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Business and Shopping Hours
Usually, business hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Fridays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Shops are open from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Clothing
Light summer clothing is useful for outdoor activities like sightseeing. However, in formal business meetings, it is proper to dress accordingly.
Code
Country code of Singapore is 65. Singapore has no city code.
Drinking Water
Drinking tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe. However, if tourists want, they can get bottled mineral water from local supermarkets and grocers.
Driving
Go slow while driving. Speeding is prohibited. Several speed-trap cameras installed around the island constantly keep an eye on you.
Drug Trafficking and Laws
Severity of Singapore laws can be surprising for visitors. Drug trafficking is punishable by death. Speeding beyond limit is also not permitted.
Electricity
Voltage in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. If requested, most hotels do provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. The power plugs used in Singapore are three-pin andsquare-shaped.
Etiquette
Be respectful towards the local cultures. Remove shoes before entering a religious place and dress modestly in public.
Gambling
Most type of gambling activities are prohibited by law. Only authorised forms of gambling are charity draws, Toto, sweep lotteries and on-course betting at the Singapore Turf Club on horse races.
Smoking
It is better not to indulge in activities like littering or smoking in public places, for it would be like inviting trouble.
Time of Visit
Try to visit Singapore during the Chinese New year. Things are just more colorful during this time of the year.
Tipping
Tipping is usually not practised in Singapore. Hotels and restaurants include 10% service charge in the bill, thus discouraging tipping.
To Avoid
Singapore is one of the most crime-free countries in the world. However, it is advisable to avoid dark and secluded streets.
