Accommodation
Most of the hotels are located near major shopping areas and business districts. Depending on your budget and preferences, accommodation options can range from a deluxe room, complete with exquisite trimmings and amenities, to a simple one with just the bare basics.

There are resort hotels on Sentosa Island, boutique hotels in the Chinatown and Little India conservation areas, historic hotels and business hotels along Orchard Road and in the Marina Bay area, as well as no-frills budget accommodations just outside the central business district.

Prices start from around S$300 for a room in an international hotel. For business travellers, most hotels also offer wireless Internet access and other conveniences.

Transportation
Getting around Singapore is easy. The MRT, Singapore’s rail transit system, is the fastest, easiest and most economical way to get to various points all over the island. Buses can take you to almost any corner of Singapore and offer a comfortable journey wherever you go. For easier bus and MRT payments, the Singapore Tourist Pass, which offers unlimited rides would be the most suitable option.

Taxis in Singapore are charged by the meter, with distinct flag down rates. The flag down rate ranges from S$2.80 to S$5, depending on the type of taxi hailed.

Banking
There are more than 160 commercial and merchant banks available. Most banks handle travellers’ cheques and change foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing travellers’ cheques and a nominal commission is charged. Foreign currencies may also be changed at licensed money changers, most of which are conveniently located in major shopping complexes.

Visitors are advised not to change money in places where no valid licence is displayed.

Currency
The national currency is the Singapore dollar. Notes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500, $1,000, and $10,000. For coins, the issues are $1 and 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Apart from use of the Singapore dollar, major currencies such as the US and Australian dollars, Euro, Japanese yen and British pound are widely accepted in major departmental stores.

Customs & Regulations
Visitors above 18 years of age arriving from any country (except Malaysia) who have spent more than 48 hours outside Singapore are allowed duty-free concessions of the following:
• 1 litre spirits
(brandy, whisky, gin, rum, vodka, etc.)
• 1 litre wine
• 1 litre beer
Note that all these items are for personal consumption only and there are no duty-free concessions on cigarettes or other tobacco products. All dutiable goods imported into or manufactured in Singapore are subject to Customs duty in accordance with the Schedule of the Singapore Customs Duties Order. Prohibited items include controlled drugs such as heroin, cigarette lighters in the shape of a pistol or revolver, toy coins, obscene materials, endangered animals and any item made from these animals.

For more information, call the Customs Call Centre at +65 6355 2000. The Singapore Customs website is at www.customs.gov.sg. Warning: drug trafficking is a capital offence in the Republic!

Electricity
The voltage in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Most hotels provide transformers and adapters on request. Otherwise, you should find one easily at most general stores.






Languages
Although Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are spoken amongst the individual races, English is widely spoken and written. It is also the language of business. Signs and instructions across the island are mostly in English.






Safety
Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. However, do remember that low crime does not equate to zero crime. Do take the precautionary approach wherever you may be. Singapore does not tolerate extremism based on race or religion. Security authorities will not hesitate to take action against anyone threatening the social harmony and well-being of the country’s citizens and visitors.



Smoking
Smoking in Singapore is prohibited in public areas such as public transport systems, lifts, cinemas, concert halls, government offices, shopping malls, national parks, as well as in ticket and office queues. Smoking is also banned in entertainment outlets (clubs, pubs disco and bars) and food establishments (restaurants, hawker centres and food courts) unless smoking areas are designated.


Littering
Singapore is known by many as a clean and green city. However, it requires much responsibility and dedication to maintain. Singapore has strict laws against littering with heavy fines and corrective work order for repeat offenders.







Telecommunications
The two mobile networks of GSM 900, GSM 1800 and 3G 2100 are serviced by three providers: SingTel, M1 and Starhub. Shop around for the best rates.

Access codes for international calls are SingTel: 001, 013, 019; M1: 002, 021;
StarHub: 008, 018
Payphones can be found in bus interchanges, MRT stations and at Changi International Airport, among other public places.

Payphones charge 10 cents per block of 2 minutes for a local call and accept coins in various denominations from 10 cents to 50 cents.

Stored-value phonecards, which are more convenient, come in denominations of S$5, S$10, S$20 and S$50 and are obtainable from post offices and most convenience stores.

International Calling Cards in denominations of S$10, S$20 and S$50 are also available.

Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water directly from the tap in Singapore. However, should you prefer bottled or mineral water, you can always get your supply from a supermarket or convenience store.







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). 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.

Sentosa
Sentosa Island is now easily accessible via a rail system which charges S$3 per person and starts from Sentosa Express station located in VivoCity shopping mall, Level 3. You can also go there by foot via the Sentosa Boardwalk for just S$1 per person. You can literally spend the whole day just exploring the host of attractions in Sentosa. You may also like to visit the integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa.