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Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It's about the same size as the 48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, but has the lowest population density in the world - only two people per square kilometer. Australia also boasts over 7,000 beaches - more than any other nation.

General Information

Money and Currency

Useful Contact Numbers

General Information
Capital	Singapore
Port	Singapore's very busy commercial port is a natural, deep-water harbor.
Language	The languages that are heard in Singapore reflect the city's international population: Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English, with the ethnic communities speaking their respective languages. "Singlish," a patois of English, Malay, and Chinese, is also spoken.
Airport Tax	A passenger service charge of SGD21 should be incorporated in the air ticket (including tickets issued outside of Singapore). If this has not been done, you may be required to pay the SGD21 during check-in. In some cases, the airline may absorb the service charge. Passengers who are in transit for less than 24 hours may leave the airport without having to pay the service charge upon departure from Singapore.
Baby-sitting	Baby-sitting services are provided in most hotels.
Drinking Water	It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers always have ample stocks.
Drug Abuse	Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore. Illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.
Electricity	Singapore voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors with electrical appliances of a different voltage, such as 110-120 volts, 60 cycles per second. When shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.
Climate and Weather	While in Singapore, expect to find a tropical, monsoon-style climate: hot, cloudy, and humid. The daytime temperatures consistently range from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 27 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Money and Currency
Banking	The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and SGD 1.
Banking hours	Banking hours are Monday to Friday : 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturday: 9.30 am to 1 pm (some banks are open until 3 pm). Sunday, 9.30 am to 3 pm (some banks in Orchard Road). Most banks handle traveler's checks and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturday. Passports are required when cashing traveler's checks. A nominal commission may be charged.
Credit/Charge Cards	Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore. Should any shop insist on adding a surcharge, contact the respective card company to report the errant shop-owner.
American Express	Tel: (65) 6880 1111 Diners Card Tel: (65) 6416 0800 JCB Tel: (65) 6734 0096 MasterCard Tel: 800 - 110 0113 (toll-free in Singapore only) Visa Tel: 800 - 448 1250 (toll-free in Singapore only)
Currency	Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centers and major department stores.
Money Changers	Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers. An online currency converter service is available at Business Times Online.
Euro Banknotes	As of 1 January 2002, the Euro banknotes have been introduced in 12 member states of the European Union (Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland), replacing the 12 legacy national currencies. If you still hold banknotes of the legacy national currencies, these currencies may be exchanged at: the Changi Airport money exchange counters (American Express Foreign Exchange Services Tel: (65) 6543 2580 and United Overseas Bank Tel: (65) 6542 0388) and most money changers. However, a lower price may be quoted in view of the additional cost incurred for redeeming the legacy national currencies at the respective issuing central banks. If you hold traveler's checks denominated in the legacy national currencies, they can be cashed or exchanged at:
Travelex (S) Pte Ltd	Singapore Land Tower #01-02A/B Tel:(65)6535 0111 (for Thomas Cook Traveler's checks only) Please note that processing will take one month
Changi Airport	American Express Foreign Exchange Services Pte Ltd Tel: (65) 6543 2580 (for American Express Traveler's Checks only) For more information, including how to recognize the new Euro banknotes and coins and their security features, visit website at www.euro.ecb.int .

Useful Contact Numbers
Singapore Tourism Board 24-hr	Touristline at 1-800-736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only) for tourist information or to speak to a Customer Service Officer.
Police	999 (toll-free)
Emergencies/Ambulance/Fire Brigade	999 (toll-free)
STB Touristline	(24-hr automated tourist information system) Tel: 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore only)


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