Singapore

Traveling

Entry requirements

Passport and visa service

To get more information on visa and entry requirements, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore.

Diplomatic representations

To known list of countries embassies in Singapore kindly visit the given link.

Organizing your trip

Means of transport recommended in town

Recommendation

An efficient public transportation network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system ensures that travelling cross this city state is hassle-free and extremely affordable.

Buy an ez-link card. It can be used both for MRT and Buses.

Maps of urban networks

Maporama
Mapblast
UT Library on line
Singapore Network Map

Means of transport recommended in the rest of the country

Recommendation

Most commonly used transportation is The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) it is a modern, air-conditioned passenger train service with stations all over the island. Trains operate from 0530 hrs until 0030 hrs daily. Travelling on the MRT is cheap, with rides ranging from SGD 0.80 to a maximum of SGD 1.70.

MRT has two operators : SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT) and SBS Transit

Taxi's are a little bit expensive and take long duration to reach the destination. For a group of four passengers with luggage Taxi is recommended.

Rail companies

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malayan Railways Limited);
SMRT Corporation Ltd (SMRT)
SBS Transit

Airlines

Traveling by yourself

Recommendation

Driving in Singapore is considered safe. A right permit is required for driving in Singapore which is issued by Land Transport Authority . Public streets and commuter facilities are well-lit for the safety of all road-users. Traffic signs and directional signs are clear and plentiful. Some sections of highways are restricted during rush hours.

Road maps

Streetdirectory
StreeMap@Singapore

Find an itinerary

Maporama
Mapblast

Visiting

Different forms of tourism

Historical

World War II Sites, along with various old historical places like Churches, Temples , Mosque, Old Residence, Bridges are worth seeing.

Visit : The official tourism web site

Cultural

Many festivals take place throughout the year (festival of the temple, Mosque, Churches, New year, Country and Culture Celebrations).

Nature

Parks, Gardens and other Panoramic views of the harbors are counted as natural reserves.

Religious

Many temples, Mosque and Church are spread across city of Singapore.

Thermal

Two famous hot water springs, Sembawang Hot Spring and Pulau Tekong.

Beach

Beaches add to the beauty of the nation of Singapore . Clink the link to see details: http://www.focussingapore.com/interesting-singapore/singapore-beaches.html

Winter sports

Snow City introduces the concept of snow and cold climates in a fun, entertaining and educational way.

Outdoor activities

Golf, Water Sports, and adventure sports.

Shopping

Singapore is known as a shopper's paradise in the region because of the competitive prices and easy availability of goods. Electrical equipment of all types can be bought at Sungei Road , but caution is advised as there are many imitation products around. For more information on shopping in Singapore , see the Singapore Shopping brochure published by the Singapore Tourism Board .

Tourism organizations

Singapore Tourism Board

Living conditions

Health and safety

Health precautions

Vaccination certificates are required for travellers who, within the preceding six days, have been in or passed through any country in which yellow fever is prevalent.

International hospitals

Singapore has many international quality hospitals. Doctors and Nurses in hospitals are well acquainted with English. Singapore health care costs are very high. Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for services. Patients are usually required to provide a deposit or guarantee of payment prior to admission.

For further information on sanitary conditions

Ministry of Health , Singapore

For further information on safety conditions

Visit the web site of Canadian Foreign Office
Visit the site of the US department of State
Singapore Tourism Board

Emergency numbers

Time difference and climate

Time and time difference

It is %T:%M %A in Singapour (GMT+8)

Summer time period

None

Map of the time zone

Type of climate

Equatorial: warm and humid climate throughout the year. The temperature varies between 20°C and 35°C. Rainstorms are very common. The wettest period lasts from November to January and the driest from May to July.

For further information

Meteorological Services Division (National Environment Agency of Singapore)

Average annual temperatures and rainfall

Eating

Culinary specialties

Beef rendang (coconut milk beef curry), Chilli crab (fresh crab with a piquant sauce), Gado gado (a fruit and vegetable salad in peanut sauce), Satay (skewers of marinated meat cooked over charcoal), etc.Most of the dishes display photos, and you can watch them being prepared also.

Drinks

Singapore Sling, Teh arak tarik, Soya bean milk, Sugar cane juice, Tiger Beer.

Dietary taboos

You should never pass food to Muslims with your left hand.

Also, it is advisable not to order alcohol when dining with Muslims.

Never leave chopsticks upright in a rice bowl as this resembles a grave marker which is considered a sign of bad omen.

Paying

Domestic currency

Singapore Dollar

ISO Code

SG

To obtain domestic currency

Foreign currency and traveler's cheques can be changed at most banks and licensed money changers; however some of them do not offer this service on Saturday.
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling.

Possible means of payment

Cash is widely used. In addition credit cards of American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted.

ATMs are widespread.

Speaking

Official language

English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil.

Other languages spoken

Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew, Other Chinese dialects.

Business language

English is the most common language used and is the language which unites the different ethnic groups and business together.

Getting some knowledge

For English to Malay Phrases, visit: http://www.linguanaut.com/english_malay.htm

For English to Tamil Phrases, visit: http://www.linguanaut.com/english_tamil.htm

For English to Mandarin Chinese, visit: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/language/mandarin-chinese-phrases.html

Free translation tools

Yahoo Babel Fish - Translation of text and web pages
Dictionary.com - Translation of text and web pages
Google Language Tools - For English to Chinese translation

Useful resources

To find an accommodation

Singapore Tourism Board,

http:// www.singaporehotels .com

http:// www. singaporehotels .net

http://www. ymca .org.sg http://www.moveandstay.com/ singapore Singapore Hotels Association

To find an apartment

iProperty.com
Singapore Property Exchange

Innovative Housing Agency
IT Realtor
PropNex

To find a job

Association of Employment Agencies (Singapore)
Singapore Jobs Directory
Singapore Job Market

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