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Tipping
Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore. It is prohibited at the
airport and discouraged in hotels and restaurants where there is
a 10% service charge.
Currency
Banks and hotels can change money and most shopping complexes have
a licensed money changer. Visitors are advised not to change money
with an unlicensed operator.
Most banks open from 9.30am to 3pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 11.30am
on Saturdays.
Buses
SBS and TIBS both operate regular and inexpensive services. Visitors
can buy a Singapore Explorer ticket at S$5 for a one-day pass and
S$12 for a three-day pass at leading hotels. Transitlink guides
are also available at S$1.40 each at leading bookshops.
The Singapore Trolley bus service covers the Orchard Road and Marina
City Shopping belts, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Singapore River and
the World Trade Centre. Fares at S$9 for adults and S$7 for children.
Tickets can be purchased on board the Trolley or at the hotel concierge.
Rental Cars
Cars can be rented by the day or the week. Rates vary from company
to company. Some companies have chauffeur-driven cars which can
be hired for a minimum of three hours. A valid International Driving
Licence or a Driving Licence from the country of residence is required
to operate a self-drive car. Consult your hotel's front desk for
further information.
Passports and Visas
Passports are required by all visitors.
Visas are required only by the following:
(a) nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China
(PR), CIS, India, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Myanmar, Syria,
Tunisia, Vietnam and Yemen;
(b) those holding Palestinian Refugee Travel Documents;
(c) those holding Hong Kong Document of Identity cards;
(d) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or
first connecting aircraft provided holding onward or return documentation
and not leaving the airport (except nationals of the Russian Federation
who can obtain a transit visa valid for a maximum of 36 hours provided
they hold valid Russian passports and confirmed departure date from
Singapore within 36 hours of arriving).
All other nationals require a Social Visit Pass, which is issued
on arrival (at the discretion of the Immigration Officer) provided
the traveller holds a passport valid for 6 months beyond date of
departure, confirmed onward or return travel documentation, and
sufficient funds to cover expenses for the duration of stay. The
permitted length of stay varies depending on nationality.
Money Transfer
Most Singapore banks are equipped to wire funds. Try Development
Bank of Singapore (DBS) (#02-13 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd.,
735-5355) or Bank of America (#03-10 Wheelock Place, 501
Orchard Rd., 732-8919). Send the cash before 1pm for same-day transfers.
Foreign Missions/ Embassies
The majority of foreign missions observe normal working hours of
9am to 5pm, though it is not out of the ordinary to find some embassies
working only in the morning or having shorter opening hours, especially
with regards to visa applications. Almost all embassies are closed
on Saturdays.
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