TRAVEL

Passports and Visas
A current passport is required for entry into Singapore. Please check your visa requirements on the Singapore Immigration Service website: http://app.ica.gov.sg/travellers/entry/visa_requirements.asp

For information on duty free allowances, prohibited and restricted and controlled items, please visit http://www.customs.gov.sg.

Departure Tax
A passenger service tax of SGD$21 is chargeable upon departure. It is likely that it has been included in your ticket charge. Please check with your ticketing agent.

Official Letters of Invitation
Official letters of invitation for visa applications can be sent to participants upon written request. These letters do not commit the Organising Committee to any financial obligation.

Climate
Singapore has a warm and humid climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius. Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear.

Banking
Major cards are widely accepted by establishments in Singapore. Most banks handle travellers' cheques and change foreign currencies. Passports are required when cashing in travellers' cheques. A nominal commission may be charged. Do note that some banks do not have foreign exchange dealings on Saturdays.

Banking hours are from 0900-1500hours, Mondays to Fridays and 0900-1200 hours on Saturdays.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are located island wide and are readily available 24 hours

Currency
The Singapore Dollar (SGD).
Notes: $10,000, $1,000, $500, $100, $50, $20, $10, $5, $2.
Coins: $1, 50cents, 20cents, 10cents, 5cents.

Exchange rate ( as of 12 April 2007)
USD1 = SGD1.51

Other than the Singapore Dollar, the US and Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound are
also accepted in most major shopping centres.

Electricity
The standard voltage of power supply in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second. On request, most hotels will provide transformers to visitors. When shopping for electrical appliances, do remember to check the voltage of the item against the acceptable voltage in your home country. The power plugs used in Singapore are of the three-pin, square-shaped type.

There will be wireless internet facility available at the Meeting Venue.

Drinking water
Water is safe to drink straight from the tap throughout Singapore. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in public service vehicles, museums, libraries, lifts, air-conditioned restaurants, theatres, cinemas, supermarkets, department stores and government offices. Smoking is also banned at bus-stops/interchange, open air stadiums, public toilets, swimming pools and community clubs.

Smoking is only allowed at designated seats in open air hawker centres and coffeeshops. Offenders can be fined up to SGD1,000.