Banking
by kissgurami
The local currency is Singapore dollars and cents. Notes come in denominations of SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000.
Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and SGD 1.
Banking hours are Monday to Friday: 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturday: 9.30 am to 1 pm (some banks are open until 3 pm). Sunday, 9.30 am to 3 pm (some banks in Orchard Road).
Most banks handle travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. However, some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturday.
Passports are required when cashing travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged.
Making friends with the locals
by phil_uk_net
Last time I was in Singapore (before Sars) I met loads of local cats living in the bushes down by Boat Quay.
On my latest trip I went back to reacquaint myself but could find only one, a cute little girl. It took quite a lot of coaxing to get her out from her home. I've been told that during the Sars crisis the authorities took the oppotunity to destroy thousands of the homeless cats. Poor things.
By the time I had made friends with this one she didn't want me to leave but I had to go.
Singapore National Day Parade
by robertgaz
Singapore celebrated its first National Day in 1966 one year after independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965.
The National Day Parade 2008 (NDP 2008) was held at the Marina Bay Floating Stadium and it was the second time that the event was held in the Marina Bay area.
The National Day Parade has over the years since indepence become the biggest national event staged in Singapore.
The day includes thundering fly overs by fighter planes and helicopters from the Singapore Air Force and a dazzling fireworks display at night.
And to ensure that the event goes off to perfection on August the 9th, there are practise runs starting the month leading up to the actual day.
I was fortunate enough to be there to witness one of the practise runs and it was by no means a small affair.
All I can say is that the actual day must have been an awesome one!
Dress for the tropics indeed!
by snux_849
Light clothing as the weather can get real hot and sticky. Comfortable shoes as one will certainly do a lot of walking in Singapore. Mosquito repellant especially if you are going to Night Safari, the Zoo, or the Botanic Garden. Dengue is prevalent at this time. Bottled water!!!
Joo Chiat Road
by shawicortez
colorful shop houses and terrace houses. a trip here has portuguese architecture (?) similar to that of macau's. not normally found in travel books, this place is worth a visit. Take the East-West line of the mrt and alight at Paya Lebar.
Singapore sling
Me at the under water tunnel @ Sea World, SG
Indian National Army Memorial, Near Pedang, SG
Siloso Fort
