NEED TO KNOW
Changi Airport | Getting to & from the airport |
Public Transport | Taxis | The Singapore Tourist Pass |
GST Refund | Tipping | Electricity | Drinking Water |
Lost Items | Emergency Contacts | Weather |
Public Holidays 2019
Changi Airport
The ultramodern Changi Airport is well-known for making travel a breeze for passengers arriving, departing and in transit—but it’s also worth scheduling some extra time to enjoy the facilities here. On top of the usual dining and retail options, there are also six gardens (including a butterfly garden), a swimming pool complete with jacuzzi, lounges and 24-hour movie theaters.
Getting to & from the airport
BUS—SBS Bus 36 plies the route between Changi Airport and Orchard Road. Buses depart every 10 minutes and cost about $1.81 with an EZ-Link card and $2.40 for cash payments (one-way). TAXI—Taxis will take you to the city in about 30 minutes and cost between $25-30. A $3 airport surcharge applies at all times. MRT—The journey between the airport and City Hall MRT Station takes about half an hour and a single trip costs $1.69 with an EZ-Link card. The first train departs City Hall at 6:01am Mon-Sat and 6:29am on Sun and public holidays. The last train for the city departs Changi Airport at 11:18pm daily.
Public Transport
BUSES—Buses travel to almost every part of the island and fares start at 77 cents with an EZ‑Link card or $1.40 for cash payments. For information on bus routes and related enquiries, call the TransitLink Hotline at 1800‑225‑5663 or log on to www.sbstransit.com.sg.
MASS RAPID TRANSIT (MRT)— Singapore’s world‑class train system. Trains are punctual, air‑conditioned and comfortable, and run from about 6am to midnight. Fares start at 77 cents with an EZ‑Link card. EZ-Link cards and single trip tickets can be purchased at all MRT stations. For information on MRT routes and related enquiries call SMRT at 1800‑336‑8900 or log on to www.smrt.com.sg.
RIVER TAXIS - Singapore River Cruises (6336-6111) operates Mon - Fri 8am - 10pm and 5pm- 7pm. http://rivercruise.com.sg/
TRISHAWS - Trishaws allow visitors to experience an old-fashioned mode of transport and can usually be found at Bugis, near the pedestrian mall at the junction of Waterloo and Albert Streets, or around Chinatown, Raffles Hotel and Little India. Just agree on the fare before you board or join a trishaw tour.
Taxis
There are five major taxi companies in the city: Comfort and CityCab, 6552‑1111; Premier Taxis, 6363‑6888; SMRT Taxis, 6555‑8888; and TransCab, 6555-3333. Fares start from $3. Charges are higher for advance bookings. Alternatively, call 6‑Dial‑Cab, 6342‑5222. Your call will be routed to the first company with an available taxi. Or simply text “Book<space>six-digit postal code” to 71222 (Comfort) or “Book<space>sixdigit postal code<space>#pickup point“ to 75588 (SMRT Taxis).Ride-sharing apps Grab and Uber are also reliable options.
The Singapore Tourist Pass
This pass offers unlimited rides on the MRT and LRT trains and all basic bus services in Singapore. It is available for purchase online for $10 for a 1-day pass, $16 for a 2-day pass and $20 for a 3-day pass. For more information go to www.singaporetouristpass.com
GST Refund
Visitors are entitled to a refund on Singapore's 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for purchases in excess of $100 made at participating retailers. More information here (http://www.yoursingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/tourist-information/gst-t...).
Tipping
It is not usual practice to tip in Singapore, though you can do so when service is exceptional. Most hotels and restaurants qoute prices as "++", which includes and additional 10 percent service charge and seven percent goods and services tax (GST)
Electricity
The voltage here is 220‑240V, 50Hz.
Drinking Water
Tap water in Singapore is clean and safe to drink.
Lost Items
If you’ve lost your passport, make a police report, then head to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (10 Kallang Rd., 6391‑6100) to get a temporary visa. Finally, inform your embassy so you can get through customs when you reach home.
Lost/Stolen Property, call the Tanglin Police Divisional Headquarters (21 Kampong Java Rd., 6391‑0000) to report your loss. Replace your plastic by calling your credit card company: see numbers to note below.
Emergency Contacts
Credit Cards
American Express...........................6880‑1111
Diners Club....................................6416‑0800
JCB..............................................6734‑0096
MasterCard................................... 800‑110‑0113
VISA............................................. 800‑448‑1250
Emergency
Police.....................................................999
Ambulance/Fire Brigade...........................995
Flight Information....................................1800‑542‑4422 24‑hour
Touristline..............................................1800‑736‑2000
Medical Services
Raffles Hospital......................................6311‑1111 (585 North Bridge Rd.)
Singapore General Hospital....................................6222-3322 (Outram Rd.)
Weather
Singapore is situated near the equator and has a typically tropical climate, with abundant rainfall, high and uniform temperatures, and high humidity all year round. Many of its climate variables, such as temperature and relative humidity, do not show large month-to-month variation. However, many variables exhibit prominent diurnal (or daily) variations from hour to hour, indicating the strong influence that solar heating has on the local climate. Singapore’s climate is characterized by two monsoon seasons separated by inter-monsoonal periods. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to early March, and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September.
Public Holidays 2019
Tuesday 1 January 2019 New Year's Day
Tuesday 5 February 2019 Chinese New Year
Wednesday 6 February 2019 Chinese New Year
Wednesday 1 May 2019 Labour Day
Sunday 19 May 2019 Vesak Day
Wednesday 5 June 2019 Hari Raya Puasa
Friday 9 August 2019 National Day
Sunday 11 August 2019 Hari Raya Haji
Sunday 27 October 2019 Deepavali
Wednesday 25 December 2019 Christmas Day