Before you head out for fun and games in the Singapore sun, get to grips with these facts and figures.
Time Zone
GMT + 8 hours
Language
The official languages in Singapore are Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil. English is commonly spoken throughout the city-state.
Currency
SGD is the local currency and is found in the following note denominations: 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 10,000. Currency can be exchanged at banks or private currency exchange stores, Rates vary between banks and stores; additional charges may apply.
Electrical Standard
220-240 volts AC. Multi-volt adapters are available at the hotel. 3-pin plugs are the most common in Singapore.
Shopping Hours
Sunday to Thursday: 10:30 am to 9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 3 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 12:30 pm
Sunday and public holidays: closed
Local Facilities – City Centre
Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is located in the heart of Singapore’s business district at Marina Bay. It is a 10-15-minute taxi ride to the main shopping area on Orchard Road.
Shopping
Our location is adjacent to Marina Square Shopping Mall and so is only a 3-minute walk away. Suntec City Mall is a 7-minute walk from our hotel.
Medical
Raffles Hospital is a 15-minute taxi ride from Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. We also have doctors on call for any medical emergencies that might arise.
Banking
UOB Bank’s Marina Square Branch is open Monday-Friday from 9:30 am to 3 pm, Saturdays 9 am to 12:30 pm.
Tips on Tipping
Tipping is not normally practiced in Singapore. However, a 10 percent service charge is normally added to bills, especially in restaurants.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays
Date
New Year's Day
1 January 2008
Chinese New Year
7-8 February 2008
Good Friday
21 March 2008
Labour Day
1 May 2008
Vesak Day
19 May 2008
National Day
9 August 2008
Hari Raya Puasa
1 October 2008
Deepavali
28 October 2008
Hari Raya Haji
8 December 2008
Christmas Day
25 December 2008
Local Events
Events
Date
Event Details
Singapore Fashion Festival
28 March – 6 April 2008
Singapore Arts Festival
22 May – 23 June 2008
Great Singapore Sale
23 May – 20 July 2008
Singapore Food Festival 2008
1 July – 31 July 2008
Ballet under the Stars
11 – 13 July 2008
As one of Singapore’s most popular outdoor arts event, unwind with a picnic with your family and friends at Fort Canning Park.
National Day Parade
9 August 2008
WOMAD Singapore 2008
1 – 31 August 2008
Catch the wide range of global music performances, from traditional tunes to contemporary music, complemented by the ever-popular workshops and masterclasses conducted by WOMAD artists.
Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
December 2008
The running event of the year, it attracts elites and enthusiasts from around the world.
