WHEN TO GO
Singapore is warm and humid for most of the year, with much sunshine and no distinct wet and dry season. You can expect temperatures of around 30°C during the day and 23°C at night. November to January is the monsoon season when showers can be sudden and heavy.
LOCAL CUSTOMS
People go barefoot inside their homes and shoes are removed outside as a sign of respect. It is also a sign of decency to avoid using your left hand unless absolutely required.
ATTIrE
In a word: casual. Some restaurants require male guests to wear a collar and tie but this is uncommon due to the tropical climate. Travelers should not wear extremely short clothing and ladies should dress modestly while visiting religious places in Singapore.
LANGUAGE
English is widely spoken but Malay, Mandarin and Tamil are also widely used.
CURRENCY
Singapore dollar (SPD)
EXCHANGE RATE
$1 = SGD 1.29, £1 = SGD 2.02, €1 = SGD1.69
COUNTRY DIALLING CODE
+65
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CONTACT
Ambulance: 995
Fire: 995
Police: 999
Non Emergency Ambulance: 1777
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EMBASSY CONTACTS
US
Phone: +65 6476 9100
Address: 27 Napier Road, Singapore 258508
Website: www.singapore.usembassy.gov/ contact_us.html
UK
Phone: +65 6424 4200
Address: British High Commission, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919
Website: www.ukinsingapore.fco.gov.uk
TIME ZONE
GMT +8
POPULATION
5 million
RELIGIOUS DEMOGRAPHIC
Singaporeans follow Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
The Chinese New Year, Buddhist Vesak Day, Eid-ul-Fitr, Diwali and Christmas are major public holidays in Singapore.
TYPICAL OPENING HOURS
Shops open from 9am to 10pm, but in areas such as Suntec City and Funan, many shops do not open before 11 am.
