Singapore - Prepare

Arm yourself with bags of deodorant for those sticky days, an empty suitcase for cheap electronic goodies, and a cool pair of shades.

Start the year with a bang with parades and fireworks during Chinese New Year in January or February, get your credit cards at the ready for the Great Singapore Sale in May, and cheer on the oarsmen racing in the Dragon Boat Festival in June. Watch the lively National Day street celebrations in August, and join the party in Little India for Deepavali, the festival of lights (Oct/Nov).

New Year's Day (1 Jan), Chinese New Year (two days, Jan/Feb), Good Friday (Mar/Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Vesak Day (Buddha's birthday, May), National Day (9 Aug), Deepavali (Festival of Lights, Oct/Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec), Hari Raya Puasa (end of Ramadan, Oct, [10 days earlier every year]), Hari Raya Haji (Feast of Sacrifice, Jan, [10 days earlier every year]).

Hot and humid, the average temperature is around 30°C throughout the year and air-conditioning is essential for hotel rooms. The rainfall is heaviest November to February, and falls in dramatic torrents rather than day-long drizzles. Indoor venues use ferociously high air-conditioning, so long sleeves are useful.

220-240V AC, 50 Hz, three-pin plugs are standard.

+65 (national), + eight-figure number (Singapore)

Singapore dollars (S$) is the currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.

+8

Singapore Tourism Board website

The less the better in sticky Singapore. Shorts, vest tops and T-shirts are acceptable for both men and women, although shoulders and knees should be covered for visits to Hindu temples or mosques. High levels of air-con means indoor venues require a little more covering, and upmarket restaurants and clubs often have a smart-casual dress code.