Essence Asia: Your tropical indulgence starts here.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of frequently asked questions. Should you be unable to find the information that you require, kindly drop us an email and we will get back to you shortly.
1. Am I allowed to bring my medication into Singapore?
Medication for personal use due to medical conditions, for which you require treatment for, can be brought into the country. Mark the containers clearly with the generic name of the medication, and bring along a prescription for it to show you are legally allowed to use it.
Visit the Ministry of Health website for further information. (www.moh.gov.sg)
2. Will I be able to bring chewing gum into Singapore?
The importation of any chewing gum into Singapore is prohibited under the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations, except those with therapeutic value. This prohibition is absolute, and as such, no allowance is given to any person who imports them for personal consumption.
Under the same regulation, when goods are brought or caused to be brought into Singapore from any place outside Singapore, they are deemed to be imported, regardless of whether the goods are for commercial use or trade purposes only.
Traders licensed by the Health Science Authority (HAS), can import chewing gums with therapeutic value, classified under the Medicines Act, for local sale with effect from 1 January 2004. The import of all other types of chewing gum and bubble gum remains prohibited and the possession of unlicensed chewing gum would therefore be regarded as possession of an unlawful item, which is an offense under the Customs Act.
Import of chewing gums with therapeutic value is under the purview of the Health Science Authority. A complete list of licensed gums is available in the following website (http://www.hsa.gov.sg/).
Licensed chewing gum (medicinal and oral dental chewing gums that are registered with HSA) may be allowed via hand-carried luggage into Singapore either by visitors/tourists or citizens returning from overseas trips. The import quantity has to be reasonable, with no more than 3 months’ supply (approximately 300 sticks or pellets in total) for personal consumption.
For more information, please contact HAS at has_info@hsa.gov.sg
All hand carried imports of unlicensed chewing gums are to be surrendered to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). For more information on the ICA, visit their website at www.ica.gov.sg.
3. What are the GST-Free/Duty-Free concessions granted to arriving travellers?
The following concessions up to the following value are granted for new articles, souvenirs, gifts and food preparations, depending on the traveller’s age and period he has been away from Singapore:
Less than 24 hours: 18 years and above – SGD 50
Below 18 years of age – nil
For 24 hours or more but less than 48 hours:
18 years and above – SGD 150
Below 18 years of age – SGD 50
For 48 hours or more:
18 years and above – SGD 300
Below 18 years of age – SGD 100
Travellers who are above 18 years of age and arriving from countries other than Malaysia, and who have spent 48 hours or more outside Singapore immediately before their arrival, may be granted the following concessions for liquors:
1 litre spirits (brandy, whisky, gin, rum, vodka, etc)
1 litre wine, and
1 litre beer or stout or ale or porter
4. What if I have more liquors than the prescribed duty-free limits?
Proceed directly to the Red Channel and declare the excess to the officer, who will then direct you to the Customs Office for payment of duty and GST.
5. Am I allowed to bring duty-free cigarettes into Singapore?
As part of an overall strategy to curb smoking in Singapore on the grounds of public health, duty-free privileges on tobacco products, including cigarettes, were withdrawn as of 1 January 1991. Should travellers have small quantities of cigarettes or tobacco products, they will be required to declare them whilst seeking Customs clearance. These goods may only be brought into Singapore upon payment of Customs duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST).
6. Can I claim refund of the GST paid on gifts purchased in Singapore?
You may claim a refund of the GST paid on your purchases under the Tourist Tax Refund Scheme. To enjoy this scheme, purchases must be made from a participating store. Look out for displays of a “Tax Refund” logo, or a Global Refund “Tax Free Shopping” logo. Claims for tourist tax refund are approved subjected to certain conditions. Visit the Customs website (http://www.customs.gov.sg) for more information.
On your day of departure from Singapore’s Changi Airport, proceed to the Tax Refund Counter and present your purchases, alongside the tax claim forms for customs inspection. Please note that Customs will not process the tax claim forms should the goods purchased not be presented for inspection.
7. If I need help with my customs and immigration clearance, what should I do?
Singapore operates the Red and Green Channel system at all entry checkpoints, including the international airport. The Green Channel means travelers have nothing to declare to the authorities. If in doubt, please seek clearance and confirmation at the Red Channel. Alternatively, email your queries to Customs at customs_feedback@customs.gov.sg.
AIRPORT
1. Are there dayrooms available at the Singapore Changi Airport during my transit in Singapore?
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 all have transit hotels. However, do note that in order to serve you better, the transit hotel in Terminal 1 is currently undergoing a refurbishment which is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2011. Though still in operation, both visibility and tranquility may be affected.
For more information on transit hotels, visit www.changiairport.com.
2. Are there left baggage services available at the airport?
Left baggage facilities are available at both the Arrival and Departure Halls in Singapore Changi Airport. Visit www.changiairport.com for more information.
3. How much is the airport tax at Singapore Changi Airport?
A Passenger Service Charge of SGD 21 is usually incorporated into the price of the air ticket (including air tickets issued outside Singapore). If this has not been done, visitors may be required to pay the amount during check-in. Airlines may also absorb the service charge in certain cases.
Passengers in transit for less than 24 hours may leave the airport without having to pay the service charge.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Is it safe to drink water directly from the tap?
Yes, tap water in Singapore is safe for consumption.
2. What is Singapore weather like?
Singapore’s location on the equator means there is a pleasant tropical climate all year round. Temperatures vary from an average of 28 – 31 degrees Celsius during the day and 23 – 27 degrees Celsius in the evenings. Intermittent showers on a sunny day are not unusual, and these showers rarely last long. The monsoon season hits in November and lasts till February.
Visit the Singapore Meteorological website (http://app.nea.gov.sg) for information on today’s weather.
3. Are Internet and email facilities widely available in Singapore?
Internet cafes are common around the island. For contact details of other Internet cafes, call +65 1900 777 7777 for CitySearch.
4. How is the air quality in Singapore?
Air quality in Singapore is generally good. Monitored through a telemetric network of air monitoring stations located in different parts of Singapore, air quality is measured by the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI). Visit the National Environment Agency website for the latest PSI readings (http://app.nea.gov.sg).
5. Will I be able to use my electrical equipments in Singapore? What is the voltage of electricity supply? Do I need to take a converter?
Singapore’s electricity voltage is 220-240V with ac, 50 cycles per second. Electricity outlets are three-pronged – 2 parallel flat pins with a ground outlet. Adapters can be purchased from any hardware store.
