Climate | Safety | Transportation | Credit Card | Electricity | Goods and Services Tax | Smoking |
Drinking Water | Tipping | Entry and Exit Requirements | Notes | More Information

Singapore has a mild tropical climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures reach a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius during the day, falling to a pleasant 25 degrees Celsius in the evening.

Travellers across the world are understandably more concerned about personal safety and security issues today than ever before. The Singapore Tourism Board would like to assure all our visitors that the situation in Singapore remains calm and stable, and it is business as usual. The Singapore Government has been and will continue to be vigilant in ensuring that Singapore remains safe. It has stepped up security measures at key installations and other sensitive places. The Government has also made it known that extremism originating from religion or race has no place in Singapore and it will not hesitate to take action against any extremists or terrorist groups or individuals. The swift and definite actions of the Singapore Internal Security Department over the recent arrests of the 15 terrorists in January 2002 is testimony to this.

Getting around is easy and inexpensive. Excellent bus services complement one of the world's most modern and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems. The island's plentiful taxis are metered and air-conditioned. From public buses to taxis and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains, you can explore every corner of the island with Singapore's modern transport system.

Singapore has more than 15,000 air-conditioned cabs, including the unique London cabs, operated by three different companies; CityCab, Comfort and TIBS. They can be flagged down 24 hours a day on most roads, with well-marked taxi stands available outside most major shopping centres and hotels. Current rates and surcharges applicable are obtainable at tourist information.

Singapore Bus Services Transit (SBS Transit) and Trans-Island Bus Services (TIBS) both operate regular and inexpensive services.

Credit and charge cards such as American Express, Diners, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at most establishments.

Singapore's voltage is 220-240AC, 50 Hertz. Most hotels can provide a transformer to convert it to 110-120AC, 60 Hertz.

This is a prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on all goods imported into Singapore.

Smoking is banned in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, government offices, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, shopping centres and covered areas. First-time offenders may be fined up to a maximum of SGD$1,000. Smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.

Singapore is known for its safe and clean drinking water. Tap water need not be boiled and is safe for drinking.

Tipping is officially discouraged in Singapore. Most hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge on their bills.

If you are holding travel documents issued by the following countries, you will require a valid visa to enter Singapore. Applications for such visas can be made at the respective countries' high commissions or overseas missions: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, *Bangladesh, Belarus, Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Estonia, Georgia, Hong Kong (Document of Identity), *India, Iraq, *Jordan, Kazakhstan, *Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Middle East countries (Refugee Travel Documents issued to Palestinian refugees), Moldova, *Myanmar, Russia, Syria, Tajikstan, *Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, *Vietnam, Holders of Palestinian Authority.

Generally, foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting Singapore as tourists, may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore. Tourists, however, should have valid passports, onward / return tickets, onward facilities (eg. visas, entry permits etc.) to their next destination and sufficient funds for their stay in Singapore. If they require a longer stay, they may apply to the Singapore Immigration Department, 10 Kallang Road, or call the Hotline at Tel: 6391 6100. The processing of extension of stay will take at least one working day.

Holders of Diplomatic / Official Passports are exempted from visa requirements. Holders of Laos Diplomatic / Official Passports are exempted from visa requirements for social visits up to 30 days only.

For more information click : http://www.mfa.gov.sg/consular/visa/frame_visa2.htm

< Singapore Tourism Board >

< Singapore Info Map >

< Visit Singapore >

< Meet-in-Singapore (Travel Advisory Update) >