Essential Information
Language
The national language of Singapore is Malay, while English is the language of administration and commerce. Tamil and Chinese are also official languages. Mandarin is increasingly encouraged as the lingua franca for the Chinese in place of dialects like Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese and Foochow. Among the Indian community, apart from Tamil, other languages spoken are Malayalam, Punjabi, Telegu, Hindi and Bengali. Most of the literate population is bi-lingual, and domestically English and Mandarin are the most commonly used languages.
Health/Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.
Safety
Increasingly, personal safety and security are becoming critical concerns of international travelers. The situation in Singapore remains calm and stable, and the island remains one of the safest in the world to visit. Enhanced security measures at key installations and other sensitive places ensure that Singapore continues to remain safe. The Singapore Government explicitly states that extremism originating from religion or race has no place in Singapore and swift action will be taken against any extremist or terrorist groups or individuals.
Climate
Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual dress is acceptable for most situations and occasions but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.
Time Zone
City |
Hours Behind/Ahead of Singapore |
| Amsterdam | -7 |
| Athens | -6 |
| Auckland | +4 |
| Bahrain | -5 |
| Bandar Seri Begawan | none |
| Bangkok | -1 |
| Beijing | none |
| Beirut | -6 |
| Brisbane | +2 |
| Brussels | -7 |
| Cairo | -6 |
| Calcutta | -2.5 |
| Chicago | -14 |
| Colombo | -2.5 |
| Copenhagen | -7 |
| Darwin | +1.5 |
| Dublin | -8 |
| Frankfurt | -7 |
| Geneva | -7 |
| Hanoi | -1 |
| Helsinki | -6 |
| Hong Kong | none |
| Honolulu | -18 |
| Jakarta | -1 |
| Johannesburg | -6 |
| Karachi | -3 |
| Kuala Lumpur | none |
| Lisbon | -8 |
| London | -7 |
| Los Angeles | -16 |
| Madrid | -7 |
| Manila | none |
| Melbourne | +2 |
| Montreal | -13 |
| Moscow | -5 |
| Mumbai | -2.5 |
| Nairobi | -5 |
| New Delhi | -2.5 |
| New York | -13 |
| Osaka | +1 |
| Oslo | -7 |
| Paris | -6 |
| Perth | none |
| Prague | -7 |
| Rio de Janeiro | -11 |
| Rome | -6 |
| San Francisco | -16 |
| Seoul | +1 |
| Stockholm | -7 |
| Sydney | +2 |
| Taipei | none |
| Tehran | -4.5 |
| Tel Aviv | -6 |
| Tokyo | +1 |
| Toronto | -13 |
| Vancouver | -16 |
| Vienna | -7 |
| Yangon | -1.5 |
| Zurich | -7 |
Electricity and Public Services
Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. When shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.
Currency
Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centers and big departmental stores.
An online currency converter service is available at asiaone. Check on today's exchange rate.
Banks
Banking hours are Mondays to Fridays: 10 am to 3 pm. Saturdays: 9.30 am to 1 pm (some banks are open until 3 pm. Sundays: 9.30 am to 3 pm (some banks in Orchard Road).
Most banks handle travelers' checks and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays.
Passports are required when cashing in travelers' checks. A nominal commission may be charged.
Tipping
Tipping is not practiced as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Police
999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade
995 (toll-free)
STB Tourist line (24-hr automated tourist information system)
Tel: 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)
CitySearch (operator-assisted Yellow Pages)
Tel: (65) 1900 777 7777
International Calls
Tel: 104
Time of day
Tel: 1711
Toll-free lines
Dial 1800 followed by the toll-free line number (in Singapore only).
Conference registration available on-site beginning April 21.
For questions, please contact IFSA Headquarters at +1-404-252-3663 or ifsa@kellencompany.com.