Airport Tax
A passenger service charge of SGD21 should be incorporated in the air ticket (including tickets issued outside of Singapore). If this has not been done, you may be required to pay the SGD21 during check-in. In some cases, the airline may absorb the service charge.

Passengers who are in transit for less than 24 hours may leave the airport without having to pay the service charge upon departure from Singapore.

Drinking Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers always have ample stock.

Electricity
The electrical current in Singapore is 240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. Singapore uses the square-shaped three-pin plug. You may need an adapter or transformer for foreign appliances, which are available at most hardware stores.

Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is viewed seriously in Singapore. Illicit traffic of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is strictly prohibited.

SARS Preventive Measures
Resilient and determined to protect her people and visitors, Singapore has taken the lead in containing the virus through swift, proactive measures. From temperature checks with thermal imaging scanners at the airport, to rigorous precautionary measures such as temperature checks and sanitation at workplaces, schools, community venues and public transportation, Singapore has spared no effort to beat SARS.

To give added reassurance and peace of mind to visitors, the Cool Singapore Award was launched on 20 May 2003 to recognise tourism establishments who have gone the extra mile in implementing stringent SARS preventive measures.

This diligent, hands-on and transparent approach to the epidemic is winning the country praise from around the world.

Safety
Travellers across the world are understandably more concerned about personal safety and security issues today than ever before. The Singapore Tourism Board would like to assure all our visitors that the situation in Singapore remains calm and stable and it is business as usual.

The Singapore Government has and will continue to be vigilant in ensuring that Singapore remains safe. It has stepped up security measures at key installations and other sensitive places. The Government has also made it known that extremism originating from religion or race has no place in Singapore and it will not hesitate to take action against any extremist or terrorist groups or individuals.

The swift and definite actions of the Singapore Internal Security Department over the arrests of the 15 terrorists in January 2002 is testimony to this.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, theatres, cinemas, air-conditioned restaurants,
hair salons, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Offenders can be fined up to SGD 1,000. While it is an offence to smoke in air-conditioned eating places, smoking is permitted in air-conditioned pubs, discos, karaoke bars and nightspots.

Spitting
Spitting in public places is an offence.

Tipping
Tipping is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills.
Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore and is prohibited at the airport.