Singapore Travel Information & Guides
Singapore has earned a reputation as the most surprising tropical island on earth.
To visit the Lion City is to embark on an adventure which will leave lifelong memories of friendly people, exotic sights and sounds, fabulous food, exciting entertainment - and, of course, shopping.
Singapore is a shopper's paradise and the island is also complimented by a number of sightseeing tours - from crocodile farms to centuries old Fort Siloso to name a few.
And more, food to delight the most discerning palate - you'll love every minute of your holiday in surprising Singapore.
Little India - Your senses will come alive as you enter this colourful ethnic area. Scented streets of spices and jasmine garlands will beckon you to the silverware, brassware & silk sari's of Little India. Places of interest include: Mustafa's - the 24hour shopping centre, Little India Arcade, Campbell Lane and Serangoon Road.
Orchard Road - Take your time walking along the tree-lined boulevard known as Orchard Road. With air-conditioned underpasses and covered walkways linking most of the shopping complexes and department stores, your shopping experience will be a comfortable one. Centrepoint, Far East Shopping Centre, Lucky Plaza and Orchard Emerald are just a handful of shopping complexes you will find on Orchard Road.
Chinatown - Chinatown is an area full of contrasts and fascinating details. A walk through Pagoda Street or Trengganu Street, with it's turn of the century shophouses, will reveal unique finds like Chinese calligraphy, antiques, crafts, wooden clogs and traditional herbal cures.
Boat Quay/Clark Quay - Marvel at the sights as you stroll along the banks of the river!
Boat Quay is home to posh restaurants, lively bars & pubs and alfresco dining.
Clark Quay is home to hip pubs & bars, dining outlets & shops including secondhand & antique shops.
Sentosa Island - A world where the fun never ends! Sentosa Island is Singapore's largest offshore island, connected by a causeway or cable car. The island offers the visitor a variety of activities & sights including the Magical Sentosa Show at the Musical Fountain, the 37m high Merlion, Butterfly Park, Underwater World, the pink dolphins at Dolphin Lagoon & Fort Siloso.
Airports
Changi International Airport is about 20 km from the Central Business District, and is linked by two expressways to other parts of Singapore.
Customs at Airports
There is no restriction on the amount of currency you may bring into Singapore.
Chewing gum & tobacco products must be declared on arrival.
Duty Free
For visitors over 18 years of age arriving from a country other than Malaysia, the following duty-free concessions apply for personal consumption; 1 litre of spirits, wine or beer.
There are no concessions on cigarettes and other tobacco products. This is in line with the Singapore Government's campaign to discourage smoking.
Passport Requirements
Visas are not generally required for visits of under 30 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months at the time of entry.
For any other than Australian passport holders please check with your travel agent regarding visa formalities.
Climate
Singapore has a hot, humid climate. Daily temperatures average 26.7 C, with mean temperatures hitting 30.8 C in the afternoons and dropping to 23.8 C at dawn. Humidity ranges from a high 90% at night and falls to 60-70% in the afternoon.
Sudden heavy showers occur mostly from November to January. February often gets the most sunshine while December usually has the most rainfall. The hottest months are likely to be in July and August.
Language
English is widely spoken. Other languages are Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
Communications
Most hotels have direct dialling facilities.
Check with the operator for long distance and international charges, which may also be found in the telephone directory. Outgoing international code: 001.
The international country IDD code for Singapore is 65, for Australia 61.
Currency
Singapore Dollar, divided into 100 cents.
Notes - $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000, $10,000.
Coins - cents 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and $1.
The US dollar is the most readily accepted foreign currency, and Australian dollars are easily exchanged.
Credit Cards
Mastercard, American Express, Diners and Visa are acceptable at major hotels, restaurants and shops.
Time Zone
Singapore's time is GMT + 8 hours, the same as Perth, normally 2 hours behind Sydney.
Health
Vaccination certificates against yellow fever are required for travellers arriving from most parts of South America and Africa as well as for travellers who have passed through any country endemic for yellow fever within the preceding six days.
Electricity
220/240 Volts, 50 cycles AC current. Plug fittings of the 3-pin square type are in use. Many hotels have 110-volt outlets. Adaptors will be required for Australian appliances.
Tipping
Tipping is officially discouraged. A 10% service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills.
Useful Contacts
Australian High Commision
25 Napier Road
Singapore 258507
Telephone: 6836 4100
Faxsimile: 6737 5481
Web Site: www.singapore.embassy.gov.au
