Singapore

Contents

• Introduction
• Fine State of Affairs
• Money
• Bargains & Basics
• Best Buys
• Worst Buys
• Top Shops
• Shop Smart
• Important Tips
• Important Information

Destination Facts

Full name: Republic of Singapore
Population: 4 million
Area: 683 sq km
Languages: Chinese, English, Malay, Tamil

For more information, check out Lonely Planet’s extensive range of books on Singapore.

Introduction

Ditch the image of Singapore as dull – scratch the surface and you’ll discover a strange brew of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Western cultures, a rich social stew that’s anything but boring. Singapore delivers Southeast Asia’s best eating and shopping, plus top-notch hotels. Top of the tree is Raffles, a timeless symbol of colonial opulence. Of course, it’s not all about shopping, eating and G&Ts on the verandah. Work up a sweat with outdoor activities or check out the contemporary arts scene. The Lion City is more than you bargained for – dust off your credit card, prime your stomach and dive right in.

At first glance, Singapore appears shockingly modern and anonymous, but this is an undeniably Asian city with Chinese, Malay and Indian traditions, from feng shui to ancestor worship creating part of the everyday landscape. It’s these contrasts that bring the city to life. One day you’re in a hawker stall melting over a bowl of Indian curry, the next you’re enjoying high tea in whispered environs complete with air-conditioning, starched linen tablecloths and gliding waiters. Mega clean Singapore may be, but its sultry rhythms wash inexorably beneath the regimented beat of big-city life.

In the crowded streets of Chinatown, fortune tellers, calligraphers and temple worshippers are still a part of everyday life. In Little India, you can buy the best sari material or freshly ground spices. In the small shops of Arab St, the cry of the imam can be heard from the nearby Sultan Mosque.

Fine State of Afairs

Singapore takes a tough line on antisocial issues – the most famous being its ban on chewing gum (well, it does mess up the pavement and could stop the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) from working). While having gum for your own consumption is no big deal, bringing it in bulk into Singapore will attract a heavy fine – the standard way of stamping out un-Singaporean activities.

Smoking in all public places earns a S$500 fine. You can smoke at food stalls and on the street (as long as you dispose of your butt, of course). The move to ban smoking in private cars was eventually quashed because of the difficulty enforcing it. Walk across the road within 50m of a designated crossing (jaywalking) and it could cost you S$50. Get caught littering and you could be looking at a fine of up to S$1000; not surprisingly, Singapore is amazingly clean. And woe betide anyone eating, drinking and/or smoking on Singapore’s pride and joy, the MRT; the fine is S$850. Money Currency The unit of currency is the Singaporean dollar (made up of 100 cents). Notes come in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$500 and S$1000. Singapore also has a S$10,000 note – not that you’ll see many. Changing money Banks can be found all over the city. Exchange rates tend to vary from bank to bank and some even have a service charge on each exchange transaction.

Money

changers do not charge fees, so you will often get a better overall exchange rate for cash and travellers’ cheques with them than at the banks. You’ll find moneychangers in just about every shopping centre in Singapore; use a licensed operator. Most shops accept foreign cash and travellers cheques at a slightly lower rate than you’d get from a moneychanger. ATMs are plentiful, including at MRT stations and shopping centres. For smaller transactions, such as meals, you will need to pay cash.

Going offshore...know the medicine law.

It’s illegal to take PBS medicine (subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) out of Australia, unless it’s for your own use or the use of someone travelling from Australia with you. Penalties are steep; fines of up to $5000 and/or two years imprisonment.

If you do take PBS medicine overseas, follow these simple steps:

• contact the embassy of the country you’re visiting to ensure the medicine is legal there
• carry a letter from your doctor with the medicine, stating what the medicine is, how much you’ll be taking, and that it’s for your personal use
• leave the medicine in its original packaging, so it’s clearly labelled with your name and dosage.

For more information about taking PBS medicine overseas, call the Travelling with PBS medicine enquiry line on %1800 500 147, or log onto Medicare Australia

Bargains & Basics

Indifference is not an option. Singapore’s plethora of shops will either seduce you instantly into maxing out your credit cards and emptying your wallet, or send you screaming back to your hotel room.

Best Buys

There are bargains to be had, but not as many as in neighbouring countries. If you are thinking of buying something specific, check the price before you leave Australia and then compare with what’s on offer in Singapore.

The Great Singapore Sale is held every year from the end of May to the beginning of July – see the Great Singapore Sale website

Art, crafts & antiques If you’re after anything of note, it pays to know your original from your cheap copy. While there are many dedicated art galleries and antique shops in Singapore, there’s a fair degree of overlap between them and craft shops. Obviously, for Chinese crafts and antiques, the best place to head is Chinatown; for Indian crafts, Little India. Arab Street is known for Southeast Asian crafts, such as caneware, batik and leather goods.

Eclectic electric Cameras, TVs, CDs, VCRs, VCDs, DVDs – you name it, the latest hi-tech audiovisual equipment is easily found – much of it at very competitive prices. Make sure your guarantees are worldwide, your receipts are properly dated and stamped, and your goods are compatible with electricity supplies and systems in your country of origin.

Computer crazy Computer systems and laptops are a good buy, though prices aren’t necessarily as low as in the countries of origin. Computer components and accessories made in Singapore are very competitively priced. Singapore enforces international copyright laws, so pirated software and software manuals are not openly on display as in other Asian countries.

All that glitters... Gold shops abound, but you’ll find a concentration in Little India along Serangoon Rd, and in People’s Park Complex in Chinatown. Here gold is sold by weight. Singapore is a good place to buy pearls and gemstones, but you do need to know the market. Jade is a Chinese favourite and, usually, the lighter the colour, the more expensive it is. Beware of imitation jade, and don’t pay too much for cheap jade. Examine jade pieces for flaws, as these could become cracks.

Worst Buys

When you’re shopping, it’s important to know what you can and can’t bring back to Australia. Common items from Singapore not allowed into Australia include:

• Mooncakes containing egg or meat
• ‘3 in 1’ drink mixes, Milo and coffee containing dairy products.

If you want to bring cut orchids back to Australia, check for insects before you buy and ensure that there is no fresh leaf material in the box – all plant material must be declared to Quarantine and inspected.

Some of these items are allowed in if accompanied by an import permit and/or treated by Quarantine (which will cost you money). Talk to Quarantine prior to departure about obtaining an import permit.

For more information about what you can’t bring back to Australia visit the AQIS Travelbug website

Buyer Beware

Singapore has stringent consumer laws; however, you should still be wary when buying. This is particularly true in smaller shops where a sales-person may match your low price but short-change you by not giving you an international guarantee or the usual accessories. Guarantees are an important consideration for electronic gear, watches or cameras. Make sure the guarantee is international and that it is filled out correctly, with the shop’s name and the serial number of the item.

Make sure you get exactly what you want before you leave. Check for the right voltage and cycle when buying electrical goods. Most shops will also attach the correct plug for your country. Also note that the video system used in Australia is PAL, so make sure you get compatible components. When buying antiques, ask for a certificate of antiquity, which is required in many countries to avoid paying customs duty.

Carrying funds in or out of Australia?

In 2006, the Australian Government introduced stronger laws to protect Australians from money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Under this new law, you have to report travellers cheques, personal cheques, money orders, postal orders, promissory notes and other bearer negotiable instruments of any amount if a Customs or police officer asks you to.

You still have to report AUD$10,000 cash (or the equivalent amount in foreign currency) using a form available in the Customs area of airports or seaports. Check out the Austrac website for more information.

Top Shops

Don’t get so overwhelmed by all the great buys that you spend your money on stuff that won’t be allowed back into Australia. Snakes and live chickens are a definite no-no, and anything made from animal products and plant material must be declared to Quarantine (and may need treatment) when you get home.

Art-2 Gallery
MITA Building, 140 Hill St
Ph: 6338 8713

Among the several galleries in the brightly coloured MITA building, Art-2 Gallery specialises in contemporary art from Myanmar, as well as Singaporean and Malaysian artists.

Eu Yan Sang
269A South Bridge Rd
Ph:  6223 6333

The venerable Eu Yan Sang has been revamped to look like a modern chemist – until you get a load of the traditional remedies on the shelves. A consultation with the resident herbalist is S$12. Remember, you must declare to Quarantine all herbs, including herbal remedies, when you return to Australia. They might need treatment.

Forum – The Shopping Mall
583 Orchard Rd
Ph: 6732 2479

This mall-come-playground is dominated by Toys ‘R’ Us, with other children’s speciality shops such as Baby Guess and Oshkosh B’Gosh.

M)phosis
B1-09/10 Ngee Ann City,
391 Orchard Rd
Ph:  6737 6539

M)phosis carries the wispy, slinky designs of Singaporean Colin Koh; there’s also a branch at Parco Bugis Junction.

Yong Gallery
South Bridge Rd
Ph: 6226 1718

Yong Gallery Specialises in Chinese antiques, old jade, calligraphy and wood carvings (avoid items with bark, borer holes and insects). If you’re after jade, which is so often a lottery in Asia, you can be assured of the real stuff here.

Heeren
260 Orchard Rd
Ph: 6733 4725

A magnet for the young and hip, Levels 4 and 5 house about 50 retailers selling everything from surf and street vintage to beads and piercings.

Indian Classical Music Centre
01-29 Hastings Block Little India Arcade, 48 Serangoon Rd
Ph:  6291 0187

As well as Indian music CDs, the centre also sells sitars, tabla and bells – everything you need to create your own Bollywood soundtrack.

Nalli
Campbell Lane
Ph: 6334 0341

You can buy saris and sari material, as well as Punjabi suits, at numerous shops along Serangoon Rd in Little India, but this shop is one of the best, where a deluxe gold-threaded silk sari can cost from S$200 to S$1000.

Funan Digital Life Mall
109 North Bridge Rd
Ph: 6336 8327

The principal computer centre, Funan is the place for brand-name goods. It’s a better bet than Sim Lim Square if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing.

Red Peach Gallery
68 Pagoda St
Ph: 6222 2215

An upmarket decorative homeware shop selling large, expensive couches, silk cushions and jewellery.

Warning!

Endangered plants and animals. Buying products made from endangered species (for example turtle, orchid, snake, lizard, tiger and bear) could contribute to the extinction of the species in the wild. However, some species can be imported with the right permits – for more information see the Environment Travel website

Note: if you import wildlife products without the right permits, your products may be seized by Customs and you could face stiff penalties.

Prior to travel, you should consult your doctor for advice on how to reduce your risk of illness while travelling, including required and recommended vaccinations and whether booster doses of childhood vaccinations are necessary. Monitoring your health whilst away and when you return is important for your own wellbeing. There is a chance that during your travels you could have been exposed to infectious diseases such as influenza, gastroenteritis or malaria. It is very important that you consult with your doctor if you feel unwell, even after you return to Australia and consider your recent destinations as a possible source for your illness.

Shop Smart

Before you spend your shopping money, it’s a good idea to know what you can and can’t bring back into Australia. That way, you keep your travel treasures and save money on any necessary quarantine treatments (or fines).

All food, plant material and animal products from overseas – including many common souvenirs – must be declared for quarantine inspection (and may need treatment) when you return to Australia. For more information about what needs to be declared to Quarantine visit the AQIS Travelbug website

Common items from Singapore that must be declared (and might need treatment and/or an import permit) include:

• Herbs and spices, including spice packs
• Fresh/cut orchids
• Tissue culture orchids.

In many cases, declared goods are returned to you after inspection. However, any item that presents a disease risk or is found to contain insects or larvae will be withheld by Quarantine. You will be given a range of options for the item depending on the quarantine risk that it presents. These options include: treatment (for example fumigation) to make the item safe; holding the item until an import permit is presented; re-exporting the item; or destroying the item. Most of these options will cost you money.

Before You Return

• Make sure you clean ALL soil from your hiking boots, sports shoes, golf clubs, camping gear and mountain bikes – you still have to declare these to Quarantine
• Pack items for quarantine inspection together, and keep them at the top of your bag so they can be reached easily
• Make sure you eat or throw away all fruit and vegetables – they’re not allowed in
• Leave ALL aircraft food on board, including nuts and snacks.

Important Tips

Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online at smartraveller.gov.au, or in person at the Australian High Commission, 25 Napier Rd, Ph: +65 6836 4100, once you arrive so we can contact you in an emergency. Check the latest travel advice for your destination at smartraveller.gov.au before you go. Subscribe to receive free email notification each time the advice is updated. Take out travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, like adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.

Obey the law of the country you’re visiting. Don’t expect to be treated differently to the locals just because you’re Australian, even if local laws appear harsh or unfair by Australian standards. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers’ cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home. Ensure your passport has a minimum six months’ validity. For more travel tips and advice, check out smartraveller.gov.au

Important Information

With increased quarantine activity at Australia’s airports, you’d be mad not to declare all items made from food, plant and animal material. The detector dog’s sense of smell (100 times greater than ours), won’t miss a beat – and neither will the X-ray machines or Quarantine officers. Don’t risk an on-the-spot fine or prosecution, or worse, threaten our flora, fauna and important agricultural industries with exotic pests and diseases.

Some people don’t realise that a lot of things you can get overseas are illegal in Australia and will be seized by Customs if you bring them back. These include blowpipes; BB guns; flick knives; crossbows; nunchakus; knuckledusters; electric flyswats; and cigarette lighters designed to look like weapons; coral; orchids; and reptile skin or ivory goods.

Don’t forget to check the Customs website for A Guide for travellers – know before you go or call the Customs Information and Support Centre on Ph: 1300 363 263 for advice about your customs clearance and items that must be declared.

Shopping on holidays?

If you are 18 or over you are entitled to bring A$900 worth of goods back into Australia. This includes goods purchased overseas, in Australia duty/tax free before you left, or goods for which a refund of tax has been approved through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). You can also bring back 2.25 litres of alcohol and 250 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco products.

Please note: Customs must verify your TRS purchases at least 30 minutes prior to departure. For details contact Customs on Ph: 1300 363 263 or check the Customs website

Remember when overseas, you are subject to local laws. Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in Australia. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison. Consular assistance cannot override local law, even where local laws may appear harsh or unjust by Australian standards. Penalties for drug offences can be severe and include the death penalty.