About Singapore
Singapore has been Southeast Asia’s most modern city for over a century. Located at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, the island has a tropical climate and is the natural meeting point of sea routes, allowing it to flourish as a trading post, contributing to its success. Singapore’s excellent infrastructure enables visitors to enjoy its many sites and attractions in a safe, clean, and green environment. The country’s progress over the past three decades has been remarkable, yet the island has not yet been overwhelmed by development.
View Tall Buildings in Singapore
Visas
Most visitors to Singapore do not require a visa for entry. For more information on visa requirements and the Visa Free Transit Facility you can check with the
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority or the
Singapore Overseas Mission closest to you. The period of stay granted will be shown on the visit pass endorsement in your passport.
Weather
The southwest monsoon season is officially over, and the northeast monsoon season won’t start for another month, making October a great time to visit Singapore for the 2020 conference. Daily temperatures at this time typically sit at a warm 27°C (around 81°F). During the heat of the day, the high goes up to 31°C (about 88°F), but the venue will be air-conditioned. At night the lows drop down to a comfortable 24°C (about 75°F). Storms may occur in the evening, with showers that are sudden and heavy, but often only last for a short time.
Getting Around Singapore
The best way to get around town is either by taxi, bus, or train. Singapore’s MRT (mass rapid transit) system is probably the fastest way to zip around the city. The extensive rail network means that most of Singapore’s key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station. The bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore and is the most economical way to get around, as well as being one of the most scenic. To use the public transport system, you can buy a
Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), a special EZ-Link stored-value card which will allow you unlimited travel for one day, two days, or three days. The Pass can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office at selected MRT stations listed, at the Concession Card Replacement Office at Somerset station, or at the Automated STP Kiosks at Changi Airport MRT Station (Terminal 2 and 3) near the Transitlink Ticket Office. You can also use your foreign-issued Mastercard® and Visa contactless bank cards issued outside of Singapore for the payment of public transport fares in Singapore. (Foreign admin fee applies, please refer to TransitLink’s
SimplyGo website for more information.) Other options include using an Adult Stored Value Smartcard (EZ-link / Nets FlashPay) or purchasing single trip tickets. You also have the option to pay for the bus in cash but you will need to have exact change.
Currency: SGD
Singapore’s official currency is the Singapore dollar. For the current exchange rate, and conversion to other world currencies, see a currency conversion guide. It’s generally best to change cash at major banks or ATMs, but it is also available at the Changi Airport. Recommended places to exchange currency in Singapore include: Parkway Parade Shopping Center, People’s Park Complex in Chinatown, and Lucky Plaza.
Emergency Numbers in Singapore
The telephone number for the emergency services of Police is “999” and Emergency Ambulance & Fire is “995”.