Climate

Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31°C (88°F), dropping to around 24°C (75°F) in the evenings

People

The population is just over 4 million. Ethnic Chinese form 74.2% of the Singaporean population, with the country's original inhabitants – the Malays, comprising of 13.4%. The Indians make up 9.2%, and Eurasians, Peranakans and others making up a combined 3.2%.

Language

English is the main working language in Singapore. Other official languages used are Mandarin, Malay and Tamil.

Transportation

Getting Around – Getting around Singapore is fairly easy: the public transportation system (MRT, LRT and buses) is relatively easy to use and taxis are reasonably priced when you can get one. Getting into Singapore – Most people arrive in Singapore by air. Its status as a major airline hub in Asia makes Singapore a natural starting or ending point for a multi-country tour of Southeast Asia. Most large international airlines have routes to Singapore, in addition to the island’s own highly regarded airline, Singapore Airlines.

Currency

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, Master Card and American Express

Visa

Most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require visas for entry and may be given social visit passes for up to 30 days upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regards to coming into Singapore. If you would like to stay in Singapore for a longer period, you may apply to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) upon your arrival. You should have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, onward or return tickets, onward facilities (such as visas or entry permits) to your next destination, and of course, sufficient funds for your stay in Singapore

Electricity

Singapore uses the “Type G” (British 3-pin rectangular blade) electrical plug. Voltage is 230V, 50Hz.

Cuisine

Singapore is consequently a cosmopolitan place where people from all over the world sit down to enjoy each other’s cooking. Each culture has brought with it unique cooking styles including Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Peranakan, Indian, Thai, Japanese and Korean. There is a vast array of hawker stalls and restaurants, ranging from global franchises to gourmet delis to fancy six-star settings.

Shopping

Orchard Road would be the most popular and most commonly heard names if anyone should mention about shopping. This place is the central hub, also known as the “city” of Singapore, and it is well known among tourists. Orchard Road offers major departmental stores, supermarkets, movie theatres, restaurants, famous hotels and other entertainment outlets.

Cell Phone Usage

Singapore’s international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your cell phone, you don’t have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here.