LANGUAGE
English is a widely spoken language and the common business language of all. Other languages spoken include Mandarin, Various other Chinese dialects, Malay and Tamil

CURRENCY
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and SGD 1. Banking hours are Mondays to Fridays: 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. Saturdays: 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs (some banks are open until 1500 hrs. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays.

Passports are required when cashing in travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged. Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big departmental stores. Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore

DRINKING WATER

It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.

ELECTRICITY
Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. When shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.

MONEY CHANGERS
Money changing services are available at Singapore Changi Airport round the clock and at most banks and hotels.Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers.

TIPPING
Tipping is not practised as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills. Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.

MEDICAL FACILITIES
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons.Pharmacies are ready available at supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists generally work from 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs. Most hotels have their own doctor on-call around the clock. For an ambulance, dial 995.

SMOKING
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants, non-airconditioned eating houses, hawker centers, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. In line with efforts to improve the nightlife experience for all, there are smoking restrictions on entertainment outlets. Smoking is no longer allowed in all pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots, unless within approved smoking rooms or smoking corners. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000.

FOREIGN & SINGAPORE MISSIONS
The majority of foreign missions are closed on Saturdays and some open only in the morning. It is recommended that you telephone to check office hours before visiting.For Contact details and additional information visit STB's Foreign & Singapore Mission's page.

For additional information please visit the Singapore Tourism website at http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home.html