Singapore is an island, a country and a big city at the same time. Here are about 3.5 million inhabitants in a modern, and well-ordered country. If you take the time, the big city hides small, exciting pockets of chaos and quiet parks with people who, despite a slightly chilly first impression, are warm, friendly and tolerant of the ethnic diversity that makes up Singapore’s residents. Visit sunglassestracker.com for Singapore a modern metropolis of southeast Asia.
On this page you will find practical information and facts about Singapore.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT TRAVELING IN SINGAPORE
Climate and best travel time
Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, ie hot and humid all year round with two rainy seasons, from June to September and again from December to March. Here it rains for days on end and you get to have a pretty good luck if you get to see the sun look ahead behind the clouds. In general, the best travel time is therefore in the spring. Here are few rainy days and the humidity is lower than at other times of the year. The average temperature in the spring is about 27-29 degrees. However, it is always a good idea to bring an umbrella so that you are prepared for sudden and often a little violent downpours.
Our recommendations for the best times are based on how the climate has been in previous years. The weather can be very changeable and unpredictable and therefore our recommendations are for guidance only.
Money
Singapore’s currency is the Singapore dollar, colloquially “Sing-dollars”. There is a good opportunity to use all the established credit cards, with the exception of local markets. There are lots of ATMs in shopping malls, in banks, at train and metro stations and in business areas, but pay attention to transaction fees. It is always a good idea to have some cash to pay with, for example for bus trips or for tips.
Check out the current course at: www.xe.com.
Visa rules
Singapore is visa-free for up to 90 days, however, your passport must be valid for six months from the date of entry.
NOTE! The visa rules may change at short notice and Jysk Rejsebureau recommends that you check with the website of the country or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in question.
Transport
Train
Singapore has a well-functioning infrastructure that makes the city one of Asia’s easiest to get from point to point. Their Mass Rapid Transit / MRT system is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to get around. In the inner city, the train goes underground, when you approach the suburbs, the train runs above ground. If you stay in Singapore for longer than a day or two, it may be worth buying an EZlink card similar to the travel cards we use in Sweden. The card is valid on both trains and buses and can be bought in 7Eleven stores and more.
Bus
Singapore has a large network of bus lines with the opportunity to reach all corners of the island. The bus system is efficient, clean and regular and the EZ-link card can be used. The ticket machines also accept cash.
Taxi
In the city center, taxis are prohibited from stopping anywhere other than at the specially designated taxi ranks. Especially during rush hour, it can be difficult to get a taxi.
Car
If you are considering renting a car, then be prepared for aggressive driving from your fellow road users. The roads are in excellent condition but the traffic is chaotic and often difficult to manage. Some car rental companies may require you to have an international driver’s license in addition to your regular national one. If you still go out, be sure to arm yourself with a good dose of patience.
Tip
It is generally not common to tip in Singapore and at Changi Airport it is expressly forbidden. Many restaurants add ten percent to the “service charge” and in that case it is not necessary to add anything further. With that said, something a little extra if the service has been nice will be appreciated.
In budget hotels, no tips are given, while a piccolon in the more luxurious hotel at least estimates one dollar per bag carried. Taxi journeys are generally non-drinking, but rounding up the amount is definitely not considered a mistake. There are lots of tips online and also in Lonely Planet’s guidebooks.
FACTS
CAPITAL: CITY OF SINGAPORE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH, TAMIL, MALAY, STANDARD CHINESE
CLIMATE: TROPICAL RAINFOREST CLIMATE
CURRENCY: SINGAPOREDOLLAR
RELIGION: SINGAPORE IS A MULTI-RELIGIOUS COUNTRY WITH BUDDHISM, ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY AS THE THREE MOST PRACTICED RELIGIONS.
INFORMATION SINGAPORE
Singapore offers an absolutely stunning mix of bold architecture, high-tech infrastructure and peaceful temples and parks. You can stand in an area of the city and feel the historic wings of early Singapore to turn around, walk a few meters and now be part of an impressive skyscraper landscape. Singapore is in the highest degree and in every sense the city of contrasts. With over 40 Michelin-starred restaurants, boutique hotels combining history and design, high-profile sporting events, ancient streets, temples, parks and family-friendly activities, there is something for all travelers in Singapore.
