Before getting too excited for the trip to the Lion City, there a few things that should be kept in mind.
Visitors are allowed a one-litre bottle of spirits and one-litre bottle of wine, but import permits are necessary for ammunition, weapon, drugs, poisons, meal products, seeds and animals. Jewellery, gemstones, platinum and gold should be declared on import, except for those used as personal items. An Inward Declaration may be needed.
Money used in Singapore is called the Singapore Dollar (S$ or SGD) and cents. Denominations for coins are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and S$1. Then for dollar notes, denominations are S$5, S$10, S$20, S$50, S$100, S$500, S$1 000 and S$10 000.
Taxis are convenient means of transport within Singapore. There are more than ten thousand metered cabs coursing the streets of Singapore. These cabs can carry four passengers at most. Cab drivers may charge more than what the meter indicates during certain situations.
Singapore has a tropical climate. Hence, light clothing is appropriate. Typical daytime temperatures go above the 30s, and the sun rises high in the sky at noon. Hats and umbrellas should be perfect. Commercial buildings and hotels are air-conditioned though.
There are different eating places in Singapore and some upscale restaurants have dress codes. Observing the proper attire is quite important when visiting mosques and temples, where shorts and revealing clothing is inappropriate.
Foreign visitors may be compelled to give tips to hotel staff or restaurant waiters, but tipping is discouraged because hotels and restaurants already charge customers a 10% service fee.
Souvenir shopping is important for visitors. Chinatown is a great place to shop for key chains, t-shirts, mugs and Chinese crafts (handmade bags, shoes, fans, scarves, and home decors). Authentic Indian spices, textile and jewellery can be found it Little India. Singapore Museum also offers exclusive souvenir items.
Passport validity is of serious importance. Tourists need to hold passports that remain valid 6 months from the date of entry into the Republic of Singapore.