18 Things You Must Know before Traveling to Singapore

As a garden city, Singapore has always been one of the best choices for people to travel to Southeast Asia with its beautiful and clean environment, rich and advanced entertainment facilities, people-oriented environmental concepts, as well as fast and convenient transportation facilities. What should you pay attention to when traveling to Singapore? Top Asia Tour lists 18 things You Must Know Before Traveling to Singapore for the first time.

1. Weather

Singapore is famous for its hot and humid weather. The climate on the island changes little throughout the year. The average temperature during the day is 31ºC (88ºF). While at night, the temperature will drop to approximately 24ºC (75ºF). Since the rainy season begins in November every year, visitors are advised to take umbrellas during this time.

2. Time Zone

The time zone in Singapore is UTC+8.

3. Environment

Singapore is one of the cleanest cities in the world. Visitors must always pay attention to protecting the environment and sanitation, and spit or abandon objects will be fined S$1,000. Chewing gum is not imported, carried or eaten, and offenders are fined because it is really difficult to clean up. Failure to flush after using the toilet will be fined S$75.

Crowne Plaza

4. Traffic Rules

Pedestrians must use crosswalks. S$50 is fined for crossing the railing. If there is no crosswalk within 50 meters, you must cross the road under the traffic lights.

5. Smoking Ban

Singapore advocates smoking ban. It is illegal to smoke in public transportation, elevators, theaters, cinemas, government offices, air-conditioned restaurants and shopping malls. All entertainment venues, including bars, dance halls, karaoke and nightclubs, have non-smoking regulations to improve the public's nightlife environment.

Food Court

Only the areas clearly marked with bright yellow paint are designated smoking areas. Guests can only smoke in the designated smoking rooms or smoking areas. Smokers who violate the rules for the first time will be fined up to S$1,000.

6. Gambling Ban

According to the relevant regulations of the Singapore government, except for charity lotteries, TOTO, Singapore SWEEP lottery tickets, and horse racing bets handled through the Bukit Bay Club, any other forms of gambling are prohibited.

7. Sun Block

Singapore is an equatorial country, and the local UV index is very high. So it is necessary to take sunscreen measures when going out, apply some sunscreen, and replenish water in time.

8. Banking

Most banks will be open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays are open from 11 am to 4:30 pm.

9. Interaction Rules

When dealing with others, always use the last name, not the first name. This is an unwritten rule in Singapore.

The exchange of business cards should be done before the start of the meeting. Remember to pass or receive business cards with both hands. When receiving a business card, browse it politely and hold the business card when talking.

10. Duty-free Items

Individuals can purchase food items not exceeding S$50. Visitors from non-Malaysian countries over the age of 18 can bring 1 liter of duty-free alcoholic beverages, 1 liter of beer, 200 cigarettes or 5 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco products into Singapore.

11. Prohibited Items

Chewing gum, firecrackers, pornographic publications, endangered species of animals and plants, controlled drugs, drugs and arms are not allowed to be brought into Singapore. The maximum penalty for being caught bringing drugs or arms into the country is the death penalty.

12. Tip

In principle, Singapore does not charge tips. But in some service areas, customers generally tip the staff as encouragement if they think the service is good. Tourists are required to pay a 10% service charge and 7% consumption tax for consumption in restaurants and hotels. Suburban restaurants, snack bars and market food stalls do not charge service fees and tips.

Singapore Dollar

13. Customs

Clothing: When visiting temples and mosques, you must dress properly and cover your hands and feet with clothing.

Take off your shoes: When visiting Hindu temples and mosques, you have to take off your shoes before entering the door.

Meals: When eating Indian or Malay meals, please use your right hand.

Take photos: When taking pictures of others or in mosques or temples, it is necessary to ask and obtain permission before proceeding as a courtesy.

14. Religion

People of all ethnic groups in Singapore have different beliefs. Most Chinese believe in Buddhism or Taoism; Malays basically believe in Islam; Indians believe in Hinduism; Pakistanis also mostly believe in Islam; Westerners generally believe in Christianity. Singaporeans don't like turtles. Fireworks and firecrackers are strictly prohibited.

sri-mariamman-temple

Sri Mariamman Temple

15. Voltage and Frequency

The voltage is 220 volts and the frequency is 50 Hz. The socket is British style, with 3 holes of thick flat type or 2 holes of cylindrical type. As there are many foreigners in Singapore, all kinds of power converters can be bought in many places, and they can also be purchased in domestic in advance.

16. Shopping

Singapore can be called a "shopping paradise", with all kinds of dazzling items. The survey shows that the following products are the most popular among tourists from various countries in Singapore: souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, electronics, cosmetics, perfumes, etc. Singapore's shopping features can be summed up with "various types, good quality, value for money and excellent service".

Orchard Road

Girls who have decided to go shopping in Singapore, remember to go to Orchard Road. This is Singapore's department store business district, a paradise for all kinds of luxury goods.

17. Taxi

Singapore taxis have a variety of colors. In addition to the common yellow, there are also silver, blue, red, black, purple and other colors taxis. The starting prices of taxis of different models and brands are also different. It has nothing to do with the color. The starting price ranges from S$3 to S$5.

Taxi