Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau Study Visa Full Guide

Author: Yang Ji
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-11-01
Features: "A Comprehensive Guide to Study Visas for Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau" is published by the China Encyclopedia Press. The authors are Yang Ji and Sun Nan.
150. What is the climate like in Singapore?
The climate in Singapore is tropical maritime, with hot and humid weather throughout the year and minimal temperature difference between day and night. The average monthly temperature is around 30°C, though it may be slightly cooler in the early morning and evening. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, Singapore does not have a distinct dry or rainy season. Generally, November to January is considered the rainy season. However, it is not as if it rains every day during this period. Even outside the rainy season, it may rain for 1-2 hours at a time. The annual rainfall in Singapore is approximately 2,300 centimeters, with higher rainfall from November to February, while the rest of the months have relatively evenly distributed rainfall.
151. Will I experience culture shock after arriving in Singapore?
There is no need to worry about this. The water quality in Singapore is good, and all tap water can be drunk directly. However, since people have different sensitivities to tap water, some may still feel unwell. In such cases, it is best to drink boiled water to prevent discomfort.
152. What are the housing conditions like in Singapore?
Housing in Singapore generally comes in two types: government HDBs (Housing Development Board) and private apartments. Rent is much higher than in China. However, government HDBs are relatively cheaper and can be rented as a whole unit. Private apartments are more expensive. According to Singaporean law, entire government HDBs cannot be rented out (at least one room must be reserved for the owner). The construction of government HDBs is quite unique: the entire ground floor is left empty for holding funeral and wedding ceremonies. A typical HDB unit rents for 300-400 Singapore dollars per month. For those new to Singapore, sharing a house with two people is relatively affordable, saving a significant amount on rent. Since 1959, when the People’s Action Party gained internal self-governance, the party has consistently provided affordable public housing to its citizens. From 1985 to the present, the government has built 585,000 housing units, and the ongoing sixth five-year plan is adding 20,000 to 30,000 units annually. The average room size in Singapore is about 20 square meters, with rents ranging from 400-600 Singapore dollars. For shared housing, such as a two-bedroom apartment (about 70-75 square meters), the rent is 900-1,200 Singapore dollars. A three-bedroom apartment (90-100 square meters) costs 1,200-1,500 Singapore dollars, while a three-bedroom, two-bedroom apartment (100-130 square meters) rents for 1,500-2,000 Singapore dollars.
153. What is the currency used in Singapore?
The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD), with subsidiary units called Singapore cents (S cents). One dollar equals 10 cents, and one cent equals 10 cents. The denominations of banknotes are approximately: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000 Singapore dollars. Coins include: 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents. In Singapore, Chinese yuan (CNY) can be exchanged freely at the current exchange rate.
154. Is there a time difference between Singapore and China?
Since Singapore and China are on the same meridian, there is no time difference between them and Beijing.
155. When should I book my flight tickets?
July and August are peak months for Chinese students studying in Singapore, and many parents complain about being unable to book flight tickets to Singapore during this time. To ensure their children arrive on time for school, parents often resort to connections, favors, or even paying high prices for tickets. However, this situation can be completely avoided. During peak seasons, you can start looking for and comparing flight prices from different airlines and times one month in advance. The reason for this is:
1) Many people book seats in advance. If you wait too long, you may only be able to get standby seats.
2) After booking a ticket, the status in the computer system will show as "okay," but you can choose not to check out immediately and wait for a while. Most airlines require customers to check out a few days before departure, otherwise, a deposit will be required. If you change your mind later, you can simply reschedule or cancel.
156. What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Do not panic. Contact the airline counter or the person picking you up. Usually, airlines offer this service automatically, but sometimes you may need to request it.
157. If I arrive at the airport and find that no one is picking me up, what should I do?
Do not panic. This is a test of your ability to adapt. You can call the student association or relevant organizations. If no one answers, leave your name, arrival flight, and temporary accommodation details. It is essential to have the contact numbers of your classmates, friends, or mentors memorized, including mobile phone numbers. If necessary, you can take a taxi to a nearby hotel for temporary lodging and contact them once you are settled. Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings.
158. If my luggage is lost by the airline, how should I handle it?
You need to fill out a baggage lost claim form at the airline counter and note the name of the airline staff member for future reference. Then, follow the person picking you up home to rest and continue to inquire about the status of your luggage. Airlines have established procedures for handling lost luggage, including compensation. If you ultimately cannot recover your luggage, you must demand compensation. In such cases, your advisor, friends, or family can write letters to prove the extent of your loss.
159. What should I pay attention to when collecting my luggage at the airport?
Generally, will my luggage be checked?
1) Follow the signs to the baggage claim area and locate your flight’s carousel using the information on the screens or signs.
2) Collect your luggage from the carousel and carefully check the luggage tags, as many suitcases may look identical.
3) The airport provides trolleys for rent at 1 Singapore dollar per trolley, with 1 dollar refundable upon return. Alternatively, you can hire a porter for 1 Singapore dollar per item.
4) Changi Airport in Singapore is very large, and it is common to pick up luggage from the wrong carousel. Airlines may also make mistakes. If you cannot find your luggage, do not panic. Hold the baggage claim stub from your boarding pass and inquire with the airline.
5) When queuing for customs clearance, choose the shortest line. Do not look around or hesitate, and do not switch lines if another line seems faster, as this may raise suspicion and lead to thorough inspection. Smile, be polite, answer questions honestly but do not talk too much to avoid trouble.
6) Singaporean airports are generally stricter than European ones and often check luggage. When checked, present your documents. If customs requires an inspection of your luggage, open it immediately without hesitation. If cleared, do not doubt it and leave immediately.
7) If any prohibited items are found in your luggage, they will be confiscated on the spot. Your packed items may become disorganized, requiring effort to put them back in order. However, sometimes you may get through quickly if lucky.
8) Always keep your baggage tags with you to prevent theft.
160. How do students live in Singapore?
It is essential to have a place to stay upon arrival in Singapore. It is best to request temporary accommodation from the school for 2-4 weeks. During this time, you can search for permanent housing. If you do not arrange accommodation through the school, you must book a place yourself. After arriving in Singapore, the overseas student office of the school you applied to can also help you find suitable housing on or off campus. There are three types of accommodation for students in Singapore:
1) University dormitories
2) Homestays
3) Off-campus rentals.
Students can choose the option that best suits their situation. The characteristics of these three types of accommodation are as follows:
Students without relatives or friends in Singapore often consider staying in university dormitories before leaving home because:
1) They do not know how to find suitable housing in an unfamiliar place.
2) Dormitories are close to classes, saving commuting time.
3) Dormitories provide daily meals, eliminating the need to cook.
However, living in university dormitories also has drawbacks and may not be suitable for everyone. First, the rent is slightly higher than off-campus rentals. Second, dormitories mainly serve Western-style food, which may not suit Chinese tastes. Therefore, students planning to apply for dormitory accommodation should consider whether their living habits are compatible with living in a dormitory.