APARTMENTS

Quality housing is available in plenty. The Housing & Development Board (HDB) builds good quality high-rise apartments for its people. Tastefully furnished 3, 4, and 5 bedroom apartments can be leased for 1 or 2 years at very attractive rates. More expensive private apartment, luxurious condominiums and bungalows too are available.

The most economical accommodation in Singapore is the YMCA at S$40 per day. This however is not easily available. There are three categories of YMCA's in Singapore, charging the following rates per day S$40, S$50 and S$100.

For long-term Accommodation: Paying guest accommodation is available. This is illegal but an accepted practice. Families of Indian origin usually provide such accommodation. Another alternative is renting a two bedroom apartment for anything between S$800 to S$1500 per month. These are rented out with very little or no hard furnishings. To rent an apartment, you must have an employment pass. You also need to register with the Singapore Housing Development Board. If single, the flat must be shared by two persons.

CHOOSING AN APARTMENT

Finding an apartment is easy - contact any of the three hundred 'housing agent' and he will help you find a place that fits you need and budget within a week or two.

For a list of available apartments with price quotations, click here.

FOOD

Singapore is the food capital of Asia. Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western foods are all on offer, and some of the most tasty creations are those sold from the atmospheric street stalls. Nonya cooking is a local variation on Chinese and Malay food, mixing Chinese ingredients with local spices such as lemon grass and coconut cream. The popular spicy, coconut based soup laksa is a classic Nonya dish. Singapore is a great place to discover tropical fruits. Some of the more unusual ones on offer include rambutan, mangosteen, durian, jackfruit, pomelo, starfruit, zirzat, buah duku, chiku and jeruk.

The food of Singapore reflects its multiethnic society. The hotels contain restaurants that specialize in dishes from all over Europe and Asia. The famous hawker centers, however, are possibly the best place to sample the various Singaporean cuisine. You can taste Indian, Malayan and Chinese dishes all in one night. These food centers can be a great experience and are part of the reason why Singapore is considered by many to be "the food capital of Asia." There are very strictly enforced official Public Health controls in Singapore, so it is safe to eat food from any of the restaurants or stalls.

The following are good guides to different eateries (discounts and specials included):

• Restaurants in Singapore
• Singapore Food

You have your regular fast food joints like McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut for which you can get numbers and addresses from the sites above or from the Yellow Pages.

Cooking at home will be an easy experience because all your needs are available in Singapore from spices, to fruits and vegetables, and even utensils.

FOR VEGETARIANS

While abroad, being vegetarian is not easy. Bit in Singapore, due to the various types of foods available, including Indian, it is a little better. There are still things you should keep in mind while eating at a restaurant:

• Try to order only purely vegetarian dishes or learn to cook.
• Be careful with the salads because all salads are not vegetarian.
• If you have a doubt About Singapore something, don't hesitate to ask.

PHONE CALLS

International Direct Dialing is available at the General Post Office and Comcentre. IDD calls can also be made from the numerous phone card and credit card phones located at post offices and around the city area. Phone cards come in five denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20 and S$50 and are sold at Singapore Telecom service outlets, post offices, convenience stores and some retail shops. International Phone Home Cards in denominations of S$10 and S$20 are also available at all post offices including the Changi Airport.

SingTel is a phone company that provides private services for your home among other things.

TRAVELING

Singapore has a frequent and comprehensive bus network and a convenient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system. Both are cheap and simple to use. There is also a good supply of taxis and all are metered. There are branches of all major rent-a-car companies, and you can look them up in the Yellow Pages. Rickshaws have disappeared from Singapore's main streets, but can still be found operating in Chinatown and back streets. If you plan to use these, agree on a fare beforehand.

SUBWAY

Singapore's Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is a new, clean and easy way to travel. The rates are are also reasonable. The train consists of two main lines that run north-south and east-west.

• Coin-operated ticket-dispensing machines are located inside the main doors at each station.
• Money-changing machines for changing paper money to coins are located opposite the ticket machines.
• Enter the platform through the gates marked with green arrows.
• There you insert your ticket, arrow first (and facing up). The machine will open the gate and return the ticket. The same procedure is followed at your destination, except that your ticket will not be returned.

BUSES

Singapore boasts of an excellent bus service. There are two types of buses in Singapore: the Singapore Bus Service and the Trans-Island Bus Service. Over 220 buses ply the paved roads of Singapore today, connecting every corner of the island. Bus rides in Singapore, though more crowded and slower than taxis, are less expensive and memorable experiences. For information on rates, click here.

You can purchase a Singapore Explorer ticket that will allow you to travel anywhere for up to three days. The ticket comes with a useful map with details on major tourist destinations and which service to use to get there. For more information. pick up the "See Singapore by Bus" pamphlet from the STPB (Singapore Tourist Promotion Board) in Raffles City. There is also a bus guide, available at most bookstores and news stands, for S$1. This booklet gives complete details of all bus routes.

TAXIS

Taxis are the fastest and easiest way to move around in comfort when in Singapore. The vehicles are clean and kept in condition (the cleanest taxis get a prize in Singapore). Black and yellow, solid blue, green and white or red and white - all with "SH" or "SHA" on their license plates. Taxis charge by meter. For an overview of the rates and various regulations taxis need to follow, click click here.

Most taxis stands are found just outside shopping centers and other public buildings. You may join the queue at these or you may hail one from any curb side (except those marked with double yellow lines).

Luggage in boot or hand carried cost S$1 flat rate and in the early hours (12 midnight to 6 a.m.) sleepless drivers charge a midnight surcharge of 50% of the metered fare.

DRIVING

When driving, be sure to obey all road rules. You can be fined up to S$50 for failing to put your seat belt on while driving. This ruling, implemented to reduce risks of car accidents, also applies to front seat passengers of private cars and taxis. On-duty police patrols never hesitate to issue tickets for exceeding speed limits, failing to give way, failing to obey road signs, etc.

You may rent a car or even buy a one if you can produce a valid drivers license. For this purpose, an International Drivers License will be adequate for the first six months of your stay. After this you would have to procure a valid Singapore driver's license.

Pedestrians are expected to use a designated crossing if one is available within 50 meters on either side. Designated crossings are zebra crossings, overhead bridges, underpasses, traffic light junctions fitted with green man and red man lights, and yellow parallel lines at intersections.

Renting a Car
You can rent a car from any of the international firms, or from local car hire firms. You will need both a national and international license. Self-drive cars cost from S$60 to S$350 a day plus mileage, depending on the size and comfort of your limousine. Contact any of the many companies renting cars through your hotel or the Yellow Pages.

SHIPS AND FERRIES

Ferry and water taxi services departing from Cliff Pier, Jardine Steps and the World Trade Center can take you to Singapore's outlying islands, while luxurious junk tours can be taken around the harbour. You can also charter 'bumboats' (motorized sampans) to take various tours on the Singapore River.

MONEY MATTERS

The currency unit is the Singapore dollar (S$). Notes are in denominations of: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000 and $10,000. Coins are in denominations of: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 cents.

Exchange Rates

The conversions given below are subject to change. For latest rates click here.

S$ 1 = Rs. 26.3277
US $ 1 = S$ 1.74795

For your traveller's checks and other foreign currency transaction, apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed moneychanger. Often they give better rates than those of leading hotels which deduct a service charge of 5 to 10 cents Singapore currency on each U.S. dollar. Traveler's checks generally get a better rate of exchange than cash. It's best to deal directly with any bank or licensed money-changer.

Also, note the following:

• You may not be able to change your rupees in Singapore. Even if you do find a place that will change your rupees, you probably won't get a good rate.
• Foreign currencies except dollar, deutsch mark, pound sterling, yen etc., are hard to change.
• If you are carrying large dollar amounts, it would be best if you carry them in the form of Traveller's Checks which are accepted in most places.

BANKS

Most banks in Singapore offer full banking services, including checking and savings accounts, ATMs, fixed deposits, safe deposit boxes, loans, overdrafts and transfers. Almost all the major
foreign banks are represented in Singapore, including the ABN AMRO Bank, Citibank, Standard Chartered Bank, State Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of India and Indian Bank. Major local banks include the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS), Keppel Bank, the Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC), the Overseas Union Bank (OUB), Tat Lee Bank and the United Overseas Bank (UOB).

Checking accounts

Banks have different requirements of potential account holders. Minimum balances and account charges may vary. Most banks have a minimum initial deposit. You can also open a US dollar checking account.

Savings/Loan Rates

Banks are free to quote their interest rates. On average, rates are 2% for savings, 3-4% for fixed deposits, and 7% and up for loans.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are readily accepted in Singapore. Retailers, restaurants, hotels and even some taxis will accept international credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express are all common here. Typically, to apply for a credit card, you will require an employment pass with at least 9-12 months' validity and an annual salary of $30,000 for VISA and $48,000 for a Gold Card. Again, it's best to check with the individual bank in question when you're ready to apply for one.

IDENTITY CARD

Singapore Immigration and the National Registration Department merged on 1 April 1998 to form Singapore Immigration and Registration. The department issues travel documents and identity cards to Singaporeans and various immigration passes and permits to foreigners. It issues pink cards for Singapore citizens and blue cards for non-citizens.

All lawful residents 15 years old and above are required, unless exempted, to register for identity cards. They are also required to re-register for identity cards before they reach 30. When an identity card is lost, destroyed or defaced, its holders must apply for a replacement within 14 days. A change of residence must be reported within 28 days at NRO at the Singapore Immigration and Registration Building, 3rd storey, or at any Police Division Headquarters or neighbourhood police post.

TAXES

There will be certain taxes that will be imposed on you in Singapore. This will either be deducted at source, or you will have to pay it. You should ask your company About Singapore the taxation policies and also About Singapore all the other commodities that may be taxed.

Singapore's tax policy is to keep tax rates low, both for corporations as well as individuals. The tax rates range from 2% to 28% depending on the duration of stay. The amount of tax payable will depend on your income level and your residential status in Singapore for tax purposes. You would be considered as resident for tax purposes if you are physically present in Singapore for 183 days or more during the twelve months prior to that year.

INSURANCE

It would be wise of you take out insurance from home. That way, you will be covered for some time, before you can inquire with your company About Singapore their insurance policies for employees. Otherwise, if you want to take out insurance in Singapore, it would be best to ask your company for advice and help. For a free insurance quotation, click here.

BUSINESS HOURS

Shop hours vary, although Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm are the most common. Some department stores, Chinese Emporiums, and stores that cater solely to tourists stay open as late as 9 pm seven days a week.

• Government offices are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
• Banks are open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Saturday.
• Post offices operate from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. on weekdays and to 1 p.m. on Saturday. However, the post offices at Killiney Road and the Changi Airport operate from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day including Saturdays and public holidays.
• The business hours of restaurants, coffee houses and music lounges differ widely although most open at 10 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Some offer 24-hours service and have staggered days off.
• Most shopping complexes close by 8 p.m., although larger chain stores and department stores stay open till 10.00 p.m.

HOLIDAYS
As in India, on legal national holidays, all government offices, banks, post offices, and many shops,
restaurants and private offices are closed, though some shops and restaurants may remain open. The following is list of public holidays in Singapore:

List of holidays

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public-holidays-in-Singapore