Local Information A - Z

Airport

Singapore Changi Airport is on the eastern tip of Singapore and it is located about 20-30 minutes from the city centre by taxi.

Airport Transfer

Airport Shuttle
There is an airport shuttle bus service which serves most hotels in Singapore. The cost of a ticket is approximately S$9.00 per adult.

Free Airport Shuttle
There are also free shuttle bus services from Ang Mo Kio, Sengkang, Toa Payoh MRT stations and Changi Business Park, going to Singapore Changi Airport and back.

Public Bus
The number 36 public bus service brings you to the city centre. A single fare costs below S$2.00 and takes about an hour. Bus stops are located at the basement bus bays of Terminals 1, 2 and 3. As no change will be given, it is recommended to prepare the exact fare.

Taxi
Taxis are available at the taxi stands at the Arrival level of each Terminal. The journey to the city is estimated to cost between S$18.00 and S$38.00 and takes approximately 30 minutes. Fares are metered and there is additional airport surcharge for all trips originating from the airport.

S$5.00 airport surcharge - 17.00-24.00
(Fridays to Sundays)

S$3.00 airport surcharge - all other times
Midnight surcharge of 50% of final metered fare - 24.00-06.00 (daily)

Train (MRT) To get to the city, passengers need to transfer to the west bound train at Tanah Merah train station. The last train service leaving Changi Airport station which would allow a transfer to the last west bound train at Tanah Merah station is scheduled at 23.18.

Further information can be found on the Changi Airport website.

Banks and Exchange Offices

Banking hours are as follows:
Monday - Friday: 10.00-15.00
Saturdays: 09.30-13.00 (some banks open until 15.00)
Sundays: 09.30-13.00 (only applies to some bank branches along Orchard Road)

Climate

Singapore is warm and humid all year round. The daily average temperature is 28ºC. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. Abundant rain- fall can be expected during monsoon season from June to August, as well as December to March. Most buildings are air conditioned (sometimes to the point that bringing a sweater may be advisable).

Culture and Entertainment

Diversity doesn't get any wider than in Singapore. Being a multiracial society, Singapore is home to a collage of communities, cultures and religions, each accompanied by a rich heritage that dates far back. Beyond just co-existing with one another, there is also mutual respect and this can be seen in daily interactions and festive celebrations. As night falls, Singapore takes on another persona to offer a vibrant array of nightlife and entertainment choices. There are nightclubs, bars and lounges, and live entertainment venues.

Currency

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$ or SGD). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are located everywhere in Singapore and they accept most main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express. The US and Australian Dollars, as well as the Japanese Yen, the British Pound and the Euro are also accepted in many major shopping centre and department stores.

Electricity

Singapore uses 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Power plugs are usually of the three-pin, square-shaped type.

Emergency Numbers

General Emergencies: 999
Police: 999
Ambulance and Fire: 995

Food and Drink

With its rich multicultural heritage, the city serves up a true melting pot of flavours and foods. Singapore's cultural diversity is reflected in the array of local cuisines on the menu - Chinese, Malay, Indian and Peranakan among others. Singapore also offers a wide range of international cuisines - from Mongolian and Korean food to Italian and French food and much more.

Health and Medicare

Healthcare in Singapore is of a high quality. The- re are physicians and hospitals in the city centre. Pharmacists are available from 09.00 to 18.00 and can be found in major shopping centres. For further information, see the Singapore Medicine website.

Insurance

Attendees are advised to arrange their own adequate travel and medical insurance against medical treatment, accidents, cancellation of bookings, etc. No responsibility will be accepted by the Congress Organisers.

Internet

Attendees will have access to free Wi-Fi at the Congress venue.

Language

The four official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. English is the working language and is widely spoken throughout Singapore.

Lunches and Refreshments

Lunches and refreshments are not included in the registration fees. However, attendees can purchase a variety of food and beverages in the various food courts at the Congress venue.

Passports, Visas and letters of invitation

Attendees requiring a Letter of Invitation in order to attend the Congress are asked to visit the Congress website for an online personalised Letter of Invitation. This must be submitted to the relevant embassy together with a copy of your registration confirmation.

Most foreigners coming into Singapore do not re- quire visas for entry and may be given social visit passes for up to 30 days upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is the sole responsibility of the attendee to take care of his/her visa requirements and it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regards to entering Singapore. Attendees who require an entry visa must allow sufficient time for the application procedure. Attendees should contact the nearest embassy or consulate to determine the appropriate timing of their visa applications. It is recommended to apply for a visa at least 3 months in advance of the Congress.

Shopping and Opening Hours

Opening hours vary; the standard is from 10.00-21.00. There is late-night shopping on selected days as well, when shops are open until 23.00.

Smoking

Smoking is prohibited in air-conditioned areas such as shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment outlets and cinemas, on the SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system), public buses, taxis and in lifts. There is also a smoking ban imposed on public eateries and within a five-metre radius from most building entrances, except for allocated smoking areas that are clearly marked with bright yellow paint. A maximum fine of S$1,000 may be imposed on first-time offenders.

Tax Refund Schemes

While you are in Singapore, it is possible to get a refund on the seven percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) on purchases. This is possible with retailers who display the "Tax Refund" logo and when you spend S$100 or more in a single receipt. GST is refunded directly to you at selected retailers, Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport on goods that are brought out of Singapore. A handling fee for the refund service may be deducted from the GST amount. Please note that tax refund is available for departure by air only. Refunds are available via the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS).

Taxis

The most convenient way around in Singapore is using taxis. In most parts of Singapore, it should be easy to hail a taxi without any problems. For groups or for those carrying a load of shopping or luggage, booking a taxi to a designated location is recommended.

Major Taxi Companies include:
Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd / CityCab Pte Ltd: Tel.: +65 6552 1111
Premier Taxis Pte Ltd: Tel.: +65 6476 8880
Maxi Cab: Tel.: +65 6535 3534
SMRT Taxis: Tel.: +65 6555 8888

Telephone and Postal Services

Singapore's international dialling code is + (65).

Singapore Post has about 1,300 postal outlets island-wide for your convenience and most of the branches are open Monday through Friday from 08.30 to 17.00 and until 13.00 on Saturday.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not common practice because most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Taxis are metered and there is no need to add a tip beyond the reading.

Tourist Information Office

Singapore Visitors centre (SVc) at arrival Halls in Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2 and 3
Opening Hours: 06:00-24:00 daily (T3 until 02.00)
Nearest MRT Station: Changi Airport (CG2)

Singapore Visitors centre @ orchard
Opening Hours: 09.30-22.30 daily
Nearest MRT Station: Somerset (NS23)

Transportation

By car:
All drivers of foreign-registered vehicles can drive into Singapore for a maximum of 10 days in each calendar year without having to pay VEP (vehicle entry permit) fees. However, toll charges still apply. Toll charges are calculated on a per trip basis, to be paid on arrival and departure at the Tuas Checkpoint, but only on departure at the Woodlands Checkpoint.

For further information, please visit http://www.yoursingapore.com

By train:
Besides being Singapore's mass rapid transit operator, SMRT also runs bus services primarily in northern parts of Singapore. SMRT also operates the popular NightRider service, which is a safe and affordable alternative transport option for commuters who spend weekends partying till late. The seven late-night routes operate from the city to different housing estates of Singapore between 11:30-04:00. Whether you travel with SBS Transit or SMRT, you can either use cash or purchase an ez-link card from any Transitlink Ticket Office in Singapore with a minimum stored value of S$10.00.

By Bus:
SBS Transit is Singapore's major bus service operator. Operating convenient bus services all around Singapore, SBS Transit services also serve destinations that are less accessible. SBS Transit also provides special bus services called the Nite Owl, which operate on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of Public Holidays. Fares are S$4.00 for both ez-link and cash payments. If you are travelling within the city area, you only need to pay S$1.50.

Transportation Card

All attendees will receive a transportation card with S$10 credit for travel during the Congress.