Travelling from airport

From the Airport

To get to the city, you can either take a taxi, the MRT (“Mass Rapid Transport”, Singapore’s subway system), or buses. For more details please visit http://www.changiairport.com/

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MRT

MRT

The MRT system (“Mass Rapid Transport”, Singapore’s subway system) is probably the fastest and most reliable way to get around Singapore besides taxis. Trains run from about 6am to midnight. Besides being one of the cleanest transport systems in the world, the MRT provides scenic views of the Singapore heartland and city areas, with great access to almost every part of the city

Now with the circle line completed, travelers are able to explore Singapore with more ease. 

For more details, please visit http://www.publictransport.sg/

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Taxis

Taxi

Taxis in Singapore is affordable when compared to other developed countries like Japan or Australia. The fare rarely exceeds $30. It would mainly depend on whether peak hour surcharge, midnight surcharge is incurred. Usual fare is around $15- $20. 

Note that some cabs have different flagdown fares. When in doubt, look for blue, yellow or SMRT taxis. Avoid full black ones. 

http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/singapore/transportation_in_singapore/196/the_different_taxis__cabs_in_singapore.php - This has pictures of the different kinds of taxis.

There are a few ways you can hail a taxi, namely through hailing one along the street, queuing at a taxi stand, or through telephone booking (6342 5222). However, it is important to note that taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers along the roads within the Central Business District (CBD) from 7pm to 10pm, from Mondays to Saturdays unless it's a public holiday. Within the CBD, you can queue for a cab at the taxi stands or driveways of buildings. All taxis are metered but some surcharges may not be shown on the meters. Payment is usually done in cash but keep a lookout as some taxis do accept cashless payment and debit/credit card (with surcharge).

See http://www.taxisingapore.com/taxi-fare for more information on taxis. 

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Bus

Bus

Singapore has an extensive bus network, which accepts both cash (no change given) and cashless payment (EZ link). Buses can be boarded at designated bus stops, most of which show a map listing out the various routes and pricing.

Cashless payment is the easiest method of payment: simply tap your card against the reader at the front entrance of the bus when boarding and alighting. Make sure you tap out or you'll be charged the maximum fare.

If you’re staying out late on the eve of public holidays, Fridays or Saturdays, you’ll be happy to know that buses services known as the NightRider and Nite Owl will be in operation. With seven routes running at 20 minute intervals, these buses runs though major nightlife districts such as Boat Quay, Mohamed Sultan, and Orchard before heading into the heartlands. The Nightrider and Nite Owl services charge a flat fee of S$3.50 and S$4.00, respectively, regardless of the distance and mode of payment. If you are travelling within the city area, only SGD S$1.50 is charged.

For more details, please visit http://www.publictransport.sg/

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EZ link cards

EZ-Link cards

Stored value cards, locally known as EZ-Link cards, can be used on the MRT and public buses in Singapore. Cards can be purchased from the TransitLink Ticket Office located at selected MRT stations, and standard value tickets may be purchased from General Ticketing Machines (GTMs) located at all SMRT stations. You may top up your EZ-Link cards at any Transitlink Ticket Office or GTM

For standard one-time travel tickets, a S$1 deposit is required and can be refunded at any GTM or Passenger Service Center at your alighting station.

Alternatively, the Singapore Tourist Pass is available at selected TransitLink ticket offices inside MRT stations at Changi Airport, Orchard, Chinatown, Bugis, Raffles Place, HarbourFront and Ang Mo Kio. This is a version of the city’s ubiquitous EZ-Link card that residents use to pay for public transport and small-value transactions in retail and F&B outlets. Unlike the EZ-Link card, the Singapore Tourist Pass gives visitors to the Lion City unlimited rides on the MRT and LRT trains and basic bus services.

It also comes bundled with merchant offerings. Enjoy discounts and other perks at attractions such as Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari and Jurong Bird Park, to name a few.

Price: S$8 per day. Visitors have the option of buying a 1-day, 2-day or 3-day pass. The S$10 deposit on locally bought cards is refundable if the card is returned within five days of the issue date.

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Which operator? - SG

Prepaid Card Rates and Charges

The different between the 3 operators in Singapore is minimal. If you are only here for a short stay, i suggest that you just pick one and save yourself the hassle of reading the article. :) 

Starhub's Tourist prepaid sim card seems pretty attractive as it also comes with a free data bundle which lasts for 3 days, allows free data access on YourSingapore Guide App and other promotions - http://www.starhub.com/visitsg.

Local Calls

As of July 2008, Singtel and M1 both charge S$0.16 during the day and S$0.08 during night on local calls. Starhub charges a flat rate S$0.22 on the first minute and S$0.08 on the next minute. The SMS rate for the three prepaid service providers is S$0.05.

You can request for a turn-on of unlimited FREE incoming calls service but you have to pay daily for this service. For Singtel, you will pay S$0.60 a day. For M1, you will pay S$0.59. For Starhub, you will pay S$0.59. If you expect to have a number of incoming calls during the day, it is advisable to avail of this service. Otherwise, you will be charged with the incoming calls.

Do check with the provider as there could be promotions available. For example, Singtel customers get 10 days of free incoming calls with every $10 top-up. 

International Calls

To make an overseas call, you need dial the access code followed by the country code, area code and telephone. Each telephone company in Singapore has its own International Direct Dialing (IDD) access codes:

• Starhub: 008 (best quality) and 018 (VOIP based, best value)
• SingTel: 001 (best quality), 013 and 019 (VOIP based, best value)
• M1: 002 (best quality) and 021 (VOIP based, best value)

All three companies offer attractive International Direct Dialing (IDD) rates for prepaid card users. You can make phone calls to many of the countries at the local calling rates. For more details, refer to:

• Starhub IDD rates for prepaid card users
• Singtel IDD rates for prepaid card users
• M1 IDD rates for prepaid card users

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Prepaid SIM cards - SG

SIM cards

Prepaid SIM cards in Singapore come in various denominations ranging from S$10 to S$50. They can be purchased at most convenience stores, Singapore Post and at the Airport.

Since 2006, Singapore government has made the prepaid SIM registration a mandatory requirement. This means the card must be registered under the name of the person who will be using it. As a result, you will be required to produce your passport at the time of purchase. Once registered, the card is ready for use immediately.

When you are running low on the balance value in your SIM card, you can either buy top up cards from convenience stores or top up the SIM card electronically at DBS/POSB bank ATM machines, Self-automated Machines (SAM), AXS electronic machine or via internet banking at www.vpost.com.sg if you have an Internet Bank account with DBS, UOB or Citibank. 

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