TELEPHONE
To dial home from Singapore, use the international access
code 001, followed by the destination country code, area code and number you
wish to dial.
For calls to Singapore, the international dial code
prefix may vary depending upon the country from which the call is made, but
will be followed by Singapore’s international number +65, followed by the area
code and local number.
The main emergency Police number is 999, which is free to
call. For fire and ambulance calls, dial 995.
When travelling with Haivenu, you will also always be
provided with an emergency contact number to access our help and assistance.
For mobile handsets, consult your service provider in
advance of departure to activate your handset for use in Singapore and seek
advice concerning roaming charges, which are, however, likely to be expensive.
If your phone is unlocked, another option is to buy a SIM
card locally, from one of Singapore’s three main providers, SingTel, Mobile One
(M1), and StarHub. It should be noted that many plans charge a small fee for
incoming calls, even if they originate locally, though you can opt to buy an
unlimited incoming call option.
Singapore has extensive 3G and 4G coverage and signal
problems are unlikely. You can also purchase contract free handsets locally,
though you will also need to purchase a SIM card. When purchasing a Phone
and/or SIM, you will need to show your passport.
INTERNET
Singapore has exemplary high-speed internet facilities. Most
hotels provide free Wi-Fi, as do many cafes, restaurants and food outlets. In
addition, you can register to use Singapore’s free public Wi-Fi service,
Wireless@SG, which provides access to extensive Wi-Fi hotspots throughout
Singapore, by visiting a customer service desk of SingTel, Mobile One (M1), or
StarHub. Registration is free, but you will be required to show passport
identification.
The 3G and 4G networks are well developed, and for mobile
internet, buying a SIM locally provides a relatively cheap and reliable
solution, especially with such extensive Wi-Fi connections and also provides
the added advantage of access to useful navigation and sightseeing apps.
ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply in Singapore is 220-240 Volts, at 50 HZ.
A useful visual reference guide to the full range of international
plug and socket varieties can be found at http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/, which describes
the type system in use on this website.
Like neighbouring Malaysia, Singapore’s British colonial
history has left the legacy of a standardised system across the country, and
all sockets in Singapore are of the square three pin type G, as used in the UK.
It is helpful to consider your likely needs in advance. If
you will need to charge several items such as mobile phones, tablet computers,
cameras etc., it may be worth bringing a multiple, preferably surge protected,
outlet from your own country to avoid having to purchase several adapters, or
to deal with a limited availability of wall sockets.
In most cases, if your equipment normally runs on a 110
volt, 60 HZ supply, you will additionally need a portable transformer.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
Singapore uses the international metric system of weights
and measures, based on the metre, litre and gram.
POSTAL SERVICES
Postal services are run by Singapore Post, which provides
a host of modern, efficient and reliable postal services.
Opening hours can fluctuate according to the local branch,
but most branches operate from 08:30-17:00 and 08:30-13:00 on Saturdays.
Several international operators, such as TNT, DHL, UPS
and Federal Express and many more, also operate in Singapore.
TIME ZONE
Singapore Standard Time is GMT+8, though it should be
noted for calculation purposes that the country does not operate a daylight
saving mechanism.