Singapore Travel Tips

Global Health Insurance are experts on giving advice and recommendations on international medical insurance and health insurance Singapore style. However, this page is designed to pass on our wealth of local knowledge to help you prepare for and enjoy your trip to Singapore. Contact us for free advice or a quote before you travel to Singapore, to ensure you have the right level of cover.

Currency
Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big departmental stores.

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 usually carry a sizeable selection. There have been very few cases of visitors falling ill and having to claim on their health insurance Singapore cover.

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.

Fireworks
Any individual found keeping, possessing, having under his control, discharging or letting off dangerous fireworks (including firecrackers, rocket fireworks, sandcrackers and such other fireworks) is liable to a fine not exceeding SGD 5,000 or imprisonment for up to two years or both. Fireworks bought in Singapore are usually manufactured illegally and can cause serious harm, especially to children. It is advised that you stay clear of fireworks if you do not want to claim for medical help on your health insurance Singapore cover.

Gambling
Charity draws, Toto and Singapore Sweep lotteries, and on-course betting at the Singapore Turf Club on horse races are the only authorised forms of gambling in Singapore. All other gambling activities are illegal in Singapore.

Laundry
Same-day laundry service is available in most hotels. Typically, it costs SGD 5 for a laundered shirt, SGD 10 for a dress and SGD 14 for a dry-cleaned suit. Independent dry-cleaners can be found in the Yellow Pages of the Singapore Phone Book.

Medical Facilities
Singapore's medical facilities are among the finest in the world, with well-qualified doctors and dental surgeons. The majority of medical facilities accept your international health insurance Singapore plan, and will often do direct billing to the insurers.

Pharmacies are located in most supermarkets, department stores, hotels and shopping centres. Registered pharmacists generally work from 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs.

Most hotels have their own doctor on-call around the clock. Other doctors are listed under Medical Practitioners in the Yellow Pages of the Singapore Phone Book. For an ambulance, dial 995.