Travel Tips to Singapore
During your Stay
Money Changers
Money Changers can be found all over the city. Your best bet will be at shopping centres, where such stalls are most commonly located. Banks change money too, though the rates are much better at the money changers.
Portable Water
Tap water in Singapore is well-filtered and face stringent quality controls. It is perfectly safe to drink straight from the tap.
Communication
Despite the various cultures and races in Singapore, English is widely understood and is the main language used for conducting business.
Electricity
Electricity supplies are very dependable, running at 220 to 240V AC and 50 Hz or cycles. Most hotels can provide transformers to step it down to 110 to 120 AC and 60 Hz.
Medical Issues
Singapore’s medical facilities are amongst the finest in the region and the world. Pharmacies usually open from 9 am to 6 pm, as do general practitioners at neighbourhood clinics.
Tipping
Tipping is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and most restaurants as a 10% service charge is included in the bill. You should only tip when a 10% service charge has not been levied, though this is at the customer’s discretion. Smoking is prohibited in air-conditioned indoor areas, and public areas (bus shelters, pubs, public toilets, community centres etc.)
General Safety
Even though Singapore is largely crime-free, it is best to still avoid dark and secluded areas especially when travelling alone. The streets are perfectly safe, even for females at night. However, it is always better to take extra precautions. (stay on well-lit paths or travel in a small group)
What to Wear
Internet Connection
Most hotels provide LAN and wireless access, though at a cost. Internet or cyber cafes around the island charge around S$1 to S$1.60 per hour.