Travel Spectacular Singapore Travel Tips/Travel Guidelines:
General Do's And Don'ts:
Do not take the following tips as warnings, only advice, remember being a knowledgeable traveler is a big step to a successful vacation. Some of the rules and regulations implemented in Singapore are found nowhere else in the world so it's a good idea to become acquainted with them before you step off the plane.
1.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 offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is not prohibited in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.
2.Wear something formal in exclusive places and when watching a concert: a tie and jacket preferably for men and anything from dressy silk to cotton for women.
3.Singapore prohibits the entry of certain items, so take care to leave them out from your list of things to bring:
a.Chewing gum.
b.Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products.
c.Cigarette lighters of pistol/ revolver shape.
d.Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products.
e.Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances.
f.Telecommunications and radio equipment, toy walkie talkies (unless approved).
g.Cartridges, cassettes (pre-recorded), films, videotapes, disc, especially obscene ones.
h.Toy Singapore coins and currency notes.
i.Firecrackers.
j.Seditious and treasonable materials.
4.Spitting is also punishable by law in Singapore. So beware the next time you wish to clear your throat.
5.Do not use first names unless you are invited to. Use Mr., Mrs. or Miss as titles. Obey the laws, as they are strictly enforced
6.If you bring along medicine with you on the journey, please do ensure that you bring along the prescription confirming that your medicine is used for your well-being while travelling.
7.It is advisable not to change money with unlicensed operators although they may give a better rate than the banks, hotels.
8.Failure to flush the toilet after use can result in a $150 (S$75) fine but then, chances of getting caught are pretty slim. However, urinating in elevators can cause the doors of some to permanently close until the police squad arrives! It's also wise to take your own toilet paper as it's not always available in many public toilets.
9.Tipping is not very common in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxis drivers do not get tipped.
10.In Singapore, a carelessly thrown tissue could result in a S$1 000 fine for first offenders, and up to S$2 000 fine or/and CWO (corrective work order), where you have to clean up public places.
11.It’s alright to bargain in markets and suburban shops, but not in boutiques and departmental stores, where the price is fixed.
12.You may want to compare the prices of the same goods at different stores before deciding on buying it.
13.Check on the voltage and cycle of all electronic products before buying to see whether it is suitable to use in your country.
14.Try eating out at hawker centres, which are very unique in Singapore.
15.Wherever you go, be it a theatre, restaurant, or any nightspot it is always advisable to ring up beforehand to check on dress regulations, if any. ********************************************* | |
