Weather
Singapore is warm and humid all year round with only slight temperature variations from the average high temperatures of 31°C (88°F) to the average minimum temperatures of 23°C (73.5°F). This is ideal for those who are planning to escape the cold winter back home or beach goers who want to bask all day in the sun or even to enjoy the water sports available on our sunny beaches. Should you want to temporarily escape the heat though, many air conditioned places such as shops, hotels and restaurants offer respite. Visitors can expect occasional showers, but most are brief and Singapore’s extensive network of covered walkways ensures that you can get to most places without getting drenched. Carrying a small, portable umbrella around is, however, recommended. Heavier rains should be expected during the monsoon season from November to January.

Drinking Water
Singapore’s tap water is potable and safe for consumption but if you prefer bottled water, it is readily available at supermarkets and convenience stores.

Business Hours
Shops generally open at 10 or 11am and close at 10pm. Major malls and departmental stores along the Orchard Road belt will extend their operating hours to 11pm on Friday nights for a spot of late night shopping. Offices are generally open from 8am to 6pm on weekdays, and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays. Most offices will be closed on public holidays. Check this link for dates.

Banking Hours
Different banks have different opening hours, but branches are generally open from 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. Cash withdrawals can be done at ATMs island-wide, 24 hours a day. Look out for ATMs with the Mastercard Cirrus and Maestro logos or the Visa PLUS logo. Major credit cards are accepted for credit purchase at no extra charges at most stores.

Currency
Other than the Singapore dollar, the US, Australian and Brunei Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major departmental stores. Brunei dollar banknotes represent a “customary tender” under the Currency Interchangeability Agreement and are accepted island wide.

Tipping, Service charges and GST
Tipping is not practiced in Singapore as a 10% service charge is usually added on to bills. Note that tipping is prohibited at the airport. Visitors can get a 7% GST (Goods and Service Tax) refund when purchases above $100 are made at retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Time Zone
Singapore’s time zone is GMT +8.

Getting Around In Singapore
Getting around Singapore is easy as the island is compact and the public transportation system extremely efficient. Taxis are relatively affordable, with flagging rates starting from $2.80 to $3.00. There are surcharges if you board during peak periods, in the city area or other specific conditions. Utilising the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and bus systems is quick, convenient and economical with rides starting from $1.00. If you prefer private transportation, car rental services are available at Changi airport.

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The Don’ts

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in enclosed public areas and most outdoor places. Those who want to light up may do so at designated smoking zones usually denoted by a signboard and a yellow box drawn on the floor. Smoking is allowed at approved outdoor smoking areas at F&B outlets. Entertainment outlets may also have smoking corners or rooms. Smoking at undesignated areas carries a fine of up to $1000 while the throwing of cigarette butts on the floor will be construed as littering and carries a fine of up to $300.

Chewing Gum
The import and sale of chewing gum is banned apart from oral dental and medicated gum, which is sold only by dentists or pharmacists.

Drug Abuse and Trafficking
Drug abuse and trafficking are viewed very seriously in Singapore. Possessing, consuming, manufacturing, importing, exporting or trafficking in controlled drugs in any amount is illegal and offenders can face either long jail terms or the death sentence.

Fireworks
Individuals are not allowed to import, buy, sell or discharge fireworks and firecrackers in Singapore under the Dangerous Fireworks Act. However, non-dangerous fireworks such as sparklers and party poppers are freely available for sale.

Gambling
There are several legal gambling activities in Singapore including lotteries, sports betting, horse racing and the newly opened casinos. The minimum legal age for gambling in Singapore is 18. Gambling in public, whether money is involved or not, is illegal.

Spitting and littering
Spitting and littering are offenses in Singapore, and can carry fines of up to $300.