Singapore Travel Tips

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. Over 50 per cent of the population is under 20 years of age. 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 of up to S$500.

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 – 30 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. 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 (see General Info).

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 online (website: www.ktmb.com.my).

The Eastern and Oriental Express 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.

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 and 1l of beer.

These allowances do not apply if arriving from Malaysia.

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

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.
Export permits are required for arms, ammunition, explosives, animals, telecommunications equipment, film and videotapes and discs, precious metals and stones, drugs and poisons.
The penalties for possession of narcotics are severe and visitors not complying with drug regulations do so at the risk of death.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
Sightseeing flights can be arranged locally through the Republic of Singapore Flying Club (Building 140-B, Piccadilly, Seletar Airbase, Eastcamp, Singapore 797754; tel: (065) 6481 0200; 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, the most popular offshore island, leaves every 20 minutes starting at 0730.

Getting Around by Rail
There are regular and well-maintained train services between all major cities and towns.

Getting Around by Road
Bus: There is a well-developed system of local services run by two main companies. The service is cheap and efficient and operates 0600-0000 daily. Three City Buzz services loop the city 1000-2200 daily. Fares are priced at S$1 per trip or a City Buzz Pass Pack costs S$5 for a day's unlimited travel. A SIA hop-on, hop-off service operates daily 0900-1800. 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 are available from bookstores. Car hire: There are several car hire/self-drive firms with offices at the airport and in hotels. 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). The cost is S$5 per day (some vehicles have a device fitted which means that payment is automatic). 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 not shown on the meter include: S$1 for all luggage placed in the boot; 50 per cent of the metered fare for journeys between 0000 and 0600; S$3 for all journeys starting at the airport; S$1 for all trips starting in the Central Business District, Mon-Fri 1630-1900 and Sat 1130-1400. 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. Fares range from 70 cents to S$1.60. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a modern, comfortable, efficient and cheap way to explore Singapore. Operation hours are 0530-0000 and the train timetables are posted at each station. 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 (travel time from city center - 27 minutes). 'A Quick Guide to the MRT Travel' is available from MRT stations.


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