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 2012
Chinese New Year23 – 24 January 2012
Good Friday6 April 2012
Labour Day1 May 2012
Vesak Day5 May 2012
National Day9 August 2012
Hari Raya Puasa19 August 2012
Deepavali13 November 2012
Hari Raya Haji26 October 2012
Christmas Day25 December 2012

Local Events

EventsDateEvents Details
International Furniture Fair 20129 – 12 March 2012Useful Link Icon• Useful link
World Gourmet Summit 201223 April – 6 May 2012Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Boat Asia 201212 – 15 April 2012Useful Link Icon• Useful link
IMDEX Asia 201219 – 22 June 2012Useful Link Icon• Useful link
National Day Parade9 August 2012Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Formula One Singapore Grand Prix 201221 – 23 Sept 2012Useful Link Icon• Useful link