About Singapore

Climate
Singapore enjoys warm tropical weather throughout the year. Temperatures reach a maximum of 33C during the day, falling to a pleasant 25C during the evening hours.

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$25.00 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 centres.

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.

Electricity Supply

British-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 and Visa
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 plese click on the following link http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=96&secid=94

Smoking
Singapore has 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.

the bus network and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system offers quick access to all parts of the island.

Map of Singapore

Sightseeing

A range of new attractions are under construction, particularly around Marina Bay. The Singapore Flyer, the world's tallest Ferris wheel, opened in 2008, and the giant Marina Bay Sands casino, hotel and entertainment resort was due to open in late 2009. Other new attractions include new Botanic Gardens south of Marina Bay and the Marina Barrage with its futuristic curving pedestrian bridge across the bay.

The efficient and aesthetically pleasing Changi Airport is repeatedly voted the world's best. Suntec City boasts the biggest man-made fountain, the Night Safari is the first night zoo, and the world's highest man-made waterfall, at 30m (98ft), is at Jurong Bird Park.

The most efficient way to get to know local culture is on foot, particularly around Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam in the heart of the city. These areas especially illustrate how Singapore's successful economy is based upon ancient traditions, and multicultural influences. It is usually this combination that entices people, but for a healthy dose of pure consumerism and entirely modern architecture, Orchard Road is where the best shopping is at.

Singapore also has many areas of natural beauty. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore Zoological Gardens, the Night Safari and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are all hugely popular.

For history lovers and culture vultures, there is also an impressive selection of museums, exhibitions and architectural heritage, like the superb National Museum of Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, Peranakan Museum and the Singapore Art Museum. New attractions include the MINT Museum of Toys and Aramsa Garden Spa for resting weary feet.

Tourist Information

Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
Orchard Road, at junction with Cairnhill Road
Tel: 1 800 736 2000.
Website: www.visitsingapore.com or www.stb.com.sg
Opening hours: 0930-2230 daily.