Travel Information

ACCESS

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the busiest and best connected in the world. It is home to more than 100 airlines flying to some 320 cities in about 80 countries and territories worldwide.

Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre, where the APAO 2017 Congress will be held, is conveniently located in the heart of the city center and is easily accessible by the following:

  1. Taxi: The congress venue is approximately 30 minutes from Changi Airport. Taxi fares range from S$25 to S$35 per ride.
  1. MRT: Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre is served by three mass transit rail (MRT) stations: the Esplanade and Promenade stations via the Circle Line and the City Hall station via the East West Line. Click here for a map of the MRT.

In addition to taxi and MRT, Singapore also has a comprehensive bus network, which is both convenient and economical.

 

VISAS & CUSTOMS

Please note that all visitors to Singapore must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Valid travel document with minimum 6 months validity;
  • Onward / return ticket;
  • Entry facilities to next destination;
  • Sufficient funds to stay in Singapore; and
  • Visa for Singapore (if applicable)

If you require a visa to enter Singapore, please approach the Singapore Mission nearest to you for information on visa application and submission procedures, list of documents required, application fees payable and to obtain visa application forms.

The visa application process can take up to 2 months, so it is important that you start your application as soon as possible to ensure you receive your visa in time for travel to 32nd APAO Congress.

You can also contact the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for assistance at:
Tel : +65 6391 6100 (24-hour Call Centre)
Fax : +65 6298 0843 / 6298 0837
Email : ica_feedback@ica.gov.sg

If for visa purposes, you require an invitation letter to allow you to travel to Singapore for 32nd APAO Congress, please email to APAO Secretariat at secretariat@apaophth.org. In the request email, please provide the following:

  1. VISA Applicant to email a scanned copy of your business card and passport for verification purposes
  2. Full name (as in passport)
  3. Passport Number:
  4. Nationality
  5. Job Title
  6. Company Name
  7. Company Address, City and Country
  8. Telephone
  9. Fax
  10. Visa applicant travelling from <which country of embarkation pls indicate> to
    attend this 32nd APAO Congress prestigious event in Singapore

If your request is successful, a copy of your Letter of Invitation will be emailed to you.

Request for a Letter of Invitation along with the required information and documents must reach the Organiser by 20 February 2017.

 

USEFUL INFORMATION

To make your trip to Singapore as enjoyable as possible, here is some general information to note.

Weather

Singapore is hot and humid all year round, with temperatures usually reaching over 30°C. Be prepared for rain at any time, which can be very heavy but usually brief.

Language

English is one of the official languages in Singapore. Many Singaporeans also speak an additional language, usually Mandarin Chinese, Malay or Tamil.

Electrical Power Plug/Socket

The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles). Power plugs are type G with three square prongs, as in the UK and Hong Kong.

Tipping

Tipping is encouraged for good service. Such tips would be in addition to the standard 10% gratuity added to the bill by some restaurants and hotels.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in air-conditioned places, such as shopping malls or restaurants. There are designated smoking areas in some entertainment outlets and open-air eateries.

Drinking Water

Tap water in Singapore passes World Health Organization standards, so it is safe to drink. Bottled water is also readily available.

Visitor Centers

Drop by one of the city’s conveniently located visitor centers to get more information about Singapore, purchase tickets to attractions or buy souvenirs.

Click here for a list of all visitor centers

Connectivity

Visitors can register for a free public Wi-Fi account with their foreign mobile numbers at any Wireless@SG hotspot. Overseas charges may apply. Alternatively, prepaid local.

SIM cards are available from telcos M1, Singtel and StarHub, which provide access to Wireless@SG.

Click here for more details.

Useful Tools

Whether you need to find a museum, restaurant or the nearest MRT station, there are many useful smartphone apps to help you explore Singapore.

Download more Singapore travel information here.

Tax Refund

Tourists can claim a refund on the 7% goods and services tax (GST) paid on purchases over $100 at participating shops. To know whether a shop participates in the Tourist Refund Scheme, look for a “Tax Free” shopping logo or sign. You can also ask the retailer if your purchases are eligible for the GST refund.

Read more about GST here.