Before you head out for fun and games in the Singapore sun, get to grips with these facts and figures.

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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 HolidaysDate
New Year’s Day1 January 2008
Chinese New Year7-8 February 2008
Good Friday21 March 2008
Labour Day1 May 2008
Vesak Day19 May 2008
National Day9 August 2008
Hari Raya Puasa1 October 2008
Deepavali28 October 2008
Hari Raya Haji8 December 2008
Christmas Day25 December 2008

Local Events

EventsDateEvents Details
Singapore Fashion Festival28 March – 6 April 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Singapore Arts Festival22 May – 23 June 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Great Singapore Sale23 May – 20 July 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Singapore Food Festival 20081 July – 31 July 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Ballet under the Stars11 – 13 July 2008As one of Singapore’s most popular outdoor arts event, unwind with a picnic with your family and friends at Fort Canning Park.
National Day Parade9 August 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
UNGA (United Nations General Assembly)Mid September 2008 (dates not confirmed yet)Useful Link Icon· Useful link
WOMAD Singapore 20081 – 31 August 2008Catch 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 MarathonDecember 2008The running event of the year, it attracts elites and enthusiasts from around the world.