eos-welcome to singapore
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to Singapore
Getting around Singapore
• Public Buses
• MRT
• Private Car
• Taxis
Public Buses
• Buses
– Public buses run daily from 5.30am to midnight, and their pick-up
routes are extremely comprehensive throughout the island at regular
intervals (less than 30 minutes between buses). There are also
extended night services which cost slightly more. You can either pay
via cash, or an EZ-Link cash card you can buy or top up value at any
bus interchange or MRT station.
– The two main bus operators in Singapore are SBS Transit Ltd and
SMRT Buses Ltd. Visit their websites for more information on
respective bus routes and fares.
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
• The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) operates a
network of trains, which serves 51 stations,
covering most business, shopping and
residential areas in Singapore. These trains are
highly reliable, arriving every three to eight
minutes from 5.30 am to 12.30 am daily.
Private Car
• Driving in Singapore– Cars in Singapore are on right-hand drive, driven on the left side of the road. If you find it
too expensive to own a car, leasing a car from major companies like Avis and Hertz is
another option.
– If you are here on a Social Visit Pass, all you need is an International Driving Permit (IDP)
issued by the Automobile Association of Singapore (AAS). This Permit is valid for a year.
Visit the AAS website for more details on how to apply.
– However, if you are a Permanent Resident or have been in Singapore for more than twelve
months, a Singapore driving licence is required by the Traffic Police. You need to obtain a
Class 3 licence for cars and a Class 2 licence for motorcycles. To convert your foreign
driving licence, please contact any of the following driving centres:
– Singapore Safety Driving Centre Ltd
– Bukit Batok Driving Centre Ltd
– Comfort Driving Centre Pte Ltd
Buying a Car
• Visit the Land Transport Authority One Motoring website
for more details on how to:
• Bid for a COE
• Bid for a Vehicle Number
• Calculate Car Cost including Road Tax
• Calculate your Monthly Fuel Consumption
• Self-import and Register your Vehicle
• Install your Vehicle License Plate
Taxis
• To find out more details or to book a taxi, please contact the respective taxi companies:
Yellow-Top Cab Pte Ltd 6552 1111 / 6552 2222
Citycab Pte Ltd 6552 2222
Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd 6552 1111 / 6552 2222
Premier Taxis Pte Ltd 6476 8880
Smart Automobile Pte Ltd 6299 1551
SMRT Taxis Pte Ltd 6555 8888
Trans-Cab Services Pte Ltd 6287 6666
Accommodation in Singapore
• Singapore offers a wide variety of accommodation types to suit all
budgets and preferences. They range from backpacker, budget and youth
hostels to boutique and five-star hotels.
Most hotels come with standard facilities like International Direct Dial
(IDD) phones, internet and cable, room service, mini bars, data ports for
modem, no-smoking rooms or floors, and business and fitness centers
furnished with the latest equipment.
• Singapore’s Hotel Directory and Price Range
Accommodation in Singapore
• Rental – Public Housing
– If you are looking for rental housing, you may wish to consider public housing
apartments built by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). These
government-subsidized flats are conveniently located all over the island in
neighbourhoods with amenities such as supermarkets, food centres, medical
clinics, schools, malls and libraries. They are usually easily accessible by our
public bus transport network and the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) rail system.
– A major advantage of the HDB accommodation is also the reasonable rental
rates. The size of flats available range from one-room to five-room and larger
executive units. Please click here to find out the latest rental estimates in each
neighbourhood.
Immigration & Settling-In Matters
• For citizens:– Singapore Passports – Singapore IC
• For Permanent Residents:– Re-Entry Permit – Obtaining PR for Family – Obtaining Citizenship for Spouse and Family
• Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
10 Kallang Road, ICA Building
Singapore 208718
Hotline: +65 6391 6100
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.ica.gov.sg
Relocation
• It is easy to apply for a visa, looking for the right accommodation
or finding a school. Due to Singapore’s history of attracting
foreign professionals, most relocation requirements have been
anticipated and catered for.
• Click on the links for details:
– Moving
– Real Estate
– Orientation Programmes
– Integrated Relocations
– Language Training
Banking
• Leading consumer banks in Singapore include
ABN AMRO, Citibank, DBS, HSBC, OCBC,
Standard Chartered and UOB.
• An online currency converter service is available
at Asia One.
Communication
• Telephone and Mobile Phones– There are three main telecommunication providers in Singapore,
namely Singtel, Starhub and M1. All three are offering competitive subscription plans for mobile phones.
• Internet– Broadband or wireless services are widely and easily accessed
through three main Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Singapore, namely Singnet, Starhub, and Pacific Internet.
– Other than ISPs, the other option is to log on to Wireless@SG. This is a nationwide programme where users can enjoy free indoor and outdoor seamless wireless broadband access with speeds of up to 512kbps at most public places. Click here to register or find out more details about coverage areas.
Education
• Enrolment Procedure– As a foreign student, your child may submit his or her application
directly to the schools at all levels. Approach the schools for admission to kindergartens, private schools, universities or polytechnics. To study in Singapore, you are required to either apply for a Student Pass or a Dependant’s Pass.
• Please click on the following links for more information on:• Singapore Education System • Pre-School Education • Primary Education • Secondary Education • Pre-University Education • Post Secondary Education • Special Education • Private Schools • International Students Admissions • Admissions for Returning Singaporeans
Domestic Help
• Please click on the following links for guidelines and requirements that you should note when employing foreign domestic workers:
– Guidelines for Employers – Employers' Orientation Programme – Employers Who Change More Than Four Foreign Domestic Workers in a Year
– Maintain a Valid GIRO Account with a Bank for Payment of Levy – Obtain for the FDW, a Personal Accident Insurance (minimum coverage of $10,000)
– Work Permit (WP) Application for Domestic Workers – Obtain a Security Deposit of $5000 – Renewal of Work Permit for Domestic Workers
– Salary and General Terms of Employment – Termination of In-Principle Approval and Work Permit – Useful Publications and Resources
– Work Pass Legislation – E-Services and Forms
HealthCare
• The government has also introduced community hospitals for
intermediate healthcare for the convalescent sick and aged who
do not require the care of the general hospitals. The
Ministry of Health is a good place to start for all healthcare
enquiries.
– Private Clinics-The Family Doctor
– Polyclinics
– Medical Care for the Elderly
– Community Hospitals
– Specialist Care
– Hospitals
– Dental Care
– Medical Insurance
Useful Numbers
Emergency
Police 999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade
995 (toll-free)
Important Public Services
Police Hotline 1800 225 0000 (toll-free)
Traffic Police Hotline 1800 547 1818
AAS Emergency Road Service 6748 9911
Non-Emergency Ambulance Service
1777