Mi Bella Mondo

    EXPLORE
    SINGAPORE

     

    Your Comprehensive Destination Guide

    At a Glance

    Total area: 728.6 sq km (281.3 sq mi)

    Capital: Singapore (city-state)

    Religion: Multi-religious (Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism)

    Population: ~5.9 million

    Language: English (official and working language), Mandarin, Malay (national language), Tamil

    Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)

    Banking Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:30 am–3:00 pm, Sat: 9:30 AM–1 PM (Closed on Sundays)

    Telephone/Communication: The country code is +65. There are numerous 4G/5G and Wi-Fi hotspots available SIM cards available at airports or convenience stores

    Climate: Tropical rainforest climate

      • Hot and humid year-round
      • Avg temp: 26–32°C (79–89°F)
      • Rainfall common, especially Nov–Jan (Northeast Monsoon)

    GST in Singapore

    Singapore does not have a “VAT” (Value Added Tax) like in Europe. Instead, it has a Goods and Services Tax (GST), which functions similarly. Here’s a breakdown:

    What is GST Applied To?

    • Most goods and services sold in Singapore (both in stores and online)
    • Hotel stays, restaurant meals, tours, and entertainment
    • Some imports (e.g., overseas online purchases over S$400)

    for your shopping tripTourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

    If you’re visiting Singapore as a tourist, you may be eligible for a GST refund on your shopping!

    Requirements:

    • Spend at least S$100 (including GST) at participating retailers
    • Depart from Changi Airport (not land/sea borders)
    • Must apply for the refund within 2 months of purchase

    You can claim your refund at

    • eTRS self-help kiosks in the airport
    • You’ll need receipts, your passport, and the goods for inspection

    Travel Requirements

    Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry into Singapore. Must have at least two blank pages for entry stamps

    Visa requirements: No visa required for tourist or business visits up to 90 days

    SG Arrival Card (SGAC): Mandatory for all travelers (unless transiting without immigration clearance) to submit up to 3 days before arrival—includes personal, trip, and health details

    Onward/Return Ticket & Funds: Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds.

    Health & Vaccinations

    • Yellow fever vaccination: Required only if you’ve been in a yellow-fever-risk country within the 6 days before arrival
    • General health protocols: No COVID testing, vaccination, or quarantine mandates for U.S. travelers as of June 2025.

    Immigration Entry & Exit

    • Biometric screening
      Your fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans may be used at automated lanes (eIACS)
    • Passport stamping
      Entry stamps are issued, but Singapore generally does not stamp passports upon exit.

    Shopping & Lifestyle

    • Orchard Road—Singapore’s shopping boulevard (high-end malls, global brands)
    • Bugis Street Market—Bargains, streetwear, and souvenirs
    • Marina Bay Sands Shoppes—Designer stores, canal rides
    • Haji Lane—Indie shops and artisan goods

    Pro Tips

    • Get an EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited MRT and bus rides.
    • Taxis are safe, but public transport is more efficient.
    • Carry a refillable water bottle; tap water is safe to drink.
    • Dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites.

    Getting there from the US

      • Direct flights from major hubs (e.g., LAX, SFO, JFK) to Changi Airport (SIN)
      • Flight time: Approx. 17–19 hours with layovers

    Fun Facts!

    • It’s a City, a State, and a Country. Singapore is one of only three city-states in the world (alongside Monaco and Vatican City). It’s a country, a city, and a state—all in one.

    • Singapore imposes a multitude of fines. Singapore is known as a “fine” city! You can be fined for chewing gum (except for medicinal purposes), not flushing a public toilet, littering, feeding pigeons, or eating or drinking on public transportation.

    • It’s one of the Greenest Cities in the World. Despite being highly urbanized, Singapore is known as a “Garden City.” Greenery covers nearly 50% of its land, showcasing trees, gardens, and vertical jungles everywhere—even on skyscrapers.

    • The National Anthem is printed on the Back of the $1,000 Note. Yes, the “Majulah Singapura” lyrics are micro-printed on the back of the high-value banknote.

    • Home to the World’s First Night Zoo. The Singapore Night Safari was the world’s first nocturnal zoo and remains one of its most popular wildlife attractions.

    • A Multicultural Marvel. Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. The country’s diversity is evident in everything from food to festivals, with English as the working language.

    • Changi Airport Has a Butterfly Garden & a Waterfall. Changi Airport isn’t just an airport—it’s a destination. Terminal 1 has a rooftop swimming pool, Terminal 3 has a butterfly garden, and Jewel Changi houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (Rain Vortex at 40 meters/130 ft.).

    • The National Symbol is a Merlion. Half lion, half fish, the Merlion represents Singapore’s origin as a fishing village (the fish) and its name, Singapura (“Lion City”).

    • Failure to recycle your tray is illegal. In hawker centers (Singapore’s beloved food courts), returning your tray after eating is not just good manners—it’s legally required.

    • World-Class Tap Water. Singapore’s tap water is so clean you can drink it straight from the tap anywhere in the country.

    Top Places to Visit in Singapore

    • Gardens by the Bay

      • Massive futuristic park with the famous Supertree Grove • Explore Cloud Forest & Flower Dome • Light & Sound show at night

    • Marina Bay Sands

      • Luxury hotel with a sky-high infinity pool • Spectra Light & Water Show on the bay • Visit the Art Science Museum for family-friendly exhibits

    • Sentosa Island

      • Man-made island for entertainment & relaxation • Universal Studios Singapore • Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium • Siloso Beach and Tanjong Beach Club

    • Chinatown

      • Explore heritage streets temples (like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple) • Eat at Chinatown Complex Hawker Centre • Shopping for souvenirs and local goods

    • Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO site)

      • Orchid Garden with over 1,000 species • Free morning walks and picnic spots

    • Little India & Kampong Glam

      • Rich in culture, colorful murals, and vibrant markets • Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple • Haji Lane for indie boutiques, cafes, and art

    • Singapore Zoo, Night Safari & River Wonders

      • Award-winning open-concept wildlife parks • It is best done over multiple visits or a park hopper pass

    Food Tour & What to Eat

    Hawker Centres (Must-Visit!)

    Singapore’s beating heart of culinary culture. Locals love these affordable, authentic, and beloved Hawker Centres.

    Best Hawker Centres:
    • Maxwell Food Centre
      • Famous for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
    • Lau Pa Sat
      • Stunning colonial structure + satay street at night
    • Old Airport Road Food Centre
      • Legendary char kway teow & lor mee
    • Newton Food Centre
      • Known from Crazy Rich Asians, try BBQ stingray and chili crab
    Must-Try Dishes:
    • Hainanese Chicken Rice—National dish
    • Laksa—spicy coconut curry noodle soup
    • Char Kway Teow—stir-fried rice noodles with egg, Chinese sausage, and seafood
    • Chili Crab—Sweet, spicy, messy, and delicious
    • Satay—grilled skewers with peanut sauce
    • Kaya Toast with soft-boiled eggs—local breakfast

    Singapore is more than just a stopover city — it’s an ultra-modern gateway where Southeast Asia meets the future. Between iconic skyline views, jungle trails, heritage enclaves, and world-famous food, it offers an unforgettable experience packed into one of the world’s most well-organized urban landscapes.

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