Currency

The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes are in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and SGD 1.

Weather

Singapore’s weather is warm and humid most of the time, with a daily average temperature range of 24 to 31 degrees Celsius (75 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit). For a three-day weather forecast of Singapore, visit the National Environment Agency website.

Electricity & Water

Singapore’s voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 Hz. 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, please remember to check the voltage of the item against the voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in Singapore are the three-pin, square-shaped type.

In Singapore, it is perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap. But if you prefer bottled mineral water, they can be purchased from local supermarkets and grocers.

Tipping

Tipping is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurants already levy a 10% service charge on customers’ bills. Tipping is not common in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.

Languages

The four official languages in Singapore are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English, the language of business and administration, is widely spoken. Most Singaporeans are bilingual being conversant in English and their mother tongue. Malay is the national language.

Safety

Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. However, visitors are advised to exercise vigilance and take the usual precautions.

Local Time

Singapore is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Clocks are not adjusted for daylight saving.

Health Services

Singapore’s medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons. Most medicines are available at pharmacies which are located at supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists normally work from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm. Most hotels have their own doctors on 24-hour call.

Communications

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.

Payphone services: Public payphones are operated by credit card or stored-value phone cards. They can be used for making local and international calls. Public payphones are located at shopping centres and subway stations. Local calls are charged at 10 cents per 3 minutes. International Calling Cards are available at post offices, automatic teller machines, the airport, 7-Eleven convenience stores and other retail outlets.

Postal Services: Singapore Post has more than 900 postal outlets and 150 Self Automated Machines (SAMS) (24-hour automated machines that allow you to weigh your packages and buy stamps) throughout the island. Fax and air-parcel postage services are available at all outlets. Most postal outlets are open Mondays to Fridays, from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, and on Saturdays, from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm. Many hotels also offer postal services at the front desk.

Internet: Most hotels offer guests Internet access. Internet cafes and public Internet access kiosks are available throughout Singapore.

Media: Most major foreign newspapers can be purchased at hotels and large bookshops. Local newspapers are available in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil.