Singapore Travel Guide

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting, regardless of race. Social courtesies are often fairly formal. When invited to a private home or entering a temple or mosque, remove your shoes. For private visits, a gift is appreciated and, if on business, a company souvenir is appropriate. Dress is informal. Most first-class restaurants and some hotel dining rooms expect men to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings; a smart appearance is expected for business meetings. Evening dress for local men and women is unusual. Each of the diverse racial groups in Singapore has retained its own cultural and religious identity while developing as an integral part of the Singapore community.

Laws relating to jaywalking, littering and chewing gum are strictly enforced in urban areas. Smoking is widely discouraged and illegal in enclosed public places (including restaurants). Dropping a cigarette end in the street or smoking illegally can lead to an immediate fine.

International Travel

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Singapore Airlines (SQ) (website: www.singaporeair.com).

Departure Tax

None.

Main Airports

Changi (SIN) (website: www.changi.airport.com.sg) is 20km (12 miles) east of the city (journey time - 25 minutes). To/from the airport: Public transport and taxis are readily available to the city center. The Mass Rapid Transit train system operates from the airport to the city center and trains depart frequently. The Maxicab, a six-seater taxi shuttle, operates throughout the day; tickets must be bought in advance from the shuttle service counter in the arrivals hall. Facilities: Fitness center, swimming pool, supermarket, medical clinics and full banking services (including money changing) to business centers and transit hotels with private bathrooms (advance booking is recommended for the hotels). There are left luggage facilities, post offices, bars and restaurants, extensive duty-free shops and car hire operators.

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Singapore (website: www.mpa.gov.sg). The world’s busiest in terms of tonnage, it is served by a growing number of international passenger cruise lines. Cruising is one of the fastest-growing tourist development areas in Singapore and there are plans to considerably expand the already extensive port facilities. There is now also a number of international operators using Singapore as a base for cruises throughout South East Asia. For further details, contact the Singapore Tourism Board. Penguin Ferry (tel: 6272 4866; website: www.penguin.com.sg) operates several ferry services between Singapore and nearby Indonesia.

Getting There By Rail

Trains run to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Malacca (Malaysia) on a route which extends to Bangkok (Thailand). Services operate daily between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur; some offer air conditioning and dining cars. There are also overnight trains with sleepers. For more information on the railway between Thailand and Singapore, see Malaysia Railway (tel: (603) 2263 1111; website: www.ktmb.com.my).

The Eastern and Oriental Express (tel: 0845 077 2222, in the UK only; website: www.orient-express.com) is a luxurious train traveling from Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore.

Getting There By Road

Singapore is connected to Malaysia and the mainland of Asia by two causeways: one which crosses the Johor Strait; the other linking Tuas in Singapore. Foreign motorists are required to pay a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) and a toll charge at the checkpoint upon entry into Singapore. Payment is to be paid using an electronic smartcard called an Autopass Card (sold at booths or VEP/toll offices at the checkpoint). Motorists need to show a valid road tax disc and an insurance certificate for the vehicle when buying the Autopass Card. Toll charges are payable upon arrival and departure from Singapore using the Tuas checkpoint and on departure from Singapore at the Woodlands checkpoint.

Bus and coach services operate to the Malaysian town of Johor Bahru and beyond. For required documentation, see Getting Around section.

Duty Free

Overview

The following goods may be imported into Singapore by persons aged 18 years and older without incurring customs duty:

• 1L of spirits.
• 1L of wine.
• 1L of beer.

Note: These allowances do not apply if arriving from Malaysia.

Restricted items
Fruit, vegetables, fish, arms, explosives, toy guns and weapons. Chewing gum and tobacco products must be declared upon arrival.

Prohibited Imports

Liquor or cigarettes with "Singapore duty not paid" on the label, carton or packet, cigarettes with the prefix 'E' printed on the packet, cigarette lighters of revolver or pistol shape, controlled drugs or psychotrophic substances, firecrackers, endangered species of wildlife and their byproducts, all pornographic films and literature, reproduction of copyright publications, videotapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes. The penalties for possession of narcotics are severe and visitors not complying with drug regulations do so at the risk of death.

Prohibited Exports

Export permits are required for arms, ammunition, explosives, animals, telecommunications equipment, film and videotapes and discs, precious metals and stones, drugs and poisons.

Internal Travel

Getting Around By Air

Sightseeing flights can be arranged locally through the Republic of Singapore Flying Club (website: www.singaporeflyingclub.com).

Getting Around By Water

The Singapore Cruise Center is located at the World Trade Center, about 10 minutes’ drive from the city center. Harbour cruises and ferry services to Singapore’s islands, Malaysia and the Indonesian Riau islands may be boarded at the ferry terminals located at the World Trade Center and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal at Changi. A ferry for Sentosa (tel: 6534 9339; website: www.islandcruise.com.sg), the most popular offshore island, leaves every 20 minutes starting at 0730.

Getting Around By Rail

Singapore’s modern and efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) (tel: 1 800 336 8900, in Singapore only; website: www.smrt.com.sg) network (see Getting Around Towns and Cities) covers much of the island.

Getting Around By Road

Traffic drives on the left. All motorists driving into the city or traveling on some major roads are required to pay the ERP (Electronic Road Pricing).

Bus: There is a well-developed system of local services run by two main companies. The service is cheap and efficient and operates throughout the day. Three City Buzz services loop the city. A SIA hop-on, hop-off service operates daily. There are additional peak-hours-only shuttle and minibus services. A flat fare system operates on the one-man routes. A timetable and route map is available from bookstores. Service buses are operated by SBS (tel: 1 800 225 5663, in Singapore only; website: www.sbstransit.com.sg).

Car hire: There are several car hire/self-drive firms with offices at the airport and in hotels.

Documentation: A national driving license is sufficient for stays up to one month. For visits beyond one month, an International Driving Permit is required.

Getting Around Towns and Cities

Trishaws: This traditional form of chauffeur-pedalled transport is a fun and exciting way to tour the streets of Singapore.

Taxi: These are numerous and relatively cheap. They can be picked up from outside hotels and official ranks or flagged down in the streets. Taxis are metered. Some surcharges are not shown on the meter. It is possible to negotiate hourly rates for round-island tours.

Metro: Singapore has one of the most advanced metro systems in the world. The trains operate 0530-0300 (0600-0000 on Sundays and public holidays) with stations being served on average every six minutes. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) (tel: 1 800 336 8900, in Singapore only; website: www.smrt.com.sg) is a modern, comfortable, efficient and cheap way to explore Singapore.

Over 40 stations link the city center and suburbs, thus providing an opportunity to visit some of Singapore’s attractions along the three main routes. The MRT system also extends out to Changi Airport (journey time from city center - 25 minutes). A Quick Guide to the MRT Travel is available from MRT stations.