About Singapore
Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color where you can find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. The city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered. Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Singapore’s Central Business District spreads across both the central and southern parts of the island. Singapore’s geographical location is 136.8 km north of the equator, between latitudes 103°38’E and 104°06’E. For more information please click to visit Your Singapore - Singapore Tourism Board’s official tourism website.
Key Information at a Glance
Climate
Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature
is 31°C (88°F), dropping to around 24°C (75°F) in the evenings.
People
The population is just over 4 million. Ethnic Chinese form 74.2% of the Singaporean population, with the country’s original
inhabitants - the Malays, comprising of 13.4%. The Indians make up 9.2%, and Eurasians, Peranakans and others making up
a combined 3.2%.
Language
English is the main working language in Singapore. Other official languages used are Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.
Transportation
Getting around Singapore is fairly easy: the public transportation system (MRT, LRT and buses) is relatively easy to use and
taxis are reasonably priced when you can get one. Most people arrive in Singapore by air. Its status as a major airline hub in
Asia makes Singapore a natural starting or ending point for a multi-country tour of Southeast Asia. Most large international
airlines have routes to Singapore, in addition to the island’s own highly regarded airline, Singapore Airlines.
Currency
The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore
Changi Airport but also at most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated
tellermachines (ATMs) located everywhere in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa,Master Card
and American Express.
Visa
Most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require visas for entry and may be given social
visit passes for up to 30 days upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the
latest information with regards to coming into Singapore. If you would like to stay in Singapore for a longer period, you
may apply to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) upon your arrival. You should have a valid passport with at
least 6 months validity, onward or return tickets, onward facilities (such as visas or entry permits) to your next destination,
and of course, sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore.
Electricity
Singapore uses the “Type G” (British 3-pin rectangular
blade) electrical plug. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz.
Cell Phone Usage
Singapore’s international dialing code is +65. While in Singapore if you have international roaming service on your cell
phone, you do not have to press +65 as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Conference Secretariat (65) 68755563 / 96973922
Emergency/Medical Police 999 (toll-free)
Ambulance 995 (toll-free)
1777 (non-emergency)
Flight Information 1800 542 4422
Singapore Immigration Department (65) 6391 6100
Singapore Tourism Board 24hrs Touristline 1800 736 2000
Global Refund Singapore (GST Refund) (65) 6225 6238
Taxi Service
Dial-A-Cab (65) 6342 5222
CityCab (65) 6552 1111
Comfort Taxi (65) 6552 1111
SMRT Taxis (65)6555 8888
SMART Cabs (65) 6485 7777
TransCab (65) 6555 3333
Premier Taxis (65) 6363 6888
Prime Taxi (65) 6778 0808
Yellow-Top Taxi (65) 6293 5545
Credit Cards
American Express 1800-296-0220
Visa Global Customer Assistance 800-4481-250
MasterCard Global Service 800-1100-113
Diners Club (65) 6292 7566