1. Heading to
Singapore?
While Singapore is one of the world's major
commercial hubs, the island is also home
to a rich tapestry of unique experiences.

2. Background
Singapore was founded as a British trading colony in 1819. It joined the Malaysian
Federation in 1963 but separated two years later and became independent.
Singapore subsequently became one of the world's most prosperous countries
with strong international trading links (its port is one of the world's busiest in
terms of tonnage handled) and with per capita GDP equal to that of the leading
nations of Western Europe.
Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign city-state and island
country in Southeast Asia. It lies off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and is
137 kilometres (85 mi) north of the equator. The country's territory consists of
the diamond-shaped main island, commonly referred to as Singapore Island in
English and Pulau Ujong in Malay, and more than 60 significantly smaller islets.
Fundamental Information
Water – The water in Singapore is potable and safe enough to drink from the tap.
Electricity - The voltage in Singapore is 220-240 AC, 50 Hz.
Language - English is the primary language spoken in Singapore. Mandarin, Malay
and Tamil, and other dialects, are used as well.

3. Singlish
“Lah” is a common exclamation with no real meaning that is usually attached to
the end of a statement. e.g. “okay lah”
“Liao” is also often used at the end of a statement and means “already”
e.g. “I’ve finished my work for the day liao.”
Financial Information
Currency Exchange - Singapore’s currency is the Singapore dollar (S$ or SGD).
Tipping - Tipping is not widely practiced in Singapore, as most hotels and
restaurants add a 10% service charge.
GST Refund - To get a refund on the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) you pay on
purchases, spend at least $100 at participating outlets that display a “Tax Refund”
logo or a “Tax Free Shopping” logo. Be sure to ask for a refund voucher from the
retailer to present at the airport’s Tax Refund Counter.
Getting Around
Buses - Buses travel to almost every part of the island and fares start at 77 cents
with an EZ-link card or $1.30 for cash. The TransitLink Hotline is 800-225-5663.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) - The trains are air-conditioned and usually run from
6am to midnight. Single trip tickets start at 82 cents with an EZ-Link card or $1.40
for cash. The SMRT hotline is 800-336-8900.
Taxis - There are a half dozen major taxi companies in the city. Fares start at $3,
and are higher to book in advance. The Dial-A-Cab hotline is 6342-5222.

4. Must See
Singapore Botanic Gardens - 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569; 65-6471-7361
sbg.org.sg
The Singapore Flyer - 30 Raffles Avenue, #01-07, Singapore 039803; 65-6333-
3311 singaporeflyer.com
The White Rabbit - 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541; 65-6473-9965
thewhiterabbit.com.sg
Zouk - 17 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169420; 65-6738-2988 zoukclub.com
Singapore Art Museum - 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555; 65-65899-580
singaporeartmuseum.sg
Click here for more information.