Hotel, Venue Information and Visa Requirements

Host Hotel

The 2011 Currency Conference will be held at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Convention Center, which is located in the middle of the business district. Check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 11:00 a.m. It offers a luxury hotel, state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, theaters, entertainment and the best shopping and dining the region. The three soaring hotel towers are crowned by the Sands SkyPark located on the 57th storey. The museum, which has a lotus-inspired design, features exhibitions from around the world.

For delegate guest room reservations at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, please contact the hotel directly at: www.marinabaysands.com, or you can contact the following representative and she and her staff will be happy to assist you:

Maida AbuBakar
Manager, Hotel Reservations (Groups)
MARINA BAY SANDS
10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 8889, DID: +65 6688 0513, Mobile: +65 8468 6768, Fax: +65 6688 889

Venue Information

During the 14th century, this small but strategically located island earned a new name. According to the legend, Sang Nila Utama, a Prince from Palembang (the capital of Srivijaya), was out on a hunting trip when he caught sight of an animal he had never seen before. Taking it to be a good sign, he founded a city where the animal had been spotted, naming it "The Lion City" or Singapura, from the Sanskrit words "simha" (lion) and "pura" (city).

Singapore is a thriving cosmopolitan city that's brimming with diversity and has a multiplicity of culture, language, arts and architecture. Its unique offerings set Singapore apart, and ensure that you will have a most enjoyable and interesting stay.

At present, Singapore's population stands at about five million people, with English as the main language of instruction, and a mother tongue for each major ethnicity. Coming together as a society and living in harmony, there are four major races - namely the Chinese (majority), Malay, Indian and Eurasian. Each community offers a different perspective of life in Singapore in terms of culture, religion, food and language.

Being a multi-racial society, Singapore is as diverse as it is cohesive. You can explore and experience the island's key historical landmarks or memorials and embark on a heritage trail and enjoy the sights and sounds at various cultural precincts, notably Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam.

Currency

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere (even in the most obscure bits) in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Weather

Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31°C (88°F), dropping to around 24°C (75°F) in the evenings.

Cell Phone Usage

Singapore's international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your cell phone, you don't have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here.

(No) Smoking

Besides air-conditioned areas such as shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment outlets and cinemas, smoking is also an offence on the SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system), public buses, taxis and in lifts. Recently, the smoking ban has also been imposed on public eateries and within a five-metre radius from most building entrances, except for allocated smoking areas that are clearly marked with bright yellow paint. A maximum fine of S$1,000 may be imposed on first-time offenders.

GST Refund Scheme

Enjoy tax-free shopping in Singapore at locations with the "Tax Refund" logo. As a visitor, the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) that you paid on your purchases can be claimed when you leave Singapore. Simply spend SGD 100.00 or more at participating retailers to qualify for refunds. Refunds may be claimed either directly from retailers or at Changi and Seletar Airport. GST Refund Forms must be completed with the dealer's signature and stamps, and then validated by Customs at Singapore Changi Airport before your departure.

Consumer Advisory

Most Singapore retailers have fair business practices, but there are a small number of shops and restaurants that might make your shopping experience less than ideal. Here are some smart shopping tips to ensure that your retail experience is a pleasant one.

1. Always do price comparisons to get the best deals
2. Note that purchases made are usually final
3. Check receipts or invoices for accuracy
4. Verify what your 'international warranty' covers
5. Check before leaving the store (Before making payment, make sure that you test the item you wish to purchase, and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are included in the package, and work as they should).

For additional Singapore information, please visit: http://www.yoursingapore.com

Visa Requirements

Apart from visitors from China and India, most foreigners coming into Singapore do not require visas for entry and may be given up to 30-day social visit passes upon their arrival in Singapore. However, it is best to consult your local consular office for the latest information with regards to coming into Singapore, or please refer to the attached official website: http://www.ica.gov.sg/services_centre_overview.aspx?pageid=252&secid=165. If a Visa is required, it will be necessary to download and complete the form (14A) included on this website.

Applicants can choose to apply for their Visa in their home country, or request local Singapore support from Pacific World Singapore who will furnish required letter/certification of travel to Singapore. Please contact Pacific World Singapore directly for Visa assistance: Karen Young at karenyoung@pacificworld.com.

A $30 fee will be charged for the visa (per applicant) by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, and if Pacific World's assistance is requested, a handling fee of SGD30 will apply for each letter/certification to travel to Singapore generated and issued by Pacific World, subject to 3% credit card charges. Pacific World Singapore will provide you with additional information.