If there is one word that best captures Singapore, it is "unique". A dynamic city rich in contrast and colour, you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture here. Brimming with unbridled energy, this little dynamo in Southeast Asia embodies the finest of both East and West.

A single day's trail will take you from the past to the future, from exotic ethnic enclaves to efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.

Singapore's climate is warm and welcoming all year round, with temperature ranging from approximately 30°C in the day, to 24°C by night.

To top it all, Singapore has conference facilities that rank amongst the finest in the world.
For business and pleasure, Singapore has everything to make your convention a productive and a memorable experience.

For more information on Singapore, kindly visit www.yoursingapore.com

Total land area 710 sq km. Comprises one main island (604.2 sq km) and a number of islets scattered off its north-east and south.

Singapore is a tropical island with relatively uniform temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall.

25.2°C - 32°C

Heaviest rainfall - November to December

4.99 million

English is the language of administration and widely used. Others: Chinese, Malay, Tamil

Approximate figures: 4 main races; 76.8% Chinese, 13.9% Malay, 7.9% Indian and 1.4% others.

Approximate figures: 42.5% Buddhist, 14.9% Islam, 14.8% No Religion, 14.6% Christianity, 8.5% Taoism, 4% Hinduism, 0.6% others.

10 Kallang Road, ICA Building (Next to Lavender MRT) Tel: 6391 6100 www.ica.gov.sg

F&B outlets have a 10% service charge on bills, tipping is not necessary.

Upon departure at Changi Airport, Budget Terminal and Seletar Airport, travellers who have spent a minimum of $100 at shops displaying the Tax Refund and Tax Free Shopping logos can claim for GST (Good and Services Tax) paid on the purchases at the GST Refund Counters.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate is now at 7%

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.

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.

A good number of department stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 1000 hrs to about 2100 hrs, or even 1000 hrs 2200 hrs. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world where it is reasonably safe out in the streets up to late evening as long as basic precautions are taken.

Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday!

Almost all stores accept major international credit and charge cards. Should you come across a shop insisting on adding a surcharge, do contact the local office of the card company so that corrective action can be taken.

Banking hours are Mondays to Fridays: 1000 hrs to 1500 hrs. Saturdays: 0930 hrs to 1300 hrs (some banks are open until 1500 hrs). Sundays: 0930 hrs to 1500 hrs (some banks in Orchard Road).

Most banks handle travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. 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.

Generally, foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting Singapore as tourists, may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore.

For more information on visa requirements, click here
(http://app.ica.gov.sg/travellers/entry/visa_requirements.asp).

To find out more about the types of visas and to download the necessary application forms, click here (http://app.ica.gov.sg/serv_visitor/social_visit/social_visit_app.asp).

Increasingly, personal safety and security are becoming critical concerns of international travellers. The situation in Singapore remains relatively calm and stable, and the island remains one of the safest in the world to visit.

Enhanced security measures at key installations and other sensitive places ensure that Singapore continues to remain safe. The Singapore Government explicitly states that extremism originating from religion or race has no place in Singapore and swift action will be taken against any extremist or terrorist groups or individuals.

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.

Orchard Road
Junction of Cairnhill Road and Orchard Road
Opening hours: 9.30am - 10.30pm daily
Nearest MRT: Somerset & Orchard

Changi Airport
Arrival & Transit Halls: Terminal 1 & 2 & 3
Opening hours: 6.00am - 2.00am daily

TouristLine
Operating hours: 8.00am - 9.00 pm
1800-736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore)
+65 6736 2000 (from oversea)