SINGAPORE TRAVEL INFORMATION & TIPS
Singapore is a thriving city-state that prides itself on tastefully combining its treasured Eastern and Colonial past with Western modernity. The comfort levels felt among its diverse peoples and a growing international population can avow to that.

In the streets of its cultural enclaves like Chinatown and Little India, traditional trades and activities are still alive and well. But just a few miles away is the city’s central business district with state-of-the-art buildings boasting modern architecture.

Places to shop and feast, two of the locals’ favourite past times, are peppered throughout the island.

Its position on the geographical map of the region make Singapore a natural hop-off point to other regional destinations.

Airport Taxes
The airport departure tax is S$21, inclusive of the S$6 security tax.
Fuel taxes are subject to destination that you are departing for.

Electrical Appliances
220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Plug fittings of the 3-pin square type are in use. Many hotels have 110-volt outlets.

Airport Transfers
Changi International Airport is 20km (12 miles) east of the city (travel time - 30 minutes).

Public transport is readily available to the city centre which is about 16km (10 miles) from the airport.

Taxi fare is S$17-S$22 (there is a surcharge of S$3 for all fares from the airport, increasing to S$5 for fares between 1700-midnight; Fri-Sat).

There is a regular bus route between the airport and the train station. The Airbus, a premium shuttle-bus service running every 20 minutes between 0900-2305, which costs S$7 (tickets can be purchased from the Airbus Counter at the Arrival Hall).

Currency Matters
Singapore Dollar (S$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of S$10,000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of S$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cent. The currency of Brunei is also legal tender; 1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar.

Currency exchange: Foreign currencies, travellers cheques and cheques can be changed at most banks and licensed money changers. Automated teller machines (ATM) are also in operation.

Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1500; Sat 0930-1300. Branches of certain major banks on Orchard Road open Sun 0930-1500.

Special Prohibited Items
Other than the usual restrictions on bringing in drugs and firearms, chewing gum and tobacco products must be declared on arrival.

Special Health Regulations
A yellow fever certificate of vaccination is required from persons over one year of age who have been in or passed through any country classified either partly or wholly as a yellow fever endemic zone within the previous six days. The countries formerly classified as endemic zones are considered by the Singapore authorities to be still infected.

Other risks: HIV testing is required for workers who earn less than $1250 per month and for applicants for permanent resident status. Foreign test results are not accepted. Hepatitis A and E are widespread; hepatitis B is hyperendemic.

Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix.

Drinking Water
Tap water is safe for drinking.

Smoking
Singapore, renowned for its squeaky-clean image and strict laws against littering, has already banned smoking in air-conditioned buildings including bus stop , taxi stand and outdoor eateries, coffee shops, canteens and cafes.

Dress Code
Light, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round. Certain places of worship in Singapore require women to don headscarves and long skirts or pants before entering their premises.


Travel Wisdom
Violent crime is rare. But petty crime, particularly bag-snatching is increasing. Visitors should not leave bags unattended, even for very short periods. It would be prudent to leave passports, tickets and unneeded cash/travellers cheques in the hotel safe or at (hosts') home.


Weblinks To Visit
www.visitsingapore.com
This is the official Singapore Tourism Board website. You can also reach it through www.newasia-singapore.com. Like most of Singapore, the site is well-organised and efficiently gets you through a lot of information. Use the search engine to find out specific information you may need. Don’t forget to check out its promotions and competition pages – you might win yourself a trip to Singapore. Like most other destination sites, it gives you a host of suggested itineraries and ideas for exploring the country. Trade partners are given special attention in a segregated section with updates on news and educational programmes.

www.meet-in-singapore.com.sg
This is a site specific to the needs of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions industry. It gives destination information for that market, as well as a calendar of events and news updates. There is also a helpful tool for those seeking to hold events in Singapore. Specify the number of delegates and the dates you are considering, and the site will help narrow your search for venues.