Unique is the word that best captures Singapore, a dynamic city rich in contrast and color where you’ll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered.

Singapore’s location on the major sea route between India and China. The strategic position has made it grow into an excellent harbor for trade and tourism. Its geographical location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between latitudes 103°38’E and 104°06’E.

Singapore’s Central Business District actually spreads across both the central and southern parts of the island (you’ll know when you’re there - it boasts striking high-rise structures). You can get a good visual orientation to the city as you cross the Benjamin Sheares Bridge on the East Coast Parkway, which links the airport to the city center.

Tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a low of 24°C to a high of around 31°C. Rainfall usually takes the form of sudden showers and storms. June-August is considered to be the best time to visit.

The population is just over 4 million, and around 77.2% are Chinese, 14.1% Malay and 7.4% Indian. The remaining 1.3% comprises of people from all over the world who have chosen to make Singapore their home.

English is spoken everywhere and it is the common business language of all. Signs in Singapore are also written in English. In Singapore, you will find Chinese, Indian, Malay and Eurasian Communities living harmoniously together, their long established cultures forming a unique backdrop to a clean and modern garden city. There are four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.

Singapore is consequently a cosmopolitan place where people from all over the world sit down to enjoy each other’s cooking. Each culture has brought with it unique cooking styles including Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Peranakan, Indian, Thai, Japanese and Korean. There is a vast array of hawker stalls and restaurants, ranging from global franchises to gourmet delis to fancy six-star settings.

Orchard Road would be the most popular and most commonly heard names if anyone should mention about shopping. This place is the central hub, also known as the ‘city’ of Singapore and it is well known among tourists. Orchard Road offers major departmental stores, supermarkets, movie theatres, restaurants, famous hotels and other entertainment outlets. Some of the well known hotels are - The Boulevard, Hilton International, Mandarin Hotel, Hyatt Regency, Good wood Park, Orchard Parade, Le Meridien and Orchard Hotel.
For more information on Singapore, please visit: http://www.visitsingapore.com/mice/

What To Wear

The climate encourages informal dressing and few places require a jacket and tie for gentlemen. Visitors should bring the lightest of summer wear. For men, open-necked shirts and lightweight tropical slacks are ideal. For formal functions, lounge suites for gentlemen are also recommended. Lightweight summer dresses, slacks and tops will be suitable for day wear for ladies. All hotels and shopping centers are air-conditioned, so a long sleeve shirt for men and a light wrap for ladies is advisable, especially in the evening.

Transportation

Public transportation, including buses and the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system provides access for visitors to most areas of the island. You can buy a Ez-Link card, which can be used on the MRT and buses.
There are many taxis, which can be hired from the taxi stands, roadside or booking by telephone. A booking fee is usually charged when hired by telephone. There is also a surcharge for trips starting from the Changi Airport. You may wish to take the Airport Shuttle to almost all hotels within the city from Changi Airport. The operating hours and fares of the shuttle service can be obtained at the airport shuttle counters located at the arrival hall of Changi Aiport Terminal 1 and 2. Payment is made to the driver who will accept cash, major credit cards and charge cards.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar.

Credit/Charge Card

Credit cards are widely accepted in Singapore. Hotels, retailers, restaurants, travel agents and most taxis readily accept international credit cards.

Food & Shopping

Singapore is the culinary capital of Southeast Asia, and eating out in Singapore is an experience few will forget. You can eat out at open-air food stalls or dine in the plushest of restaurants at world-class hotels. In terms of sheer variety, Singapore probably has no rival. Singapore's immigrant population and visitors from all over the world have brought a staggering array of cuisine and cooking skills as well as having created unique blends of their own.

Hawker centers and traditional coffee shops dishes rarely cost more than S$3 to S$4 each whereas dishes sold at food courts (air-conditioned and usually located at shopping centers) are slightly more expensive. A meal and a soft drink in a fast food outlet cost S$4 to S$7, whereas restaurants can cost anything from S$10 to S$120 per person, depending upon where you dine and what you order. Tipping is not expected in any of Singapore's food or entertainment outlets. Most establishments will add to your bill a 10% service charge, a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7% and in most establishments, a 1% cess tax. Additional tipping is at your discretion.

Singapore was founded on the principle of free trade, and even today, most goods are sold duty-free. An endless range of goods from all over the world is available at prices that are often lower than those in the country of manufacture. Air-conditioned shopping complexes, department stores, emporiums and shopping arcades allow visitors to shop in comfort. Most of these places stay open till 9.30pm daily.

Electricity

Singapore's voltage for electricity is 220 - 240V AC, 50Hz.

Tourist Information

For more information, please visit the Singapore On-Line Guide: http://www.visitsingapore.com .

Useful Phone Numbers

Police - Emergency - 999 (no charge)
Ambulance / Fire Brigade - Emergency - 995 (no charge)
Ambulance - Non-Emergency - 1777

Taxi Service (24 hours) - 6552-1111, 6552-2222, 6363-6888
Flight Information (24 hours) – 1800-542-4422 (toll free)
Tourist Information (24 hours) – 1800-736-2000 (toll free)
Directory Assistance – 6777-7777 or 100
International Calls - 104
Time of Day - 1711
Weather – 6542-7788