General Information
Regular banking hours are on average, 9am to 5pm from Mondays to Fridays, and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays. Passports are required when cashing travellers' cheques. You will also find money changers at major shopping centres and hotels. Automated Teller Machines (ATM) are generally working 24/7 and accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Safety
Singapore is a very safe country with low crime rates. "Low crime", however, does not mean "no crime", so please take the regular precautions with your belongings.
Useful phone numbers:
• Police: 999 (toll-free)
• Emergencies / Ambulance / Fire Brigade: 995 (toll-free)
Drug Offences
Singapore views drug abuse very seriously. The importation of drugs carries the death penalty. The use of drugs in Singapore is a criminal offence.
Internet
Most major hotels, cafes and fast-food outlets offer wireless internet. Connectivity, however, may come at a price. In selected commercial areas, free wireless internet access may be available.
Language
There are four official languages in Singapore: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. English is the main language of business and study, and is widely spoken and written.
Mobile /Cell Phones
There are three mobile telephone service providers in Singapore – SingTel, M1 and StarHub. All three offer prepaid cards which are sold at their retails shops and 7-Eleven or Cheers convenience stores.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in most locations in Singapore, as well as eateries, entertainment centres (including night spots), sports and recreation facilities, healthcare facilities and on modes of transport. However, certain premises have designated areas for smoking.
Taxes
There is a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Tax refunds may be obtained at Changi International Airport for purchases from retailers participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme if you meet the eligibility criteria and conditions. Click here for more information.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Most hotels and restaurants already impose a 10% service charge, and a gratuity is not expected in excess of this.
Getting Around
Public Transportation
Singapore has a comprehensive bus network with frequent services and a convenient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train system. Both are cheap and simple to use. For road directions in Singapore, please visit www.streetdirectory.com.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful, air-conditioned and reasonably cheap. The flag down fare starts at approximately S$3.20. Booking, peak hour, location and Electronic Road Pricing surcharges apply. Taxi booking number: +65 6342 5222.
Grab
Download the Grab App for car & taxi transportation service.
Getting to and from the Airport
Approach the Ground Transport Centre (GTC) located in the Arrival Hall of all terminals
for all your transportation requests and queries.
Transportation options available at the Ground Transport Desk include:
• 4-seater Airport Limousine (S$55 per trip to any destination in Singapore)
• 7-seater Large Taxi (S$60 per trip to any destination in Singapore)
Ground Transport Concierge
Terminal 1 – Tel: +65 6543 1985
Terminal 2 – Tel: +65 6546 1646
Terminal 3 – Tel: +65 6241 3818
Terminal 4 – Tel: +65 6581 6675
Taxis
Taxis are available at the taxi stands at the arrival levels of each terminal. The
journey to the city is estimated to cost between S$20 and S$50 and takes approximately
30 minutes. Fares are metered and there are additional surcharges for all trips
originating from the airport:
$5 Airport surcharge: 5.00pm - midnight (Fri - Sun)
$3 Airport surcharge: All other times
Midnight surcharge of 50% of final metered fare: midnight - 6.00am
Peak hours surcharge of 25% of final metered fare: 6.00am - 9.30am (Mon - Fri)
and
6.00pm - midnight (Mon - Sun)
Trains (MRT)
The Changi Airport MRT station is located at the basement of Terminals 2 and 3 and also
accessible via the Skytrain from Terminal 1 and via shuttle bus from Terminal 4. The
train journey to the city takes about 30 minutes and costs less than S$3 to reach the
city.
For more information on train operation times and fares, please visit the Singapore
Mass Rapid Transit website.
Public Buses
Leaving the Airport
Terminals 1, 2 and 3: Bus stops are located at the basement bus bays. You can
take buses 24, 27, 34, 36, 53, 110 and 858 from there.
Terminal 4: At the bus stop next to Car Park 4B, you can take buses 24, 34, 36
and 110. At the bus stop near the SATS Inflight Catering Centre 1, you can take buses
27, 53 and 858.
Estimated travel fare is less than S$3. Please prepare the exact fare for your trip as
no change will be given.
For more information, please visit the
Changi Airport website.
