There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Singapore each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national) January or February: Spring Festival (Chinese New Year, national)For three days, Chinese New Year celebrations involve merry-making and entertainment of many kinds, both at home with family members and outside in the streets of Singapore's Chinatown: stage shows, firecrackers and fireworks displays.
May 1: Labour Day (national) Ninth month of the Hijiri calendar: Ramadan (national)The holy month of Ramadan, during which the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, is an especially pious time for Singapore's Muslims, who represent nearly 15% of the population. Fasting begins each day at sunrise and ends at sunset. For the entire month within the Muslim community, everything moves at a slower pace during the day. The breaking of the fast at sunset is a time of togetherness for families.
August 9: National Day (national)Commemorates Singapore's independence from Malaysia on this day in 1965. Everything, from the streets to office buildings, homes and cars, not to mention the Singaporeans themselves, is decked out in red and white, the colours of the national flag. Highlights include a military parade, civilian processions, a spectacular fireworks display, and other festivities.
August 27: Hungry Ghost Festival (U Lan Chit - national)According to Chinese tradition, people stop working on that day, for hungry ghosts (criminals, thieves, drug addicts) are thought to return among the living to seek revenge and settle scores. On this particular night in the Chinese community of Singapore, it is thought best to not to set about doing anything, by fear of letting them near.
September 28: Birthday of the Monkey God (national)This festival honours the birthday of T'se Tien Tai Seng Yeh, a very popular deity in Asia, who cures the sick and frees the hopeless. Celebrations take place at the Monkey God Temple on Seng Poh Road. Mediums enter a trance state, during which they write special charms. Elsewhere in the city, Chinese street operas, puppet shows and acrobatic performances are held.
December 25: Christmas (national)Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 23/73 | 30/86 | 239/9.4 | Not the best period to go |
February | 24/75 | 31/88 | 173/6.8 | Good period to go
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March | 24/75 | 32/90 | 187/7.4 | Not the best period to go |
April | 24/75 | 32/90 | 183/7.2 | Not the best period to go |
May | 25/77 | 32/90 | 172/6.8 | Not the best period to go |
June | 25/77 | 31/88 | 168/6.6 | Not the best period to go |
July | 25/77 | 31/88 | 159/6.3 | Good period to go
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August | 24/75 | 31/88 | 180/7.1 | Good period to go
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September | 24/75 | 31/88 | 172/6.8 | Not the best period to go |
October | 24/75 | 31/88 | 201/7.9 | Not the best period to go |
November | 24/75 | 30/86 | 253/10.0 | Not the best period to go |
December | 23/73 | 30/86 | 281/11.1 | Not the best period to go |
The Singapore Changi International Airport is located about 17 kilometres (11 miles) north-east of the city centre.
It is very easy to get around Singapore. The city's modern, efficient and affordable transport options cover the entire urban area.
Both fast and convenient, the MRT, Singapore's urban rail network, is certainly the easiest way to get around. Modern and thoroughly reliable, it serves most city districts. Trains operate at 2-minute intervals during peak hours. Fares are about SGD 1.
Useful tips
If you will be using the MRT several times during your stay, the system's rechargeable EZ-Link card, available at all MRT stations, is the most convenient way to buy fares. The minimum initial stored travel value is SGD 10, to which is added a non-refundable deposit of SGD 5. At your last destination station before leaving Singapore, you can turn in the card and obtain a refund of any unused travel value. The card may be charged with fares up to SGD 500.
Singapore has a very efficient network of bus routes. However, it is essential to know the name of your destination, because there are no system maps on the buses. You can pay the driver in cash (exact fare only, no change is given). Fares within the city centre start at about SGD 0.70 for air-conditioned buses.
You can rent a car at one of the numerous car rental agencies (about SGD 120 per day, including insurance, for a small engine size). Note that in Singapore, people drive on the left-hand side and you will need a valid international driving license. Furthermore, the city set up an urban toll system. Vehicles are equipped with an automatic Cash Card device to run from Monday to Saturday, 7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. in the city centre, a defined area (Electronic Road Pricing, or ERP).
For longer trips, taxis can be very useful. They are plentiful in Singapore (almost 25,000) and relatively inexpensive. Expect to pay between SGD 5 and SGD 20 for a ride within the city centre.
Singapore is equipped with many bike lanes along the main roads. In spite of very dense traffic during rush hour, it therefore remains quite easy to move around. With its SG Bike and Mobike self-service bike rental systems, Singapore is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. Download one of the rental systems' free app and locate a bike near you. SGD 1 for the first 30 minutes, then SGD 0.03 per extra minute.
For more information:
https://www.sgbike.com.sg/
https://mobike.com/global/
Alternately, you may also rent a bike from one of the specialised stores (count about SGD 8 per hour).
Upon your arrival in Singapore, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organize your stay.
Singapore Visitor CentresAt various locations throughout the city, Singapore's tourism authority operates these centres, where you can obtain helpful information and recommendations for visiting the city and its surrounding area.
The official website maintained by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) provides a wealth of information on Singapore.
The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD).
EUR 1 = SGD 1,51
SGD 1 = EUR 0,66
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Singapore counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsBooster doses of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio vaccines are recommended. Depending on the length of your stay and hygiene conditions, the following additional vaccinations are also recommended: typhoid, hepatitis A and B.
For more information, contact Air France's international vaccination centre:
There are no food safety risks in Singapore.
WaterTap water is safe to drink in Singapore.
As a general rule, a visa is required to enter Singapore. However, Singapore has entered into visa exemption agreements with a number of countries.
For further information, visit the website of the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority:https://www.ica.gov.sg/
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Singapore, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Tipping
Tipping is not a common practice in Singapore. It is also largely unnecessary because most restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge to the bill. But you can certainly leave something extra if no service charge has been included. Neither vendors at hawker centres nor taxis expect to receive a tip.