singapore a short guide for first time visitors
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A [very] short guide for first time visitors to Singapore.TRANSCRIPT
Introduction
Singapore – A short guide
C O U R T E S Y O F S E R V O L V E - S I N G A P O R E C O M P A N Y F O R M A T I O N S P E C I A L I S T S
When you first step foot on Singapore soil, there are things you would have no clue about this great land. Here we attempt to introduce some essential facts about Singapore which will help you get around Singapore.
Let us start from your entry, the Singapore International Airport.
Singapore’s Changi Airport
Singapore’s Changi airport is known for many things among which are its size, the many number of flights that fly in and out, the architectural ambience, the sheer feeling of luxury and comfort it exudes etc. They clearly say that the whole idea is to create an airport experience that is second to none!! Certainly “THE FEELING IS FIRST CLASS” in their own words. For all information relating to your flights or the airport itself, log on to http://www.changiairport.com
Singapore’s Taxi ServicesYou are now done with your immigration formalities; probably you want to head down to your hotel and take some rest before you set about exploring the country. These are purely for those of you who are fending for yourselves here. By their own admission, there are 7 companies, 29 types and 23,000 taxis in Singapore. We know it’s a very good number of for a country of our size. This means that you will never have to wait long for a taxi anywhere.
The basic taxi fare is anywhere between SGD 2.80 – SGD 3.00. There is also some surcharges like peak hour surcharges and the like. For all information regarding taxis in Singapore visit www.taxisingapore.com including all hotline numbers for taxis in Singapore.
Did you know?If you hold a valid visit pass, you can get yourself a pre-paid number the minute you are in Singapore. You can get this by showing your passport at the SingTel counter at Changi airport.
Singapore’s public transportation
Singapore is a small island nation and every part of our country is well connected by buses and trains. These are collectively known as MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – trains and SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit) which is run by the SMRT Corporation Singapore. There are also the SBS buses which are like SMRT buses only difference is that they are bit newer in make . The good news is with one ticket, you can travel on the buses, trains and even the SMRT cabs. You will get to buy this ticket in any railway counter. MRT
stations run the length and breadth of Singapore. Each ticket would cost your around SGD 12/- for the ticket itself and you can top up value for travel. For the first time you would have to top it up for SGD 10/- and any amounts above. Travel in Singapore is not very expensive as you would have understood from the taxi fares. An average travel using public transport would cost you an average of
SGD 1.5/- dollars. If you are here purely to have fun, avoid using public transport during peak times on working days (Mon-Fri: 7.00 AM to 9.00 AM
and 5.00 PM to 7.00 PM). Despite these comments you might find our public transport a bit too crowded for your taste. If this is the case, you better avoid the peak hours. Once word of caution, you have to tap your ticket on to the ticket reader when you board the bus and also when you exit. If you do not tap on exit, you will be charged the whole amount for
your previous travel (remember that you will be charged for the whole journey and not just for what you travelled!!). Well, that is just the way things are done here in Singapore. For any destination you want to travel in Singapore, google Singapore is your best buddy, (maps.google.com.sg)
For all information in respect of public transport in Singapore, visit www.publictransport.sgwww.smrt.com.sgwww.sbstransit.com.sg
Singapore’s healthcare system
This can be your worst nightmare. But, in case you need emergency medical attention and you are in a place where you can get yourself into a cab, your cab driver will be able to take you to the nearest hospital. If this is not the case, you can call 995 for ambulance. If you are staying in a hotel when you have an emergency situation, please contact your hotel reception. Most
hotels have 24 hours medical personnel available on site or else have tie ups with hospitals or nursing homes.
We will also be providing you with a list of emergency numbers that you can call. Registered pharmacists in Singapore work from 9 AM to 6 PM and there are shops like the Guardian Pharmacy chains etc that will be open until 10 PM. Trauma care and emergency accident departments in all government hospitals in Singapore operate 24 hours. A regular visit to the doctor for minor issues or common problems would cost you around SGD 50- SGD 75 including medication. Dental consultations can be costly, a normal visit ranging anywhere between SGD 55 – SGD 100 and above. If you need tooth filling etc, you will have a good dent in your pockets by the time you are finished. Our best advice to you would be to be safe and avoid situations that can cause you harm. Carry your medication if you have allergies that are known to you. Avoid being in intense sun if you are not exposed to it. Control your alcohol intake and get vaccinations done from your home country against common diseases like the flu/ chicken pox etc. Have fun, but at the same time be safe!! The last thing you want while on vacation or business is a bad sneeze.
For information regarding Singapore’s hospitals, you can check the website www.singhealth.com.sg. Some general numbers for your help is,
Did you know?When you see this sign, you know you are within 100 - 200 metres of a nearest MRT/SMRT station