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.
Police - 999
Ambulance Service and Fire Brigade - 995