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Volunteering Abroad in Singapore - Destination Info

1. Clothing and Climate

Located near the equator, Singapore, is warm and humid the whole year round, with average temperatures ranging between 79°F (26°C) and 86°F (30°C) during the day with cooler temperatures at night.

There’s no distinct wet or dry season, but the months of November and December experience the highest rainfall.

Light and cool fabrics like linen and cotton are most practical in this climate. Casual attire such as bermudas, T-shirts and shorts are acceptable for most situations and occasions but some establishments may require a more formal dress code. It is always advisable to check beforehand on dress regulations, if any.

2. Culture

A city, an island, a modern Asian nation. This captivating country at the crossroads of Southeast Asia has multiple identities, countless mysteries and a culture woven from many threads.

Singapore thrived as a commercial outpost, luring Southern Chinese traders and labourers and later, Indian immigrants. These new arrivals intermarried with the native Malay people, provoking a slow, natural fusion of cultures, religions, architectural styles and cuisines. The many communities have integrated seamlessly into the Singaporean identity, while retaining some semblance of their customs and traditions.

Experience this exciting city of contrasts where mosque, temples and shrines sit alongside colonial style houses, each of the Little India, Chinatown, and Arab street areas still charmingly distinct. A uniquely Singapore creation is the hawker centre, where dishes that have emerged from this unique melting pot are still served up in individual stalls by individual traders.

This blend of history and racial interaction had given rise to several Singapore cultural icons that are unique and endemic including

Architectural style : Peranakan architecture
Religious festivals : Thaipusam, Hungry ghost month
Cuisines : Loe hei (a traditional raw fish salad that is served in chinese restaurants during Chinese New Year), the famous Singapore chili crab and pepper crab, Hainanese chicken rice and Peranakan cuisine.

3. Electricity

Electricity in Singapore is 230 Volts, 50Hz. On request, most hotels will provide adaptors to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage.

4. Health

For entry into Singapore, a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers (over one year of age) who, within the preceding six days have been in or have passed through any country endemic for yellow fever.

5. Language

Although Malay is the national language, English is the language of administration and commerce. Other languages commonly used are Mandarin, and dialects like Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese, Malay and Tamil.

6. Money

The local currency is the Singapore Dollar and Cents. Coins come in 1 cent, 5cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent and 1 dollar. Notes commonly used are in the denominations of $2, $5, $10 and $50.

Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big departmental stores.

Major credit cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore

Foreign Exchange

There is no restriction on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into or out of Singapore.

Travellers Cheques can be en-cashed at all banks and Foreign Exchange kiosks commonly known as Money Changers.

Most Banks are open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.30pm, while Money Changers in tourist areas generally stay open later.

7. Religion

Singapore has a diverse set of religion, the main ones being Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Taoism and Sikhism.

8. Transportation

Singapore has an efficient public transportation network of taxis, buses and the modern Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) that is affordable and hassle-free. Commuting is a breeze in Singapore!

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

There are 3 Lines- the North South Line, the East West Line and the Circle Line, covering all four corners of Singapore. The trains arrive every few minutes, so you can be assured of a speedy journey. Tickets are to be obtained at stations prior to journey. Fares start from $0.90.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Singapore. The Flag-Down fare ( the fare on the meter at the start of the journey) is between $2.50-$2.80. The ride is charged based on the distance traveled and waiting time during the ride. Other charges that may be applicable are: the Peak Hour surcharge, Public Holiday surcharge, Midnight surcharge, CBD and Location surcharges. Some of these surcharges are not reflected on the meter, but a notice on these surcharges should be displayed in the interior of the cab..

Buses

The bus network in Singapore is extensive and convenient, complementing the MRT. Buses are air-conditioned, clean and comfortable. Bus routes and schedules are posted at the bus stops. Payment is be made at the point of boarding. No change will be given, so do have the exact fare.

9. Entry Visa

As visa regulations change from time to time, you are encouraged to check with the Singapore Overseas Missions on the prevailing visa requirements.

At the time of collating this information, tourists from the following countries do not need a visa : Australia, New Zealand, US, Canada, Malaysia, Korea, European countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Generally, foreigners who do not require visas for entry and are visiting Singapore as tourists, may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore.

10. Telecommunications

Singapore operates on the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 networks. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased easily at post offices. Please note that passport will be needed for registration at point of purchase of the card.