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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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...).

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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)

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Electricity

The voltage here is 220‑240V, 50Hz.

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Drinking Water

Tap water in Singapore is clean and safe to drink.

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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.

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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.

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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.)

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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.