Singapore

Sofitel Singapore City Centre 5^*

Singapore, nestled between Malaysia and Indonesia, is a prosperous territory marked by Chinese and Indian influences. Marina Bay's imposing skyscrapers give the city a futuristic look, offset by th many parks and the traditional neighborhoods of Little India, Chinatown and the colonial district, home to a number of museums. Its renowned cuisine will tempt food-lovers with a flurry of restaurants open at all hours of the day and night.

Customs and traditions

Buddhism is the main religion in Singapore, closely followed by Christianity. Islam is also an important religion and is practised by a significant proportion of the population.

In sacred places, it is important to follow certain rules and appropriate behaviour out of respect for the religious beliefs and practices of the faithful. In particular, it is expected to dress decently, covering shoulders and knees. Shorts, short skirts and low-cut tops are not appropriate. It is often customary to take off one's shoes. Silence and discretion are also essential. Finally, be sure to follow any instructions/rules posted in these areas.

The main festivals are Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Pusa (Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan), Deepavali (Hindu festival celebrating lights), Hari Raya Haji (Muslim festival marking the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca) and Christmas.

In Singapore, it is important to respect local customs and social norms if you want to make a good impression:

Modesty and politeness are appreciated. Violent gestures and noisy behaviour should be avoided.

Punctuality to appointments is important.

Respecting elders is important. In public transport, for example, you should give priority seating to the elderly. Be careful not to encroach on other people's personal space, especially in public places.

Tipping is not common or compulsory in restaurants, hotels or cabs. Services generally include a service charge and VAT in the prices displayed. However, if you wish to show your appreciation for satisfactory service, a small discreet tip is sometimes accepted.

Haggling is not a common practice in Singapore, especially in shops and established commercial outlets where the prices displayed are often fixed. You are expected to pay the amount indicated. However, in some street markets or small stalls, there may be some room for negotiation on prices, especially if you are buying in bulk, but this is limited compared to other cultures.

A few prohibitions to be respected:

• Smoking: Singapore has very strict smoking regulations. Smoking is strictly prohibited in enclosed public places and certain areas such as parks, beaches and covered pedestrian zones. Specific areas are set aside for smokers. Electronic cigarettes are banned and importing them carries heavy fines.
• Chewing gum: The import and sale of chewing gum is prohibited in Singapore, except for specific medical purposes.
• Rubbish in public places: It is compulsory to keep public places clean by not littering them. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines.
• Eating and drinking on public transport: Eating and drinking on buses, trains and in underground stations is prohibited to keep these areas clean.

Time difference

Singapore, Singapore time is 7:00 hours ahead of London, United Kingdom

Electricity and internet access

In Singapore, electrical outlets are type G, with a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. Sockets are designed to work with three-pin plugs. Make sure you have a universal adapter to fit Singaporean plugs.

When it comes to the internet, the country has a modern connectivity infrastructure and is known for its excellent network coverage and fast internet connection. You can find free Wi-Fi connections in many public places such as hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping centres and tourist attractions. What's more, you can buy prepaid SIM cards with data packages to maintain connectivity throughout your stay.

Safety

Singapore is generally regarded as one of the safest countries in the world in terms of security. The country has strict laws and rigorous enforcement, helping to maintain a safe environment for residents and visitors alike. Crime rates are relatively low, streets are safe even at night, and infrastructures are well maintained. Of course, it is always advisable to exercise caution and respect local laws to ensure a safe and positive experience.

The country also attaches great importance to its road infrastructure. Roads are generally well maintained and safe. Traffic regulations are strictly enforced. However, as in any country, it is always advisable to keep a watchful eye on traffic and follow the rules of the road.

Currency

The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore dollar, abbreviated SGD. During your stay in Singapore, you'll use the Singapore dollar to carry out your financial transactions.
In November 2024, 1 EUR = 1.41 SGD.

Withdrawing money in Singapore is easy. The country has a good number of cash dispensers that accept major international credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Be sure to check the transaction fees charged by your bank before withdrawing money abroad.

It is also generally easy to pay by credit card. Most establishments accept major international credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Weather

Singapore has an equatorial climate, with hot, humid temperatures throughout the year. The seasons are divided into two main periods: the monsoon season (intense rainfall) and the inter-monsoon season:

The monsoon season generally runs from November to January. During this period, rainfall is more frequent and abundant, accompanied by heavy thunderstorms. But from February to October, Singapore experiences an inter-monsoon period with drier, sunnier weather, with occasional showers.

Temperatures average between 27 and 31 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Languages

The official language of Singapore is Malay, but the country also recognises three other official languages: English, Mandarin and Tamil. These languages are widely used in various official, administrative and educational contexts in Singapore, due to the cultural and ethnic diversity of the population. You'll find it easy to communicate with a good grounding in English.

Accommodation quality

Singapore offers a wide range of accommodation options for tourists, from luxury hotels and world-class resorts to boutique hotels, flats and youth hostels. Most offer high standards of comfort, hygiene, service and modern facilities.

Food quality

Singapore is world-renowned for its diverse gastronomic scene, from local street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Food quality is generally excellent, with a wide variety of delicious dishes from different cultures and culinary traditions. Food is generally safe to eat. If you're not used to spicy flavours, we recommend that you ask about dish spiciness in advance. There are also many international restaurants.