Information Bulletin On Singapore

ACTIVITIES IN SINGAPORE

There is a myriad of activities for everyone in Singapore. Whether you are a nature lover, culture buff, gourmand or thrill seeker, there is always something within easy reach for you. Check out the Things To Do & Must-Visit Places in Singapore to make the most out of your visit in Singapore.

DINING IN SINGAPORE 

Singapore is a multi-ethnic society. Our multi-ethnic culture and heritage present a multitude of cuisines, each with its own unique flavour.

Experience Singapore’s first element on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity – Hawker Culture. Hawker Culture in Singapore is an integral part of the way of life for Singaporeans, where people from all walks of life gather at hawker centres to dine and bond over their favourite hawker food, which are prepared by hawkers. Many of hawker dishes originated from the food cultures of different immigrant groups who settled in Singapore. Over time, they have evolved to become the distinctive local dishes that we love, and form an important part of our food heritage. More information on our hawker centres to enjoy Singapore’s Hawker Culture can be found at

There are also a multitude of dishes that Singaporeans enjoy such as Chicken Rice, Chilli Crab and Laksa. Check out Famous Local Food & Cuisine | Savor Singapore's Must-Try to experience the culinary delights of Singapore.

TRANSPORTATION

 Taxi or Private Hire Vehicle (PHV)

 Taking a taxi or Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) via ride-hailing apps is the most convenient way for visitors to travel around Singapore, especially in the middle of the night or in the early morning. Drivers in Singapore know the major landmarks, and most of them understand English.

Taxis charge based on distance, waiting time in traffic, peak period, and location surcharges. Passengers need to pay the amount shown on the meter, and the fare is non-negotiable. The flag-down fare is between S$4.40 to S$5.50, depending on the type of taxi. Please click here for further information on the fare breakdown. It is recommended to ask for a receipt from the driver as it includes the car number, company name, driver registration, and complaint telephone number information.

The estimated fare from Singapore Changi Airport to the city centre on taxis or Private Hire Vehicles ranges from S$30 to S$50 depending on traffic conditions and applicable surcharges.

Applicable taxi surcharges include:

• Airport surcharges: S$8 from 17:00 to 00:00, S$6 at other times
• Peak hour surcharges: 25% of the metered fare during peak hours
• Midnight surcharges: 50% of the metered fare from 00:00 to 06:00.

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

 The Singapore MRT system is extensive and convenient for reaching many popular tourist attractions. It consists of several lines, including the North South Line, East West Line, Circle Line, Downtown Line, North East Line and Thomson-East Coast Line. Singapore Changi Airport is directly connected to the East West Line.

Operation Time

• General Hours: Around 05:30 - 00:00. Each line varies slightly, so please refer to the official MRT website for exact times.

Ticket Prices

• Standard Tickets: Prices vary according to the distance travelled:
  • S$0.92 for destinations within 3.2 km
  • S$1.02 for 3.3 to 4.2 km
  • S$1.12 for 4.3 to 5.2 km
  • S$1.22 for 5.3 to 6.2 km
  • For distances over 6.2 km, an additional S$0.10 is charged for every 1 km.

Payment Methods

• Single Trip Tickets: Can be purchased at ticket machines located in MRT stations.
• EZ-Link Cards: These stored-value cards can be used for multiple trips and offer a convenient way to pay for public transport. They can be purchased and topped up at MRT stations and convenience stores.
• Contactless Payment: You can also use contactless payment methods such as credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) to pay for your MRT rides. Simply tap your card or mobile device at the fare gates.

Buses

Singapore has a well-developed public transportation system with an extensive network of bus routes covering the entire island. There are numerous bus services operating in both urban and suburban areas, making it easy to reach almost every community. Most bus routes operate from around 5:00 to 00:00. Additionally, there are night bus services that run during the late hours to cater to the travel needs of night-time hotspots.

To check bus routes and schedules, you can visit the official website of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) or use the following mobile apps:

• MyTransport.SG: Available on both iOS and Android, this app provides comprehensive information on bus routes, schedules, and real-time arrival updates.
• SG Buses: Another useful app available on iOS and Android for checking bus routes and arrival times.

MOBILE & CASH PAYMENT IN SINGAPORE

Cash

 In Singapore, the official currency is the Singapore Dollar (S$). Visitors can exchange foreign currencies for SGD cash at various currency exchange counters located at the airport, shopping malls, and around the city.

When entering or leaving Singapore, you are required to declare if you are carrying physical currency or bearer negotiable instruments (such as traveller’s cheques) exceeding S$ 20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency). There is no limit to the amount of money you can bring into Singapore but amounts above S$ 20,000 must be declared to the authorities.

Mobile Payments

 Mobile payments are widely accepted in Singapore. Popular mobile payment apps include GrabPay, PayNow, and FavePay. Additionally, international mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay are also commonly used.

Setting Up Mobile Payments

1. Download the App: Download the desired mobile payment app (e.g., GrabPay, PayNow, FavePay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) from your app store and follow the instructions for account registration.
2. Add Your Card: Link your credit/debit card to the app. Cards accepted typically include Mastercard, Visa, and American Express.
3. Authorization: When adding an international bank card, it may be necessary to obtain authorization from the issuing bank. If the binding request is rejected, contact the issuing bank's customer service center for assistance.

Using Mobile Payments

• QR Code Payments: Many merchants in Singapore accept QR code payments. Simply scan the QR code provided by the merchant using your mobile payment app and confirm the payment.
• Contactless Payments: You can also use contactless payment methods by tapping your mobile device at the payment terminal.

Transaction Limits and Fees

• Transaction Limits: Mobile payment apps may have transaction limits set by the issuing bank or the app itself. Check the app's terms and conditions for specific limits.
• Service Fees: Some mobile payment apps may charge a service fee for transactions. Check the app's terms and conditions for details on any applicable fees.

Supported E-Wallets
Users of various international e-wallets can make QR code payments in Singapore. Supported e-wallets include:

• Alipay
• Apple Pay
• FavePay
• GrabPay
• Google Pay
• PayNow
• Samsung Pay
• WeChat Pay

USEFUL NUMBERS IN SINGAPORE

• Police: 999
• Fire: 995
• Ambulance: 995
• Local telephone number inquiry: 100
• Weather forecast: 1800-248-5361

ELECTRICITY

The electric current in Singapore is 230V, 50 Hz. Singapore uses Type G plugs, which have three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Most hotels have built-in converters in bathrooms for shavers and hair dryers.

WEATHER

Singapore experiences warm and humid weather all year round. Showers are common in the afternoons. The average temperature range in July is 26OC to 31OC, with average humidity of 75 – 90%.