| Traveller's
Tips |
Weather &
Attire
Wear light, comfortable, cotton clothing to beat the heat. Carry a foldable
umbrella as a precaution against the unexpected tropical shower.
Coins & Smaller Note
Save your coins for bus rides (buses accept exact fares only) and public
telephones (10 cents for 3 minutes)
A Tip on Tips
Tipping is not mandatory although it is appreciated. Most hotel and restaurant
bills come with a 10% service charge
Waiting for a taxi
Taxis can be flagged down along the street but the usual practice is to
queue at designated taxi stands in front of shopping centers or in front
of hotels
Asking for a discount
Bargaining is still practiced in some shops excluding larger department
stores. You can ask the shopkeeper if a discount can be extended. Make
sure that you compare prices before purchasing jewellery, electronic goods,
leather goods, etc.
Local food
Some of the best food can be found in local food centers. Sharing of tables
is a common practice. Get a table, note the number then look at the pictures
at the stall to order. Give the stall operator your table number and wait
for your food to be delivered to the table and pay only when it arrives.
Although some stalls may have the self-service sign, others will usually
deliver the food to your table. When ordering seafood, check prices and
do some comparing with the other seafood stalls before making your order.
Changing money
Licensed money changers usually give a better rate than most hotels and
banks, visitors are advised to check foreign exchange rates and use their
discretion when changing foreign currency.
Directions to the attractions
Look out for the brown and white street signs that point you in the direction
of a nearby attraction. |
| Visitor
Information Centres |
| |
1) Singapore Visitors Centre
@ Tourism Court
Tourism Court, 1 Orchard Spring Lane, Singapore 247729
Touristline 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)
Opening Hours :
8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
8:30 am - 1:00 pm (Saturday)
2) Singapore Visitors Centre @ Chijmes
30 Victoria Street, #01-20A, Singapore 187996
Tel : (65) 338 2529
Opening Hours :
10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mon - Sat)
3) Singapore Visitors Centre @ Liang Court
Liang Court Shopping Centre, Level 1, 177 River Valley Road,
Singapore 179030
Te : (65) 336 2888
Opening Hours :
10:30 am - 9:30 pm (daily)
4) Singapore Visitors Centre @ Suntec City
3 Temasek Boulevard, #01-35/37/39/41 Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
Tel : 1800 332 5066 (toll-free in Singapore only)
Opening Hours :
8:00 am - 6:30 pm (daily)
5) Singapore Visitors Centre @ Prinsep Place
44 Prinsep Street, #01-01/02-01 Prinsep Place, Singapore 188672
Tel : 336 3660
Opening Hours :
11:00 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Thursday, public holidays)
11:00 am to 2:00 am (Friday, Saturday & eve of public holidays) |
| Local
etiquette for visitors to note |
| |
Dressing : Dress
appropriately (arms and legs should be covered) when visiting temples
and mosques
Removal of shoes : Visitors are required to remove their
shoes when visiting Indian temples and mosques. Shoes are also often removed
before entering local homes
Use of hands to eat or pass food : Always remember to
use your right hand when eating an Indian/Malay meal
When having a Chinese meal : Never stick your chopsticks
into your food. If you need to rest your chopsticks, leave them on the
chopstick rest or by the side of your plate or bowl. If the table setting
includes two spoons, remember to use the Chinese porcelain spoon for eating
and the silver one (usually with a longer handle) to dish out food only.
Local greetings : Do not be surprised if local children address
you as "aunty" or "uncle" when in conversation with
them. This is a local practice among children to address older people
as such ; it is also a mark of respect. |