|
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Singapore |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Singapore has come a log way from being a small pirate trading island in the early 14th century to the present day as one of Asia's powerhouse industrial nations. As part of Melaka, Singapore was a small trading outpost when the British seized Melaka and South-East Asia. After World War II, Lee Kuan Yew, one of the leaders of PAP- The Socialist PeopleӮs Action Party, became the first Singaporean prime minister. In the 1960s, Britain withdrew colonial rule in the region and a new state of Malaysia was formed. However, in 1965 Singapore was forced to leave its union with Malaysia and became the Republic of Singapore. To this day, there is tension between Singapore and Malaysia. |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Korean Time + 1 Hour |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Approximately 3,000,000 people
Chinese make up 77.3% of the population, followed by Malaysians 14.1%, Indonesians 7.3%, and other ethnicities 1.3%. |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
The 4 official languages of Singapore are English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil. |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
56% of the population follow Buddhism, followed by Islam (Muslim) 16%, Christianity 10%, and Hinduism 4% |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Korean citizens can stay in Singapore up to 90 days without a visa.
Visa Application & Inquiries: Korean Embassy in Singapore
Phone: (2) 774-2454-7
Hours: 8:30am ~ 5pm / Monday ~ Friday |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Geography
Located on the Malaysian Penninsula, Singapore consists of the main island plus 50 smaller other islands. The area of Singapore is approximately 630km©÷, similar to Korea, and the capital city is 97km©÷ in area.
Climate
Singapore has a tropical climate and is hot and humid, with approximately 75% humidity, all year round. Rain comes in short bursts about 1/2 the year. However, during the rainy season between November and January, Singapore gets a lot of rainfall on a daily basis.
Average Temperature: 26.6”ĘC
Wardrobe Tips
Despite the humidity, travelers are recommended to bring a light jacket, because most buildings in Singapore are well air-conditioned. |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Currency
The main units of currency in Singapore are dollars and cents. Bills come in denominations of S$1 - S$5 - S$10 - S$20 - S$50 - S$100 - S$500 - S$1,000 - S$10,000. Coins come in denominations of S1¢ - S5¢ - S10¢ - S25¢ - S50¢ - S$1.
Exchange Rates
Singapore Dollar ($) = Approximately 733.81 Wons (as of January 2001) |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Area Code: 65
Local Calls
Singapore is equipped with excellent public telephone systems all around the city. Most public telephones are both coin and calling card operated and is capable of making both domestic and international calls. Local calls cost S10¢ for 3 minutes.
International Calls ? Korean Telecom Services
The following toll-free numbers provide assistance in making international calls. They offer various services that include operator assistance, collect calling, using KT calling cards, pre-paid cards or credit cards. DACOM: 1-8000-821-821
Korean Communications: 1-8000-820-820
International Calls - Direct Dialing (IDD)
Dial: 011 + the country code + area code + phone number.
Example: Calling Seoul from Singapore with the phone number 123-4567
Dial 011-82-2-123-4567
Calling Cards
Calling cards cost S$10 and S$20 |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Voltage: 220 ~ 240V / 60Hz. Plugs are 3-pronged, square-pin types, so it's recommended you bring your own adaptors. |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
This modern subway system opened in November of 1987 and is the most convenient way of getting around Singapore. The fare is between S70¢ ~ S$1, depending on the distance.
The MRT runs daily from 5:15am ~ 12:49am, every 3 ~ 8 minutes. The best bargain is to purchase a Transit Link Card, which give you access to the bus and the MRT for a low price of S$10 (additional S$2 for first time card purchases)
Bus
The bus will take you almost anywhere in the city. There are 3 different bus lines in Singapore. The red and white lines are called SBS, the orange lines are called TIBS and the mid city bus is called CBD. The buses operate daily from 6am ~ 11:30pm every 5 ~ 20 minutes. You can ride up to 4 stops at S60¢ (S70¢ for air-conditioned buses) with a maximum of S$1.20 (S$1.50 for air-conditioned buses). If the bus is not equipped with an automated directory of stops, it's always best to let the driver know your destination. You can also purchase a map of the bus route for S$1.50 at any bookstores and information booths. The driver does not provide change, so always carry coins with you. If travelers are planning to use the bus service as their main form of transportation, a great bargain is the Singapore Express, which gives you an unlimited number of rides within a given period of time for a low price of S$5 per day and S$12 for 3 days.
Taxi
There are 10,000 taxies running in Singapore. You can catch a taxi in front of a hotel, local taxi stands, or just hail a taxi by raising your hand on the street. Taxis in Singapore have automatic doors that open and shut electronically. Most taxi services run 24 hours and there is an additional 50% surcharge between midnight ~ 6am. The fare is S$2.40 for the first 1.5km, then S10¢ for every additional 250m. There are several other additional fees that are listed below:
- S$2 if you call a taxi service by phone
- S$1 for getting on in downtown (4pm ~ 5pm Weekday, 12pm ~ 3pm Saturday)
- S$3 for departing from the airport
- S$3 for entering downtown (7:30am ~ 10:30am Weekday, 4:30pm ~ 6:30pm Saturday)
- S$3 for over 5 passengers
Trishaw
The bicycle trishaws do not enter onto heavy traffic areas and mostly operate in Chinatown and small streets. Since most people use faster and more convenient forms of transportation, a trishaw ride can be quite expensive, around S$25 for half an hour.
Trolley Bus
This red tourist bus operates daily from 9am ~ 9pm and goes to most major tourist sights and hotels. You can catch the bus at any trolley bus stop and it's a great way to cruise around the Singapore River. |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
National University Hospital: (65) 779-5555
Mt. Elizabeth Hospital: (65) 737-2666 |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Tipping is not required in Singapore. Most hotels and restaurants charge a 10% service charge. |
| |
Back
To Top |
| |
|
|
| Important Contact Information |
|
| |
|
| |
Singapore Consulate General
Address: 101 Thomson Road, United Square #10-03, Singapore 307591
Phone: (65) 256-1188
Fax: (65) 254-4586
Singapore Tourism Office
Phone: (65) 736-6622
Asiana Airlines - Singapore Branch
Phone: (65) 225-3866 |
| |
Back
To Top |
