Information about Singapore

Lying almost on the equator, Singapore is not just one island but a main island with 63 surrounding islets. The main island has a total land area of 682 square km. However, its compact size belies its economic growth. In just 150 years, Singapore has grown into a thriving centre of commerce and industry. Today, Singapore is rapidly taking its place among the world’s premier global cities, where talents from all around the world gather to share innovative ideas and start new businesses.

Singapore boasts one of the most stable societies in Asia. Its multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-lingual groups are united in the common effort to keep Singapore a prosperous place. Modern Singapore is a city of concrete, glass, freeways and shopping centers. In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers still a part of everyday Singapore. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material, freshly ground spices or a picture of your favorite Hindu god. In the small shops of Arab Street, the cry of the muezzin can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque. At the Esplanade, you enjoy world-class arts performances while the jet-set club to the latest music at the cosmopolitan clubs.

Singapore may no longer be the rough and ready port of rickshaws, opium dens, pearl luggers and pirates, but you can still recapture the colonial era with a gin sling under the flashing ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel. Many other fine reminders of Singapore’s colonial past remain, despite the island’s relentless development.

Perhaps Singapore’s greatest treat is the variety and quality of its food. For only a few dollars you can have a bowl of steaming noodles, curry and rice, or delicious satay, all at the same food stall table. Spend a little more, or a lot more, and Singapore has hundreds of restaurants serving the best Chinese, Indian, Malay, European and other International cuisines.

Facts at a glance:

Full country name:

Republic of Singapore

Area:

704 sq km (252 sq mi)

Population:

4.5 million (Growth rate 1.3%)

People:

76.8% Chinese, 13.9% Malay, 7.9% Indian and 1.4% Eurasians and other ethnic groups

Language:

Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English

Religion:

31% Taoist, 28% Buddhist, 18% Muslim, 10%
Christian, 4% Hindu

Government:

Parliamentary democracy

President:

S.R. Nathan

Prime Minister:

Mr Lee Hsien Loong

If you come from a temperate climate, the first thing that hits you is the heat. Temperature ranges from 24o to 32o C (75-89o F) with an average daily maximum relative humidity of 84.3%. Fain falls all year round but is most abundant from November to January. Rainfall occurs mostly as sudden showers. It is good idea to carry an umbrella whenever you go out. Wear light, comfortable, cotton clothing to beat the heat.

Cost of Living in Singapore

Living conditions in Singapore are amongst the best in Asia with state-of-the art facilities for education, shopping, sports and recreation. Singapore has one of the highest living standards in the South East Asia. Daily necessities and luxuries are readily available. These are estimation of how much is required during your stay in Singapore. They do not include tuition fees, costs of books, telephone expenses, and travel expenses from your home country to Singapore.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Accommodation

S0 – S00

Food:

S0 – S0

Local Transportation:

S0 – S0

Personal expenses:

S0 – S0

Total:

S00 – S50

You will need money (cash) immediately on your arrival for transport, meals, phone cards, etc. You should bring along at least S0 cash upon arrival.

Generally, there is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency, travellers’ cheque and bank draft into Singapore. It is always wiser and safer to bring your sum of money in the form of a bank draft.

You may bring along additional funds using bank drafts made out in Singapore dollars and drawn from a Singapore bank. Telegraphic transfers may also be made through another bank to your account.

 

Immigration Matters

 

Before Departure
Before coming to Singapore, please enquire at the Singapore High Commission in your country regarding visa requirements for entry into Singapore. You should also check with your Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) whether you are required to apply for an entry visa.

Upon Arrival
Complete the Disembarkation / Embarkation form, which you will receive on your flight to Singapore, taking special care not to omit anything. You will present this with your passport to the Immigration Officers at the airport in Singapore. Please retain the portion of the Disembarkation / Embarkation that will be given to you at the Immigration & Customs Authority. 

 Countries Requiring Visa

 Foreigners holding travel documents issued by the following countries will require a visa to enter Singapore:

 

 Assessment Level I Countries

   Apply for Visa Now 

Armenia*
Azerbaijan*
Belarus*
Georgia
India
Kazakhstan*
Kyrgyzstan*
Moldova*
Myanmar
Nigeria
Russia*
People’s Republic of China
Tajikistan*
Turkmenistan*
Ukraine*
Uzbekistan

       

 

.

Assessment Level II Countries

 Apply for Visa Now

Afghanistan
Algeria
Bangladesh
Egypt
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Lebanon
Libya
Morocco
Pakistan
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Sudan
Syria
Tunisia
Yemen   
Holders of Palestinian Authority Passport, Temporary Passport issued by the United Arab Emirates and Refugee Travel Document issued by Middle-East countries. 

   

 Note: Possession of a visa does not entitle a foreigner to enter Singapore automatically. The grant of a visit pass to foreign visitor is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) at the Singapore checkpoints and each case is considered on its own merits.

 

 

 

 

Singapore Shopping

Where to Shop and What to Buy in Singapore

Alongside ‘eating’, shopping is considered the national past time on the island. Ranging from hi-tech wares to designer wear, there is something for everyone. Browsing around local markets and shophouses in the ethnic enclaves to the glitzy portals of Orchard Road, the experiences are wide, varied and even intriguing.

For most visitors, Orchard Road is a must-visit on the itinerary. Packed with modern malls and hotels, this stretch is transformed into a dazzling display of lights and festive embellishments at Christmas time when all buildings join in the annual festive light-up. Fabulous knick knacks and other memorable finds are also found in Chinatown, Arab Street, Little India and the suburban areas like Holland Village, Katong and Tampines. Unlike most Western countries, shopping hours usually start from late morning to 21:30 or 22:00 at night and these can extend to as late as midnight during festive season.

The mid-year Great Singapore Sale is a much looked-forward to time when prices come down heftily in all precincts. Even during non-sale times, visitors will do well to bargain, particularly, in electronic stores found at Lucky Plaza, Sim Lim Square or Far East Plaza. A general rule of thumb for haggling is to begin about 25% -30% below that being offered. Do make it a point to compare prices at various shops. For convenience, most stores accept credit and charge cards.

Goods and Services Tax

Visitors who spend more than S0 in a single receipt are entitled to  their 7% GST (Goods & Services Tax) refund if they leave Singapore by air under two central refund agencies – Global Refund Singapore Pte Ltd and Premier Tax Free (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Terms and conditions apply.

Hotels in Singapore

Singapore has various standards of hotels based on your budget. It ranges from the cheapest to the most expensive hotels depending on your budget.  The wonderful part of it is, most hotels are linked with one of the most advanced transport system like the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) or the LRT (Light Rail Transit). Taxis are available everywhere and runs on meters only.

So if you wish to visit Singapore for the first time or even a frequent visitor, please do visit this site for your  hotel search; http://www.hotelscombined.com/City/Singapore.htm

 

 

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