Singapore -- Walk Around the World

Author: Earth's Walking Method Editorial Office
Translator: Luo Yuquan
Editor-in-Chief: Pan Xiaozhu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: Although Singapore is located in Asia, upon arriving on its land, people will see a landscape completely different from that of Asian societies. The Gothic-style Supreme Court dome with a blue sky backdrop, the Victoria-era imposing government building, and the beautiful St. Andrew's Cathedral adorned with stained glass—all are captivating sights. Throughout Asia, Singapore is a place with the most European charm. "Exploring Singapore" meets the diverse informational needs of travelers about Singapore. In addition to general introductions and practical travel information on transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, dining, entertainment, and shopping, it combines introductions with photos to showcase the experiences and praises of travelers towards Singapore, as well as its geography and history. This book has been translated into multiple languages and is revised and reprinted every one to two years, gaining widespread popularity among Japanese and Southeast Asian travelers.
Excerpt: Singapore Air Travel Entry and Exit Requirements
Entering Singapore: The most common way to enter Singapore is by air. Most flights to and from Singapore use Changi Airport, so named because it is located in Changi. The airport features shopping malls, restaurants, medical facilities, hotels, and saunas, fully realizing the vision of an "airport city" and can be considered an airport of the 21st century. From China, you can take direct flights from China Southern Airlines, Air China, or Singapore Airlines to Singapore, with a flight time of approximately 7 hours from Beijing to Singapore. As the plane descends, you can enjoy views of oil tankers in the Singapore harbor, signaling that you are approaching this ultra-modern airport for landing. Once the plane stabilizes on the apron, you will begin to step into Singapore. The arrival hall is on the second floor, and from there, take the elevator down to the first floor, where the immigration checkpoint is located. In the past, Singapore refused entry to those with long hair or beards. Now, as long as it is not excessive, there is generally no problem. When entering, you must show the entry/exit card filled out on the plane and your passport to the immigration officer. The passport will be stamped with an entry stamp allowing a stay of up to 14 days, and the other half of the entry card will be returned to you, completing the entry process. Occasionally, immigration officers may ask you to show your return ticket from Singapore (though it is generally required) and inquire about your purpose of entry and duration of stay. As long as you answer truthfully, you will pass.
After passing through immigration, you will arrive at the duty-free shop for entry passengers. While duty-free shops are typically for exit passengers, Singapore is a free port, so entry passengers can also purchase duty-free items. After the duty-free shop, you will reach the baggage claim area. In the central hall, there are several conveyor belts for baggage delivery, and you should wait at the belt corresponding to your flight to collect your luggage. While waiting, you can exchange Singapore dollars at the exchange counter to save time. The exchange rate here is slightly lower than that of street exchange vendors, so exchanging 1–2 days' worth of money is usually sufficient. After collecting your luggage, you can proceed to customs. Once customs clearance is complete, you will arrive at the arrival hall, officially entering Singapore.
The central part of the arrival hall is the information center, with hotel inquiries and car rental counters on both sides. You can first pick up a travel guide here, which includes Chinese, English, and Japanese versions, along with maps, offering a wide variety of information. Additionally, if you need to book a hotel, you can use the hotel inquiry counter. Hotels with medium to high ratings can be booked here. If you are looking for cheaper accommodations, this counter can also provide recommendations. After gathering enough information, you can take a bus or taxi to the city center, and your Singapore journey will begin!
Arriving in Singapore at Night: If you arrive in Singapore late at night as part of a group, it is not a problem. However, if you arrive alone, finding accommodation at night can be a major issue. Sometimes, touts may be found in the airport hall, and following them could lead you to a strange and expensive hotel. Therefore, it is best to book a hotel in advance if you are traveling alone.
Departing Singapore: Changi Airport's departure hall is on the second floor. First, you must check in for your flight, noting that different flights have different check-in counters. Before checking in, check your luggage and confirm which counter to go to. Check-in typically begins one and a half to two hours before the flight. Changi Airport charges a departure fee of S$15 (for both adults and children). When checking in, you can request your preferred seat, and once you receive your boarding pass, the check-in process is complete. After that, you will go through exit immigration. Exit immigration is simpler than entry immigration—just show your passport and the other half of your entry card, get the exit stamp, and return your passport. No words are needed.
After passing through exit immigration, you will wait to board your flight. The departure hall has duty-free shops, gift shops, bookstores, and other stores, where you can fully enjoy Singapore's shopping experience one last time. Just be careful not to get too caught up in shopping and miss your flight. Generally, boarding begins 30 minutes before the flight.
About Changi Airport's Two Terminal Halls: Changi Airport has two terminal halls. Different airlines operate from different halls, so pay close attention. Additionally, there is a long walkway and monorail connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Main Airlines Operating in Terminal 1:
- United Airlines
- Northwest Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- China Airlines
- Thai Airways International
- Indonesia Airlines
Main Airlines Operating in Terminal 2:
- Singapore Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Philippine Airlines
- Brunei Airlines
Note: The other half of the entry card is not attached to the passport, so be careful not to lose it.
After passing through immigration, there are many free brochures about Singapore around the baggage claim area, including discounts and coupons that can be very useful.
Exchange Currency at the Departure Hall: Exchange counters open at 6 a.m., so if you are on an early flight back, you can exchange any remaining Singapore dollars here instead of making unnecessary purchases.