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 always have ample stocks.
Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore. Illicit traffic in
narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly
prohibited.
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.
Any individual found keeping, possessing, having under his
control, discharging or letting off dangerous fireworks
(including firecrackers, rocket fireworks, sandcrackers and such
other fireworks) is liable to a fine not exceeding SGD 5,000 or
imprisonment for up to 2 years or both.
Charity draws, Toto and Singapore Sweep lotteries, and on-course
betting at the Singapore Turf Club on horse races are the only
authorised forms of gambling in Singapore. All other gambling
activities are illegal in Singapore.
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the
world, with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons.
Pharmaceuticals are available from numerous outlets, including
supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres.
Registered pharmacists work from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Traveller's Health and Vaccination Clinic at Tan Tock Seng
Hospital provides pre-and-post travel evaluation, advice and
treatment of travel-related illnesses as well as vaccination
services.
Traveller's Health
and Vaccination Clinic
Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre Level B2
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
Singapore 308433 Tel: (65) 6357 2222 Fax: (65) 6352 5661
Opening
hours: Mon - Fri, 8:00am - 5:30pm Sat 8:00am - 12:30pm Closed:
on Sun & public holidays.
Most hotels have their own doctor on-call around the clock.
Other doctors are listed under Medical Practitioners in the
Yellow Pages of the Singapore Phone Book. For an ambulance, dial
995. Visitors could also consult doctors at the following
hospitals:
There are two mobile phone networks - GSM900 and GSM 1800 - and
four mobile telephone service providers - SingTel, M1, Starhub
and Virgin Mobile. For SingTel and Virgin Mobile, the access
code is 001, for M1, the access code is 002 and for Starhub, the
access code is 008.
Singapore Post operates a network of more than 1,300 postal
outlets conveniently located throughout the island. These
outlets offer a wide range of postal, telecommunication and
agency services. Most postal outlets are open Monday through
Friday, from 8.30 am to 5 pm and until 1 pm on Saturday.
Post Restante service is also available at:
Singapore Post, Robinson Road Branch71 Robinson Road #01-00,
Singapore 068895
Open : 8.30 am - 6 pm (Mon -Fri), 8.30 am - 2 pm (Sat)
Closed : on Sunday and Public Holidays
Tel: (65) 6222 8899
Fax: (65) 6225 7785
Internet:
http://www.singpost.com.sg
Travellers across the world are understandably more concerned
about personal safety and security issues today than ever
before. The Singapore Tourism Board would like to assure all our
visitors that the situation in Singapore remains calm and stable
and it is business as usual.
The Singapore Government has and will continue to be vigilant in
ensuring that Singapore remains safe. It has stepped up security
measures at key installations and other sensitive places. The
Government has also made it known that extremism originating
from religion or race has no place in Singapore and it will not
hesitate to take action against any extremist or terrorist
groups or individuals.
The swift and definite actions of the Singapore Internal
Security Department over the recent arrests of the 15 terrorists
in January 2002 is testimony to this.
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums,
libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned
restaurants, hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and
government offices. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000.
While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating
places, smoking is permitted in air-conditioned pubs, discos,
karaoke bars and nightspots.
Spitting in public places is an offence.
Tipping is not encouraged 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.
Here is a list of useful telephone numbers.
Police : 999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade :995 (toll-free)
STB Touristline (24-hr automated tourist information system) :1800
736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)
CitySearch (operator-assisted Yellow Pages) :(65) 1900 777
7777
International Calls :104
Time of day :1711
Trunk Calls to Malaysia :Dial 109 for operator assistance or
02 for direct dial.
Toll-free lines :Dial 1800 followed by the toll-free line
number (in Singapore only).
Weather :(65) 6542 7788
Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with
a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 32
degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural
fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear. Casual dress is
acceptable for most situations and occasions but some
establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is
always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if
any.
Police : 999 (toll-free)
