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General Information
AIRPORT AND TRANSPORTATION
AIRPORT
Changi International Airport (SIN)
Singapore is one of the major aviation hubs in Asia and Changi International Airport is the main airport in Singapore. Changi International Airport is truly one of the world's busiest airports. It serves over 96 airlines that fly to 200 cities around the world. The airport is located 13 miles or 20 kilometers from Singapore city center. From the airport, you can reach the Singapore city center by car, bus, trains, shuttles, and taxis.
Address: 75 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819664
Terminal 1 | Tel: + (65) 6542 9727
Terminal 2 | Tel: + (65) 6542 9792
Terminal 3 | Tel: + (65) 6307 8555
Budget Terminal | Tel: + (65) 6412 7500
TRANSPORTATION
Taxi
At the Airport: Taxis are available at the designated taxi zones located outside of arrivals on all terminals. The estimated cost to go to the city center is between $18.00 SGD and $38.00 SGD and takes approximately 30 minutes. Please note that there is an additional airport surcharge at the airport.
$5 SGD airport surcharge - 5:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. (Fridays to Sundays)
$3 SGD airport surcharge - all other times
Midnight surcharge of 50% of final metered fare - 12:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M. (daily)
At the City: Like most cities taxis in Singapore are available when the sign on top of the cab is illuminated and can be hailed on the street or in advance. Below are some major taxi companies in Singapore:
- Comfort or Citycab | Tel: + (65) 6552 1111
- Premier Taxis | Tel: + (65) 6363 6888
- SMRT | Tel: + (65) 6555 8888
- SMART | Tel: + (65) 6485 7777
- Transcab | Tel: + (65) 6555 3333
Shuttles
One of the more economical ways to go to Singapore city center is through the shuttles service and it also serves most hotels in Singapore. Please approach the Ground Transport Desk at arrival.
Rates:
- $9 SGD per Adult
- $6 SGD per Child (below 12 years of age)
Contact Numbers:
- Terminal 1 | Tel: + (65) 6543 1985
- Terminal 2 | Tel: + (65) 6546 1646
- Terminal 3 | Tel: + (65) 6241 3818 (Main booking hotline)
- Budget Terminal | Tel: +(65) 6546 7656
Buses
At the Airport: Public bus service 36 goes to the city. The first bus arrives at around 6:00 am and the last leaves at midnight. A single fare costs below $2.00 SGD and takes about an hour to go to the city. Bus stops are located at the basement bus bays of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Please have the exact change as no change will be given. For more information, please visit:
At the City: Public buses will stop at Terminals 1, 2 and 3. A single fare from city via public bus service 36 costs below $2.00 SGD and takes about an hour.
Trains
Passengers wanting to get to the city via train need to transfer to the west bound train at Tanah Merah train station. For more information visit: Singapore Mass Rapid Transit.
Car Rental
Car rental counters are open from 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. When renting, make sure to ask about any additional costs such as: cancelation penalties, taxes, drop-off charges, and any additional surcharges. Please approach the following car rental counters at the Arrival Halls:
Terminal 1
- Avis | Tel: + (65) 6545 0800
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
CLIMATE
Due to Singapore's location, the climate is hot and humid all year round with no distinct seasons. Rain falls almost daily throughout the year; therefore, it is advisable to carry an umbrella at all times for the rain and sun.
Summer in Singapore
Linen and lightweight cotton clothing is recommended.
CURRENCY, EXCHANGE & CREDIT CARDS
Singapore's currency is the Singaporean Dollar. Singapore's currency denominations are:
| Coins: | Notes: |
| 5 cents | S$2 |
| 10 cents | S$5 |
| 20 cents | S$10 |
| 50 cents | S$50 |
| $1 coins | S$100 |
| S$500 | |
| S$1,000 |
You can withdraw Singaporean dollars from ATMs using your credit card or exchange currency at any money exchange or bank branch.
Banks are usually open from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., Monday through Friday and 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. during Saturday. Banks are closed on Sundays.
ATMs can be found throughout Singapore. The logos of the type of cards accepted are shown beside the machine.
EATING & DRINKING
Singapore offers the world's buffet at its table of eclectic selection of foods; from Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japananse to Thai, Singapore has a taste for every pallete. Hawker centers are a staple in Singapore and are the best place to find the most cheapest and popular places to eat.
ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
The minimum drinking age in Singapore is 18 years old for all alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can be purchased from supermarkets, convenience stores, and etc.
Cigarettes can be purchased at supermarkets and convenience stores by individuals aged 18 or over. Beware that smoking is not allowed on public transportation and certain public places.
ELECTRICITY & ELECTRONICS
VOLTAGE
The standard voltage in Singapore is 220V/240V, 50 Hz. If you have equipment that runs on a higher voltage, you should not connect it to Singaporean power unless you have the correct transformer (voltage adaptor).
POWER PLUGS
Singapore uses the British BS1363 three-pronged square pin type socket. Plugs from the US, Western and Eastern Europe, and Asia will not fit into a Singapore power plug.
If you need a plug adaptor or transformer, we advise buying one before your arrival. Some hotels will be able to lend you an adaptor, but not all.
For more information on international electrical issues, visit: http://kropla.com/
LANGUAGE
There are four official languages in Singapore they include: Malay, Tamil, Mandarin, and English. However, English is the language that is universally spoken and understood.
Singlish
Singlish is truly unique to Singapore. It is a mash-up of slang words, phrases, and grammer from the major languages in Singapore, including various Chinese dialects.
TIME ZONES
| Standard time zone: | UTC/GMT +8 hours |
| No daylight saving time in 2011 | |
| Time zone abbreviation: | SGT - Singapore Time |
MOBILE PHONES IN SINGAPORE
In Singapore, mobile phones operate on GSM900 and GSM1800. If you are not sure whether your phone operates on these bands, check with your provider before bringing it along.
To avoid high roaming fees you can buy a local pre-paid SIM card once you are in Singapore. Before doing this however, please check with your provider that your phone has not been locked for use on a particular network. If it has, a local SIM card will not work.
The international telephone country code for Singapore is 65 and there are three major telecommunication providers in Singapore: SingTel, StarHub, and MobileOne.
REGISTRATION FEES
Registration and attendance at the meeting is free. However, you are required to pay for your accommodation and meals. Coffee breaks are provided during the meeting.
SAFETY & SECURITY
Singapore is one of the safest major cities in the world. Violent crimes against tourists are rare. However, petty crime such as pick-pocketing and street theft occurs at the airport, tourist destinations, hotels and on public transport. Remember that as in any other big city, it is important to take responsibility for your personal safety, be familiar with local laws and customs and exercise good judgment.
Further Safety and Security advisories for Singapore:
- Australia Smart Traveller Advisory
- New Zealand Travel Advisory
- UK Travel Advisory
- US State Department Advisory
- CDC Health Advisory
BEFORE YOU GO
Packing
Think preventively when packing for your trip; consider leaving behind expensive jewelry, watches, and items of sentimental value. A smaller, inexpensive camera may be a better choice than larger, expensive models. You may not need to take an ATM card if your credit card and a limited amount of cash will suffice.
Make a Xerox copy of your passport to carry in your luggage separately from your actual passport. Consider storing a digital scan of your passport (and/or other critical documents) with family, friends, or your employer so that it could be emailed to you in an emergency.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Ambulance: 995
Fire: 995
Police (Main number for Emergency Services): 999
Singapore General Hospital: 6222 3322
SHOPPING
Singapore has an abundance of shopping malls and has plenty of places to shop till you drop. Nothing conjures shopping like the infamous Orchard Road in Singapore, which is a shopping mecca. If you have the urge to shop, start here.