Singapore: everything a traveler needs to know

Visa

For citizens of Ukraine there are two options for obtaining a visa to Singapore: either get a transit visa (which will allow you to stay there for a maximum of 96 hours), or a regular visa if you plan to stay in the country longer. Now, more about everything in detail.

Transit visa (more precisely, the right to visa-free entry when transiting to Singapore) is issued at any checkpoint, but only you must have confirmed tickets and a visa to a third country, and you will have to stay in Singapore for no more than 96 hours. There is one nuance here: if you have train, bus or boat tickets to the third country or just a return plane ticket from Singapore, the transit visa will not be issued and you will not be allowed into Singapore.

Keep in mind that stopovers, where the passenger does not go through passport and immigration control, do not count. Also, most budget airlines or low-cost airlines only carry "from A to B", which can cause problems, such as not being able to get off in Singapore or continue traveling.

A regular visa is issued if you plan to stay in Singapore for more than four days. Here you should know that there is no Singapore embassy in Ukraine. The plus is that the visa is made quickly, by e-mail. However, you can't get a visa directly through the embassy - you need to use the services of intermediary firms, for example, SingaporeVisa. Their electronic multiple-entry visa to Singapore for 9 weeks costs $35.

The following documents are required to apply for a visa:

• A copy of a passport that is valid for at least 6 months by the time you enter Singapore
• A color photo (400 pixels wide by 514 pixels high, but you can send a scanned photo of any size).
• A completed application form (in Russian or English).

The algorithm of registration is simple:

• You fill in the questionnaire, save it to your computer
• Together with a scan of your passport (first page with a photo) and your photo send it to order@singaporevisa.sg.
• Receive a check for payment of services
• Pay. Payment can be made in cash, by transfer to your account or via PayPal.
• Within 24 hours you receive your visa to your e-mail address.

The visa will be valid from the date of submission of documents, so there is no sense to make it too early.

A separate visa is issued for children, and it does not matter whether the child is registered in the parent's passport or has his/her own. Visas for each child are paid for separately.

How to get from the airport to the city center

There are several ways to get from Singapore Changi Airport to the city center:

Train

The train station is within walking distance from Terminals 2 and 3. To get to the city, you need to take the train at Tanah Merah station. The last train leaves the airport station at 23:18. The first train to the airport arrives at 05:26 from Monday to Saturday and at 05:54 on Sunday and public holidays.

A single-trip ticket (like a travel pass) can be purchased at any train station.

Bus

To get into the city/to the airport, take route no. 36/36A. The first bus arrives at 06:00 and the last bus leaves at almost midnight. The one-way trip costs $2.50 and takes about an hour. Bus stops are located in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Keep in mind that it is better to pay the fare with the right amount of money, as the driver does not give change.

You can book a hotel in Signapur with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Cab

You can take a cab from the airport to the city at the parking lot near the arrivals hall, which are available in every terminal. A trip into the city will cost you between $20 and $40 and will take about half an hour. All cabs have meters. Also remember that there is an additional fee for trips from the airport:

• $5 - for trips between 05:00 and midnight (Friday-Sunday)
• $3 for any other time
• 50% of the final amount - for trips from midnight to 06:00.
• 25% of the final amount - for rush hour rides (06:00-21:30 Monday-Friday and 18:00-00:00 Monday-Sunday).

Here are a few trusted cab operators in Singapore:

• Comfort / Citycab: +65 6552 1111
• Premier Taxi: +65 6363 6888
• Prime Taxi: +65 6778 0808
• SMRT Taxi: +65 6555 8888
• Transcab: +65 6555 3333

You can also always use Uber.

Beach Vacation

Beach vacation in Singapore may be different in level from the glossy beaches of world resorts, but it has its own charm.

For example, for swimming and relaxing here is a whole separate island Sentosa, located just 500 meters from the "mainland". Secondly, the beaches in Singapore - for all tastes and requests: Palawan - for family vacations, Siloso - for those who like to be active (canoeing, surfing, parties and other joys) and, of course, romantic Tanjong.

In addition to beaches, you'll find plenty to do: gardens and parks, museums, animal shows, spas and the country's tallest observation tower to top it off. Among other things, there are plenty of historical sights to keep even the laziest tourist busy.

What to see in Singapore

Singapore is good because there is plenty to do and see, even if you are just passing through.

In the ethno districts of Singapore you can often stumble upon some colorful event: a wedding, birthday or other celebration, so do not miss the opportunity to walk through Chinatown or Little India, if you are lucky. If you're one of the lucky ones who come to Singapore during 'general' celebrations - such as Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival, the Hindu festival of lights Deepavali or the Dragon Boat Festival - consider yourself lucky.

Another busy place is the Singapore Zoo. It is home to the largest captive population of orangutans and a collection of tropical birds that amaze even the most daring imagination. In addition, many of the zoo's inhabitants are trained and can be viewed at very close range.

And be sure to take a stroll along the Marina Bay sands, located in the city center, a 20-minute drive from Changi International Airport.

Not to forget Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve - 70 hectares of unspoiled tropics, Bird Park, Botanical Gardens, Orchid Park and the Oceanarium, where you can swim with dolphins and get a fish massage.

For even more interesting facts and useful tips about Singapore, check out Andrei Burenok's blog!

Going to Singapore, it is worth remembering that this is a country with some of the strictest rules and laws, and even the slightest failure to comply with them entails a very real responsibility. So, a few tips to the tourist on what is better not to do in Singapore.

Prohibitions and fines

• In Singapore, the fine for a cigarette butt thrown on the street is 500 Singapore dollars, even if you just missed the garbage can.
• Chewing gum is strictly prohibited in Singapore.
• Swearing in a public place or threatening your interlocutor (even in jest) can result in a fine of up to S$3000.
• Drug use is punishable by a long prison sentence, and importing and selling drugs is punishable by death with no right to appeal.
• In Singapore, it is illegal to smoke in almost all public places, including bars and entertainment venues. The fine for smoking in public places ranges from S$700 to S$1,000, in some establishments smoking is allowed only during strictly defined hours.

To be fair, it should be noted that foreigners in most cases of violation of local norms are treated quite leniently, but a repeated offense or a clear unwillingness to respect local laws can end very badly.

In general, Singapore is not yet a "hackneyed" exotic and a great place to start your acquaintance with the original culture of Asia.