It is possible to cash traveler’s checks in most Singapore banks and specialized exchange offices. Consider that banks charge a fee of 3 SGD for this operation. Therefore, it pays to exchange traveler’s checks for local currency in Licensed Money Changers that don’t charge commission fees. Passport is required in order to cash traveler’s checks.
Thomas Cook and American Express checks, issued in US Dollar or pound sterling, are the most frequently accepted ones in Singapore.
Some large shops and restaurants in Singapore accept traveler’s checks: it is enough to show your pass in order to make a payment. However, their exchange rate is usually somewhat lower than in exchange offices.
Credit cards are widely spread on the whole territory of Singapore and are the main form of payment: they are accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and even taxis. The country is going to transfer entirely to non-cash payment for goods and services in the near future. Cards of local banks and almost all major international cards are accepted here: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club.
It is not a problem to withdraw cash in Singapore – cash machines are installed literally on every corner: near banks, on subway stations, in shopping centers, and even in small cafes and private shops. Be aware that you might be charged for paying with credit card in some shops – it is illegal.
The Singapore national currency is Singapore Dollar (international designation is SGD; inside the country – S$) that equals 100 cents. There are coins at par value of 10, 20, 50 cents and of 1 Singapore Dollar, and banknotes at par value of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 and 10 000 Dollar in circulation.
Singapore forms currency union with Brunei, and therefore Brunei Dollar circulates on a par with Singapore one. It is accepted for payment at the rate of 1:1.
Foreign currency can be exchanged for Singapore Dollar in banks and in Licensed Money Changers. The exchange rate is stable and, as a rule, is the same in all exchange points.
Most banks are concentrated in the city business center and especially near the Orchard Road, where the largest shopping centers and restaurants are located. They work from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on work days and from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday. Keep in mind that some banks don’t exchange currency on Saturdays. Almost all banks are closed on Sunday, and only some branches of large banks on Orchard Road are opened from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Money Changers can be easily found in the airport, in hotels, in large trade centers in the downtown, and in Singapore ethnic quarters. They are usually opened from 10 or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., some of them work until 8 or 9 p.m. Try to exchange money only at the Licensed Money Changers.
Besides Singapore Dollars, many large trade centers and department stores accept American and Australian Dollars, as well Japanese yen and British pounds.
One of Singapore’s peculiarities is a large number of public catering centers that offer a large choice of dishes at affordable prices. The most popular ones are Hawker Centre and Food Court that can be found at any large trade center. A dinner costs from 4 to 7 SGD (2,5-4,5 €) here. A dinner at the fast-food restaurant is somewhat more expensive.
An average bill at economy-class restaurant makes up 24-40 SGD (15-26 €) per person without drinks, at middle-class restaurant – 40-80 SGD (26-50 €). The cost of a dinner at elite restaurant is higher: from 90 SGD (60 €) up to several hundred Euros.
Strong drinks are very expensive in Singapore. A half-liter bottle of beer at a bar may cost up to 10-14 SGD (6-9 €).
The cost of living in Singapore is one of the highest ones in Southeast Asia. Thus, a hostel costs approximately 20-40 € per night. Double room with breakfast in affordable hotel costs from 40 to 80 € per night, in a middle-class hotel – from 80 to 220 €, and the same room in a top-level hotel – from 220 €.
At the same time, Singapore hotels often offer 25-50% discounts on their services. There are usually special offers for regular guests, tourists who book a room for a long time, as well as for corporate clients.
A taxi is a convenient and relatively cheap mode of transportation in Singapore. Payment is made only by the meter. Boarding in a taxi costs about 2,8 - 3,4 SGD (1,75 - 2,15 €) and includes a one mile journey (1.61 km). Then, you pay 0,22 - 0,3 SGD (0,15 - 0,2 €) per 375 meters at a distance of up to 10 km, and further the same sum per 350 meters.
There are a number of markups to basic rates, at that. Thus, from Monday to Friday during peak hours – from 7 to 9:30 a.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. – you will have to pay additional 25 - 35% of the total fare. And a night trip – from 12 to 6 a.m. – will cost 50% more. In addition, there is a rate surcharge of 3 SGD (about 2 €) from Monday to Saturday, if you cross the central business district of Singapore (CBD) in the period from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. A cab ride to/from Changi Airport costs 5 SGD (3,15 €) from Friday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. and 3 SGD (about 2 €) at other times.
It is easy to catch a taxi in the street in Singapore; in addition, there are special taxi terminals in the airport, and almost near all major shopping centers and shopping malls. You can arrange a taxi in advance, but this service costs 2,5 - 3,5 SGD (1,6 - 2,2 €) extra.
Service prices in virtually all Singapore hotels and restaurants include 10% premium for services, therefore tips are not encouraged here. And in the local airport they are even prohibited by law. The practice to leave tips contradicts Singaporeans’ lifestyle.
But with development of international tourism, the situation is gradually changing in direction of European standards, and Singapore service workers expect tips from foreigners more and more often. Therefore, chambermaids in hotels often get 2 SGD per day, porters and doormen – 1 SGD, employees of beauty salons – from 2 to 4 SGD.
The tap water in Singapore goes through thorough sanitary treatment, fully complies with the standards set by the World Health Organization, and is good for consumption without boiling.
Although, a medical insurance policy is not required at the entry to Singapore and is not always entered in the list of documents, necessary for visa application, it is strongly recommended to obtain medical insurance for the whole period of stay in the country.
Firstly, Singapore has no bilateral agreements with other countries, according to which the republic would guarantee rendering medical care for foreign citizens in case of need. Secondly, all health care services in Singapore are paid, and their cost is quite high. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain a valid health insurance policy with minimum insurance coverage amount of 50 000 US Dollars before going to the country. In some cases insurance with greater coverage might be required.
If you regularly take certain medications, you should take them with in the first place. At that – in order to avoid possible problems at the customs – take special prescription from a doctor confirming necessity of continued use of these medicines. Otherwise, the most needed medicines – easy analgesics, antipyretics, etc. – can be always purchased on-site. Singapore pharmacies work at hotels, supermarkets, department stores and shopping centers. Most of them are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but there are also round-the-clock ones.
Sanitary and epidemiological situation in Singapore is mostly favorable, and the vast majority of infectious diseases, typical for Southeast Asia, are either absent altogether or under control of epidemiological services. So, going to Singapore, you don’t have to worry about vaccinations and other preventive measures.
On the contrary to other Southeast Asian countries, Singapore has virtually no insects that carry severe diseases. Local authorities are actively fighting against them and treat the most visited areas with insecticides that are safe for people. Thus, strolling through the city, you don’t have to be concerned about bites of insects.
However, visiting city parks and reserves (Bukit Timah, MacRitchie and others) it is advisable to treat open skin with repellents against insects. In addition, it is better to put on clothes that fully cover arms and legs, as well as closed shoes, in such places. Similar precautions should be taken, during a trip to one of the small islands near Singapore (for example, Pulau Ubin): anti-mosquito cream is necessary there. In order to avoid troubles, try not to contact any animals, reptiles and insects in countryside.
Given that Singapore is a progressive country that is reckoned among Top-10 states in the UN rating on technology development, it is easy to get an internet access here, both wired and wireless. Currently, almost the whole island is surrounded with broadband connection.
Most Singapore hotels have Internet access points that give an opportunity to use Internet in their halls, as well as in the rooms. Guests who don’t have laptops and other devices with Internet access can use public computers, installed in many hotels. Virtually all cafes and restaurants, shopping centers and state institutions, clubs and libraries also provide free wireless Internet access. There are over 1 000 Wi-Fi access points in Singapore now. The list of such spots and their addresses are available on www.wi-fihotspotsdirectory.com.
You can also access Internet from your cell phone, given that it supports GPRS or one of 3G standards. In order to do so, you need to buy special SIM-card with mobile Internet from one of Singapore cellular operators (international pass is required). As a rule, such cards cost about 20 SGD (12,5 €) and allow using mobile Internet at flat rate during three days. Then, you need to refill the card or to buy a new one.
In addition, numerous internet-cafes, providing wired and wireless Internet access, work on the main city streets and in the tourist spots. As a rule, one hour access to the Internet costs up to 5 SGD (3 €).
It is recommended to be careful when using public computers, while they are often infected with viruses, may contain spyware and other harmful software. Working on such computers, it is better not to enter confidential data, that is, not to use your user name and password to enter the mailbox, forums, etc.
Country’s leading post operator that provides internal and international postal services is Singapore Post. The postal network has over 60 offices, about 300 postal self-service machines (SAMs and SAMPLUS) and 40 postal agencies, conveniently located throughout the island. Address of the nearest branch can be found on the official website of Singapore Post www.singpost.com.sg. Most of them are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays – from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Singapore Post is one of the fastest and most efficient in the world. Its offices offer a wide range of postal, telecommunication and agency services. It costs a little more than one SGD to send a postcard by airmail anywhere in the world, a letter costs from 1,5 to 2,5 SGD.
In addition, many international courier express-services, including DHL, FedEx, UPS, have their branches in Singapore.
Stationary connection. It is more convenient and advantageous to make local and international calls from public telephones. Telephone booths are installed in most trade centers, at all subway stations, as well as in many other public places. You will need a telephone card in order to make a call. They are sold in all post offices, 7-Eleven shops, trade centers, news stalls, and by distributors. The cards can be for 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 SGD. Some Singapore public phones have a system that accepts credit cards. In addition, some places feature old public phones that accept coins.
In order to make an international call from a stationary phone in Singapore, dial 001 (the access code for international line), then dial country code, city code, and telephone number. To make a call within Singapore, it is enough to dial an eight-digit city telephone number. Local calls cost 10 cents per three minutes.
You may also use international telephone services in your hotel. However, you’ll need to find out an access code for the call and rates separately. In addition, some hotels charge an additional fee of 25-35 Singapore cents for successful connection.
Mobile connection. As a rule, after arriving in Singapore, your cell phone will be automatically registered in the network of a local cellular operator. However, considering that roaming is pretty expensive on the territory of Singapore, it is cheaper and more convenient to buy a local SIM-card. Moreover, the coverage zone is very large here, including subway and the most remote parts of the island.
There are three cellular operators in Singapore: SingTel, M1 and StarHub. Their SIM-cards are available in mobile connection shops, post offices, and 7-Eleven and Cheers shops. It is required to show your international passport during purchase. A card of a local operator costs on average 15-20 SGD (9,5-12,5 €), which are automatically put on your cellular account.
In order to make a call to a stationary phone number abroad from a cell phone in Singapore, dial an access code (it differs from operator to operator, so specify this information), then dial country code, city code, and telephone number.
Singapore embassies don’t issue visas. All visa categories are issued by accredited companies that are official partners of the Republic of Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). To apply for a visa, you should prepare the following documents:
- electronic copy of international passport that expires no later than 6 months after the end of intended trip. The passport must have at least one blank page for the stamp about crossing the border;
- scan-copy of a color photograph on light one-color background, in jpeg format, 400x514 pixels. The photo must be made no earlier than three months prior to submitting visa application;
- filled out on-line application. You can fill it out on the website of the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (http://www.ica.gov.sg);
- copy or confirmation of booking a round-trip ticket;
- hotel booking confirmation, received via Internet or scanned; in case of private visit – scanned invitation from Singapore citizen or a foreign citizen legally residing in the country, or from a company registered in the country;
- insurance policy with minimum coverage amount of 50 000 US Dollar is optional, but desirable. Sometimes an insurance with wider range of coverage is required.
It is advisable to contact the ICA partner company in your country, and to specify the full list of required documents before submitting visa application.
Decision on issuance of a visa is generally made within 7 days, depending on visa type. Afterwards, a confirmation of visa in PDF format with unique identification number is sent to the e-mail address specified in the application. Visa sticker is not pasted in applicant’s passport. It is enough to print out visa confirmation on a separate sheet of paper (A4) and then present it at the passport control.
Citizens of the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and of most European countries don’t need visa to enter Singapore. Given valid pass that expires no later than 6 month after the end of intended trip, travelers from these states automatically receive a tourist visa at the border. Visitors coming by plane receive visa for 30 days, and those arriving by surface transport or by sea – for 14 days.
Citizens of the following countries, who plan a trip to Singapore, have to obtain visa in advance: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Myanmar, Nigeria, Russia, China, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Other countries whose nationals need a visa to enter Singapore are Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
Tourists from the mentioned countries are allowed to enter Singapore without a valid visa, if they are traveling en route to the third country. The necessary condition is a confirmed air ticket and a valid visa for the destination country. Transit travelers are allowed to stay in Singapore without a visa for up to 96 hours.
You have a right to apply for extension of Singapore visa only if you haven’t extended the term of your stay in the country before, want to extend it for no more than 89 days from the moment of crossing the border, and the term of your stay in Singapore expires no less than in three working days after submission of application.
The extension of foreign residents’ term of stay in Singapore is under jurisdiction of the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). It is possible to extend visa remotely via the official ICA website. In order to do this, you need scanned copies of your international passport that expires no later than 6 months after the end of intended trip, and of immigration card, which you filled out entering to Singapore, as well as a copy or booking confirmation of return ticket. In some cases, a local sponsor, who must be either a citizen of Singapore older than 21 years or a person legally residing in the country, is required. Having all the necessary data, you need to fill out a form on the ICA website.
If you don’t succeed in extending your visa through the website, you should personally come to the office of Republic of Singapore Immigration and Checkpoint Authority.
The decision about visa extension is usually taken within one working day. The confirmation about extension of the period of stay in Singapore must be subsequently printed out on A4 sheet of paper.
The cost of visa extension services is 30 SGD.
Three basic types of Singapore visa are distinguished depending on foreign residents’ term of stay: short-term, transit and long-term.
The most widespread and asked-for visas are the short-term ones, which can be of three kinds: tourist, guest and business. They, in turn, are subdivided into single and multiple ones. If you apply for a tourist visa, Singapore usually issues multiple visa allowing to stay in the country for 35 days.
Singapore visa costs 30 SGD.
Currency. There are no restrictions on currency import in Singapore. At the same time, if you intend to import more than 30 000 SGD (including traveler’s checks), you have to declare this sum.
Alcohol and tobacco goods. A tax is imposed upon cigarettes and any other tobacco products, imported into the territory of Singapore. Customs duty for each pack of cigarettes makes up 7 SGD. The receipt for payment must be retained until the end of the trip, at that.
Remember that, according to local law, any cigarette in the country must have a special marking SDPC (Singapore Duty-Paid Cigarettes) near the filter. Owners of cigarettes that don’t have such marking or the receipt for duty payment will have to pay a fine of 500 SGD per pack.
As to alcohol, it is allowed to import no more than 1 liter of wine, 1 liter of beer or 1 liter of strong drinks (only duty free) per person older than 18 years, who comes not from Malaysia, in Singapore.
Goods. Electrical appliances cosmetics, watches, photo and video cameras, jewelry (except for fraud), footwear, items of applied arts and toys can be imported in Singapore duty-free.
Medicines. If you regularly take certain medications, you can bring them to Singapore only if you have special prescription from a doctor confirming necessity of their continued use. It applies in particular to sleeping pills, antidepressants and stimulants. Make sure that label and medicine’s name is clearly visible on drug’s packaging.
It is prohibited to import into the territory of Singapore: any narcotic and psychotropic substances (punishment is the death penalty), chewing gums (except for dental and medical ones); toy coins and banknotes, lighters and toys shaped as a pistol; explosives (including petards, firecrackers and fireworks); pornographic materials; counterfeit goods; meat products.
It is allowed to export unlimited amount of currency, including cash, traveler’s checks and securities, from Singapore.
Special permission is required in order to export weapons (including souvenir swords and Malay daggers), explosives, animals, poisons, medicines, precious stones, DVDs, photos and videotapes, as well as jewelry in quantities exceeding personal needs, from the country.
It is forbidden to export works of art and antiques from Singapore without permission of corresponding authorities. In order to export these items, a certificate from the Ministry of Economy is required.
Thanks to severe laws, the crime rate in Singapore is one of the lowest in the world: only Luxemburg has a better rating according to this characteristic. The situation in the country remains stable and calm for quite a long time now, therefore tourists don’t have to worry about their safety.
Nevertheless, it is better not to relax entirely in Singapore: although rare, but pickpocketing still occurs here. As a rule, it happens in the most crowded places, in tourist spots. However, if you are alerted, it is easy to avoid troubles.
The voltage in Singapore electricity network is from 220 to 240 volts with current frequency 50 hertz. As a rule, three-pole plugs with flat pins, similar to the British ones, are used. However, many hotels have plug sockets that are suitable for plugs with three flat rectangular pins and for European plugs. If necessary, you can take adapters at hotel reception (this service is free), or buy them at local supermarket.
Singapore is known for its drastic rules and laws, violation of which might result in severe fines, deportation and even criminal sanctions for a tourist.
In order to avoid troubles it is important to have a clear image of what one mustn’t do:
– Smoke in enclosed public spaces (public transportation, museums, shops, elevators, theaters, cinemas, restaurants and state institutions). Smoking is allowed only in specially allocated places, marked with special signs. Violation of this rule is liable to a fine of up to 1 000 SGD.
Moreover, Remember that any cigarette in the country must have a special marking SDPC (Singapore Duty-Paid Cigarettes) that is put down at the customs when you pay corresponding fee for importing tobacco goods. Each pack of cigarettes without such marking is subject to a fine of 500 SGD per pack.
– Use any narcotic drugs. Violation of this law is punished by long imprisonment. Import and distribution of drugs is subject to death penalty without right to file an appeal.
– Chew gum on the street. Otherwise it costs 500 SGD.
– Cross the street in the wrong place or at the red light. The offender will have to pay a fine of 500 SGD. Driving a car without wearing a seat belt costs the same.
– Drop litter on the street. Violation of this rule is subject to a fine of 500 SGD, repeated violation may lead to imprisonment. In addition, it is illegal to spit on the ground in public places; it equals littering and is punishable by the same penalty.
– Eat and drink in undetermined place, for example, in subway. Failure to do so leads to a fine of 500 SGD.
– Gamble. The only permitted forms of gambling in Singapore are charity lotteries, Toto and Singapore Sweep lotteries, and gambling at the Singapore Turf Club during races.
– Store and send up dangerous fireworks (including salutes, rockets, firecrackers, etc.), as well as bring flammable substances to public places. The penalty for this is up to 5 000 SGD.
Special prohibiting signs that inform visitors about the rules of conduct are installed everywhere in Singapore. If you read them carefully and follow the specified rules, it is easy to avoid high fines and other penalties.
Singapore has the Tax Free system, which enables foreign tourists who leave the country to refund 7%-tax, which is imposed on all goods and services.
In order to do so, you need to purchase goods for at least 100 SGD in shops that participate in GST Tourist Refund system: as a rule, they have ‘Tax Free Shopping’ or ‘Premier Tax Free’ logo. It is also possible to accumulate the necessary sum by collecting three checks in one shop in one day. Then, ask a cashier to give you special global refund receipt (passport is required).
Afterwards, you should show compact purchases, shop receipts and global refund receipts at the GST Refund Inspection Counter, located in the departure lounge of the Changi Airport. Large-size purchases along with all necessary receipts should be shown at the customs control counter. It must be done before registering the luggage, at that. After customs officials have stamped all your purchases, you can receive your money at the Global Refund in one of the two airport terminals. The tax is usually returned in cash, or transferred to the credit card, or sent per post as a bank check.
Remember: in order to refund 7%-tax you must leave Singapore no later than two month after making a purchase and within 12 hours, after customs officials have stamped your receipt.
Police - 999
Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade - 995
The weather in December and January is almost identical. It is hot, moist and rainy. The thermometer shows +28–29 °C during the day. It drops down to +23 °C at night. The sea is +26-27 °C.
December is the rainiest month of the year. It can rain almost every day, often with thunderstorms. Expect warm, short showering in the afternoon or early in the evening. The level of humidity in December is quite high and can reach up to 97% (up to 68% at night). It rains less often in January.
February is a bit less hot. The temperature makes +31 °C on average. Expect +24 °C after sunset. The sea is +27 °C. It rains less often and the level of humidity decreases during this month.
The weather is really hot in May. The thermometer shows +31–32 °C during the day. Expect +23-24 °C after sunset. The sea water makes up to +29 °C. There is a moderate level of precipitation. It rains quite often in the afternoon or in the evening.
April and May are the hottest months of the year. The high is +32–34 °C (+26-27 °C at night). The temperature of water is up to +31 °C. Humidity reaches at least 84% and it makes the weather stuffy and hot.
Frequent raining with thunderstorms helps but the showers are usually short. Still, they bring pleasant chill for a short period of time.
The summer season in Singapore is hot and moist. The thermometer in June shows +32–33 °C. Expect up to +27 °C at night. The sea water makes +29-31 °C and resembles hot milk.
July and August are a bit less hot. The high makes +30–32 °C during the day (+25 °C at night). Humidity is very high and reaches up to 82%.
South-western monsoons bring short showers (that last less than 30 minutes) and thunderstorms to the region. These are very frequent at midday. Sumatra squalls are very common during the summer season as well. These strong winds usually form over the Strait of Malacca early in the morning.
The weather in September and October is hot and moist. In fact, climatic conditions in the region are quite stable due to the city's location. It is situated near to the equator. The thermometer shows up to +30–33 °C during the day. Expect +24-26 °C at night. The sea is up to +29 °C.
September is less rainy if compared to August. However, it rains more in October. It can shower almost every day, often with thunderstorms. Expect heavy precipitation in November. It is the rainiest and dullest month of the year. Humidity can make up to 97% (around 66% at night).
Singapore has a lot to offer in terms of shopping. You can find hundreds of traditional souvenirs such as T-shirts, magnets, trinkets and cups, and some really interesting things with a local vibe here. These items can become a great gift to your relatives or friends, or a sweet memento reminding you of your journey to enchanting Singapore.
Perhaps, the most original souvenir from the city is a silvered or gilded orchid flower. In fact, this flower is one of the country's national symbols and its subject of pride. This wonderful keepsake is made in a very original way: a recently cut flower is placed into a gold or silver solution. Electrolytic process covers each petal of the orchid with precious metal, turning it into an elegant adornment. Brooches are usually made from large flowers, while smaller orchids are used to make pendants or earrings.
Each orchid is different, meaning that every piece of jewelry is also unique. It is impossible find two identical flowers. They are sold in the gift store in the National Orchid Park, which is situated on the grounds of the Botanical Gardens of Singapore. Moreover, orchid bulbs, which are sold in glass flasks filled with a special preserving solution, are on offer there. You can grow a flower from it at home. There is no doubt that such a thing will be an excellent gift from Singapore.
Authentic souvenirs that are sold at a reasonable price are available in many ethnic districts of the city, including its bustling China Town. The majority of gift shops lies on Pagoda Street, where you can find Chinese silk ware, Malay battik, embroidered table cloths and napkins, mah-jong decks in stylized wooden boxes, black bamboo fans, fortune-telling sticks in leather cylinders, and Chinese porcelain. There are vintage items and reproductions of ancient crafts, as well as modern and designer things, on offer.
Tourists often buy Tiger balm, a popular medication that is made from various healing herbs. This balm was invented by a Chinese apothecary in the 1870s. It is used for temporary relief of muscular aches and pains, and helps deal with many other health issues. There are red (with a warming effect) and blue (with a cooling effect) types of the balm. It is sold in local stores, pharmacies, souvenir shops, and even press kiosks. Quite popular are local alcoholic beverages that contain spirited crawlers or insects. The locals claim that these drinks also have healing properties. You can purchase the beverages in Chinese folk medicine stores.
One more place to go during your souvenir hunt is Small India, one of the city's ethnic districts, where you can buy jewelry, sets of Indian spices, tea, Indian sweet treats, original accessories, and bright silken sari.
Also noteworthy is luxury tea from TGW. This company offers more than 800 sorts of this delicious drink. It is available in local tea stores and large shopping malls. Kaya jam, made from coconut milk, eggs and sugar, can be a great addition to a pack of tea. It is sold in the Ya Kun Kaya Toast shops, which are scattered all over the city. Several of these are situated in the Singapore Changi Airport.
A bottle of Singapore Sling, one of the most famous cocktails in the region, can be a great gift as well. It is a local claim-to-fame and one of Singapore's national treasures. This beverage is sold at the legendary Raffles Hotel, where its original recipe was invented. Moreover, the cocktail is available in many supermarkets and in the Singapore Changi Airport.
Singaporean society is quite conservative: family values and traditions are honored there. And it is reflected in the attitude to the people of untraditional sexual orientation.
Relationships between men are illegal in Singapore and can lead to criminal penalties: up to two years of imprisonment. On the other hand, lesbian relationships are legally recognized and are perceived more loyally by society.
People, having untraditional sexual orientation, should avoid displaying their feelings in public, while it may lead to negative reaction by homophobic Singapore residents. Nevertheless, the city has bars, restaurants and hotels that are friendly to the LGBT community.
