General information on the destination
Airport
For more information about the Changi International Airport, we invite you to visit the website at www.changiairport.com
Getting to the City
Visit the ground transport centre located in the arrival halls of Terminals 1, 2 & 3 for one-stop information and booking of various forms of transportation. Estimated rate for a taxi ride from airport to city: SGD$18 – SGD$32. You may catch a comfortable yet affordable bus ride to town at below SGD$2. Alternatively, take the train to enjoy quick and easy access to the city in less than 30 minutes: SGD$1.40 – SGD$2.
Banks and Currencies
Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 09:30 to 16:00 and on Saturday, from 09:30 to 14:00. You will find automated teller machines most everywhere.
Currency units are dollars ($) and cents (¢). Singaporean notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $2. Coins are: $1, 50¢, 10¢, 5¢, 1¢.
Opening Hours
Offices are generally open from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 18:00. Shops are open everyday, from 10:00 to 21:00.
Passport and Visa Requirements
If you are coming from a country which does not require an entry visa to Singapore, you may be given a social visit pass of up to 30 days upon arrival.
Please visit the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore at www.ica.gov.sg for more information.
Electricity
Singapore’s voltage is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second that utilizes a three-pin, square-shaped plug and socket system. If you are carrying a device with a different voltage or pin head, most hotels can provide you with transformers. If you are buying electronic items from here, make sure you check the voltage against that of your home country.
Money Matters
There are licensed money changers in Changi Airport and most shopping centres in the city, aside from banks and hotels. Before exchanging your money for any other currency, remember to check the foreign exchange rates. Most licensed money changers commence business at 10:00.
Sales Tax
A 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST) is levied on all goods and services purchased in Singapore. Generally, there is a service charge (10%) to be added to the total bill for dinning in restaurants. As a tourist or visitor, you can enjoy GST refunds on goods purchased upon your departure at the airport. For more information on tax-free shopping, visit http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trav/Tourist+Refund+Scheme.htm.
Tipping
This practice is appreciated but is optional; tipping taxi drivers is encouraged. Hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge on customers’ bills but tipping is always pleasantly acknowledged.
Telecommunications
Call from public phones cost SGD$0.10 for 3 minutes. Phones are either coin or card operated, the latter being the most commonly used. Phone cards from SGD$3 can be purchased at post offices and shops. You can also use your credit card at selected phone booths. The IDD code is 001. SIM cards for mobile phones can be purchased from selected shops throughout the island. 3G and 3.5G phones are common among mobile phone users here.
Weather & Attire
It’s sunny here most of the time so slip into something light and comfortable, cotton is best. Be ready with a foldable umbrella though, for unexpected tropical downpours. For most dinner or special occasions, causal dress is acceptable but other establishments may require a more formal dress code. Do check the venue’s dress regulations beforehand.
Facilities for Disabled Persons
If you require specific facilities, please notify the Conference Secretariat.
Disclaimer
The Conference Organisers* cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by participants in the event of labor disruptions or cancellation of the Meeting. The programme was correct at the time of printing, but organisers reserve the right to alter it if deemed necessary.
Liability
The Conference Organisers* shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered conference participants. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.
* The Conference Organisers include HTAi, the Local Organising Committee and the conference secretariat.
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