Edit Guide 
Transportation 
Banking Services 
Post Office 
Medical Services 
Telecom 
Survival Guide Transportation:
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Trains
The mode of transportation that is most widely used (fastest and most efficient) is the Mass Rapid Transit. Being a well-developed country, Singapore boasts an extensive rail network that allows commuters to get to all parts of the city easily.
Flying Chalks’ recommendations: There are many free mobile applications that you can download to help navigate Singapore’s MRT system.
For Android users, you can download “Singapore MRT and LRT FREE by RoarApps”.
For IOS users, you can download “Singapore Transport Map by OnDemandWorld”.
To calculate the cost of your ride, click here.
To begin your commuting journey, simply purchase an ez-link card at any of the TransitLink Ticket Offices, Concession Card Replacement Offices or Passenger Service Centres located at most MRT stations. It costs $12 with a stored value $7 for use and you can top up your card at all General Ticketing Machines at all SMRT and SBST stations.
For more information on getting around Singapore, click here!
Interactive map can be found here!
Find out the first and last trains of the specific stations here!
Buses
Apart from trains, buses are another convenient mode of transportation to get to your destination. Use http://gothere.sg/maps to navigate to your destination in the fastest way possible!
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and safe, but expensive in Singapore.
Taxi Fares (as of March 9, 2016)
Regular Taxis [mid-size] | |||
Basic fare | Region | Additional Fare | Details |
$3.00 - $3.90 | Varies by region | Fares calculated by Every 400m thereafter up to 10 km - $0.22 Every 350m thereafter after 10km - $0.22 | In Singapore, a midnight surcharge of 50% applies from midnight to 5.59am. A peak hour surcharge of 25% applies from 6.00am to 9.30am & 6.00pm to midnight. Extra surcharge from city area, Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay and more applies. Additional booking fee applies when you call for a taxi. |
Maxi Cab Limo Taxi (7-seater) | |||
Basic fare | Region | Additional Fare | Details |
$3.90 | Varies by region | Fares calculated by Every 400m thereafter up to 10 km - $0.30 Every 350m thereafter after 10km - $0.30 Flat rate maxi cabs are also available – call Limousine Cab @ 6535 3534. | Surcharges are similar to that of regular taxis. Current booking fee - $10 (immediate) Advance booking fee - $18 (30 mins and above) Call Comfort Limousine Taxi Booking @ 6552 2828. |
Flying Chalks' tip: If you want a rough gauge of your taxi fare, use the Taxi fare calculator!
Taxi Booking Contact Numbers:
CityCab / Comfort Taxis – 6552 1111
SMRT Taxis – 6555 8888
TransCab – 6555 3333
Premier Taxis – 6363 6888
Banking Services:
To set up a bank account, you would require:
- Passport (original and photocopy)
- Student's Pass or Letter of Acceptance from the school
- Matriculation Card (if available)
Once a bank account (savings or current account) is open, the bank will usually issue a chequebook, an ATM card with deposit / withdrawal functions and a PIN for phone or online banking.
Each bank has different requirements to open an account, with differing minimum balances and service charges.
Flying Chalks’ tip: Every bank has its own set of previleges that enables you to save, so choose wisely!
Major Banks in Singapore:
DBS Bank Ltd
Opening hours: Differing opening hours, find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.
Nearest DBS Bank to SIM: Clementi Central
Their homepage is available here!
Customer Service: 1800 111 1111; +65 6327 2265 (from overseas)
Their list of contact numbers can be found here!
OCBC Bank
Opening hours: Differing opening hours, find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.
Nearest OCBC Bank to SIM: Clementi Mall
Their homepage is available here!
Customer Service: 1800 783 5911; +65 6363 3333 (from overseas)
United Overseas Bank Ltd (UOB Bank)
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Opening hours: Differing opening hours, find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.
Nearest OCBC Bank to SIM: Clementi central
Their homeage is available here!
Customer Service: 1800 222 2121; +65 6222 2121 (from overseas)
Post office Services:
The SingPost office closest to SIM University is located at level 5, Clementi Mall. They are open from 1100hrs to 2100hrs.
Otherwise, click here to locate the post office closest to you!
Flying Chalks’ tip: Shipping rates vary according to destinations, weight etc. Check here for postage rates and delivery time!
Medical services:
Singapore being a developed country has plenty of private clinics around. The nearest pharmacy/ polyclinic to SIM University is located at Clementi Central, a bus ride away. Bus services 52 and 154 will lead you right up to Clementi MRT after which, Clementi Polyclinic will be within walking distance.
You will be glad to know that should you require hospitalization and/or surgery due to any unforeseen injuries sustained within the SIM GE Campus, your medical expenses are automatically covered by AXA Insurance. However, do note that this only applies to the hospitals under the Singapore Government/ Restructured Hospitals:
Singapore General Hospital
Alexandra Hospital
KK Women’s & Children Hospital
National University Hospital
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Changi General Hospital
Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
For more information on the insurance coverage, click here!
Polyclinics can also be found within each neighbourhood. Guides to Polyclinics and the services offered can be found here!
Flying Chalks’ tip: There will always be a long queue at the local polyclinics. Hence, do be prepared for the wait.
Medicine
Pharmacies are located all over the city in “Watsons” and “Guardian” stores. You can purchase both prescription and over-the-counter drugs for colds, headaches, and other minor ailments.
Basic medicine such as Panadol can be purchased from NTUC Fairprice, 7-11, Cheers, Unity stores or neighbourhood polyclinics.
Telecommunications:
There are 3 mobile telecommunications service providers in Singapore: Singtel, Starhub, and M1. These providers operate authorized service centres and phone retail stores where you can subscribe to a phone service and purchase a mobile phone.
Singtel
Singtel has prepaid SIM cards with different values ($8, $15, $28, $38, $50). A good deal would be the $50 hi! SIM Card as you get a $100 value + FREE 5GB Local Data. This is available at Singapore Changi Airport. Do note that you will require either your passport or student pass to purchase a SIM card. There are also Top-Up Cards for you to top-up the value in your card.
To find a Singtel store near you, click here!
Starhub
Starhub has prepaid SIM cards with different values ($8, $15, $32, $50). A good deal would be the $50 Happy Prepaid SIM as you get a $50 value + 5GB Local Data (valid for 30days upon activation) + FREE 100GB Local Data (valid for 5 days upon activation). Do note that you will require your passport to purchase a SIM card. There are also Top-Up Cards for you to top-up the value in your card – available at all 7-Eleven, Cheers, and Starhub retail outlets.
To find a Starhub retail outlet near you, check it out at here.
M1
M1 has prepaid SIM cards with different values ($5, $15). A good deal would be the $15 M Card as you get a $18 value + 500MB Local Data (valid for 30days upon activation). Do note that you will require your passport to purchase a SIM card. There are also Top-Up Cards for you to top-up the value in your card – available at all 7-Eleven, Cheers, FairPrice Xpress, M1 shops and exclusive distributors.
To find a M1 store near you, check it out at here.
Flying Chalks’ tip: Prices of prepaid SIM Cards are competitive across all providers, so you might want to compare the rates of calls, SMS and data for a better deal. There will be a fourth provider for telecommunication service called (MyRepublic) soon!
Weather:
Singapore experiences summer and remains hot and humid all year round. We experience other seasons such as monsoon and dry seasons. Temperatures average around 31°C.
Dry Seasons (mid-January – March) are normally the warmest, with little rain as compared to the monsoon season (October – January).
More information can be found here!
IMPORTANT NUMBERS | |
General nationwide emergency hotline that can be used to call for an ambulance, fire truck or police | 999 |
Police | 999 |
Emergency Ambulance and Fire | 995 |
Fire Hazard Reporting | 1800-933-6483 |
Non-Emergency Ambulance Services | 1777 |
Tourist Complaint Hotline (Mon – Fri: 9.00am – 5.30pm) | 1800-736-3366 |
For more information, click here!
