Some essential information for visitors
For those who are visiting Singapore for the first time, here is some essential information.
The Singapore Tourist Pass:
This is an all-day travel pass that gives tourists unlimited travel on basic public SBS Transit, and SMRT bus and train services. This means that Express bus services such as Fast Forward, NightRider and Nite Owl are not covered. The card validity begins from the first tap, and ends with the last bus or train service on the last dayof the pass durartion. An affordable and convenient way of getting around Singapore. Prices are S$8 for 1-day pass; S$16 for 2-day pass; S$24 for 3-day pass. Available at designated TransitLink ticket offices and selected MRT stations; more information at the website: http://www.thesingaporetouristpass.com/html/
Taxi booking:
For those who prefer the convenience of zipping around in a taxi, here is a list of taxi booking services - City Cab 65522222; Comfort 65521111; Premier Taxis 63636888; SMRT 65558888; Smart 64857777; Trans Cab 65553333.
Emergency numbers:
Note these down on a piece of paper, and bring it along with you.
Emergency numbers - police 999; ambulance & fire brigade 995; flight information 1800-5424422; Touristline 1800-7362000
Hospital 24-hour emergency assistance - Mount Elizabeth 67312218; Gleneagles 64705700; Mount Alvernia 63476210; Raffles Hospital 63111555
Credit cards - American Express 1800-7378188; Diners Club 1800-2927055; JCB 1800-7340096; Mastercard 800-1100113; Visa 800-4481250
Taxes:
Prices of items at most food & beverage outlets in Singapore are either nett (sans tax) or with '++'. The latter indicates additional 10% service charge and 7% Goods & Services Tax.
Tipping:
Tipping is discouraged at all retail outlets that already apply the 10% service charge.
Goods & Services Tax (GST) Refund Scheme:
You can enjoy tax-free shopping in Singapore, despite the 7% GST levied on all goods and services. This amount can be refunded to you. Fill in a GST refund form, have it validated by Customs at http before departure by air (does not apply for land or cruise departures), and receive the refund less administrative charges. This is managed by two Central Refund Agencies in Singapore: Global Refund 62256238 (24-hour hotline), and Premier Tax Free 1800-8293733 (24-hour hotline). Some retailers will have their own GST refund scheme, while at others, the GST cannot be refunded. Do check with the retailer before confirming your purchase.
Telecommunications:
Mobile phones in Singapore operate on a GSM 900 network. Mobile phone rentals are available from SingTel Mobile (hotline 1626) for those on US and Japan networks. Number for the telco operators - SingTel CitySim hotline 1800-4822800; M1 Card hotline 1800-8438288; StarHub pre-paid hoteline 98500000.
Changing currencies:
Licensed money changers offer better rates than banks and hotels. Always make sure that the operator is licensed. Check foreign currency rates before approaching the changers and use your own discretion on whether to accept the given rate or not. There is no obligation to change yourmoney if you think the rate is not right. There are licensed money changers at the airport and in most shopping malls.
