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Tips

Singapore is a thriving city state; busy and bustling yet with acres of green, modern and innovative yet with real and tangible history. It is a haven for exploration, for relaxation and discovery.

Geography

Singapore is an island of 646 sq. km, about the size of Chicago with a coastline of 193km. At the southern tip of the Malayan Peninsula between Malaysia and Indonesia, it is separated from Indonesia by the Singapore Strait and from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor. Located at one of the crossroads of the world, its strategic position has helped it grow into a major centre for trade, communications, and tourism. Close to 90% of the population live in flats amongst an ever-changing skyline of monumental buildings, yet Singapore is a green city with a wealth of flora and fauna in its streets, parks and forests. 

Time zone

Singapore is eight hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Climate

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinctive seasons and uniform temperature (usually ranges from 23 to 32 °C, with April to June being the hottest months); high humidity (usually ranges around 73 to 79%); and abundant rainfall (monsoon season is from November to January).

Culture

Economists describe Singapore as a modern miracle because it has built its success on only one resource, its people. Lacking natural resources, Singapore's strength is its hardworking, adaptable, goal-oriented, and resilient population.  The population of approximately 5 million comprises of various ethnic groups among which the Chinese are the biggest, followed by Malays, Indians, and people of other descent. Singapore's indigenous people were the Malays, but after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and the establishment of a British trading post, Singapore became a magnet that drew thousands of migrants and merchants. Today it is a country where the three main ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, and Indian) complement and supplement each other.

Tipping

Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants where a 10% service charge is included in the bill. A tip should only be exercised when the bill does not include a service charge. 

Language

English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are the official languages of Singapore.

Currency and exchange

The official currency of Singapore is the "Singapore Dollar" (SGD). 

Credit cards

Major credit cards are widely accepted in Singapore. Hotels, retailers, restaurants, travel agents and even a taxi company readily accept international credit cards. Automated Teller Machines providing cash in local currency are widely available throughout Singapore.

Religion

With this mixture of people, Singapore is also a mixture of religions. Its skyline boasts the distinctive minarets of mosques, spires of gothic cathedrals, intricate figurines of Hindu temples, and distinctive roof architecture of Chinese temples. The main religions are Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism, and Zoroastrians.

Driving

Driving is on the left hand side of the roads and the speed limit is 40 to 60 km/h. A valid international driving license is required for any car rental.

Public transport

Reliable air-conditioned taxis, scheduled bus services and a subway network are readily available in Singapore.

Health

Singapore is free from hazardous tropical diseases. Water from the tap is safe for drinking and bottle water is available. The healthcare system in Singapore is of very high quality, generally regarded as one of the best in the world. Food hygiene is generally good, particularly now that most individual street stalls have been closed down in favour of hawker centres. The risk of catching malaria in Singapore is extremely low as the government maintains strict mosquito control. However this control does not extend into the island's nature reserves, so if you're planning on hiking bring along mosquito repellent. Our in-house doctor is always available for medical problems and can be contacted through your Raffles Butler, the Front Office, or the Duty Manager. 

Electricity

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Singapore are standard UK three-point square-pin plugs. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.

For any further information please contact the concierge on Concierge.RafflesHotel@raffles.com or phone +65 6412 1171