Travel

General Travel Information

Weather

Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather. The average daytime temperature is 31°C (88°F), dropping to around 24°C (75°F) in the evenings. Be equipped with an umbrella for the occasional rain. 

Time Zone

Singapore is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). 

Electricity

Singapore adopts an electrical voltage of 220-240 volts AC, and uses the "Type G" British BS-1363 type wall sockets. Please refer to this webpage for more information of the socket type. 

G type plug and socket
By Basic_earth_pin_operated_shutter_socket.jpg: Deucharman (talk).Original uploader was Deucharman at en.wikipediaderivative work: Maca eglarest (talk) - Basic_earth_pin_operated_shutter_socket.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17251441

Water

Singapore's water is moderately soft and is safe to drink straight from the tap. Bottled water is conveniently available at supermarkets and stores in Hotels. You may wish to visit Singapore's PUB website to learn more. 

Money

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (S$). Money changing services can be conveniently found at the Singapore Changi Airport as well as most shopping centers and hotels here. 

Tax Refund Scheme

Do look out for the "Tax Refund" log at retailers in Singapore to enjoy tax-free shopping. Please check with the retailers for existing Terms & Conditions. You may also refer to the Tourist Refund Scheme website for the relevant information. 

Calling

The international dialling code for Singapore is +(65). To call local numbers from your mobile phone with international roaming services, you may omit the +(65) code. 

Smoking

Smoking is banned by law in certain areas in Singapore especially air-conditioned areas such as shopping centers and restaurants, as well as on public transports. A maximum fine of S$1,000 may be imposed on first-time offenders. For an updated list of banned areas, please refer to the National Environmental Agency website. 

Visa Application & Requirement

Foreign visitors from most countries do not require a visa for entry into Singapore. For a list of countries that do require a visa, please refer to Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoint Authority (ICA) website. However, it is best to check with your local consular office for the latest information regarding your travel to Singapore. If you wish to apply for visa, please email your passport details and abstract reference number to secretariat@conference.eras.org.sg to request for Form V39A and the letter of invitation.  Please refer to this URL to find out about the application process. https://www.ica.gov.sg/visitor/visitor_entryvisa 

 

Getting Around Singapore

Transport

It is very convenient to get around Singapore via various modes of transport. Commonly available are the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses and taxicabs. Typical flag down fare for taxicabs in Singapore is around $3.60, and may be subjected to a variety of surcharges. For MRT and bus travel, you may want to consider purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass. 

To travel from Changi International Airport to the conference site, please refer to this website for an estimation of the travel time and fares. 

 Taxi / Cab

Public Buses

Public rail – Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)

You can get a taxi / cab by:

  • Hailing one along the road
  • Queuing at a taxi stand
  • Making a telephone booking
  • Using a mobile app (Uber, Grab, Comfort Delgro, SMRT)

Buses complement the rail system and bring commuters everywhere.

Useful information:

  • Bus numbers 179 and 199 shuttle between NTU and Boon Lay bus interchange (near Boon Lay MRT station)
  • More information on public buses can be found here.

The MRT is one of the most efficient ways of getting around Singapore.

Useful information:

  • The nearest MRT station to NTU is Boon Lay MRT station
  • More information on the MRT system can be found here.

 

 

Places to Visit

Singapore offers many interesting places for tourists to explore. Some sites that are close to National Institute of Education are:

Nearby Places of Interest Find out more at
Jurong Bird Park https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/jurong-bird-park/ 
Singapore Zoo / River Safari / Night Safari https://www.wrs.com.sg/en/ 
Jurong Lake Gardens https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/jurong-lake-gardens 
Singapore Science Center http://www.science.edu.sg/Pages/SCBNewHome.aspx
Singapore Discovery Center http://www.sdc.com.sg/ 

 

For various places to visit in Singapore, you can refer to the Singapore Tourism Board webpage at http://www.visitsingapore.com/en/ for further information.