Singapore holiday
Essential Information
The information may be helpful when planning your Singapore holiday.
- Time difference
- Weather
- What to wear
- The currency
- Money changer
- Languages
- Drinking water
- Electricity
- Useful telephone numbers
- Smoking
- Mobile phones
- Free wifi
- Tipping
What time is it now in Singapore ?
Singapore local time
What is the weather like?
What is the best season for your Singapore vacations?
Singapore is a tropical island, and warm and humid all year round. So there is no real difference in terms of seasons.
The temperature varies slightly, between the average maximum of 31 degrees Celcius and minimum of 23 degrees Celcius. So if you enjoy outdoor activities like sunbathing or swimming, it is a great place to be in.
The monsoon season from November to January is the time when you see more consistent rain. In other seasons, showers are usually sudden and heavy, but also brief and refreshing.
This is the weather forecast for the next two days. Do note that Singaporeans are more used to Celsius, rather than Fahrenheit,as far as temperatures scales are concerned.
What to Wear
Singapore is generally warm and humid climate. Wear something light. Casual wears are acceptable for most situations and occasions, although some establishments may require a more formal dress code. Check beforehand if you are not sure.
The Currency
The currency used in Singapore is Singapore Dollar. The US, Australian and Brunei Dollars, Yen and British Pound, however, are accepted in most major shopping centres and departmental stores.
Money Changers
Most major shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Of course, you may also change money at banks and hotels.
Languages
The national language for the country is Malay, although it is not widely spoken. English is the working language, and it is spoken by most people, especially the younger generation. As the population is predominantly Chinese, Mandarin and Chinese dialects, including Hokkian, Cantonese and Teochew are spoken by the ethnic groups. The Indians in the countries speak mainly English and Tamil.
Drinking Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. Bottled mineral water is available in local supermarkets and grocers.
Electricity
Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.
Hotels may provide you with transformers for electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. When shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Police
999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade
995 (toll-free)
STB Touristline (24-hr automated tourist information system)
Tel: 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)
International Calls
Tel: 104
Time of day
Tel: 1711
Toll-free lines
Dial 1800 followed by the toll-free line number (in Singapore only).
Weather
Tel: (65) 6542 7788
Smoking
Smoking is banned in many places in Singapore, inncluding public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, non-airconditioned eating houses, hawker centers, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Even in night spots like pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots, unless within approved smoking rooms or smoking corners, smoking is restricted. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000.
From 1st January 2009, smoking is also prohibited at:
- Indoor public places (eg. shops, shopping/neighbourhood centres, factories, offices) regardless of whether they are air-conditioned;
- Lift and hotel lobbies;
- Within 5 metres of entrances and exits to indoor area of buildings and facilities where smoking is prohibited;
- Playgrounds and exercise areas;
- Markets;
- Multi-storey and basement car parks;
- Ferry Terminals
Mobile Phones
There are two mobile phone networks - GSM900 and GSM1800 - and three mobile telephone service providers - SingTel, M1 and StarHub. To make international calls, the access codes are 001, 013, or 019 for SingTel, 002 or 021 for M1, and 008 or 018 for StarHub.
Free Wi-Fi in Public Areas
You may enjoy free wireless broadband access in Singapore by signing up for Wireless@SG, a broadband programme developed by the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) Singapore. Operated by three local wireless operators, users can enjoy free, both in-door and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public areas. Register at Wireless@SG account for your account and you will be able to roam within any of Wireless@SG's coverage areas, regardless of the operators' network.
Tipping
Tipping is not a common practice, as most hospitability services like hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in the final bill. It is, nevertheless, appreciated, as a recognition of go service.
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