Key Facts
About Singapore
About Singapore Located at the centre of the Asia Pacific Region Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world, but commands an enormous presence with its free trade economy and highly efficient workforce.
Weather
Hot and humid with little variation throughout the year. Average daytime temperature is 31⁰C (88⁰F), dropping to around 24⁰C (75⁰F) in the evening. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period.
No Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in all air-conditioned places, such as malls, restaurants, pubs etc. There are designated smoking areas in some entertainment outlets and open-air eateries.
Electricity
The standard electrical current used is 220-240 Volts AC (50 cycles). Primary Socket type is Type G British BS-1363.
Safe Drinking Water
Water can be drank straight from the tap as water here passes World Health Organization standards. Bottled water are easily available.
VISA Requirements
The visa application form is available free of charge at all Singapore overseas missions (except for non-resident High Commissioners/Ambassadors based in Singapore).You can approach the nearest Mission directly for more information on the requirements and procedures to apply for a visa.
Getting To Singapore
Singapore can be reached by air. With 4 local carriers, namely Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways and Scoot and with more than 100 airlines flying to/from some 300 cities, you will be spoilt for choice. What’s more, Singapore’s Changi Airport, an award-winning airport is one of the busiest and best connected in the world.
If you are travelling through or from West Malaysia, you will also have the option to drive into Singapore. Singapore has two 24-hour land checkpoints, one at Tuas in the west and the other at Woodlands in the north.
Transportation
Singapore has a relatively efficient public transport system. It is well served by the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), public buses and taxis.
By MRT Trains and Buses
Travelling around Singapore by MRT and public buses are made easy, using the EZ-link card. Visitors who are in Singapore for a few days can purchase an EZ-link card at MRT stations or other outlets (see Where EZ-Link cards-are-sold). Alternatively, you can pay cash on buses with the exact fare or buy single-use MRT tickets at the stations.
By Taxis
Taxis is a convenient way to travel in Singapore. They are many and easy to hail, except during rush hours, change of shift (between 4pm to 5pm) and on rainy days. You can get a taxi at the taxi stands, by hailing them on the street, or by making a current or advanced booking. A key market player is Comfort Transportation. Click here to find out how to get a taxi from Comfort.
TBesides the meter fare, there are other charges, such as midnight charges and peak period charges. Click here for an idea on the taxi rates and charges. Uber taxis or Grab taxis driven by car-owners are increasingly getting popular in Singapore.
What to see and do in Singapore
Singapore is both a city and a country. As a city, it is vibrant and bustling. As a country, it is cosmopolitan and green. Therefore, she has much to offer to the visitors of Singapore, be it food, shopping, gardens, places of interest, nature and activities. For an idea of what you can see and do in Singapore, please click here. Some major attractions include the following
Gardens by the Bay is a massive park, located in central Singapore. It spans 101 hectares of reclaimed land. It is open from 5am to 2am and easily accessible by train and public transport. Its nearest train stations are Bayfront MRT station and Gardens by the Bay MRT station.
You can look forward to exploring the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest and Supertree Grove. You can also take a scenic walk on OCBC Skyway. Website: www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en.html
Singapore Botanic Gardens was founded in 1859 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a tropical garden, with an array of botanical and horticultural attractions and plant collection of worldwide significance. The National Orchid Garden, a major attraction for visitors, is located here. Website: www.sbg.org.sg
At the Singapore Zoo, there are more than 300 species of animal, including those in the category of threatened species. As for River Safari, which is a river-themed zoo and aquarium, its main highlights are its freshwater attractions and river boat rides. The Night Safari, being the first nocturnal zoo in the world, have more than 2,500 animals from more than 130 species (including threatened species).
For animal lovers, you can have your pick at the Singapore Zoo, River Safari or the Night Safari. All are situated in the same location, at the margins of Upper Seletar Reservoir and Singapore’s forested central catchment area. Website: www.zoo.com.sg
