-Singapore- |
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid, rainy; two distinct monsoon seasons - Northeastern
monsoon (December to March) and Southwestern monsoon (June to September);
inter-monsoon - frequent afternoon and early evening thunderstorms.
Temperature is between 25 to 33 degree Celsius . |
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Clothing
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.
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Language
The official languages spoken by the nation are English, Mandarin,
Malay and Tamil. Electricity
Voltage: 230V, 50 Cycles
Plug and socket-outlet:
13A, 3-pin (SS 145, BS 1363)
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Passport & visa
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. Please
visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority ? Singapore website
at www.ica.gov.sg
to find out on the entry and visa requirements for travellers.
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Currency and
credit cards
The currency used in Singapore is Singapore dollar (SGD). However,
the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted
in most major shopping centers. For currency conversion, go to: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency.
1 USD = 1.57 SGD (as of Aug. 9)
1 SGD = 0.64 USD (as of Aug. 9)
Major credit cards are accepted at most establishments in Singapore.
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Public
littering
Singapore cherishes the clean images of the country with the public
education campaigns for decades and the strict laws against littering.
Public littering of any kind is illegal and is subject to a SG$ 1,000
fine for first offenders and up to a SG$ 2,000 fine for repeaters
along with hCorrective Work Orderh (CWO) which aims to rehabilitate
the offenders by cleaning public places. The import, sales and possession
of chewing gum are also prohibited. Spitting can be punished as well.
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Smoking
It is against the law to smoke in public restaurants and shopping
malls where air-conditioning is on. It may result in a fine of up
to SG$ 1,000.
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Tipping
Tipping is not necessary in Singapore. Tipping at the airport is prohibited,
and it is not recommended at hotels and restaurants since 10% of service
charges are already included in most of the bill. Taxi drivers do
not get tipped. |
Time Zone
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.
Mobile Communication
GSM 900/1800 |
Business Cards
When giving and receiving business cards in Singapore, using both
hands is considered to be the manner. Holding the cards while speaking
with the persons is also polite.
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Common courtesy
It is not appropriate to shake hands, eat and offer something with
your left hands with a Muslim. You are supposed to take off your shoes
when you enter a Singaporeanfs house, temples and mosques.
Addressing who you talk to
Addressing a person with the title of Mr., Mrs. or Miss is appropriate
in business. Call someone by his or her first name only if you are
invited to do so.
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