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Quick Links: The Venue - Transport - The City - Visa Requirements - People - Language - Time Zone - Climate - Currency - Credit/Charge Cards - Voltage
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The Venue
Swissôtel Merchant Court, Singapore is a luxury hotel ideally located close to entertainment and dining hotspots such as Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Chinatown. The close proximity of the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit station) to the hotel makes Orchard Road, Raffles City, all major tourist attractions and the financial hub at Raffles Place, within easy reach.
Swissôtel Merchant Court is located beside the North-East Line (NEL) at the Clarke Quay MRT station. The hotel has 175 basement car park lots (parking charges apply).
Transport
Taxis from the Airport
Taxis at the airport are readily available at all times. The approximate cost of a taxi ride from the airport to the hotel is between SGD$20.00 to $25.00. The journey from there is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. |
The City
Singapore, founded as a British trading colony in 1819, declared its independence on 9 August 1965. Over the next three decades, Singapore worked hard to overcome numerous hurdles, and is now a highly developed market-based economy.
Located right in the heart of Asia, Singapore thrives as a financial and trading hub for the region and beyond. Through global trade links and establishments of Free Trade Areas, ties with Asia and the rest of the world are continually strengthened.
Although Singapore has transformed into a cosmopolitan city, it has not lost its Asian charms. A multicultural and multiethnic society, its hospitality, cuisine, arts and architecture reflect a blend of the East and West. |
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Visa Requirements
All travellers are required to go through immigration clearance upon arrival into Singapore.
The granting of visit passes to visitors is determined by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officers at the point of entry. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they can be considered for entry into Singapore:
- A passport with at least 6 months validity
- Valid Singapore visa, if applicable (refer to the ICA's Visa Requirements page for more information - click here)
- Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Singapore
- Confirmed onward/return tickets (where applicable)
- Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.
- Completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card
(Click here for further information)
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable (Click here for further information)
The period of stay granted is shown on the visit pass endorsement given on the visitor's passport. Visitors are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given before leaving the checkpoint.
All visitors on visit passes are not permitted to engage in any form of business, profession, occupation or paid employment while in Singapore.
FOR FULL VISA INFORMATION VISIT THE IMMIGRATION AND CHECKPOINTS AUTHORITY WEBSITE: http://www.ica.gov.sg
People
Singapore has a population of about 5.5 million, of which one-fifth comprises non-resident workers and expatriates. The resident population is multicultural, comprising 75.6% Chinese, 13.6% Malay, 8.7% Indians and 2.1% of various races.
Language
The four official languages in Singapore are English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. English is the working language and is widely spoken throughout Singapore.
Time Zone
The Singapore Standard Time Zone is GMT plus 8 hours.
Climate
Singapore has an equatorial climate which is warm and humid all year round. The temperature averages around 28 degrees Celsius daily, with abundant rainfall during the monsoon seasons from December to March and June to September.
Currency
The official currency is the Singapore Dollar. The US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are also accepted in most major shopping centres and big department stores.
Credit/Charge Cards
Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore.
Voltage
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.
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