Entering Singapore - General Entry Requirements

Please refer to link below for general entry requirements before entering Singapore, and to check on whether you need visa

https://www.ica.gov.sg/enter-transit-depart/entering-singapore

Visa Support Letters will be provided to the registered delegates. The registration form will contain an option to request a support letter.

SG Arrival Card (SGAC)

All travellers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card within three (3) days (including the day of arrival) before arriving in Singapore, except:

• Those transiting/transferring through Singapore without seeking immigration clearance; and
• Singapore citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass Holders entering via land checkpoints.

Venues

The ICFP/SPLASH’25 conference will have two venues:

• The workshops on Sunday (October 12) will take place at NUS School of Computing COM1 building. If you are staying in one of the recommended conference hotels, the easiest way to get there is by using a ride-share app, such as Grab or Gojek (see links below).
• The rest of the conference (Mon-Sat, October 13-18) will take place at Marina Bays Sands Convention Centre. You can get there from any of the recommended conference hotels by bus or MRT (Singapore metro).

Accommodation

We have reserved blocks of rooms at a discounted rate at three hotels:

• Rendezvous
• Concorde
• Wyndham

To access the booking portal with the discount code applied, follow the “Visit website” link at the respected hotel pages listed above. All three recommended hotels are within 20-25 easy ride by public transport from the conference venue. You are also welcome to make your own accommodation plans, including booking a room in Marina Bay Sands (which is not the conference hotel for ICFP/SPLASH’25).

Travel Guide

The following notes are inspired by Nuno Lopes’ fantastic guide for PLDI’25 in Korea.

Local Transport

Singapore has an excellent public transportation system that is both efficient and affordable, making it easy to get around the city. Singapore’s metro (aka MRT, Mass Rapid Transit) and buses are the most popular options, and they cover nearly every part of the island. You don’t have to purchase a separate ticket for them, and instead can pay directly with your MasterCard/Visa bank card by tapping on the consoles upon entering and exiting an MRT station or a bus (you need to tap on both entry and exit to avoid extra charges). Cash is allowed on buses, beware there will be no changes. Drop the cash down the metal chute next to the driver.

Alternatively, you can use one of ride-sharing apps, which provide relatively affordable cab prices. The most popular ones are:

• Grab
• Gojek
• CDG Zig

Money & Payments

• Currency: The local currency is Singapore Dollar (SGD, S$). The exchange rate at the time of write is S$ 1 ≈ $ 0.77.
• Cash Needs: While cards work almost everywhere, it’s useful to carry a small amount of cash ~20 SGD for purchasing meal in hawker centers. In particular, if you are planning to attend Farm Performance at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music on on Sunday (October 12) evening, consider getting an early dinner at one of NUS UTown Hawker Centers, such as Flavours@UTown.

Power & Adapters

• Singapore uses Type G power plug shape (same as in UK and Cyprus). Power outlets in most of the places also allow for EU-style plugs, but this is not guaranteed, so, please, bring your Type G adapter. The standard electrical current in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles).

Clothing

• Daily temperatures are between 28-32 °C (82-89 °F).
• On a sunny day, it is recommended to carry a sun umbrella between 10am and 4pm.
• Sudden shower rains are very common.
• Public indoor spaces may be strongly air-conditioned, so we suggest to bring a light sweater.

Internet and Connectivity

• Singapore has excellent mobile coverage and fast data speeds throughout the country, including MRT stations.
• You can buy a local SIM or eSIM in advance or at the airport, in one of kiosks right after exiting the customs. Most options offer unlimited data for a fixed number of days. Prices are reasonable.
• Public Wi-Fi is common in cafes and hotels.

Health and Safety

• Tap water is safe to drink.
• The air quality in Singapore is good. Face masks are not required, but common.
• Public restrooms are clean and widely available, especially in malls, subway stations, and convenience stores.
• Singapore is very safe for walking around late at night. There is no violent crime, and petty crime is rare. For example, it is common to leave your belonging on a table in coffee shop to visit a restroom.

Emergencies

• The general emergency number in Singapore is 999 (police) and 995 (Ambulance and Fire Brigade).

Law and Etiquette

• Singapore has four official languages: Malay, English, Mandarin, and Tamil, but English is the default common language.
• Smoking is prohibited in public transportation, air-conditioned and common places, including areas within 5 metres of building entrances and bus shelters. Designated smoking areas are marked with notices or signs.
• On public transport, no eating or drinking, no durian and no smoking is allowed.
• When using the stairs or an escalator, etiquette in Singapore says that you stand on the left and walk on the right. Therefore, if you prefer to ride up an escalator, step to the left to allow those who want to walk up the ability to easily navigate around you.
• Singaporeans see the value of forming orderly queues to ensure that everyone gets their turn. These lines are for a variety of common daily activities, such as ordering food or preparing to board a train. Those new to the area should pay attention to how the locals around them behave. If others begin to form a queue, join them rather than trying to cut in line.
• It is an offence to leave your trays and litters on the tables at hawker center, food courts, and coffee shops. Please return your trays and crockery at the return stations to ensure the next diners has a pleasant experience.
• Liquor consumption in public areas is prohibited from 10.30pm to 7am. At this time, alcohol can only be purchased and consumed at licensed premises and at home.
• Chewing gums and vaping are illegal in Singapore. Offenders may be subjected to a fine.
• Singapore’s drug enforcement laws are very strict: drug consumption is punishable by a fine and imprisonment, and drug trafficking may be punishable by death penalty.