Sightseeing There is something for everyone when it comes to sightseeing. Try the amphibious Duck tour – combining city and harbour, the Hippo tour in an open-topped bus, trishaw rides, or a cruise on the Singapore River.
Explore the various ethnic districts of Chinatown and Little India; investigate Kampong Glam, the former Sultan’s palace now converted into a heritage museum, showcasing the history and culture of Singapore’s Malay community; or see conservation at work at Katong/Joo Chiat, where historic buildings are being preserved.
Singapore Tourist Pass
The Singapore Tourism Board and the Land Transport Authority have launched the Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), offering tourist unlimited rides on Singapore’s public transport system.
Family activities
With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening everyday, Singapore is ideal for family holidays. Attractions include the world’s largest observation wheel – the Singapore Flyer, the Singapore Zoo, with its famous Night Safaris, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Chinatown Heritage Centre, the Wild Wild Wet Water Theme Park or a visit to the luscious Sentosa Island.
Shopping
Shopping ranks as one of the city’s major attractions. Goods from all over the world are available – often at much less than in the country of origin. Major shopping areas include Orchard Road, where Ngee Ann City, CentrePoint and Tangs offer the latest fashions and Far East Plaza and the Heeren shops appeal to the young and trendy; visit Funan IT Mall, Far East Plaza and the Sony Centre at Wisma Atria for a huge variety of the latest electronic goods, VivoCity – Singapore’s largest and most diverse retail and lifestyle destination has outlets covering some 1.5 million square feet.
More traditional shopping can be found in the ethnic areas of Little India, the 24-hour Mustafa Centre, Chinatown and Arab Street and the heartlands of Bishan and Tampines.
Entertainment
Whilst there is entertainment to be found throughout Singapore, Clarke Quay is a 24-hour party district with over 30 restaurants and bars ensuring something for everyone. St James Power Station offers nine different entertainment concepts under one roof. And for cutting edge entertainment, check out the world famous Zouk as well as Supper Club Singapore.
Sports and leisure
Sports are an integral part of the Singaporean lifestyle, especially on weekends. Whether it’s diving, cycling, dirt biking, water-skiing or rock climbing, you’ll see Singaporeans and expatriates working up a sweat at the beaches, parks and other activity centres. Try the newest addition to the scene – Singapore’s G-Max Reverse Bungy which launches you to a height of 60 metres at 200 kilometres per hour, or head to the Singapore Turf Club for exciting horse racing.
Chingay – Asia’s Grandest Street Parade (February); The World Gourmet Summit (April); the Great Singapore Sale (May – July); Singapore Food Festival (June – July); Singapore F1 Grand Prix, Christmas in The Tropics (November – December); ZoukOut – an annual dance music festival (December).
Visas:
Nationals of the following countries require a visa to enter Singapore:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh*, Cambodia, China, CIS States, Egypt, India*, Iran, Iraq, Jordan*, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Laos*, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar*, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia*, Vietnam* and Yemen.
* Except for visitors with diplomatic and official passports.
Additionally, visitors holding Hong Kong Documents of Identity, Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Travel Permit, Palestinian Authority Passport, Refugee Travel Document issued by Middle East countries and Temporary Passport issued by United Arab Emirates also require a visa to enter Singapore.
Health requirements:
All visitors to Singapore, except for infants under one year of age, travelling from yellow fever infected areas should have a valid immunisation certificate against yellow fever.
Travel insurance:
Adequate holiday and travel insurance is vital. Emirates Holidays offers a comprehensive insurance package to enable you and your family to travel with peace of mind. Please contact your nearest Emirates Holidays office or your travel agent for details of our HolidayGuard Travel Insurance cover.
Currency:
Singapore Dollars (SGD) and cents.
Notes in denominations of SGD10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2.
Coins in denominations of SGD1 and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
Approximate exchange rate:
AED1 = SGD0.42
EUR1 = SGD2.04
USD1 = SGD1.52
Please check the rate of exchange prior to travel.
Banking hours -
1000 to 1500 hours, Monday - Friday.
Banks at the airport are open
24 hours daily.
There is no limit on the amount of currency one can import into Singapore.
Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign ‘Licensed Money Changer’ is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Reputed credit and charge cards are widely accepted throughout Singapore. There is at least one automated teller machine (ATM) with credit card cash withdrawal facility available at all the major shopping malls along Orchard Road. ATMs are also located in Marina Square, Little India and Zhujiao Centre. Most major banks handle travellers cheques and change foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing travellers cheques.
Clothing:
Loose and light summer clothing (preferably natural fabrics) is recommended, especially for outdoor activities, shopping and sightseeing. Choice of evening wear depends on the venue and occasion.
Airport information:
Changi International Airport is 25 minutes (20 kilometres) east of Singapore city by car. The airport telephone number is 6541 2084/85 or 6541 2459.
Customs:
There is a five* per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on all goods imported into Singapore.
A bona fide traveller, other than holders of a work permit, employment pass, student pass, dependent pass or long term pass, are given concession on GST on new purchases, gifts, souvenirs and food preparations, excluding liquor and tobacco up to the value of:
• SGD150 for travellers leaving Singapore for less than 48 hours
• SGD300 for travellers leaving Singapore for 48 hours or more
* Subject to change effective July 2007 to seven per cent.
Singapore prohibits the entry of some items, while others are subject to controls and restrictions. Prohibited items include chewing gum, chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products, cigarette lighters in the shape of pistols/revolvers, controlled drugs and psychotropic substances, and endangered species of wildlife and their by-products. Possession of heroin, morphine, cocaine, cannabis, cannabis resin and opium is deemed as prima facie evidence and is punishable by law.
Items subject to controls and restrictions include animals, birds and their by-products, arms and explosives, toy guns, imitation Singaporean coins and currency, pistols, swords and revolvers, films, discs and video tapes, medicines, pharmaceuticals and poisons, telecommunication and radio equipment and toy walkie-talkies.
Duty free allowance for passengers 18 years and above arriving from a country other than Malaysia, and having spent no less than 48 hours outside Singapore before arrival, can avail of the following duty free concessions for personal consumption: one litre spirits; one litre wine or port; and one litre beer, stout or ale. In line with Singapore’s campaign to discourage smoking, there are no concessions on cigarettes and other tobacco products. Excess dutiable items may be left in the Customs Bond until departure, provided this is from the same point of entry. Storage is chargeable.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Refund Scheme:
Goods and Services Tax (GST) is refunded for purchases valued at over SGD300. Receipts of SGD100 or more can be collected from shops displaying the ‘Tax Free Shopping’ sticker. Remember to ask for the ‘Tax Free Shopping Cheque’, with a list of goods purchased, which must be completed and stamped at the various shops participating in Tax Free Shopping. Shopping Cheques can be cashed at the Global Refund counters at Changi International Airport.
Departure tax:
Departure tax of SGD21 is applicable for persons over the age of two years. This tax can be pre-paid with the airline ticket cost at the time of issuance. The departure tax is not applicable for transit passengers.
Emergency telephone numbers:
Police - 999
Fire and Ambulance - 995
Hours of work:
Business: 0830 to 1630 hours, Monday - Friday,
0900 to 1300 hours, Saturday.
Shopping: 1000 to 2100 hours, seven days a week.
Public holidays (fixed):
1st January - New Year’s Day
1st May - Labour Day
9th August - National Day
25th December - Christmas Day
Public holidays (moveable):
Chinese New Year (January/February)
Hari Raya Puasa
Easter
Hari Raya Haji
Vesak Day (May)
Deepavali (October/November)
Time zone:
GMT + 8 hours.
Language:
Commonly spoken languages are Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English. Although most people are bilingual, the business community speaks English.
Tipping:
Tipping is not a way of life and is prohibited at the airport and discouraged in hotels and restaurants, where there is a 10 per cent service charge. A tip should be given only when the bill does not include a service charge
Dress code:
Jeans, T-shirts and sandals are acceptable in casual eateries but discouraged at fine dining establishments. For business meetings a tie and jacket is a must for men, and smart silk or cotton suits for women. However, it is advisable to check beforehand on the dress code of the places that you are visiting.
Electricity:
220 - 240 volts AC, 50 cycles.
Safety tips:
Singapore has a very low crime rate. However, we recommend you keep your personal belongings in the hotel’s safety deposit boxes. The Tourist Police Unit is located at Tanglin Police Station, 17 Napier Road. Tel: 6733 0000.