FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS

Before you make your flight arrangements, be aware of the following:

• See if you have an 'Emigration Clearance Not Required' or ECNR stamp on the last page of your passport. If it says ECR or 'Emigration Check Required', talk to your travel agent and have him get you ECNR status, or tell you how to get it.
• Be sure of your itinerary before finalizing your ticket because last minute changes are subject to penalties.
• Most flights out of India leave early in the morning. Be sure to confirm departure times and connections from where you are to the city of departure, and onwards.
• If you are vegetarian, most airlines provide special meals on their flights. Make sure to call your airline well in advance and request this, especially if you have any other restrictions, such as no fish or eggs. Also confirm that all your connecting flights are aware of your needs. Some foreign airlines are also able to provide what is called a "Hindu Vegetarian Meal" if specifically asked for one.
• Make sure to carry enough money to pay the International Departure Tax (airport tax) at the airport, which is About Singapore Rs. 300.
• You are allowed to carry foreign exchange, and you can change your money at the airport, or you can get it done through your travel agent. You have to present your passport and valid visa for the exchange.

LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS

All airlines have baggage restrictions that you must observe as follows:

• The luggage does not have to be more than 20 - 25 kgs. excluding your hand luggage.
• You are allowed to check-in one suitcase not larger than 62 inches (combined dimensions of length, width and height) and another not more than 55 inches.
• You are allowed one piece of baggage on board the plane, but it must be no bigger than 45 inches so that it fits in the overhead compartments. Along with that, you are allowed to carry a handbag or camera.
• You should confirm the baggage allowances of your airline because they can change.

TRAVEL SMARTS

Here's a list of things you should do to avoid being stranded, losing your baggage or any other complications that may arise during your travel:

• Do not carry goods for other people. If the goods are or contain dutiable, controlled or prohibited items, you will be held responsible.
• Under the Singapore law, the penalty for the illegal importation of controlled drugs such as heroin or morphine is death.
• Make sure that your passport and Visa are valid and in order.
• Make photocopies of the important pages of your passport and visa. Pack one set of these separately from your passport and leave another with someone in India who can be reached easily.
• Make a note your visa duration, i.e. the date of expiry, and any other forms that may be issued to you.
• Write down the serial numbers of your travelers checks, if you are carrying any, in your diary or notebook.
• Carry your passport and ticket in a safe and convenient place on yourself, like a jacket pocket or purse because you will need to pull them out quite often.
• Make sure that you have foreign exchange and that you have enough of it.
• Carry a list of contact names and telephone numbers of people in the US in case you need help.

Note: Under the Singapore law, you are sometimes required to open, unpack and pack your baggage when the Customs officer wishes to conduct an examination of it. This is to give you full control over the entire proceeding i.e.. you can determine the manner of the opening, unpacking and packing of your personal belongings. This would also prevent any unintentional damage to your baggage or belongings.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Visitors over 18 and not coming from Malaysia are allowed to bring in duty-free:

• Personal effects (including cameras and radios) and food preparations not exceeding $50 in value.
• 1 litre spirits, 1 litre malt liquor or 1 litre wine may be brought in duty-free.
• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.
• There is no restriction on the amount of any currency that may be brought into or out of Singapore.

Items that are prohibited:

• Narcotics are strictly forbidden, as are firearms and weapons, subject to licensing.
• Chewing gum.
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products.
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape.
• Controlled drugs and psycho tropic substances.
• Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products.
• Firecrackers.
• Obscene articles, publications, video tapes/discs and software.
• Reproductions of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs, laser discs, records or cassettes.
• Seditious and treasonable materials.

For more information on Duty-free restrictions, click here.

ABOARD THE FLIGHT

On the plane, you will be given certain forms to fill in like disembarkation forms. Make sure you fill these out and have them ready for presentation to the Immigration counter at the airport. Part of this form may be attached to your passport, and you must keep this carefully because they'll need to see it when you leave the country.