The Lion-city provides a unique blend of East-meets-West culture where modern skyscrapers tower over religious temples, and ethnic quarters provide links to the past. With an Indian temple and a mosque found in the heart of Chinatown, Singapore is a multi-racial melting pot where visitors can discover flavours of China, India and Malaysia in a thoroughly contemporary setting. In recent years, efforts to preserve the remaining colonial and post war architecture have been stepped up. The vibrant nightlife will surprise anyone who hasn't been to the city for a few years.

Changi Airport (www.changiairport.com) is an award-winning international airport which has become an important transport hub in Southeast Asia. Over 80 airlines operate over 4,000 flights a week around the world, with Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) flying to and from most major cities. A budget terminal opened in 2006 and a third main terminal will open in 2008.
Singapore lies just north of the Equator and its climate is characterised by a fairly uniform temperature (23oC to 34oC ) and pressure, high humidity and abundant rainfall. The climate can be divided into two main seasons - the Northeast Monsoon (December to early March) when spells of moderate to heavy rain occur lasting from 1 to 3 days at a stretch and the Southwest Monsoon season (June to September) when showers are more isolated and scattered in late morning and early afternoon. The two Monsoon seasons are separated by two relatively short, dry inter-monsoon periods.
| Important Services |
Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 |
| Ambulance or Fire | 995 |
| Tourist line | 1 800 736 2000 |
| Flight information | 1 800 542 4422 |
| Singapore Immigration & Registration | (65) 6391 6100 |
| Services |
Hotlines |
Fare range/ destinations | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | CityCab (65) 6552 2222 Comfort (65) 6552 1111 SMRT Taxis (65) 6555 8888 |
From airport to city centre: Approx. SGD16-SGD24; SGD35 (flat fee) for limousine taxis. In town: Fares start from SGD2.50. *Surcharge applicable for peak-hours, after midnight and trips starting from CBD area. |
24 hours and relatively easy to flag down |
| MRT | 1 800 767 4333 www.smrt.com.sg |
SGD0.80-1.70 Single Trip. There are 3 lines. The East-West line connects Changi Airport to the city centre. The EZ-Link top-up card can be used on the MRT and bus systems. The card retails for SGD15, which includes a SGD5 non-refundable charge, a SGD3 travel deposit (refundable) and SGD7 stored value. The card offers a small discount on the published fare and is valid for five years from the date of purchase. |
From Airport: Mon - Sat 5.31 am - 11.18 pm; Sun 5.59 am - 11.18 pm |
| Bus | 1 800 225 5663 www.sbstransit.com.sg |
From SGD0.90 (a multi purpose smart card, EZ Link, is available, otherwise the exact cash fare required). | From 6.00 am to midnight; NightOwl reduced services |
Note: The local currency is the Singapore dollar.
English is used throughout the island nation, although Malay is the official language. Generally, Singaporeans like to end their sentences with "lah", eg, "where are you going lah?" and thus call their spoken language, Singlish. Mandarin is also used, as well as the local Hokkien dialect.
Singapore has become a business city of choice because of its strategic location in Asia, acting as gateway for China as well as India. Political stability, an excellent business and social infrastructure, a sophisticated banking sector and a highly-skilled labour force have made it an ideal location for setting up business. With its sophisticated banking industry and reputation as a financial safe-haven, Singapore is a highly sought-after place for investors.
The above information is for reference only. They may be provided to HSBC by other persons or compiled by HSBC from information and materials provided by other persons. HSBC does not warrant the truth, reliability, accuracy or adequacy of the above information and HSBC assumes no liability for any reliance on them by you or any other persons. Please contact the relevant merchant, company or organisation for further details.
Singapore
With an Indian temple and a mosque found in the heart of Chinatown, Singapore is a multi-racial melting pot.
Average temperature:
Continuously (23°C to 34°C )
Currency:
SGD
Must do:
Singapore Zoo
Jurong Bird Park
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Sentosa Island
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
Your passport to more comfortable travel.
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