Climate

Singapore has a relatively uniform temperature ranging from 25°C - 33°C (77°F – 91.4°F). Humidity ranges from an average of 66%. It rains throughout the year with more showers expected from November to January. Rain is usually sudden and intense but brief.

Clothing

Dressing is informal and casual at most occasions. Smart casual clothes are acceptable at most restaurants and nightspots. Due to the sudden rain, most people carry umbrellas.

Currency

Singapore dollar is the currency in Singapore. The larger shops and entertainment establishments will accept most major credit cards and travellers' cheques. Money changers and banks are readily available.

Customs

You are required to declare all dutiable, controlled or prohibited items. All such goods and their import license or authorization where applicable, should be produced. Making a false or an incorrect declaration is an offence under the law. If you are above 18 years of age, traveled from countries other than Malaysia and have spent 48 hours or more outside Singapore immediately before your arrival, you are granted the following duty-free concessions for liquors:

• 1 litre spirits (brandy, whisky, gin, rum, vodka etc);
• 1 litre wine; and
• 1 litre beer or stout or ale or porter.

There is no duty-free concession for Tobacco, including cigarettes and cigars. Such dutiable goods should be declared. The Singapore Customs and Excise Department collects a 7% 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. Seek clearance at the Red Channel if in doubt.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 240 volts, 50 Hz.

Emergency Call Numbers

Health requirements

If you are arriving within six days of passing through areas endemic for Yellow Fever you will need to produce a Fever Vaccination Certificate.

Healthcare

Singapore's private and public medical facilities are readily available and of a high standard. Tap water is safe to drink.

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 kilometres), the main island resides a population of 4.5 million (2007). Singapore measures a maximum 26 miles (42 kilometres) from East to West and 14 miles (23 kilometres) from North to South. Lying close to the southern part of Malaysia, the two countries are linked by 2 causeways.

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.

Public Phones

Most public phones accept coins or phonecards purchased from bookstalls and newsagents.

Shopping & Business Hours

Generally, the opening hours of most stores are from 10am - 10pm, Mondays to Sundays. Orchard Road is known to promote late night shopping on select weekend nights where shops will stay open until 11pm or midnight.

Banks & Government offices

• Banks: Open from 8:90 a.m. – 4:90 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Although the hours may vary slightly per bank.
• Offices: A majority of offices are open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays and some are open 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Taxes

There is a 7% Goods and Services Tax imposed in major shops and departments, with an additional 10% service charge in restaurants, 1% government tax is also added in hotels.

Time Zone

GMT +8.

Tipping

There is usually a 10% service charge added to the bill. If not, tipping is up to one's preferences but it is not customary.

Visa

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. To check if you require a visa, check with your travel agent when you purchase your ticket.