Singapore Info
Singapore, home to Tisch School of the Arts Asia, offers a multicultural society that is imperative to creative work. The nation’s infrastructure, its entrepreneurial spirit, the location to other parts of the world, and the burgeoning arts community also make it an ideal place for an education in the arts.

There is a lot to see and do in Singapore in your time outside the festival. Food and shopping, aside, take in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, see world-class art, explore the Chinese Heritage Center or ride the famous Singapore Flyer for breathtaking views of the city. Below is some general information to know about Singapore and some links with suggestions to get you started in your exploration of the city. (From Street Directory.com & HotelTravel.com)

Clothing / Currency / Electricity / Language / Telecommunications / Tipping / General Do's and Don'ts / Links

Clothing
Due to the heat and humidity in Singapore, loose and light summer clothing pieces are highly recommended for everyone wanting to visit Singapore, and be able to enjoy it fully.

If you're here on business, the smart casual attire of long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts or blouses and trousers and skirts are usually acceptable unless you are attending a formal business dinner or when specified on an invitation card. Suits and ties are optional for business meetings, although still recommended.

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Currency
The currency unit is the Singapore dollar (S$). Approximately S$1.50 = US$1 Notes are in denominations of: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $10,000. Brunei notes are interchangeable with Singapore notes and are quite common. Coins are in denominations of: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 cents.

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Electricity
The voltage in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Most hotels provide transformers and adapters on request. Otherwise, you should find one easily at most general stores. You should not spend more than S$15 for a converter.

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Language
EEnglish is widely spoken and written here in Singapore. It is the language of business and study. All signs and instructions here are also in English. Other local languages include Mandarin, Malay and Tamil depending on their races and dialects.

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Telecommmunications
In Singapore, there are three service providers Singapore Telecom (SingTel), M1 and Starhub supporting 2 mobile networks of GSM 900 and GSM 1800.

Payphones are abundant here. To make either a local or international call, you can use most pay phones which are operated by credit-cards or stored-value phone cards.

Payphones charge 10 cents per block of 3 minutes for a local call and accepting coins in various denominations from 10cents to 50cents. Stored-value phonecards, which are more convenient, come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, and S$50 and are obtainable from any post office and most convenience stores.

To make an international call, dial the access code followed by the country code, area code and telephone number. Different service providers use different access codes.

a. SingTel’s IDD code is 001, 013 and 019,
b. M1’s IDD code is 002 and 021
c. StarHub’s IDD code is 008 and 018.

Singapore’s country code is 65. There is no city code for Singapore.

International Calling Cards in denominations of S$10, S$20 and S$50 are widely available at post office, including outlets at Changi Airport and 7-11 stores, and convenience stores.

Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants where there is a 10% service charge.

General Dos and Donts
Singapore is a very clean, safe and efficient city due to the strictly enforced laws. Smoking in public buses, taxis, lifts, theatres, cinemas, government offices and air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centres is against the law. First offenders may be fined up to a maximum of S$1,000. While it is an offense to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.

Singapore's clean and green image is the result of more than two decades of public education campaigns and strict laws against littering. Littering of any kind is subject to up to a S$1,000 fine for first offenders, and, for repeat offenders, up to S$2,000 coupled with a stint of corrective work order cleaning a public place. As an extension of the law against littering, the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited. Spitting is also punishable by law in Singapore. So beware the next time you wish to clear your throat.

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Links
Time Magazine - Singapore: 10 Things to Do in 24 Hours
Time Out Singapore (Great reference for restaurants, events and nightlife)
VisitingSingapore.com - 20 Unique Things to do in Singapore


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