Singapore - Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to go?

The climate in Singapore is consistently hot and humid throughout all seasons with little variation, so you can visit at any time of the year. Generally, temperatures don't fall below 20 degrees Celsius overnight and typically climb to around 30 degrees Celsius during the day on average. Singapore experiences rain year-round, although it usually comes in the form of heavy showers that are quickly replaced by sunshine. That said; it's wettest between November and January, which is the monsoon season.

Do you need a visa?

Most foreigners (British citizens and EU citizens included) don't need to apply for a visa before travelling to Singapore, and will be granted a 30-day visa on arrival. You need to make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from your date of entry into the country.

How can I get there?

There are regular direct flights from the UK to Singapore, with many international carriers operating this route from London. Among them are Virgin Atlantic, Malaysia Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways and Singapore Airlines. Of these only Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines and British Airways offer direct, non-stop routes. On a direct route, the average flight time is approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes on the outbound leg and close to 14 hours on the inbound journey.

What is the local currency and what currency should I take?

The local currency is the Singapore dollar and it's easy to exchange major international currencies like dollars, Euros and British pound sterling once you arrive. As a modern cosmopolitan country you will find that there are ATMs located throughout Singapore, while credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are all widely accepted.

What is there to see and do?

Singapore is home to countless outstanding attractions and is one of the world's most incredible cities with a unique blend of modern and futurist touches in stark contrast to a rich mix of Asian cultures and traditions. One of the top things to do is go shopping and take advantage of the tax-free offers that many stores provide. There are vast malls and plenty of international brands where you can pick up everything from clothing to electrical goods. In terms of its other attractions, Singapore is home to numerous stunning parks and gardens that are ideal for a leisurely stroll - one not to miss is the Singapore Botanic Garden. Singapore Zoo and the Marine Life Park are also worth a visit, but one wildlife-based attraction you certainly shouldn't miss is the Night Safari - a wildlife night park that's home to more than 1,000 nocturnal animals. Adventurous travellers can have a go at a host of fun activities, including wakeboarding, driving a super car around Singapore's F1 track, pain

What public holidays are celebrated in Singapore?

Due to Singapore's blend of cultures, it celebrates various public holidays from several religions. Christmas Day and Good Friday are the main Christian holidays, while the Islamic celebrations of Hari Raya Haji and Hari Raya Puasa are also marked. Vesak Day is the only Buddhist holiday on the calendar, and the Hindu festival of Deepavali is also observed. The non-religious public holidays in Singapore include New Year's Day, Labour Day and Chinese New Year, the latter of which spans two days.

Is it true that chewing gum is banned in Singapore?

Chewing gum is banned in Singapore and you are not allowed to bring it into the country with you. The only exceptions to this rule are oral dental and medicated gum.

What are Singapore's top attractions?

There are many fantastic attractions in Singapore, but there are a few that really stand out from the crowd. Among them are the Gardens by the Bay, which are home to thousands of species of rare plants, and the beautiful Singapore Botanic Gardens. The Marine Life Park, which is the world's largest oceanarium, is another one that nature lovers shouldn't miss. There are also some excellent heritage centres relating to the various ethnicities who live in Singapore - these include Chinatown, Malay and Eurasian heritage centres. One of Singapore's other big attractions is its food, with outstanding restaurants serving up dishes that combine flavours from the various countries and cultures that have influenced the nation over the years.