The Nitty-Gritty Of Your Excursion to Singapore City

While Singapore has always been one of the Orient's most alluring destinations, it’s also one of the most expensive. The island country, adjoining Malaysia, has a cosmopolitan society that is socially tolerant, but municipal rules are notoriously dictatorial. Most tourists need to be mindful of fines, dos and don’ts when visiting. But don’t fret! With a little thrift, and meticulous planning, you will sail through the logistics of your Singapore holiday. If you’re considering taking a vacation to Singapore, pay attention to these details, and you’re good to go!

 

When to Visit Singapore’s weather is hot and humid most times of the year. The small island country is located just off the equator; so, in addition to getting rainfall almost daily, temperatures remain high even at night. Fortunately you’ll seldom need to step out of an air-conditioned environment. All housing, hotels, malls, taxis and public buildings are temperature controlled. Certain underground pedestrian tunnels are also air-conditioned. The hardiest locals spend no more than an hour in the outdoors. Therefore weather isn’t a consideration in scheduling a trip here. June, July, November and December are all high-season months.

Entry Rules Unfortunately Indians are one of the few nationalities that need to apply for a visa before travelling to Singapore. All medications on your Singapore holiday must be accompanied by a doctor’s prescription and you have to have the permission of the Health Sciences Authority to bring in strong painkillers. Up to one open packet of cigarettes can be carried into the country, and those caught with drugs (more than 100 grams) are executed by hanging the Friday after conviction.

What to Carry Equip yourself for sunny, humid conditions with an umbrella, sun-screen and dark glasses. Skimpy clothing for women, and shorts for men, in public, is acceptable. Ironically the malls or hotel rooms can get chilly from the air-conditioning, so carrying a light shawl or sweater isn’t a bad idea!

Maximise your SGD The Singapore dollar (SGD) is used interchangeably with the Brunei dollar, so the exchange rate for both is the same. Currently one SGD is a little over Rs 50. The most competitive exchange rates are offered at Mustafa, in Singapore’s Little India, and kiosks at malls process transactions faster than banks. Travellers’ cheques are generally not accepted at malls and restaurants, through they can be cashed at exchange kiosks. About 50 SGD a day is considered backpacker’s estimate. The best way to make your SGD do more is to invest in passes. The Singapore Tourist pass allows you access of the bus, MRT and LRT train network. You could also get an unlimited ‘Go Singapore’ pass which covers all the Singapore tourist attractions for one fee. If you’re travelling with kids, get the 3-in-1 Park Hopper (with tram and Panorail option) to see the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park. Singapore attractions have different age-cut offs to exempt children from ticket fees, so carry valid identity cards to avail of this facility.

 

Getting In & Around A number of airlines service the Changi Airport at Singapore.  The airport is huge, with 3 terminals. From here you can get into the city using taxis, a limousine service, six-seater shuttle cabs, MRT trains from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, or a bus service from any of the terminals. Singapore city is pedestrian friendly, and bus and train services are most efficient. Taxis are expensive, but drivers are strict about returning exact change.

The Fine City Locals joke that Singapore is indeed a fine place, since so many actions tolerated in other countries attract a fine here! Jaywalking, spitting, littering, not wearing a seat-belt even in a taxi, carrying pirated goods, smoking in public places, eating or drinking in places designated as no-food zones or carrying flammable goods have stiff penalties. You could be out of pocket by as much as $1000 for indulging in any of these. Conversely, you could complain on a help-line number if cheated while shopping, and be reimbursed. With these rules, and paper-work, out of the way, there’s so much to look forward to in Singapore. The glamorous cityscape – with its snazzy architecture, world class entertainment, gourmet culture, billionaires and shopping hubs – has something for every kind of holiday-maker. MakeMyTrip’s holiday packages help you make the most of these experiences.