Last updated: 24 Jan 2012
Visiting
Business hours
Most offices are open between 8.30am–5.00pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am–1.00pm, Saturday. However, most companies are moving to a five-day week with operating hours from 8.30am–5.30/6.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Banking hours vary depending on the retail bank and outlet. Some operate from 9.00am to 4.30pm (Monday to Friday) while others may open only at 11am. It is now common for selected retail bank branches to open on Saturday and Sunday.
Most shops are opened from 10.00am–9.00pm from Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.
Public holidays
January 1 – New Year's Day
February 14-15 – Chinese New Year
April 2 – Good Friday
May 1 – Labour Day
May 28 – Vesak Day
August 9 – National Day
September 10 – Hari Raya Puasa
October 5 – Deepavali
November 17 – Hari Raya Haji
December 25 – Christmas Day
Climate
The island is warm and humid all year round, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31°C and minimum of 23°C.
Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing. (Source: Visiting Singapore)
For weather details in Singapore, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.
Currency
Oanda currency converter
The official currency is Singapore dollars (SGD) and cents. Notes come in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000.
Floral series coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and SGD 1.
Money changing services can be found at the Singapore Changi Airport and also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access ATMs located everywhere (even in the most obscure places) in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Time zones and time differences
Singapore is two hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.
To find out the current times in Singapore, view the World Clock.
Dialling codes
Singapore's country code is 65.
For calls to Singapore from Australia dial: 0011 + 65 + area code + telephone number.
For calls from Singapore to Australia dial: 001 or 019 + 61 + area code + telephone number.
For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.
Electricity and water
Singapore’s power supply is 220/240 volts, 50Hz 1, 3 phases, 2, 4 wires. Multi-purpose travelling adaptors would be the best option as there are a couple of standards.
Links and resources
Travel and tourism
Changi Airport – www.changiairport.com.sg
Mass Rapid Transport – www.smrt.com.sg
Singapore Tourist Promotion Board – www.stb.com.sg
Please note: this list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only.