Travel Info
About Singapore
Location
Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism.
Its geographic location is 136.8km north of the equator, between latitudes 103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06' E. It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and the key islands of the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip away. Thailand and the Philippines are a short plane journey away and Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to South-East Asia.
Singapore enjoys warm tropical weather throughout the year. Temperatures reach a maximum of 33°C during the day, falling to a pleasant 25°C during the evening hours. Click here for the weather forecast of Singapore.
Airport Transfers
Delegates are expected to arrive at and depart from the Changi International Airport which is about 15km from the central business district (the journey takes about 25 minutes and costs about S$30 by taxi).
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) System is also available at Airport Terminal 2.
Currency
The unit currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be exchanged at the airport and at most hotels and shopping centers.
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Banks throughout Singapore generally open from 9.30am to 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays and from 9.30am to 11.30am on Saturdays. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are open around-the-clock.
Demographics
Singapore is the second most densely populated independent country in the world. 84% of Singaporeans live in public housing provided by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).
The largest group in the population of 5.183,700 million (of January 2012) is the Singaporean Chinese who account for 74.2% of Singaporeans, making it one of the largest Chinese cities outside of China. Singapore is also diverse, with the Singaporean Malays, who are the indigenous native group of the country, constituting 13.4%. Indian Singaporeans are the third largest ethnic group at 9.2%.
Electricity Supply
UK-style plugs, with two flat blades & one flat grounding blade, are used in Singapore. The voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 Hertz.
Emergency Numbers
For emergencies please dial the toll free numbers: 999 (Police), 995 (Ambulance).
Food
Food is a national passion among Singaporeans. The city is home to a delicious array of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines as well as culinary favourites from all over the world. There are restaurants that suit every budget.
Language
There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national language.
Littering
Be gently reminded that Singapore has a strict anti-littering policy.
Passport, Visa and Vaccination
All international delegates entering Singapore must possess a passport with minimum six months validity. Visas are not required for most countries.
To check if you require a visa to enter Singapore, click here.
For visa application, click here.
Smoking
We have a strictly non-smoking policy at all our events. In addition, smoking in Singapore is banned in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, government offices, cinemas, shopping centres, restaurants, covered areas and food centres.
Time Zone
The standard time zone of Singapore is UTC/GMT +8 hours, 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST); 14 hours ahead of Central and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Tipping
It is prohibited to tip at the airport and tipping is discouraged in hotels and restaurants where a service charge of 10% is usually included. A tip should only be given in instances where the bill does not include a service charge.
Transport
Inexpensive public transport is readily available in Singapore. Beside taxis, the bus network and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system offers quick access to all parts of the island.
For more information on Singapore, please visit YourSingapore.com
