General Information About Singapore

Facts & Figures
Total land area 710 sq km. Comprises one main island (604.2 sq km) and a number of islets scattered off its north-east and south.

Climate
Singapore is a tropical island with relatively uniform temperatures, with average daily temperatures raging between 25°C - 32°C (77°F - 89°F).

Total Population
5.54 million

Official languages
English is the language of administration and widely used. Others: Chinese, Malay, Tamil

Ethnic Groups
Approximate figures: 4 main races; 74.2% Chinese, 13.3% Malay, 9.1% Indian and 3.4% others.

Religion
Approximate figures: 33.9%% Buddhist, 14.3% Muslim, 11.3% Taoist, 7.1% Catholic, 11% Christianity, 5.2% Hindu, 0.7% others, 14.4% none.

Tipping
F&B outlets have a 10% service charge on bills, tipping is not necessary.

GST Refund Scheme
Upon departure at Changi Airport, travellers who have spent a minimum of $100 at shops displaying the Tax Refund and Tax Free Shopping logos can claim for GST (Good and Services Tax) paid on the purchases at the GST Refund Counters.

Drinking Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.

Currency
The Singapore dollar is used here and notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$1,000 and S$10,000. Coins come in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and S$1.

Smoking Areas
You are not allowed to smoke in all air-conditioned places such as malls and eateries. You may smoke in designated smoking areas. Rules can be found here. Your cigarettes are for personal use only for your own consumption.
Vaping or the use of electronic (E) cigarettes is illegal in Singapore. Anyone caught can be fined and jailed.

Chewing gum
Entering Singapore with any type of chewing gum is prohibited. Anyone caught can be fined.

Electrical Power Socket
The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) and you can use power plugs with three square prongs here (plug type G). It is the same utilized in the UK.

Useful Numbers
Police: 999
Ambulance & Fire Brigade: 995
Flight Information: 1800 542 4422

Wearing of Mask
Mask-wearing is no longer required in Singapore. But this is required in ALL hospitals and medical centres. Some establishments may require you to put this on.

 

Transportation

Getting from place to place in Singapore is not just easy, it is also economical. An efficient public transportation network offers taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system.

Mass Rapid Transport (MRT)
This is a fast and efficient form of transport, with a train arriving every few minutes. Fares range from S$1.00 to S$2.30 and tickets may be purchased from vending machines at the stations. Operating hours vary a little but trains run from around 05:15 to 00:15. It is recommended to check what time the last train leaves from the respective stations if you are planning a late night.

Bus
Bus fares range from S$1.00 to S$2.00. If you are paying in cash, please ensure you have the correct fare, as bus drivers do not give change. Alternatively, you can purchase an Ez-Link card, which is a stored-value fare card, from bus interchanges and MRT stations. Ez-Link cards may be used for bus and MRT fares.

Taxi / Private Car
Taxis can be flagged from hotels and taxi stands, as well as on the streets, if there are no taxi stands nearby and traffic is not disrupted. Flagged taxi fares vary from S$3.00 and S$3.90 for the first 1km. There are additional charges for trips from Changi Airport (from S$5.00 onwards, depending on the time); to and from the Central Business District (S$3.00 from Monday to Saturday, 17:00 to midnight), Peak Hours (25% of the metered fare on Monday to Saturday from 06:00-09:30 & 18:00 to midnight); After Midnight (50% of the metered fare shown).

You may also use App like GRAB in Singapore.

 

Immigration Matters

General Entry Requirements
2 a) Immigration Requirements
To enter Singapore, travellers must meet the following immigration requirements:
https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore

i) Passport Validity
Have minimum 6-month passport validity if you are not a Singapore passport holder

ii) Visa
Short-term travellers holding a passport or travel document from a visa-required country/region must apply for a Visa
Visa-required travellers can use the Visa-Free Transit Facility for a stay of less than 96 hours in Singapore, if eligible

iii) SG Arrival Card (SGAC)
All travellers must fill in the SGAC declaration up to 3 days before arrival
Only Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders entering via land checkpoints do not need to fill in the SGAC

iv) Security and Immigration Processes on Arrival
Ensure that you do not bring prohibited items into Singapore
Familiarise yourself with immigration/customs clearance procedures, including whether you are eligible for automated clearance

Travellers should have sufficient cash and proof of onward travel (tickets, visas), and ensure that you do not stay beyond your visit pass validity. You may retrieve your e-Pass after arrival using the e-Pass Enquiry Portal or check your visit pass validity using the visit pass validity

Visa Information

The following information are obtained from ICA, which is the authority responsible for visa matters. Please visit ICA's website for detailed information on visa and entry requirements. Alternatively, you may email us at mfa@mfa.gov.sg for enquiries on application of Singapore visa abroad. The visa application form is available free of charge at all Singapore overseas missions (except for non-resident High Commissioners/Ambassadors based in Singapore). You may also download the form here.

All visitors to Singapore must meet the following entry requirements:

• Valid travel document (minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure)
• Confirmed onward or return tickets (if applicable)
• Entry facilities, including visas, to the next destination;
• Sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Singapore; and,
• Visa for entry into Singapore (if applicable)
• Yellow Fever Vaccination (if applicable)