1. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Trains

Singapore boasts one of Asia’s most comprehensive train systems that allow 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.

click here for our interactive map

2. SBS & SMRT Buses

Apart from trains, buses are another convenient mode of transportation to get to your destination. click here to navigate to your destination in the fastest way possible! 

3. Taxi

Taxis are plentiful and safe, but slightly costly in Singapore.

Taxi Fares (as of March 9, 2016)

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: for an estimation of your taxi fare, click here You can also take Uber or Grab Taxi (via respective apps) during off-peak periods.

Taxi Booking Contact Numbers:

CityCab / Comfort Taxis – 6552 1111

SMRT Taxis – 6555 8888

TransCab – 6555 3333

Premier Taxis – 6363 6888

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 cheque book, 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. 

Major Banks in Singapore:

1. DBS Bank Ltd

Opening hours: Opening hours varies, find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.

For more information please refer to DBS Website

Customer Service: 1800 111 1111; +65 6327 2265 (from overseas)

2. OCBC Bank

Opening hours: Opening hours varies, find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.

For more information please refer to  OCBC Website

Customer Service: 1800 783 5911; +65 6363 3333 (from overseas)

3. United Overseas Bank Ltd

Opening hours: opening hours varies, find the nearest bank to you & their opening hours here.

For more information please refer to  UOB Website

Customer Service: 1800 222 2121; +65 6222 2121 (from overseas)

Flying Chalks’ tip: Singapore is one of the top financial hubs in the World. Hence, chances are that you will be able to find your preferred bank operating in the country!

For local mail, you can post by 7 pm from Monday to Thursday and by 8 pm on Friday. It takes one working day to deliver the mail.

Click here to locate the nearest SAM kiosk to your location

Flying Chalks’ tip: Shipping rates vary according to destinations, weight etc. Check here for postage rates and delivery time!

Medical Institutions 

• Raffles Hospital (nearest)

• Singapore General Hospital

• Alexandra Hospital

• KK Women’s & Children Hospital

• National University Hospital

• Tan Tock Seng Hospital

• Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

• Changi General Hospital

Those on a budget usually go to polyclinics to treat their illnesses. 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, be prepared for the wait.

Medicine

You will find pharmacies like “Watsons” and “Guardian” in most major shopping malls. You can purchase both prescription and over-the-counter drugs for colds, headaches, and other minor ailments.

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 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, click here.

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, click 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.

Weather:

Singapore has a tropical climate and stays hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures average around 31°C.