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Singapore

Singapore

  • Continent: Asia
  • Region: south east
  • Average temperature: 23 to 33°c
  • Ideal duration: 4 - 6 days
  • Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)
  • Best time: February to April
  • Budget: moderately expensive
  • Air connectivity: good connectivity to all the major airports around the world.
  • National airlines: Singapore airlines

Singapore - Passion made possible

Singapore Tourism

Best portrayed as a microcosm of cutting-edge Asia, Singapore could be a dissolving pot of culture and history and an event of culinary delights. Authoritatively known as the Republic of Singapore, it is both a city and a nation found in Southeast Asia. One of Asia’s most gone-by goals, Singapore is best portrayed as an amalgam of a fast-paced life and an off-the-back-street legacy.

Singapore is the quintessential catholic, having the most noteworthy devout differences in any nation. Spread 42 km (26 miles) east to west and 23 km (14 miles) north to south, nowadays it brags of the world’s busiest harbor. Singapore has climbed to be one of Asia’s hit-list goals with its proficient and broad transport framework – whizzing in this nation is fair a matter of minutes!

The national diversion of Singaporeans is eating, followed closely by shopping. This ‘City in a Garden’ may be a mix of societies, combining distinctive thoughts, cuisines, and unused designs going well with the glimmering indication of the ancient school. The unimaginable shopping centers, classy boutiques, departmental stores on Plantation Street, the outlandish components of Chinatown and Small India, and the world-class nightlife span the spotless arrival of Singapore.

Costly with regard to Southeastern measures, the city offers plenty of other alternatives for amusement such as Sentosa Island, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Botanic Cultivate, Marina Narrows Sands, Tiger Emollient Cultivate, and the Singapore Night Safari. With a picture-perfect skyline and city middle bustling with swarms of individuals, Singapore is one of the foremost prevalent travel goals for a part of reasons.

MUST KNOW BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE

Singapore Tourist Pass (STP):

It is a special EZ-Link stored-value card allowing unlimited travel in MRT and Bus for one, two, and three days. It can be bought at TransitLink Ticket Office at selected MRT stations.

Children above 0.9m in height and below 7 years can travel free on MRT and bus. Apply for a Child Concession Card at TransitLink Ticket Offices.

Tax Refund

If you purchase anything above USD 100 (including GST), you can claim a 7% GST refund. Look out for the Tax-Free shopping logo or a sign displayed at the shop you are buying from. You can have 3 same-day receipts to meet the minimum purchase requirement of USD 100. The refund can be claimed via the Electronic Tourist Refund (eTRS) self-help kiosk at the airport or via Global Blue or Tourego Mobile Applications (App).

Wifi & Connectivity

There is a free public Wifi service across Singapore. Download the Wireless@SGx App to auto-connect.

No Smoking Areas

Smoking is not allowed in air-conditioned places, and your tobacco products should not exceed 4gm. Smoke only at designated smoking areas. 

EXCHANGING MONEY IN SINGAPORE

  • Currency exchange in Singapore is done in banks as well as currency exchange booths found in almost every shopping mall. Generally, these booths offer better rates, opening hours and much faster service than banks.
  • The Mustafa Mall, which is open 24 hours, accepts almost any currency at a very good rate with equal competitiveness as the small shops located at Change Alley next to Raffles Place MRT.
  • Rates at the airport are not as good as in the city, so avoid exchanging there.
  • The ATMs are easily available throughout Singapore in large numbers.

CURRENCY IN SINGAPORE

Cards

Singapore’s unit of currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), locally referred to as the ‘Singdollar’. It is made up of 100 cents using coins of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, along with notes in the denomination of SGD 2, 5, 10 and 50, 100, 500 and 1000. 
Almost all the major credit card brands are widely accepted in Singapore including Visa and MasterCard (although a 3 % surcharge may be charged by some shops, taxis may charge up to 15 %). Traveller’s cheques are usually not accepted, however, can be cashed at most of the exchange booths. EZ-Link and Nets Flash Pay cards are valid in case of some convenience stores and fast-food chains.

ATMs:

ATMs are widely available at banks, malls, MRT stations and commercial areas.

DAILY BUDGET FOR SINGAPORE

Singapore, in general, is an expensive country by the standards of the Asian countries. Although the city caters to the taste and interest of each kind of tourist, the minimum budget for backpackers, mid-rangers and luxury travellers are higher in comparison to the neighbouring countries. The cost of travelling in Singapore per day and per person (excluding hotel expense) is:
Budget Travel: Less than SGD 200
Comfortable Travel: SGD 200 – 400
Luxury Travel: SGD 400 plus

RELIGION OF SINGAPORE

Being a multi-religious country, Singapore does not have a state-regulated religion that the citizens are supposed to follow. It is home to 10 religions, out of which Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity are the primary religions, while Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Sikhism, Jainism and others form the minority cluster. The Lion City is the ultimate melting pot, with the locals celebrating all festivals pompously, irrespective of the religion they follow. 

SINGAPORE CUSTOMS

  • While meeting a Singaporean formally or informally, make sure to shake hands firmly with all, even when departing. A slight bow while shaking hands is considered respectful.
  • Take off the shoes before entering any one's house. Also, remember to take them off before visiting any temple or mosque.
  • Make sure never to pinpoint someone or something with a finger, just raise your hand for indication.
  • Gender discrimination is a legal offence in Singapore; thus, take care not to disrespect anyone.
  • Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Most of the restaurants add a 10% service charge in the bill, in which case, tipping is generally discouraged. Avoid tipping at hawker centres and food courts. Tipping is also completely prohibited at the Changi Airport.
  • Refer to the middle-aged and elderly people as 'Uncle' or 'Auntie', as it is seen as a sign of respect in Singapore.
  • While eating with chopsticks, do not stick them upright in the bowl. It is reminiscent of funeral rites and considered bad luck.
  • Do not touch anyone's head, as it is considered sacred by many. On the contrary, the feet are regarded as dirty, so do not point them directly at someone.
  • Casual clothes (shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops) are acceptable in most places in Singapore. Pack formal outfit and dress shoes for higher-end restaurants.

LANGUAGE OF SINGAPORE

There are four official languages of Singapore: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. Yes, Singapore language is as diverse and multi-cultural as its people! English is the most widely spoken language (primarily by the population below the age of 50), and the medium of instructions in school. English is also the language of business and government in Singapore, based on British English. 

A unique and widely spoken language in Singapore is the Singlish. It is primarily the colloquial form of English, having a distinct accent, and ignoring the basic standards of English grammar. Having a jumble of local slang and expressions of various languages and dialects of Singapore, speaking in Singlish is seen as a mark of being truly local! 

The major portion of the literate population in Singapore is bilingual, with English and Mandarin being most commonly spoken. Interestingly, all the schools in the city teach the language of the child’s parentage, along with English, to ensure the child stay in touch with the traditional roots.

Nightlife in Singapore

Speakeasy cocktail bars, boutique beer stalls and artisan coffee artists – Singapore Nightlife has unearthed the gems of fine drinking. The clubbing scene in Singapore is fast developing, with futuristic clubs coming up on every corner. The beer scene is not far behind with more bars, cafes and restaurants jumping on the craft beer-bandwagon. While coffee is Singapore is not new, its speciality coffee scene is definitely a recent phenomenon. Inspired by artisanal coffee culture, the voguish cafes are brewing ethically sourced beans.

PRO-TIPS

  • Singapore is a lavish city to drink in, owing to the 25% alcohol tax hike in 2014. While beer at most bars in the city costs around SGD 10 to SGD 18, the cocktails commonly set you back between SGD 20 and SGD 30.
  • For the cheaper option, explore the plastic-table-fluorescent-light-vibe at the local hawker centres and coffee shops, guzzling bottles of the famous Tiger Beer for SGD 7.
  • Most of the bars have happy hours between 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
  • Ladies' Night often runs on Wednesday at most places with promotions offering cheaper drinks to women.
  • All regular bars add a 10% service charge and 7% GST to the bill.
  • Be ready to queue up at most of the bars, especially on weekends and holidays.

SHOPPING IN SINGAPORE

Singapore is second only to eating as a national pastime. From iconic malls in all shapes and sizes to the curated local boutiques and local shopping centers, the Lion City is known for its burgeoning shopping scene. While there are many shopping belts here, Orchard Road proudly stands as the queen of shopping malls with high-street brands, fashion houses and few discount outlets thrown into the mix. To hit city’s independent boutiques – home to lesser known and emerging fashion labels – visit Tiong Bahru, Jalan Besar, or Haji Lane in Kampong Glam.

For lovers of art and antiques, the best places to head are Dempsey Road, Chinatown, Tanglin Shopping Centre and Gillman Barracks. Shopping in Singapore is incomplete without picking up spices, decorative items and saris from Little India, especially for the touch of Indian hospitality in the Lion City. Being the quintessential cosmopolitan city, Singapore also houses one of the best markets for Persian Rugs and Aromatics (Kampong Glam), while offering a slice of Peranakan culture through the traditional batik garments available at Katong.

PRO-TIPS

  • Some stores in the bigger malls offer a discount of 10 to 15 percent for the bigger spends, so it's always worth asking
  • While shopping at the local markets, it's good to know the price of the items, then browse and compare
  • Prices at most of the places are usually fixed, except at local markets. If looking to bargain, do so good-humouredly
  • Returns are generally not accepted

The returning visitors often a 7% GST refund on the purchases under these conditions:

  • A minimum spend of $100 at the same shop in one day for no more than 3 purchases
  • Have a copy of eTRS ticket (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme) issues by the shop of purchase
  • Scan the eTRS ticket at self-help kiosks at the airport or cruise terminal to know if inspection of goods is required. In such cases, present the items with the original receipt and the boarding pass at Custom Inspection Counter

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