Singapore

Singapore
Singapore is made up of not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km. However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Its former role as an entrepot has diminished, as the nation has increased its manufacturing base.
Singapore is the busiest port in the world with over 600 shipping lines sending super tankers, container ships and passenger liners to share the busy waters with coastal fishing vessels and wooden lighters.
One of the world's major oil refining and distribution centres, Singapore is a major supplier of electronic components and a leader in shipbuilding and repairing. It has also become one of the most important financial centres of Asia, with more than 130 foreign and local banks. Business dealings are facilitated by Singapore's superb global communications network.
Singapore's strategic location, excellent facilities, fascinating cultural contrasts and tourist attractions contribute to its success as a leading destination for both business and pleasure.

Climate
Singapore is warm and humid all year round, with only slight variations between the average maximum of 31 degree Celsius and minimum of 23 degrees Celsius. Rain falls throughout the year, with more consistent rain coming during the monsoon season from November to January. Please refer to www.nea.gov.sg for the latest updates on Singapore's weather.

Currency and Banking
The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD); it is a decimal currency with units in dollars and cents. An online currency converter service is available at http://forex.asiaone.com.sg.
Normal bank opening hours are Mondays to Fridays: 1000hrs to 1500hrs. Saturdays: 0930hrs to 1300hrs (Some banks are open until 1500hrs). Sundays: 0930hrs to 1500hrs. (For some banks along Orchard Road).
Most banks handle travellers' cheques and foreign currency exchange. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays. Passports are required when cashing in travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.

Credit / Charge Cards
Major credit and charge cards like American Express, Visa, Diners and MasterCard are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore. Should any shop insist on adding a surcharge, please contact the respective card company to report the errant shop owner.
American Express Tel: 1800 - 396 6000
Diners Card  Tel: (65) 6416 0800
JCB   Tel: (65) 6734 0096
MasterCard  Tel: 800 - 110 0113 (toll-free in Singapore only)
Visa   Tel: 800 - 448 1250 (toll-free in Singapore only)

Electricity
The standard electricity supply in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.

Local Time
Singapore's Standard time is GMT +8 hours.

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.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, non air-conditioned eating houses, hawker centres, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. In line with efforts to improve the nightlife experience for all, there are smoking restrictions on entertainment outlets. Smoking is no longer allowed in all pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots, unless within approved smoking rooms or smoking corners. Offenders can be fined up to SGD1,000.

Tipping
Tipping is not practiced as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills.

Useful Telephone Numbers
Here is a list of useful telephone numbers:
Police: 999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade: 995 (toll-free)
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Tourist-line (24 hour automated tourist information system): 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)
Advance booking numbers for taxis:
Common Taxi Booking number (for all companies)  (65) 6342 5222
Comfort Citycab Dial-A-Cab     (65) 6552 1111
Comfort Premier Cabs      (65) 6552 2828
Premier Taxis       (65) 6476 8880
SMRT Taxis Skytrek Bookings/Premier Cabs   (65) 6555 8888
CityCab Mercedes Cab (4 -Seater) & MaxiCab (6-Seater) (65) 6210 4816/9
Please note that different surcharges on advance bookings apply for different taxi companies.

For more information on Singapore, please visit http://www.visitsingapore.com

 

 

Rusmet Rusmet Group of Companies

+7 (495) 980-06-08 e.argunova@rusmet.ru