Singapore is a huge tourist and business destination. As both play two of the largest roles in the Singaporean economy, every effort has been made to make every guest to this country comfortable and safe. Some of the rules and regulations implemented in Singapore are found nowhere else in the world so it's a good idea to become acquainted with them before you step off the plane.

Generally, banks are open from 10am to 3pm, Mondays to Fridays and 11am to 4:30pm, Saturdays.

Duty-Free Items: Personal effects and food preparations not exceeding $50 in value. Visitors over 18 and not coming from Malaysia are allowed to bring in duty-free 1 litre of spirits, 1 litre of wine and 1 litre of beer, also 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.

There is no export duty. Export permits are required for firearms, ammunition, explosives, animals, gold in form, platinum, precious stones and jewellery (except reasonable personal effects), poisons and drugs. Any goods in excess of reasonable personal effects should be declared at exit points and an Outward Declaration form prepared, if need be. For inquiries, call the Airport Customs Department.

The currency unit is the Singapore dollar (S$). Approximately S$1.50 = US$1
Coins are in denominations of: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 cents.

Singapore's voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Most hotels can provide visitors with a transformer, which can convert the voltage to 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second.

Police: Singapore police are very helpful, if you need assistance dial 999 Fire and Ambulance: Dial 995

The Public Health board strictly enforces high-standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout all restaurants and street stalls. Singapore water is clean and safe to drink from the tap and need not be boiled.

Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dentists, many trained overseas. Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets including supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists work from 9am to 6pm, with some shops open until 10pm.

Generally Singapore caters to the physically-challenged and many places have ramps and doors wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. For wheelchair rental in and around Singapore telephone 65+(0)5431118 for more information.

Sentosa Island is accessible to all and the physically-disabled are catered for. Simply contact the Sentosa Customer Service Department on 65+(0)2791720 and they will assist you by making prior arrangements. For those with mobility difficulties, travel by ferry is recommended as it is the most accessible and convenient way to Sentosa. Attendant service is available for those who need help.

Main religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Taoism. Places of worship welcome visitors, however, visitors are expected to be properly attired and to respectfully witness the ceremonies or rites. Please note that shoes are not to be worn in temples and mosques.

Shop hours vary, although Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm are the most common. Some department stores, Chinese Emporiums, and stores that cater solely to tourists stay open as late as 9pm seven days a week. Since Singapore is a duty-free port, prices of many goods such as electronic and electrical products, cameras, clocks watches and jewellery tend to be reasonable. Good Retailers Scheme members displaying the red and white "Merlion" decal are recommended.

Singapore Standard Time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time.

Tipping is not very common in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not get tipped.

A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond date of departure is required by all who enter Singapore. The majority of passport holders do not require a visa if planning to stay no more than 14 days. Most tourists will be given a 14-day Social Visit Pass upon arrival.

Visitors on a Social Visit Pass are not permitted to work in Singapore. For stays over 3 months, applications must be made for a Long Term Social Visit Pass, for which a local sponsor is required. The maximum extension is 90 days per 12 months. To acquire an extension, the immigration authorities in Singapore should be contacted. The price of the extension is subject to the immigration officer’s discretion.

Please check with your nearest Singapore Embassy or Singapore Tourist Promotion Board office before departure to determine all visa requirements.

This allows visitors to enjoy the best of Singapore at only a fraction of the price. That means you can stretch your dollar further. Use it at your hotel, in the restaurants, places of interest or even for a spa. Visitors can now be assured of getting good value for money. Additionally, The Visitors Card is the official travel card for tourists and is supported by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Ez-Link. Equipped with the Ez-Link travel component, it allows for travel on Singapore’s public transport the Mass Rapid Transit Light Rail Transit and public buses. For more information and to purchase the card on-line, visit the official site at www.thevisitorscard.com

Singapore's tropical weather makes light summer clothing (preferably of natural fabrics) most practical, especially for outdoor activities like sightseeing. Most restaurants and nightspots are not restrictive on the dress code, polo shirts, t-shirts, jeans, slacks, blouses and skirts, sun dresses and sneakers are acceptable at most places. Although some establishments require formal wear for the evening, suits and evening dresses will never be out of place in Singapore's trendy nightspots. It is always advisable to ring up beforehand to check on dress regulations, if any.

Singapore is a very clean, safe and efficient city due to the strictly enforced laws.

Smoking in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, cinemas, government offices and air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centres is against the law. First offenders may be fined up to a maximum of S$1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.

Singapore's clean and green image is the result of more than two decades of public education campaigns and strict laws against littering. Littering of any kind is subject to up to a S$1,000 fine for first offenders, and, for repeat offenders, up to S$2,000 coupled with a stint of corrective work order cleaning a public place. As an extension of the law against littering, the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited. Spitting is also punishable by law in Singapore. So beware the next time you wish to clear your throat.

Failure to flush the toilet after use can result in a $150 (S$75) fine but then, chances of getting caught are pretty slim. However, urinating in elevators can cause the doors of some to permanently close until the police squad arrives! It's also wise to take your own toilet paper as it's not always available in many public toilets. 

Singapore carries a mandatory death penalty for drug-trafficking and harsh penalties for possession and use within the country.

It is common courtesy to ask permission to take pictures of people, mosques or temples. When entering a Singaporean's house, temple or mosque, remember to take off your shoes. Do not eat or offer anything with your left hand when with Muslims and don’t use your left hand when shaking hands with a Muslim.

Business cards are exchanged at the beginning of a meeting. Remember to give and receive the card with both hands. It is polite to look the card over and hold it while speaking.

It is proper to address someone using the title of Mr., Mrs. or Miss. Do not use first names unless you are invited to.