"It is far from ordinary, yet comforts are always near."
Located at one of the crossroads of the world, Singapore's strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications and tourism. Its geographical location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between latitudes 103 degrees 38' E and 104 degrees 06' E. It is linked to Malaysia by two causeway bridges and the key islands of the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia are just a quick ferry trip away.

Thailand and the Philippines are a short plane journey away and Singapore, with an airport served by more than 69 airlines, is very much the gateway to South-East Asia.

"It is a place where the sun shines through the rain."
Singapore's climate is warm and humid, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celsius and minimum of 23 degrees Celsius. Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing.

What makes Singapore such a special destination is its multi-cultural mix of people. The population is just over 4 million, comprises 77% Chinese, 14% Malays and 8% Indians. The remaining 1% comprises people from all over the world who have chosen to make Singapore their home. Singapore’s many races live together in harmony, united by the motto, “Many races, one Singapore”, and it is ethnic diversity that is one of Singapore’s strengths.

There are four official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national language.

With this mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture of religions. Singapore's skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temple gods and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Zoroastrainism.

Singapore has a well-founded reputation as one of the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are very low and the streets are safe to walk in any time of the day or night. However, we do recommend that visitors to our city take the normal precaution of keeping their valuables in a safe place at all times.

The Singapore Government has 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 extremist or terrorist groups or individuals.

Tipping is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and the practice is not encouraged.

Minimum age is 18 years with a valid state/provincial driver's license. An international driver's license is required for visits beyond one month. Cars are right-hand drive; driven on the left-hand side of the road.

Standard voltage is 220-240 volts AC 50 cycles per second. Most hotels are equipped with transformers for 110-120 volts AC, 60 cycles per second appliances.

Some of the popular recreational activities are: archery, canoeing, cycling, golfing, scuba diving, squash, swimming, tennis, water skiing and wind surfing.

Smoking is prohibited in public buses, elevators, theaters, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, shopping centers and government offices.

Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.

Banks throughout Singapore generally open at 9.30am and close at 3.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9.30am to 11.30am on Saturdays for transactions of travellers' cheques and other financial matters. For convenience, Automated teller machines (ATM) are open round-the-clock, offering the PLUS, STAR or CIRRUS network system. Apart from the convenience of exchanging money at all banks and hotels, money can also be exchanged wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.

13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST); 14 hours ahead of Central and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST).

Business / government offices are usually open from Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm and Saturday, 9am - 1pm.

Shops open from 10am to 9pm daily. You needn't keep a sharp eye on your watch when you're shopping in Singapore. Our island also enjoys the reputation of being one of the safest places to be in, so provided basic precautions are taken, you can have peace of mind to shop and walk around well into the night.

A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied in Singapore. For more information on the tax refund, please visit: www.customs.gov.sg/travel/travel1.html

Singapore is the center of telecommunications in Southeast Asia with 24-hour telex, international direct dial (IDD) telephone, telegram and facsimile services. Telephone country code is 65. There are three mobile phone networks - CDMA, GSM900 and GSM1800 - and three mobile telephone service providers - SingTel, M1 and StarHub. For access code for dialing out of Singapore is 001, 002 and 008 for SingTel, M1 and StarHub respectively.

We strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary, consult your travel agent.

Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore. Illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.

Most travellers will not require a visa for entry into Singapore. Please check this with your airline, travel agent or nearest Singapore Embassy: http://www.mfa.gov.sg/sections/smw/idx_smw.htm for more information on visa requirements and application.

Most hotels offer in-room international direct dial (IDD) telephone services. However, some hotels may charge a minimal 30 cents successful call transaction surcharge. As there are different IDD service providers in Singapore, rates and access codes are dependent on the service provider used by the hotel. Generally, local calls are charged at 10 cents for every 3 minutes.

Same-day laundry service is available in most hotels. Typically, it costs S$5 for a laundered shirt, S$10 for a dress and S$14 for a dry-cleaned suit. Independent dry-cleaners can be found in the Yellow Pages of the Singapore Phone Book.

Airport Shuttle Service
A two-way service is provided by 6-seater MaxiCabs to take visitors from the Changi International Airport to any hotels in Singapore as well as anywhere within the Central Business District, excluding Le Meridien Changi and Sentosa island hotels.

Taxis are readily available at the taxi stand outside the Arrival Hall of Changi International Airport. This service is available 24 hours, and advance bookings can be made with taxi companies with a minimal booking charge. An Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system is operational on major expressways and within the Central Business District area to ensure smooth traffic during peak hours. You may be required to pay a surcharge if applicable.

Alternatively, you may choose to hire a Mercedes Taxi or London Cab available at the Limousine Service Counter at the Arrival Hall. This service is available from 6am – 2am daily, and takes you to any destination in Singapore at a flat rate. Advance bookings can be made with a minimal booking charge.