Singapore is much more expensive than other South-East Asian countries,
which may come as a shock if you are travelling on a shoestring budget.
May 27, 2006 (Press Release) --
Money Advice
Singapore is much more expensive than other South-East Asian countries,
which may come as a shock if you are travelling on a shoestring budget.
You can still stay here without spending too much money, as long as you
can forego the temptation to run amok in the shops or indulge in luxuries
you may have craved while travelling in less-developed Asian countries.
It's possible to stay in Singapore for US$25 a day, if you stay in hostels
and eat cheaply. If you're staying in mid-range hotels and eating at good
restaurants, US$80 is a more realistic daily minimum.
All major credit cards are widely accepted, although you're not going to
make yourself too popular after a hard bargaining session for a new camera
if you then try to pay for it with your Visa card. ATMs are widespread,
although it's probably still a good idea to take cash and travellers'
cheques for emergencies. You'll find moneychangers in shopping centres all
over Singapore.
Tipping is not usual in Singapore: expensive hotels and restaurants may
impose a 10% service charge, and a gratuity is not expected in excess of
this. Bargaining is falling by the wayside, but tourists should still
expect to haggle for luxury items and souvenirs. It is unnecessary to
bargain for everyday goods or transport.
Currency
Singapore dollar
Relative Costs
Meals
Budget: US$3-12
Mid-range: US$12-20
Top-end: US$20 and upwards
Lodging
Budget: US$15-30
Mid-range: US$30-100
Top-end: US$100 and upwards
Economy Facts
GDP: US$85 billion
GDP per head: US$21,800
Annual growth: 5%
Inflation: 1.1%
Major industries: Shipping, banking, tourism, electrical & electronics,
chemicals, oil refining
Major trading partners: US, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
Singapore is much more expensive than other South-East Asian countries,
which may come as a shock if you are travelling on a shoestring budget.
You can still stay here without spending too much money, as long as you
can forego the temptation to run amok in the shops or indulge in luxuries
you may have craved while travelling in less-developed Asian countries.
It's possible to stay in Singapore for US$25 a day, if you stay in hostels
and eat cheaply. If you're staying in mid-range hotels and eating at good
restaurants, US$80 is a more realistic daily minimum.
All major credit cards are widely accepted, although you're not going to
make yourself too popular after a hard bargaining session for a new camera
if you then try to pay for it with your Visa card. ATMs are widespread,
although it's probably still a good idea to take cash and travellers'
cheques for emergencies. You'll find moneychangers in shopping centres all
over Singapore.
Tipping is not usual in Singapore: expensive hotels and restaurants may
impose a 10% service charge, and a gratuity is not expected in excess of
this. Bargaining is falling by the wayside, but tourists should still
expect to haggle for luxury items and souvenirs. It is unnecessary to
bargain for everyday goods or transport.
Currency
Singapore dollar
Relative Costs
Meals
Budget: US$3-12
Mid-range: US$12-20
Top-end: US$20 and upwards
Lodging
Budget: US$15-30
Mid-range: US$30-100
Top-end: US$100 and upwards
Economy Facts
GDP: US$85 billion
GDP per head: US$21,800
Annual growth: 5%
Inflation: 1.1%
Major industries: Shipping, banking, tourism, electrical & electronics,
chemicals, oil refining
Major trading partners: US, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan
Source: http://www.yahoo.com
Email
Print
SPAM
LEAVE A COMMENT
