Language
There are 4 official languages in Singapore: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and English. English is the language of business and administration, and is widely spoken and understood. Most Singaporeans are bilingual, and speak their mother tongue as well as English. Malay is the national language. [Top]

Getting Around
Singapore is serviced by more than 60 major international airlines. With the new Changi Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, visitors can travel conveniently to and from the airport to destinations all over the island. Taxis are also abundantly available from the airport to the city centre. There is a surcharge for all taxi journeys commencing from the airport and for after-midnight rides. The rates are displayed in each taxi. Public buses also ply the airport route and visitors may catch one to town from the underground bus station at the Arrival Hall. Singapore's efficient transport system - bus, taxi and MRT - ensures that visitors can get to any destination within the island with minimum fuss and maximum ease. [Top]

Drinking Water
Singapore water is clean and safe to drink from the tap, and need not be boiled. [Top]

Littering
Singapore's clean and green image is the result of more than two decades of public education campaigns and strict laws against littering. Littering of any kind is subject up to S$1,000 fine for first offenders, and up to S$2,000 fine and a stint of corrective work order cleaning a public place for repeat offenders. As an extension of the law against littering, the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited. The high costs and difficulty in removing indiscriminately discarded chewing gum were the reasons for the prohibition. [Top]

Medical Facilities
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dentists. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets including supermarkets, department stores, shopping centres and hotels. Most hotels have their own doctors on 24-hour call. For an ambulance, dial 995. [Top]

Post Office/Telecoms
Most hotels provide postal services at the front desk. The Changi Airport Post Office is open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm daily from Monday to Saturday. Basic postal services are available round the clock at the General Post Office and the Comcentre branch. International Direct Dialling (IDD) is available at the General Post Office and the Comcentre. IDD calls can also be made from the numerous phone card and credit card phones located at post offices and around the city area. Phone cards come in five denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20 and S$50 and are sold at Singapore Telecom service outlets, post offices, convenience stores and some retail shops. A 20% levy is normally imposed on IDD calls made from hotels. [Top]

Electricity
Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Most hotels can provide visitors with a transformer, which can convert the voltage to 110-120 volts AC, 60 cycles per second. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the 3-pin, square-shaped type. [Top]

Smoking
Smoking in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, cinemas, government offices and air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centres is against the law. First-time offenders may be fined up to a maximum of S$1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots. [Top]

Tipping
Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged in hotels and restaurants where there is a 10% service charge. [Top]

Weather and Climate
Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24oC to 32oC. 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. [Top]

What to Wear
Singapore's tropical weather makes light summer clothing (preferably of natural fabrics) most practical, especially for outdoor activities like sightseeing. Most restaurants and nightspots are not restrictive on the dress code - polo shirts, t-shirts, jeans, slacks, blouses, skirts, sun dresses and sneakers are acceptable at most places. Although some establishments require formal wear for the evening, suits and evening dresses will never be out of place in Singapore's trendy nightspots. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any. . [Top]