Singapore

Fast Facts

Visa-free	Citizens of most EU member countries, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea and the United States can stay in Singapore for up to 90 days without a visa. Most other nationals, including Australia and Canada, can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.
Other visas	Nationals of some Middle East and African countries must apply for a visa in advance at their nearest Singaporean consulate. Please check the details and requirements on the website of Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority.
Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)	All travellers are required to submit a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days prior to arriving in Singapore (including the day of arrival). The form can be completed via the SGAC online portal.
Documents required on arrival	Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages; Completed Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) online.

All the above information may change without prior notice. It remains the traveller’s responsibility to check visa requirements before travelling.

Essentials

Time zone	GMT+8
Language	Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. Various dialects of Chinese are also spoken, including Cantonese and Hokkien. English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country.
What to pack	Light cotton clothing is recommended for Singapore’s tropical climate; Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide); Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting temples: shorts, short skirts or similar clothing; Sandals are recommended as it is customary to remove shoes when entering a temple or private home; An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and/or rain; Reusable water bottle; Sun hat and sunscreen; Insect repellent; Universal plug adaptor.
Electricity	The standard voltage in Singapore is 230V (50Hz).
Phone & internet	A local sim card is easily available at the airport or from a local service provider. An extensive 3G/4G/5G network is in place and covers most urban areas.

Dos & Don'ts

Do	Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations); Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine; Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room; Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations); Ask permission before taking photographs of people or places of worship; It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home; It is polite to greet others with a handshake, although Muslim women may greet men with a nod and smile.
Don’t	Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste; Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school; Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items; Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins; Don’t litter or jaywalk; Singapore has strict regulations and hefty fines to discourage these behaviours; Don’t smoke outside designated smoking zones (this includes vapours, electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco); Avoid discussing politics and don’t openly criticise the government of Singapore, including through social media.

Do

Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;
Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;
Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);
Ask permission before taking photographs of people or places of worship;
It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;
It is polite to greet others with a handshake, although Muslim women may greet men with a nod and smile.

Don’t

Avoid using single-use plastic bags or cups to minimise the problem of plastic waste;
Don’t buy from children selling souvenirs on the streets, and don’t give them money or sweets, as this encourages them to stay out of school;
Don’t take home religious objects such as Buddha images or other sacred items;
Don’t buy wildlife products or items made from animal skins;
Don’t litter or jaywalk; Singapore has strict regulations and hefty fines to discourage these behaviours;
Don’t smoke outside designated smoking zones (this includes vapours, electronic cigarettes and chewing tobacco);
Avoid discussing politics and don’t openly criticise the government of Singapore, including through social media.

Money Matters

Currency

Official currency of Singapore: Singaporean dollar (SGD)

Foreign currency is rarely used for everyday transactions. Cash can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaus and some hotels. ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available.

Banking hours

Usual banking hours are:

Monday to Friday: 9 am to 6 pm;
Saturday: 9 am to noon.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted nationwide.

Tipping

While not compulsory, gratuities are always appreciated in Singapore. Tipping is not part of the local culture, but many in the travel and service industry are accustomed to receiving a small amount for good service. Please consider the following as a guide to common practice, although tipping and the amount to tip is always at the discretion of the individual.

Guides and drivers	Tipping is entirely up to the individual and depends on the level of satisfaction with the service.
Hotel porters	It is typical to tip hotel porters for carrying bags to the room.
Restaurants	A service charge of 10% is often included in the bill. An additional tip is not expected, but it is customary to round up the bill.
Taxi drivers	Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but it is customary to round up the fare.

Getting Around

Buses	Public buses provide extensive coverage, providing access to most of the city’s central landmarks as well as more suburban and residential areas.
MRT (Mass Rapid Transport)	The city’s metro system reaches the far corners of the city-state, including direct connections between Changi International Airport and the downtown area. Travel cards that cover both the MRT and bus network are available at numerous sales points.
Eastern and Oriental Express	This luxury line departs from Singapore’s Woodland Railway station for the journey to Bangkok, Thailand, via Kuala Lumpur and Butterworth, Malaysia.
Taxis	Metered taxis operate 24/7 and are generally easy to flag down anywhere in the city. Supplementary charges may apply after 10 pm and before 6 am. Rides can also be booked via the Grab mobile app or local equivalent.
Rickshaws	This traditional mode of transport can still be found in designated heritage areas of Singapore and offer a unique way to explore and experience the destination.

Food & Culture

Religion	Singapore is a multicultural society with Buddhism as the dominant religion, with 33 per cent of the population followers of this faith. The constitution guarantees religious freedom and relations between different religious groups are harmonious and tolerant. Christmas, Chinese New Year and Deepavali have all been declared national holidays alongside Islamic holidays. The large Chinese population practices a mixture of beliefs, with influences from traditional religions followed in China such as Taoism. Hinduism is followed by many Indian communities and a colonial past created followers of Christianity.
Food	Singapore’s culinary tradition reflects the waves of immigration, settlement and assimilation that brought uniquely delicious flavours from its multicultural Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian population. Primarily consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, the actual Singaporean cuisine is a hybrid, derived from cross cultural influences such as Mamak (Indian-Muslim) and Nyonya (the Malay-Chinese mix). For a broad selection of various styles of food, head over to one of the hawker centres across the city; cheap, delicious, fresh, and an excellent way to mingle with the locals. Due to its culinary diversity, there is always something to the visitor’s taste around every corner. Many Singaporean dishes revolves around rice or noodles, accompanied by curries, fried chicken or fish, and vegetable dishes. Common local dishes: Singaporean chicken rice –braised or roasted chicken served with a special sauce and rice; Chilli crab – freshly caught crab with a spicy gravy, typically eaten with fingers; Char kuay teow – fried noodles in soy sauce with meat, shrimps and condiments; Hokkien prawn mee – a rich noodle soup with prawns and vegetables.
Shopping	Singapore is a shopper’s paradise with over 20 large malls, most of them concentrated within the downtown region and within walking distance of the major hotels. Department stores and retail shops usually open from 10 am to 10 pm throughout the week, including Saturdays, Sundays and some public holidays. The best places for high street shopping are around Orchard Road, Marina Bay and near the Harbour, while those after cultural handicrafts should visit Little India, the street markets in Chinatown and Bugis, especially the renowned Haji Lane. The Tekka Centre is the best place to experience old-fashioned market atmosphere, where fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, spices and other local ingredients are sold in abundance. It is also a dining destination with several stalls serving the nation’s diverse cuisines. Many districts in Singapore, such as Little India, Chinatown and certain Peranakan areas, organise regular street markets where a collection of indigenous artefacts and souvenirs are for sale. What to buy: Traditional textiles and batik; Oriental decorative items; Traditional handicrafts and brassware.

Religion

Singapore is a multicultural society with Buddhism as the dominant religion, with 33 per cent of the population followers of this faith. The constitution guarantees religious freedom and relations between different religious groups are harmonious and tolerant. Christmas, Chinese New Year and Deepavali have all been declared national holidays alongside Islamic holidays. The large Chinese population practices a mixture of beliefs, with influences from traditional religions followed in China such as Taoism. Hinduism is followed by many Indian communities and a colonial past created followers of Christianity.

Food

Singapore’s culinary tradition reflects the waves of immigration, settlement and assimilation that brought uniquely delicious flavours from its multicultural Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian population. Primarily consisting of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, the actual Singaporean cuisine is a hybrid, derived from cross cultural influences such as Mamak (Indian-Muslim) and Nyonya (the Malay-Chinese mix).

For a broad selection of various styles of food, head over to one of the hawker centres across the city; cheap, delicious, fresh, and an excellent way to mingle with the locals. Due to its culinary diversity, there is always something to the visitor’s taste around every corner. Many Singaporean dishes revolves around rice or noodles, accompanied by curries, fried chicken or fish, and vegetable dishes.

Common local dishes:

Singaporean chicken rice –braised or roasted chicken served with a special sauce and rice;
Chilli crab – freshly caught crab with a spicy gravy, typically eaten with fingers;
Char kuay teow – fried noodles in soy sauce with meat, shrimps and condiments;
Hokkien prawn mee – a rich noodle soup with prawns and vegetables.

Shopping

Singapore is a shopper’s paradise with over 20 large malls, most of them concentrated within the downtown region and within walking distance of the major hotels. Department stores and retail shops usually open from 10 am to 10 pm throughout the week, including Saturdays, Sundays and some public holidays.

The best places for high street shopping are around Orchard Road, Marina Bay and near the Harbour, while those after cultural handicrafts should visit Little India, the street markets in Chinatown and Bugis, especially the renowned Haji Lane. The Tekka Centre is the best place to experience old-fashioned market atmosphere, where fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, spices and other local ingredients are sold in abundance. It is also a dining destination with several stalls serving the nation’s diverse cuisines.

Many districts in Singapore, such as Little India, Chinatown and certain Peranakan areas, organise regular street markets where a collection of indigenous artefacts and souvenirs are for sale.

What to buy:

Traditional textiles and batik;
Oriental decorative items;
Traditional handicrafts and brassware.

Health & Safety

Vaccinations	Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently travelled to a country where the disease is present. There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as: Typhoid; Cholera; Hepatitis A and B; Polio, diphtheria and tetanus; Malaria and dengue (especially if travelling to remote areas). Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally.
Drinking water	Tap water in the Singapore is potable, but most locals prefer bottled or filtered water. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. To minimise plastic waste, refill stations for filling up reusable water bottles can be found in some parts of the city. Ice cubes are typically safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country.
Safety	Singapore is a safe country to visit. However, it is advisable to take some precautions to safeguard your belongings: Never leave items unattended; Maintain a firm grip on bags and wallets, especially in crowded places and on busy streets; Leave expensive jewellery at home and store valuables in the hotel safety deposit box or in-room safe; Avoid engaging with touts who approach you in the street.
Insurance	Travellers are advised to obtain appropriate insurance to cover any accidents or medical emergencies while travelling. In some cases, treatment will not be administered without proof of travel insurance. Ensure that your plan covers motor vehicle accidents if you plan to hire a car or motorbike. Emergency evacuation cover is highly recommended as you may have to fly out of the country for treatment.
Emergency numbers	Police 999 Fire and Ambulance 995 Traffic Police +65-6547-0000 Changi Airport +65-6595-6868

Disclaimer

This information was valid at the time of publication and it is subject to change at any time. We cannot be held responsible for any external links. You acknowledge, by your use of this site, that you use it at your own risk and that Asian Trails shall not be liable for any damages of any kind related to your use of this site, or the information contained within. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice.

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INCLUSIONS

A full day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
Transportation by car / mini-van with professional driver.
All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
All applicable taxes and service charges
Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Mai areas and restricted to main hotels only.
Regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.
We regret that are unable to provide pick-up and drop-off transfer services from and to apartment complexes, local guest houses or private apartments. We advise you kindly to head on your own arrangement to the nearest hotel inside the downtown Chiang Mai area.
We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
The road up and down Doi Angkhang is not suitable for large coaches; for group travel, note that the group needs to be split up into mini-vans. We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation.
For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you. Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
It is recommendable to bring a jacket / sweater with you as temperatures on Doi Angkhang are often much cooler than around Chiang Mai.
It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package.
Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

Singapore

Fast Facts

Visa-free

Other visas

Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC)

Documents required on arrival

Time zone

Language

What to pack

Electricity

Phone & internet

Do

Don’t

Currency

Banking hours

Credit cards

Tipping

Buses

MRT (Mass Rapid Transport)

Eastern and Oriental Express

Taxis

Rickshaws

Religion

Food

Shopping

Vaccinations

Drinking water

Safety

Insurance

Emergency numbers