Country Facts - Singapore
Airport Taxes:
Have been included in the cost of your holiday.
Climate / Weather Watch:
Warm and very humid throughout the year. There is no distinct wet/dry season. Most rain falls during the northeast monsoon (November to January) and showers are usually sudden and heavy.
Clothing:
Lightweight cottons and linens. An umbrella or light raincoat is recommended. Hotels also provide a laundry facility.
Currency & Money Matters:
Singapore 's currency comprises of Singapore dollars and cents. We recommend that any money taken should be mainly in sterling travellers cheques for security. A small amount of Singapore dollars would be useful for drinks etc. before you are able to exchange money locally. Currency can be converted at banks, hotels, and foreign exchanges, however passports are required to exchange travelers cheques. All major international credit cards are acceptable and ATM's are widely available.
Customs:
Visitors aged 18 or over are allowed duty free: 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre of wine and beer. Duty free
cigarettes/cigars cannot be taken into Singapore . If you do it is more than likely you will be charged a storage fee of approximately $4, they are then kept at the airport for your return. Alternatively, you can pay the duty. It is suggested you, therefore, leave your purchase of duty free cigarettes/cigars until you are leaving Singapore . For further information and advice please visit www.customs.gov.sg
Driving:
Car hire is available at all major airports and major hotels. International Driving Permits are required. Seat-belts must be worn at all times.
Electricity:
240/250 volts AC, 50 Hz. Plug fittings of the square 3-pin UK type are in use. Many hotels have 110 volt outlets.
Hotel Facilities:
All bedrooms have tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryer. Irons and ironing boards are also available.
Immunisation:
Not compulsory although we would recommend that you contact your usual medical consultant.
Medical Facilities:
Singapore General Hospital receives emergency cases and healthcare is exceptionally good and there is a large private sector. However, health insurance is strongly recommended.
Medication:
Should be carried in hand luggage. Passengers taking needles/syringes should carry a letter from their General Practitioner. All medication should be carried in original packaging with the dispensing label securely attached. Airline check-in staff should be advised the type of medication being carried and they will give further instructions regarding proceeding through security screening.
Passports & Visas:
Full ten year passports are required for all visitors to Singapore and must be valid for six months after your return to the UK . Visa's are not required for British Citizens.
Photography:
It is recommended that all photographic film and single use cameras are carried in your hand luggage. These items should be handed to security for hand checking rather than being scanned.
Taxis:
Metered taxis are freely available throughout Singapore .
Time Zone:
GMT + 8
Tipping:
A 10% service charge is generally included in hotel and restaurant bills.
Journeys of Distinction are frequently asked for guidelines on gratuities for your Driver and Guide. Therefore, depending on the standard of service given and your level of satisfaction, we recommend £1.50 Sterling per person per touring day. These recommendations are for guidance only. As tips are a personal matter and purely down to your discretion , we suggest they are given on an individual basis rather than as a group collection. All hotel porterage is taken care of by Journeys of Distinction.
Please note that the above information may be subject to change. Current information correct as at 01/05/2008
