LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
- English is spoken here, so don't worry too much. However, if you have an accent and wish to try out food at local hawker centers, try to keep your instructions simple. Many hawkers speak dialects and Mandarin, so might have some trouble understanding your order.
- While Singlish is prevalent, it is not difficult to understand those who use it. It is quite basically simply combinging the noun with the adjective, a lazy grammar issue. Most citizens will understand English, if the accent is not extremely heavy.
FOOD AND CUISINE
- Be very cautious about food if you have any allergies or sensitive about spice/peanuts. Seafood can be found in many dishes, so if unsure, stick to our many vegetarian eateries/stalls.
- Please note that alcohol is relatively expensive here, due to high tax. A jug of beer can cost up to SG$50. The locally brewed beer, Tiger is perhaps one of the cheapest beer on offer. Many nightclubs offer 1-for-1 during Happy Hour, or free drinks for ladies on ladies night (Wednesday or Thursday).
WEATHER AND SEASONS
- Due to our tropical weather, Singapore experiences conventional rain (downpours) fairly often between the months of October to January. Consider bringing an umbrella if you wish to travel here during these months.
- If you have fair skin and liable to burn, please bring lots of sunblock. The sun here can be harsh and you can burn under it.
SHOPPING
- You can purchase almost anything in Singapore, so even if you come here with nothing save the clothes on your back, you don't have to worry about not being able to brush your teeth before you go to sleep.
- Under the Tourist Refund Scheme, tourists who buy goods in Singapore from participating retailers can claim a refund of the GST paid if the goods are brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport within 2 months from the date of purchase. More info here.
- Most reputable stores will accept major credit cards, such as American Express, VISA and Mastercard. There are also hundreds of ATM machines around the nation, where you can withdraw cash.
PETS AND ANIMALS
- The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) is the government body responsible for the importation and monitoring of perishables, including food imports and livestock. Any requests for information on the importation of animals or plants should be directed to them.
- Please bear in mind that we DO have laws about bringing in animals here. Singapore has been rabies free and we'd like to keep it that way. Unless you're coming from Australia, chances are your pet's will be subject to quarantine for a month.
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