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Frequently Asked Questions about Singapore Singapore

What is the best time to travel?

Singapore's climate is good all year round. There is no fixed rainy season, but December and April are the wettest months.

What are the best festivals and when do they take place?

Singapore has plenty of festivals throughout the year, including Chinese, Hindu and Muslim celebrations. Some of the most important ones are: Chinese New Year (7th February 2008), Ramadan (1st - 30th September 2008), Hari Raya Puasa (also known as Eid Al-Fitr, it takes place the last day of Ramadan), Vesak Day (20th May 2008), the Dragon Boat Festival (also known as Double Fifth, 8th May 2008), Festival of the Hungry Ghosts (August 2008) and Thaipusam (February 2008). Christmas is also celebrated in Singapore.

When does the tour start?

All of our tours start at 12:00 midday at the hotel where we spend our first night. Your room will be available to check-in from this time. If you arrive later, don't worry, your tour leader will meet up with you at a later time to brief you.

Can I pre-book transfers and extra nights?

If you have booked your flight with Shoestring, we can offer the following two services. Firstly the option to pre-book airport transfers and secondly the option to book pre-tour nights if you have chosen to arrive early. Prices for these extra services are available on the tour information page.

Can I extend my trip by a few days or longer?

When you book a flight with us, you can extend the return date of the flight for as long as you like at the time of booking. If you want to change after booking, you will have to cancel the flight and book again, at heavy cost. If you want to stay longer and need extra travel arrangements just inform your tour leader at the start and he/she can see if the local agent could organise something for you.

What about my passport?

You need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your departure. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel.

Do I need a visa?

UK citizens do not need a visa for Singapore, but these things can change. So please click here and check out the current situation. You can also check on that website if a visa is required for any other nationality. Make sure you inquire at least a month before departure if you need a visa so you do not run out of time.
If you need a visa, please click here to find details of the embassy you need to contact unless you use a visa service. Shoestring does not organise your visa. You are responsible for having a valid passport and visa when you travel. You can also obtain the visa through a specialised visa agency like http://www.travcour.com/. It is a good idea to visit this website in any case, as it provides much m

Do I need vaccinations or malaria tablets?

Please click here for questions regarding vaccinations or malaria tablets for this country and then contact your GP or a specialised health clinic and make an appointment to get your shots and pills. Please make sure that you arrange this at six weeks before you travel to allow time for a full program of injections. Two weeks should suffice for people who have already had a few vaccinations. You are responsible for having the right protection when going on tour.

What is the recommended currency for Singapore?

Singapore's currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), which is divided into 100 cents. The US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in the larger shopping centres. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely distributed and banks advance cash against all the major credit cards. Travellers cheques can be cashed at banks or licensed money changers and at selected hotels. Banks are open daily, but some do not exchange foreign currency on Saturdays.

What kind of clothing and other stuff is practical to take?

Singapore is a tropical country, so it is best to bring thin, cotton clothing. A sweatshirt can be useful for the cooler evenings, especially in the winter months. All you need for your feet are a pair of good, worn-in walking shoes and a pair of flip-flops. Remember that you must remove your shoes before entering sacred building like temples. Flip-flops are useful for such occasions. An umbrella will come in useful as protection against both sun and rain. Further items to protect you against the sun are hats, sunglasses and sun cream with a factor of at least 15. Other important items include swimwear, toiletries, a beach towel, a first-aid kit, a (video)camera and sufficient film, spare batteries, an alarm clock, writing equipment, books, your (valid) passport, sufficient travellers cheques and money, a list with of the numbers of your travellers cheques along with their receipts (but store these separately from your travellers cheques), all relevant travel insurance detail

What kind of luggage should I take?

We request that you bring a frameless backpack or a strong weekend bag to carry your luggage. Don’t bring a suitcase, as these are very tricky to transport and sometimes you will be required to carry your luggage a long way. Make sure your baggage is not too heavy. We find that 12 kg is the maximum weight you will need. A small backpack is best for your hand luggage. For the storage of valuables or important documents we advise that you bring a thin money belt which you can wear under your clothes.

Electricity

Please click here to check what voltage and plugs are in use in Singapore. You could also consider taking a universal electric adaptor.

Travel guides and maps

If you want to take a travel guide or map, we suggest you click on Lonely Planet.

What is the accommodation like?

We will stay in comfortable hotels in rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

How is accommodation arranged if I book alone?

If you book alone you will share your room with a fellow traveller unless you have booked a single room. Sometimes this means sharing your room with someone of the opposite sex.

Do they cater for vegetarians in Singapore?

You will find a great variety of delicious Indian, Chinese and even Western vegetarian dishes very easily.

Can you travel with children?

Yes, children can travel with their families on a Shoestring tour. We recommend the easiest tours which are listed as ‘Category A’ where the distances covered are short and there is a slow traveling speed. But please check with our friendly sales team if you are unsure.
We would define a child as being under the age of 18. They would only be allowed to travel provided they do so with an adult family member or close relative.

Children under the age of 8 we recommend not to travel as they simply would not be old enough to enjoy the experience nor cope with the nature of travel that we provide.

The tour prices are the same for both adults and children however there will be a reduction on the child airfare which will vary depending on the flight selected (Please use the ‘search flights’ facility on the website to check the up-to-date prices).


Is Singapore dangerous?

Singapore is, in principle, a safe country in which the people are friendly and honest. Keep an eye on your possessions in the same way that you would in Britain. Keep your passport, money and other important documents in a money belt worn under your clothing, or leave them behind in the hotel safe. Never leave valuable items unattended on the beach. Despite these suggested precautions, you have no reason to feel unsafe in Singapore.
If you are interested in what the Foreign Office has to say, please click here.

What local customs do I need to keep in mind?

There are certain rules, rather than customs, that you should keep in mind when visiting Singapore. These include:

No smoking in public places such as lifts, buses, cinemas, restaurants, shopping centres or government buildings. Smoking is permitted on the street or at outdoor stalls, but don’t drop your cigarette butt as this can incur a hefty fine.
Public urination (incurs a fine and gets your photo in the paper!)
Jaywalking, or even simply crossing the road where there is not a pedestrian crossing. Always use a zebra or pelican crossing.
Dropping litter in the street. This can incur a hefty fine of around £500.
You may not eat, drink, smoke or carry durians (a very smelly fruit) in buses or on the metro.
Always flush public toilets; failure to do so can result in a fine.
Sale, possession and import of chewing gum is prohibited.

Mobile phone, email and snail mail

Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take credit cards or phonecards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and Telecom shops. Calls made from hotels are free of any surcharges. Several local mobile phone operators use GSM 900/1800 networks. Email and Internet access is available at internet cafes throughout the city.

Time difference with the UK

Please check the world clock in order to find out the exact time difference between Singapore and the UK.
Please note that the time difference varies depending on whether the UK is on daylight saving time or not.