(Last updated: 23 Apr 2011)

Visas

The granting of visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigrations and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they can be considered for entry into Singapore:

• A passport with at least six months validity
• Valid Singapore visa, if applicable (refer to the Visa Requirements page for more information)
• Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore
• Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable)
• Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.
• Completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable

Although a visa is not required for Australian citizens for a stay of up to 90 days, visitors are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given before leaving the checkpoint.

All visitors on visit passes are not permitted to engage in any form of business, profession, occupation or paid employment while in Singapore.

Visitors are also reminded that it is a punishable offence to overstay in Singapore beyond the number of days given. If there is a need to stay beyond the period granted, visitors may apply for an extension of stay online via e-XTEND or at the Visitors Services Centre, 4th storey, ICA Building, before the visit pass expires. Application for extension of stay is subject to approval. (Source: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority).

Expatriates planning to work in Singapore require employment passes from the Ministry of Manpower, (MOM). There are three categories of Employment Passes: P1, P2 and Q1 Pass. The P Pass is for foreigners seeking professional, managerial or executive and specialist jobs. A list of documents required when applying for employment pass can be viewed on Ministry of Manpower website.

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.

Airports

Singapore Changi Airport is recognised as one of the best airports in the world. With over 100 international airlines serving 200 cities in 60 countries and territories, Changi Airport has established itself as a major aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region.

Changi Airport is vast, efficient, organised and is easily accessible by public transport.

(Source: Changi Airport)

Ground transport

Singaporeans enjoy a varied range of public transport alternatives that provide integrated services covering the entire island at reasonable fares. This includes the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, Light Rail Transit (LRT) system, buses and taxis.

The Land Transport Authority provides more information on the transport arrangements in Singapore.

Hotels

To view accommodation choices visit YourSingapore.com.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Singapore. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

Health

There is good medical care available and many doctors are Australian trained. Immediate payment for healthcare services is the norm. Healthcare is not subsidised for non-citizens and can be costly, thus it is important for visitors to ensure they are covered by appropriate insurance.

A list of healthcare providers can be found at the Ministry of Health website.

Tipping

Tipping is not common and is prohibited at the airport. There is no need to tip for taxi, hotel or restaurant services as a 10 per cent service charge has most likely been added to the bill.

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.

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

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.

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.

Dining

Eating is a favourite past time of the Singaporeans with a large variety of restaurants and eating places to choose from. The secrets of Singapore's culinary success stems from the migrants who bring with them culinary influences from China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia. Western-style dining is easily available too.

For some dining ideas, visit: www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/dining.html

Tourist attractions

There’s just so much to see and do in Singapore:

• For art aficionados, there are museums and galleries to visit.
• The history buffs will be keen to explore history museums and heritage centres.
• Party animals can revel in a colourful nightlife scene.
• Nature lovers can immerse in the rainforests and gardens.
• Sports enthusiasts can look forward to sporting action.

For a list of tourist attractions, visit:
www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do.html