Situated at one of the most important crossroads of the world, Singapore is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city-state where tradition and modernity, East and West meet and mingle most agreeably and harmoniously.

When it comes to fun, Singapore is your tropical playground, where there is so much to discover and experience. To whet your appetite, there is a wide choice of cuisine from all over the world found right here in this gourmet paradise. Besides this, a wide choice of leisure experiences awaits you, from spa treatments to pub-hopping, sightseeing, trishaw rides, non-stop shopping and attractions galore. And for your entertainment pleasure, there is an array of cultural and modern dance, theatre concerts and world class musicals found in this city for the Arts. This trendy city keeps you entertained non-stop, where the world comes together for pure enjoyment.

Currency
The local currency is Singapore dollars. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at the airport, hotels, banks or licensed money changers. All major credit cards are accepted: Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club, and JCB.

Banking / Currency Exchange
Banking hours are: Monday to Friday, 10am – 3pm; Saturday 9:30am – 1pm. Travelers' checks/cheques and foreign currencies may be changed at most banks and licensed money changers.

Language
English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil are the four official languages. English is the official language of the Forum and is also the common business language.

Passport & Visas
A valid passport is required for entry into Singapore. Please check your visa requirements with your travel agent or airline. 

For more information on visa requirements for entry into Singapore, or to find out more about the types of visas and to download the necessary application forms please go to:

http://app.ica.gov.sg/travellers/entry/visa_requirements.asp

Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. Bottled mineral water is also readily available.

Climate
Singapore has a pleasant, tropical climate year round, varying from an average of 26 - 32 degrees Celsius during the day to 22 - 27 degrees Celsius in the evenings. It is not unusual to have intermittent showers on a sunny day but the showers rarely last long and they provide a cool respite.

Tipping
Tipping is not very common in Singapore. It is prohibited at the airport and discouraged at hotels and restaurants, as most have already added a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers also do not get tipped.

Insurance
It is recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance.

Electricity
Singapore uses a 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second system. The Shangri-La Hotel can provide visitors with a transformer, which can convert the voltage to 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. Or adapters to suit various plug types.

Time
Singapore time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Dress
See schedule for dress recommendations.

Further information about Singapore can be found at: http://www.visitsingapore.com