Practical information about Singapore

by | March 11, 2021

Traveling during the corona

Traveling during the corona certainly raises a lot of questions, both for those who are just planning a trip and those who have already booked their trip.

As a passenger, you are responsible for complying with the entry requirements of airlines, airports and destination countries. Such requirements may include, but are not limited to, a possible visa, vaccinations, coronary passport, corona test or other entry documents. These requirements may change between the time of booking the trip and the date of departure, and it is therefore very important that you keep up to date with any changes and find out about any entry requirements in force before starting your trip.

  1. The climate of Singapore

Singapore is located on the equator. The country has a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and high humidity all year round. Rainfall is common regardless of the season, and there is no actual rainy season in the country. Instead, the year is divided into two monsoon seasons.

The first monsoon season, the northeast monsoon, runs from November to March, and the second monsoon season, the southwest monsoon, runs from June to September. Particularly during the southwest monsoon, heavy thunderstorms are common in the mornings and are often followed by strong winds. What both seasons have in common is that rains usually start early in the morning and slowly fade towards the afternoon.

It is also worth bearing in mind that tropical hurricanes can also hit Singapore between June and December.

The dry season, or the nearest equivalent, begins in June and lasts until August. June is usually the least rainy month. At this time of year, there is less rainfall, so the humidity is also lower, in addition to which there are more sunny hours and the sky is more cloudless. The same applies to the beginning of the year, especially in February.

Despite the humid climate and heavy rainfall, Singapore has as many sunny as rainy hours, and both air and water temperatures are consistently high throughout the year.

Singapore weather statistics: OAK PEARL PAINTING APRIL MAY SUMMER HAY LIFE AUTUMN MUD MARRAS CHRISTMAS
Average. highest temperature 30 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 30 29
Average. lowest temperature 23 24 24 24 25 24 24 24 24 24 24 23
Precipitation e.g. 243 160 186 179 171 162 159 175 169 194 257 287
Average seawater temperature 28 28 29 30 30 30 30 29 29 29 29 29
  1. When should you travel to Singapore?

Singapore is a year-round travel destination, but the best tourist times are spring and the first months of summer. There are most hours of sunshine at this time of year, there is less rain, and from time to time there may be a cooling breeze in the air. There are not as many rainy days as at other times of the year, and therefore the humidity is also lower. In any case, it is always advisable to bring an umbrella, as heavy rain showers are never uncommon.

  1. Travel conditions

Please read our travel conditions carefully, as these form part of the Asian Travel Package Terms and Conditions. Trips purchased from us are covered by the Package Travel Act.

  1. Assistance in obtaining travel insurance

You can find all the information you need on our insurance tab on our website.

  1. Vaccinations

We recommend that you contact a doctor who specializes in vaccinations, your own doctor or an authorized vaccination clinic.

Follow the rules for yellow fever – especially if you are traveling through a country where there is a yellow fever.

In some countries, you will need to present proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival. Be sure to bring your vaccination certificate for such situations.

  1. Visa / passport

Finnish citizens do not need a visa to Singapore if their stay in the country does not exceed 90 days. However, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the end of the stay.

  1. Flight reservations and airline tickets

We will send you an itinerary as soon as we have booked your flight. From the itinerary, you can see what exactly is included in the trip. If you notice an error in the name on the booking, you should contact us immediately.

We use e-tickets that you have to print yourself. Once the tickets have been booked, we will send you an email with the booking number and instructions on how to print the ticket.

  1. Seat reservation, upgrade class and extra legroom

At check-in, the airline will show you your seat on the flight. If you have a seat request, you can make a seat reservation in advance on the airline’s website. Most airlines have an item called “manage my booking” in the main menu of the site. Please note that most airlines charge an additional fee for booking a seat, so please have your credit card ready before booking. The time window for booking a seat varies from one airline to another, but as a general rule, a seat can be booked immediately after booking the trip and no later than 48 hours before the departure of the flight.

Many airlines also allow for upgrading to a more spacious and comfortable seat, such as KLM’s Economy Comfort and Air France’s Premium Voyageur. You can familiarize yourself with the service and make a travel class upgrade on the airline’s website.

Please also note that the airline has the right and opportunity to make ultimate changes to seats, including separately reserved seats.

If you do not make a reservation before the trip, the airline will show you the seat at check-in.

  1. Information letter

Once you have booked your trip with us, we will send you a newsletter before the trip. The information letter contains important information such as online check-in, instructions on how to deal with possible delays, tips on tips, etc. In addition, the letter contains important telephone numbers, such as the number of our local representative and our own emergency number.

For this reason, it is important that you print the newsletter and take it with you on the trip.

  1. Baggage

We use many different airlines on our trips to Singapore, so the amount of baggage allowed per kilogram can vary for both checked-in suitcases and hand luggage. Baggage information can be found on the flight ticket. You can also contact us if you have any questions about our luggage.

Also, make sure you pack the most essential items in your hand luggage. Such items include, for example, passports, airline tickets, insurance documents, credit cards, money and a camera, as well as any health information and vital medicines.

Due to the air conditioning, it can get cold on the plane, so you should also pack a warm sweater or windbreaker in your hand luggage.

  1. Arrival in Singapore and Airport Transfers

When you arrive at Singapore Airport, our local representative will meet you at the airport arrival hall. You will recognize him by a sign with your own name. Our representative will transport you to your hotel and back to the airport on the day of departure. The pick-up time of the departure date will be announced upon arrival.

  1. Time difference

The time difference between Singapore and Finland varies depending on whether Finland has summer time or winter time.

The time difference is +5 hours when there is summer time in Finland and +6 hours when it is winter time in Finland.

  1. Languages

As a country located in southeastern Asia defined by Countryaah, Singapore has four official languages: Chinese, English, Malay and Tamil. Malay is the national language, while English is used in administrative matters and as the language of instruction. Most residents of the country speak two or more languages.

  1. Culture and etiquette

Experiencing different cultures is one of the best aspects of tourism, but it is also important for the visitor to respect cultural and etiquette differences.

Chewing gum is banned in Singapore and may not be imported. It is also illegal to litter, smoke in public places and cross the street other than along a protective road. Violations of the rules can result in fines of up to SGD 1,000.

  1. Telephone and internet

Singapore’s international area code is +65 (or 0065). In Singapore, making and receiving a call can be expensive. Check your mobile phone coverage and prices with your mobile operator.

Most hotels have WiFi.

  1. Electricity

The voltage in Singapore is 230 V. The plugs are three-pin so-called G-type plugs. So the plugs are different than in Finland, so be sure to pack the adapter with you.

  1. Meals and beverages

Singapore is a true melting pot of cultures, so food from all over the world is served here. If you want to try local specialties, head to one of the many Hawker Center food markets or street kitchens, which offer a huge selection of Chinese, Malaysian and Indian cuisines, among others.

  1. Holidays

Experiencing the traditions and celebrations of other countries and cultures is always a particularly wonderful and fascinating experience. Below you can see when the country celebrates public holidays, important festivals and other anniversaries.

Please note that some museums and attractions may be closed on such days.

  1. Currency

The currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). We recommend that you book US dollars in cash and exchange them at an official exchange point. Ordinary credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are quite common, and ATMs are everywhere. Credit cards are accepted as means of payment in hotels, shops, and most restaurants, but not usually in small markets and markets.

  1. Price level

Singapore’s price level is higher than other Asian countries. Below are indicative prices for a variety of groceries and beverages in local currency.

  • Local beer: SGD 10
  • Imported beers: 11 SGD
  • Water: 1.5 SGD
  • Mineral water: 2 SGD
  • Regular meal: SGD 12
  • 3-course meal for 2 people: 60 SGD
  1. Drink money

Drink money is not part of Singapore culture, and sometimes giving a tip can even be perceived as offensive. Instead of gratuity, a small service fee is usually added to the bill for hotels and restaurants.

  1. Security

Singapore is generally a safe country for tourists, and crime against tourists is usually limited to pickpocketing. Being a victim of theft is often avoided by following common caution and using common sense. Avoid using expensive jewelry and watches, show off your banknotes and never get your credit card out of your sight. When you always follow the safety instructions in this guide, you don’t have to worry unnecessarily.

  1. Passengers with reduced mobility

Please note that our trips are generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Contact our customer service and inquire about the possibilities to take into account your personal needs.

Practical information about Singapore