The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website is a good source of health information for travelers.

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Sightseeing may require, at minimum, the ability to walk at a moderate pace for a mile or two and the balance and agility necessary to climb stairs, enter and exit buses and boats, and navigate uneven or cobble-stoned streets. Some sightseeing stops do not have elevators or wheelchair access. Bring medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. A signed and dated letter from your physician describing your med­ical conditions and medications, including generic names, is also a good idea. If carrying syringes or needles, have a physician’s letter documenting their medical necessity. When on vacation, it is always wise to watch what you eat and drink and avoid drinking tap water while traveling. Most hotels will provide complimentary bottled water. You can purchase additional bottled water throughout your trip.

Singapore’s unit of currency is the Singapore Dollar (S$) available in the following denominations: Banknotes: S$10,000, 1,000, 100, 50, 10, 5, 2; Coins: S$1, 0.50, 0.20, 0.10, and 0.05. You can exchange foreign currency at authorized agencies such as banks, exchange offices, and hotels. Major credit cards such as American Express, Master Card, Visa, and Diners Club are widely accepted but be cautious of service charges. Tipping is generally not practiced in Singapore and is frowned upon by the government, yet hotel bellhops still expect a small tip. The exchange rate constantly fluctuates. The current currency exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 1.20 SGD. For the most updated exchange rate, please check http://www.xe.com.

The standard electrical voltage in Singapore is 240 volts and 50 Hertz. Bringing an adaptor is a good idea if you plan to use electronics (i.e., cell phones, laptops, cameras, etc.) during your trip.

Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage is reflected in the country’s cuisine. The vast melting pot of flavors and local foods are primarily influenced by Chinese, Malaysian, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines, among others. Throughout Singapore, you can easily find an immense variety of foods that reflect its cultural diversity, from their Cantonese dim sum, halal Malay food, North Indian naans and biryani, and South Indian vegetarian thali. Don’t forget to try the delectable chili crab, fish head curry, char kway teow (fried flat rice noodles with Chinese sausage, prawns, fish cake, and egg), and kaya toast.

After enjoying your gratifying meal, try one of Singapore’s many desserts, such as the ice kacang or chendol, that will surely satisfy your taste buds. Some other popular dishes amongst locals are Hainanese chicken rice, nasi lemak, and laksa. Quench your thirst with a cup of teh tarik, or “pulled tea,” a creamy and frothy milk tea.

The four official languages in Singapore are English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.

You will notice that almost everyone is bilingual (some can even speak 3-4 languages) and can speak and understand English well since it is the common language used for business, government, and as the primary language of instruction in schools.