Entry for Formalities For Visitors

Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they are allowed to enter Singapore:

- A passport with at least 6 months validity;
- Valid Singapore visa, if applicable;
- Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore;
- Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable); and
- Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.

Please refer to the following website for details: Immigration & Checkpoints Authority

Getting There

Singapore's ultra modern Changi International Airport is situated 20 kilometres (12 miles) east of Singapore City. It handles international connections from all around the globe, acting as a hub for South East Asia, and stopover for flights from Europe to Australia. The airport which has two terminals has a reputation for efficiency, and has regularly been voted as one of the best airports in the world. A third ultra-modern terminal is under construction. The airport offers a multitude of passenger facilities and a range of transportation services.

Visitors often combine their stay in Singapore with a visit to Malaysia, a kilometre away across a causeway over the Straits of Johor, by bus or taxi. A second causeway known pragmatically enough as the Second Link can be used if you have your own transport.

Getting Around

From the airport to the city where major hotels are situated, the most efficient means is a half-hour trip by metered taxi at a cost of approximately S$20 (U$12). If you wish, you may also travel to the city using the subway (MRT).

Singapore has a comprehensive bus and subway network which are cheap and simple to use, supplemented by metered taxis. Rental car companies are plentiful. Bumboats (motorised sampans) can take you on leisurely tours on the Singapore River. Regular ferry services operate from the World Trade Centre to the tourist island of Sentosa and other islands, while luxurious junks conduct tours with candlelight dinners around the harbour. Rickshaws have all but disappeared from Singapore's main streets, but some can still be found in Chinatown and back streets.

Taxis
Travelling by taxi is relatively inexpensive in Singapore. They can be flagged down, booked in advance or boarded at any taxi stand around the city. All taxis are fitted with electronic fare-meters.

Mass Rapid Transit
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a modern, air-conditioned passenger train service with stations all over the city. Operating from 6.00 am to midnight, the trains are frequent and prompt, arriving at intervals of between 3 to 8 minutes, thus providing quick access to places around Singapore.

Buses
Public buses are the cheapest form of transport in Singapore . The two main bus operators in Singapore, SBS Transit Ltd and Trans-Island Bus Services Ltd (Tibs) operate regular bus services from 6.00 am to midnight, and reach not only all parts of the island, but also into Johor Bahru, West Malaysia.

Cash paying commuters have to drop the exact fare into the farebox. No change will be given. Alternatively, fares can also be paid the cheaper and cashless way with the Ez-Link Card on all SBS Transit and Tibs buses. Ez-Link farecards, for use on buses and the MRT, can be purchased from TransitLink sales offices at selected MRT stations and bus interchanges.

Information on bus and MRT fares and routes is available in TransitLink guidebooks, available at bookshops and news stands. Alternatively, you may visit the TransitLink website.

Driving
You will need a valid Singapore driving license or an international driving permit to drive in Singapore . For assistance, please contact either the Traffic Police Department or Automobile Association of Singapore.

Travelling out of Singapore
Singapore Changi Airport is linked to more than 160 cities in 53 countries by 70 airlines. Some useful telephone numbers when travelling out of Singapore include:

Currency

The Singapore currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit. Currency exchanges are located at airports, banks, major hotels, and shopping centres.

Banking hours are: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 3.30pm and Saturday 9.30am - 11.30am. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found throughout the city. Click here to see currency exchange rate.