Local advice on your doorstep in Singapore

Moving to Singapore? You'll have many things to think about, from adapting to a new culture to organising your new home.

Our Singapore representatives are on hand with appropriate financial planning advice to help you make the most of your time abroad. They can offer independent advice on products from a range of reputable companies.

You’re welcome to come in and meet one of our Relationship Managers. They will be happy to discuss all your requirements, and to answer any questions you may have about offshore banking.

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Relevant HSBC products & services

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Local information

Air operators: Singapore's Changi airport is one of the most modern in the world. Over 50 of the world's major airlines fly in and out

Buses: There is an extensive local bus network with regular services between the main cities. The bus is often quicker than taxis and cars during rush hour because of the special bus lanes

Railways: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is one of the most advanced systems in the world. Early train booking is advisable

Car hire: Avis, Europcar and Hertz

Shopping hours are 10:00 - 21:00 Mondays to Fridays. 10:00 - 22:00 Saturdays and Sundays

Banking hours are 09:30 - 15:00 Monday to Friday. 09:30 - 11:30 Saturdays. Some banks are open on Sundays from 09:30 -15:00. Cash, cheques, major credit cards and debit cards are all widely accepted in retail establishments, hotels and restaurants. There are ATMS all over Singapore

Post office hours are 07:00 - 19:00 daily. Some are open 24 hours

Electricity: 200-240 V AC 50 Hz

Plug type: 3 square pin type

Light fittings: Bayonet

Health and safety: Hygiene standards are high and strictly maintained. Tap water is safe to drink

Health care: Medical facilities and equipment are amongst the finest in the world

Schools: Because of overcrowding, places at state schools are rarely available for expat children. Student passes must be obtained from immigration for children attending either state run or private schools

Cuisine: Food and eating out is a national pastime and meals are consistently excellent. A wide range is available

Specialities: Seafood – the national dish is fish head curry

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Background

Total population: 4 million

Capital city: Singapore

Languages: Malay, English, Tamil and Chinese

Religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity

Weights & measures: Metric; local systems are also used

Composition: Singapore comprises one large island and over 50 small islands on the tip of the Malay Peninsula

Total land area: 647.5 square km

Features: Singapore has the largest harbour in Asia - one ship every four minutes

Climate: Located just north of the equator, with a warm and humid climate with little variation in temperature from day to evening or month to month. Average temperature is 25 - 30 C. December and January are usually the coolest months

Head of State: The President

Head of Government: Prime Minister

Political composition: Parliament comprises a Cabinet of 83 members

According to Malay legend, a Sumatran prince encountered a lion – considered a good omen - on Temasek, prompting him to found Singapura, or Lion City

Singapore has no seasons as it lies just over one degree north of the equator. It is hot and wet all year round and the day and nights are about the same length

About half of Singapore's water is obtained from neighbouring Malaysia

The national flower of Singapore is an orchid called Vanda Miss Joaquim. It was first found here in the garden of Miss Agnes Joaquim in 1893. It became the National Flower on 15 April 1981

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The Economy

Currency: Singapore dollar (SGD)

GDP: US$85 billion

GDP per head: US$21,800

Annual growth: 10.2% (last quarter 2000)

Major industries: Shipping, banking, tourism, electrical & electronics, chemicals, oil refining

VAT: 3%

Inflation: 1%

Fiscal year: Starts 1 April

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Visas

Visas, permits and residence: All visitors must have passports valid for 6 months from date of arrival in Singapore

Visitor's visas: Visas are only required by citizens of a few countries. The UK is not included on the list

Temporary residence: Visitors are granted a Visit Pass (valid for 14 to 30 days) provided they meet the criteria

Driving licenses: Visitors may drive for up to 6 months with a home country license

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