Visas

Indian Nationals (except those on diplomatic/official passports) are required to apply for an entry visa into Singapore.

You can submit applications:

• Online via the Submission of Application for Visa Electronically (SAVE)
• At the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission

The processing fee is S$20 per application and is collected at the time of submission. The fee collected is nonrefundable regardless of the outcome of the application or if the application is withdrawn after submission. For submission via SAVE, the payment is to be made by Visa/MasterCard credit cards or Visa Electron/MasterCard debit cards.

For submission via the SAVE system, the visa processing time is one working day (excluding the day of submission). Submission of entry visa via Singapore Overseas Mission processing time typically takes three working days for Indian passport holders (inclusive of the day of submission).

Airlines

Major airlines operating between major cities in India and Singapore:

• Air India Express (IX)
• Air India Limited (AI)
• Indian Airlines (IC)
• Jet Airways (9W)
• Singapore Airlines (SQ)

View a comprehensive list of airlines to Changi International Airport.

Mobile Phone/SIM Cards and Payphone Services

There are two mobile phone networks, GSM900 and GSM1800, and three mobile telephone service providers, SingTel, M1, and StarHub.

International call access codes are:

• 001, 013, or 019 for SingTel
• 002 or 021 for M1
• 008 or 018 for StarHub

As mandated by the Singapore authorities, all new purchases of prepaid SIM cards must be registered. To purchase a new prepaid SIM card, bring your original passport (foreigners) for registration. Make sure your prepaid SIM is registered at point of purchase. New unregistered prepaid SIM cards will be deactivated as required by the authorities and the SIM card credit will not be refunded.

Prepaid SIM cards and top-up cards are available island wide at any 7-Eleven, Cheers, iEcon/Econ, SingPost, and Watson’s outlets.

Public payphones operated by credit card and/or stored-value phonecards can be used to make both local and international calls. Public payphones can be found in most shopping complexes and MRT stations. Local calls are charged at 10 cents per three minutes. Stored-value phonecards in denominations of S$2, S$5, S$10, S$20, and S$50 can be purchased from post offices and phonecard agents.

To make an international call, dial the access code followed by the country code, area code and telephone number. Different telephone companies use different access codes. International calling cards in denominations of S$10, S$20, and S$50 are also available at all post offices, including Singapore Changi Airport, 7-Eleven stores, and other retail outlets.

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Arriving and Departing

All three airport terminals are connected via the skytrain (within the airport area only). The Budget terminal has shuttle buses shuttling travelers between the terminals.

Ground transportation from the airport

• Airport Shuttle
  The shuttle goes to the city and any hotels in Singapore (excluding Changi Village hotel and hotels on Sentosa Island). Go to the airport shuttle counter on the arrivals level to register.
  
  Fare: S$9.00 per adult payable at the airport shuttle counter
  
  

  Schedule:

  Terminal 1 and Terminal 2

  • Leaves every 15 minutes from 6:15 p.m. to midnight
  • Leaves every 30 minutes at other hours

  
  Terminal 3

  • Leaves every 15 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
  • Leaves every 30 minutes at other hours

• City Buses
  Public bus service 36 goes to the city. The first bus arrives at around 6:00 a.m. and the last leaves at midnight. A single fare costs below S$2.00 and takes about an hour. Bus stops are located under Terminals 1, 2, or 3. Have the exact fare as no change will be given.

• Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Rail System
  The Changi Airport MRT Station is located under Terminals 2 and 3 and linked to the arrivals and departures by escalators and lifts. The first train arrives at around 5:30 a.m. and the last leaves at midnight. A single fare to the city costs about S$2.70 (inclusive of S$1.00 refundable deposit) and takes approximately 27 minutes. Tickets are available at the station. For more information, visit Singapore Mass Rapid Transit.

• Taxi
  Taxis will only stop at designated taxi pick-up points on the arrivals level. A surcharge* will be levied on all trips starting from Changi Airport. A ride to the city takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  
  * Friday to Sunday (5.00 p.m. to midnight): S$5. All other times: S$3
  

Getting Around the City

Detailed information on bus routes, MRT stations, and fares can be found in the TransitLink Guide, a copy of which can be purchased at bus interchanges, MRT stations and major bookstores. Also, check out SBS Transit or SMRT.

All taxis are metered. Telephone numbers for the largest taxi companies are Comfort/CityCab at 6552-1111, SMRT at 6555-8888, and SmartCab at 6485-7700.

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Currency: Singapore dollar (S$)

Sample Conversion Rates: From 31 March 2008

Money Exchange 

Apart from banks and hotels, money can be changed wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Visitors are discouraged from changing money with unlicensed money changers. 

ATMs

ATMs are conveniently located at most streets in Singapore. Most cards are also widely accepted in establishments.

Sample Pricing for Food and Taxi

* Based on sample prices at convenience stores.

** Excludes airport surcharge of S$5. A surcharge of 35% applies during peak hours.

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Most hotels have promotional rates available from time to time, so check directly with the hotel before making reservations. We recommend hotels located near the MRT train stations; the exam center and airport terminals are linked to the MRT network.

We strongly advise you to make advance reservations to avoid disappointment. Most major credit cards are accepted and you may be required to leave a credit card imprint or number upon check-in. Rates are quoted in Singapore dollars and may be subject to a 10% service charge and 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST).

If you arrive in Singapore without prior hotel reservations, the Singapore Hotel Association (SHA) counters at the Singapore Changi Airport can help you with hotel bookings.

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There are numerous taxis available in Singapore that offer reliable service. The taxi fare from the airport to Singapore Expo starts around $10, subject to surcharges and traffic conditions. There is an additional surcharge of $2 for all taxis departing from the Singapore Expo.

By Rail: Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line

Singapore Expo is served by its own station, Expo MRT station. To get to Singapore Expo from Changi Airport, take the eastbound train. It is just one stop from Changi Airport MRT and the journey lasts only 4 minutes. Average frequency from Changi Airport station is approximately 12 minutes. If you are coming from other parts of Singapore, transfer trains at Tanah Merah station (on the East West line), where the train will take you to Expo MRT in 3 minutes. The station is behind Hall 6.

By Bus

There are three stops near Singapore Expo: 

• Beside Carpark G on Upper Changi Road East: Bus route numbers 12, 24 and 38
• Outside Hall 1 on Upper Changi Road East: Bus route numbers 12, 24 and 38
• Beside Carpark J on Xilin Avenue: Bus number 35

View the bus route map.

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