The Tourist's Guide
- Written by Jackson
- font size decrease font size increase font size
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.
Transportation
Public transport fares in Singapore are reasonable compared to major cities worldwide. Stored value cards, called EZ-Link cards, are available at bus terminals and MRT stations. They cost S$12 – inclusive of a pre-stored value of S$7 – and allow you to travel seamlessly between trains and public bus services. One, two or three-day Singapore Tourist Passes are also available at selected stations.
Public BusesBus stops are conveniently spread island-wide and show the routes of all buses that stop there. A ride costs between S$1.00 to S$1.90, depending on the route and travelling distance. Buses run from about 5.30am to 12.45pm depending on the route. |
|
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)The train system brings you to your destination in air-conditioned comfort, through underground tunnels or on open tracks. The MRT network extends across five lines: North-South (red), East-West (green), North-East (purple),Circle (orange) line and Downtown line (DTL). The next two phases of the DTL are set to open in 2016 and 2017, respectively. If you wish to visit tourist attractions, our handy Tourist Map shows you which the closest stations are. Trains operate between 5.16 am and 12 midnight with extensions on the eve of public holidays, but be sure to check with the station for specific last train timings. Ticket prices start at S$1.10. |
|
TaxisAvailable 24 hours, taxis here are highly regulated. Tips are not expected. The fare charges go by the meter. The flagging rate starts at S$3.00 to S$5.00, depending on the type of taxi you board. Surcharges apply if you board a taxi during peak periods, from city areas or under other specific conditions. For bookings, extra charges apply. |
|
River TaxisRiver taxis are now operating on the Singapore River. Buy a day pass to hop on and off as many times as you like, or buy a single trip ticket. Prices for single trip tickets start at S$3. |
Safety
Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world with 606 offences per 100,000 population. However, low crime does not mean zero crime. Do take precautions. 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 tickets and office queues. Smoking is also banned in entertainment outlets and food establishments unless smoking areas are designated.
Littering
Singapore is known by many as a clean and green city. Hence, it has strict laws against littering with heavy fines and corrective work order for repeat offenders.
Airport Information
Changi International Airport is widely recognised by both leisure and business travellers as one of the world’s best airports. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 offer a myriad of modern amenities that include business and internet hubs, supermarkets, banks, postal and telecommunication services, moneychangers, laundry services, F&B outlets, tax-free shops, a fitness centre, a 24-hour medical centre, a children’s play area and a host of other transit facilities.
Passengers can commute between the terminals for free with the Skytrain which runs from 5.00am to 2.30am daily and the Shuttle Bus which operates from 2.30am to 5.00am daily.
Buses, MRT and taxis readily service Changi Airport to and from most parts of the island.
Taxis taken from the airport require a surcharge of S$3, increasing to S$5 between 5pm and midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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.
Telecommunications
The three mobile networks of GSM 900, GSM 1800 and 3G 2100 are serviced by three providers: SingTel, M1 and Starhub.
Access codes for international calls are M1: 002, 021; SingTel: 001, 013, 019; Starhub: 008, 018.
Payphone can be found in most public areas. Standard charge is 10 cents per block of 2 minutes for a local call. Payphones accept coins in various denominations.
Stored-value phonecards come in denominations of S$5, S$10, S$20 and S$50 and are obtainable from post offices and convenient stores.
International calling cards in denominations of S$10, S$20 and S$50 are also available.
Weather
Singapore is warm and humid all year round with only slight temperature variations from the high temperatures of just over 30°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 recommended. Heavier rains should be expected during the two main monsoon seasons which are from December to March and from June to September.
Sentosa
Sentosa Island is now easily accessible via a rail system which charges S$4 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. For a more scenic route, you can take the Singapore Cable Car from HarbourFront Station or Mount Faber Station. Tickets include admission to Sentosa and cost S$26 for adults and S$15 for children.