Population:
Singapore's population of three million comprises 77.3% Chinese, 14.1% Malays, 7.3% Indians and 1.3% Eurasians or people of other descent. Though inter-marriages have taken place over the years, each racial group within Singapore has retained its own cultural identity while developing as an integral part of Singapore community.
Weather and Climate:
Singapore's climate is warm and humid, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celsius and minimum of 23 degrees Celsius. Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing. Today's weather
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.
Religion:
Singapore's multi-racial society has produced a similar mixture of religions, all co-existing in harmony. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Zoroastrainism. Visitors are advised to be respectfully attired when visiting religious places. At some temples and all mosques, you are required to remove footwear. Please observe all tourist information signs and when in doubt, consult officials.
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD) which is divided into 100 cents. Currency notes are issued in denominations of SGD 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 10,000. Coins are issued in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and $1.
Banking hours:
Monday to Friday, from 10am to 3pm. Saturday, from 9:30am to 1pm (some banks are open until 3pm). Sunday, from 9:30am to 3pm (some banks in Orchard Road only).
IDD code:
Country code: +65.
Credit/Charge Cards:
Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore.
Travellers cheques:
Most banks handle travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturday. Passports are required when cashing travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
Goods and Services Tax (GST):
GST of 7% is added to your total bill. Departing passengers may claim a GST refund from the airport for purchases exceeding SGD 300 in one store.
Electricity:
The electrical current is 240/250V AC 50Hz.
Smoking:
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, many public buildings, air-conditioned places and government offices. However, smoking is permitted in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke, bars and nightspots.
Getting Around:
Singapore boasts a worldclass public transport system with integrated SBS Transit and SMRT bus services, Mass Rapid Transit subway and LRT elevated train services plying from daybreak to around midnight. Special night buses run from midnight to dawn on weekends. Taxis are readily available kerbside, via telephone/internet bookings or at designated taxi ranks.
Travel Information
Airports:
Changi International Airport (SIN) is located 20km west of the city centre. Airport limousines, taxis, public buses and shuttle taxis are available from the arrival halls of Terminals One and Two. The MRT subway provides a fast, convenient ride from Terminals Two and Three to the city in just 30 minutes. An automated SkyTrain runs between Terminals One, Two and Three. The Budget Terminal caters for some low-cost carriers and is located five minutes away from the main terminals via a free shuttle bus service.
Seletar Airport (XSP) is located 20km northeast of the city centre and serves mainly private charter flights and scheduled services of Berjaya Air. Only one public bus service is available from the terminal and taxis may be pre-booked by telephone.
Seaports:
There are two main Singapore Cruise Centres: SCC Harbourfront is located adjacent to Vivocity complex in the south, conveniently connected by subway, taxis and buses. International cruise lines and regional ferry services are available here. SCC Tanah Merah is located in the east, near Changi Airport and is served by one public bus service. Taxis are available in the arrival hall or may be pre-booked by telephone.
Passports and Visas:
Tourists who do not require entry visas are given up to 30-day social visit passes upon arrival in Singapore. However, they should have valid passports and tickets for onward or return connections and sufficient funds for their stay here. If a longer stay is required, please contact the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) in Singapore. If in doubt, please contact your local travel agent or high commission/embassy.
Customs and Currency Regulations:
There is no restriction on the amount of currency you can bring in. Intoxicating liquors including wine, beer, ale, stout and port; and tobacco products including cigarettes and cigars are dutiable goods. Non-dutiable goods include: electronic and electrical goods, cosmetics, cameras, clocks and watches, jewellery, precious metals and precious stones, footwear, arts and crafts and toys.
Duty Concessions:
New articles, souvenirs, gifts and food preparations up to SGD 200 if traveller has been away from Singapore for up to 48 hours (SGD 400 if trip has been for 48 hours or more).
The following duty-free concessions are granted to travellers arriving from countries other than Malaysia and who have been away from Singapore for 48 hrs or more: One litre of spirits (brandy, whisky, gin, rum, vodka, etc); one litre wine; one litre of beer, stout, ale or port
Please note that duty-free concessions are granted for personal consumption only. It is an offence to sell or give them away.
Prohibited Items:
- Liquors and Cigarettes for which Singapore duty has not been paid
- Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
- Firecrackers
- Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
- Toy coins and toy currency notes
- Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes and disks, records or cassettes
- Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
- Obscene articles, publications, video tapes and software
- Seditious and treasonable materials
- Chewing gum
The list of dutiable, non-dutiable, controlled and restricted goods is not exhaustive and is subject to change without notice. For clarification or further information, please contact: The Customs Duty Officer, Duty Office Terminal 1, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore 819642
Drug Abuse:
Trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting, consumption and possession of controlled substances are serious offences in Singapore, punishable by imprisonment, caning or the death penalty.
More tourist information:
Please contact your local tourism commission or travel agent. Singaporean visitors and residents may visit the offices of
Singapore Tourism Board
Tourism Court
1 Orchard Spring Lane
Singapore 247729
Tel: (65) 6736-6622 • Fax: (65) 6736-9423
