the ceremonies or rites. Please note that shoes are not to be worn in temples and mosques.

SHOPPING

Shop hours vary, although Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm are the most common. Some department stores, Chinese Emporiums, and stores that cater solely to tourists stay open as late as 9pm seven days a week. The more popular shopping areas are as follows: Arab Street, Beach Road,  Bras Basah Road, Changi Airport, Chinatown/Tanjong Pagar, Holland Village, Little India, Marina Square, North Bridge Road/High Street/Coleman Street, Parco Bugis Junction, Orchard Road, Shenton Way. Suburban shopping: Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Changi Village, Clementi, Geylang, Katong/East Coast, Toa Payoh, Yishun, Tampines and Bishan. Since Singapore is a duty-free port, prices of many goods such as electronic and electrical products, cameras, clocks/watches and jewellery tend to be reasonable. Departmental stores and shops usually open from 10A.M. to 9P.M., daily. Good Retailers Scheme members displaying the red and white "Merlion" decal are recommended.

TIME

Singapore Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

TIPPING

Tipping is not very common in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxis drivers do not get tipped.

WHAT TO WEAR

Singapore's tropical weather makes light summer clothing (preferably of natural fabrics) most practical, especially for outdoor activities like sightseeing. Most restaurants and nightspots are not restrictive on the dress code, polo shirts, t-shirts, jeans, slacks, blouses and skirts, sun dresses and sneakers are acceptable at most places. Although some establishments require formal wear for the evening, suits and evening dresses will never be out of place in Singapore's trendy nightspots. It is always advisable to ring up beforehand to check on dress regulations, if any.