Destination Information
Singapore has grown into a thriving center of trade, communications and tourism. Strategically located at the southernmost tip of the Malaysian peninsula, the 'Crossroads of Asia', Singapore is made up of not more just an island but a main island with 63 surrounding islands. The main island has an approximately total land area of 682 square km.
Languages
Four official languages in Singapore are Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. Although Malay is the national language, 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.
Religion
The main religions are Islam, Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Judaism.
Climate
The island is warm and humid all year round, with temperature between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celsius and minimum of 23 degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.
Electricity
Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type .
Business Hours
Bank hours: Banking hours is 10.00am to 3.00pm on weekdays. Saturdays is from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Majority of the banks are closed on Sundays
Most banks handle travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays.
Passports are required when cashing in travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
Office hours: Most offices are open from 9.00am to 5.00pm on weekdays. Some offices are open on Saturday from 9.00am to 12.30pm.
Shop hours: Major departmental stores generally opens from 10.00am to 9.00pm daily.
Currency
The local currency is Singapore dollars (S$, SGD) and cents. Notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, S$50, S$100, S$500, S$1,000, and S$10,000.
Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and S$1.
Tipping
Tipping is not practised as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.
Shopping
Singapore is a shopping paradise where you can shop for anything under the sun. You can shop at major shopping centres in Marina Bay, Bugis, Orchard Road and Shenton Way & Raffles Place.
Singapore is a multi cultural city and by shopping at the ethnic places, you will understand more about the individual culture. If you would like to know in depth about the Malay community, drop by Geylang Serai, Kampong Glam & Arab Street. Chinatown is the cultural hub of the Chinese. For a bustling hive of sights, sounds and intriguing aromas, shop at Little India.
Alternatively, shop in The Suburbs to find out where most Singaporeans will go when they are not in the major shopping centres.
Attractions
Singapore is an Island of Attractions. There are always things for you to explore. Visit the Animal Kingdom, or immerse yourself in the Ethnic Quarters. There are more things to see like visiting the Isles of Singapore, Landmarks & Memorials, Museums, Parks, Gardens & Nature Reserves, Places of Worship, Sculptures & Public Art, Singapore River, Suburban Living, Themed & Other Attractions and for a historical venture, visit World War II Sites.
Night Life
The sun might set but that is not the end of the day. It is the beginning of the night instead.
Relax yourself and have a great fun in the evening. Treat yourself for a great dinner or supper with local ambience in some of our Night Dining spot. If you have not have enough of the morning activities, there is Late Night Shopping.
For the ones who are young at heart, Singapore has various Nightspots for partying.
Should you wish to avoid crowds, catch a late night movie at any of the Cinemas downtown or visit the world’s first wildlife park Night Safari.
