Location: Asia
Local Time: GMT+8
Capital City: Singapore
Population: 4.7 million
Area: 693357,021 square km, 268 square miles.
Language(s): Malay, Chinese (Mandarin), Tamil, English
Dialling Code: 65
Emergency: Police: 999. Fire & Ambulance: 995
TV Standard: PAL
Driving: Driving is on the left. International Driving Permit required
Electricity: 220/240V AC 50Hz
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: SGD: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 10,000
Coins: SGD: 1. Cents: 5, 10, 20, 50
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted
Opening Hours
Bank: 1000-1500 Mon-Fri, 0930-1300/1500 Sat, 0930-1500 Sun (selected banks only)
Office: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri, 0900-1300 Sat
Shops: 1000-2100 Mon-Fri, 1000-2200 Sat-Sun
Public Holidays
2012
Note: Not all Muslim festivals shown are national holidays, but all will affect Muslim businesses. Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates shown are approximate. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Hari Raya Puasa itself. Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) may last anything from 2-10 days, depending on the location. Hindu festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is only possible to forecast the month of their occurrence.
Business/Social Hints: The business community generally speaks English. There are many laws governing personal behaviour and on-the-spot fines can be imposed for offences. Smoking is banned in the majority of air-conditioned premises, public buildings and restaurants and also at bus stops. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants, be punctual and dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated
Tipping: A service charge is included in restaurants. Tips are officially discouraged
