Singapore

[Ten Eight]

Hey folks,

I'm considering visiting Singapore to open a multi currency denominated account with DBS.

Do's and Don'ts? So far, I only plan on meeting for an appointment, then coming back. Anything else worth doing?

Any advice would appreciated, especially if it's banking related.

Thanks,

Ten Eight

[Polie]

DO's
watch out for the lady boys.......

DON'T's
Eat anything western. Broaden your culinary horizon!!!

[tinythief]

DO's
watch out for the lady boys.......

DON'T's
Eat anything western. Broaden your culinary horizon!!!

lol, them ladyboys are wayyyyy more common in Bangkok


Get a good book or something to keep busy in the airplane, flying takes roughly 24 hours depending on where you stop. i usually stop over at Moscow airport, its about 10 hours from here and 14 more back to Singapore. During the months of June- July and October- December, expect it to be more busy. This time period when most primary and secondary school students are on break.

Carry a brolly with you all the time,the weather sucks compared to Texas. Its pretty much 80F with 50%/50% chance of rain every day. Expect to sweat/perspire a lot.

The bus and taxi services are pretty good, just try to avoid the Mrt(train) in the morning rush. After 9ish 10, its not so bad.

Dbs and Posb merged, but they still retain their names, I believe you'll only need your passport to open an account. Takes roughly about 10mins. Ask about internet banking

Depending on how long your there, roam around and explore.I'm not sure what to recommend, buy definitely try the local food. There is a good mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian ( not the American ones) food. Like Polie said, try new food.

Just off the top of my head, ask and I'll try to answer

[Ten Eight]

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep my questions here as not clutter up your intro thread, even though I just replied there.

From what I've read I can only open a brokerage account as a corporation, not as an individual. Any knowledge there? I suppose I need to just call and ask.

I'll definitely be sampling the food. Can I get by using only USD? Or should I change a decent amount before I go?

[tinythief]

No worries

Sorry, unsure of the account stuff. The last time i opened an account was in 07.

USD is fine in the airport and the major hotels, I'd recommand changing here. You would get more SGD for your USD here than in Changi airport.

[Ten Eight]

Cool. I'm a fan of spicy food, so I'll definitely fit in lol.

What sort of self defense items can you bring in or carry over there? How do you fund your account? Do you strictly use wire tranfers/Western Union? How long does it take to hit your account if you mail in a deposit? I need to find out if you can mail deposits to DBS's lone CONUS office in L.A.

How long is a tourist visa good for?

[tinythief]

It depends on what self defense items your bringing, fire arms are a no no. It is generally frowned upon to be carrying a knife or sorts.

This might be of help: http://www.spf.gov.sg/licence/AE/others/List_AE.pdf

Funds wise, mine were from odd jobs and my army pay that I left in there before I moved. My grand dad transfers some funds regularly to my mum's chase account. I believe it takes less than a week, should be the same the other direction.

Some copypaste from the Singapore tourism board
http://singapore.tourism-asia.net/singa ... rules.html

The applicant is required to have a passport valid for 6 months beyond the stay in Singapore. Visa is issued for the period of 1 month. It can be extended in Singapore to 3 months via the Immigration Department.

[Ten Eight]

Thanks again. I'm sure I'll have more questions down the road before I take the plunge. Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions so far.

Post here or P.M when you find out how your debit card usage works out over here.

Ten Eight

[tinythief]

I did a quick test at Kroger's with the debit card, it ended up with an error. I believe happened as the card had a 6 number pin instead on the usual 4number pin. Did not try any thing else as there was a line.
I do believe the swipe and sign feature works here, I try it at therapy tomorrow.

Not really related but I have used this card in ATM's and various machines in Brunei, it did work. Then again that area in Brunei was kinda less high tech.

[deltagreen451]

Well, seeing as I LIVE in Singapore... drop me a PM if you need to ask anything... or badly need a guide

Other than that:

1. Singapore is generally a very safe place for tourists. Firearms and knives are frowned upon, and the government is death on recreational drugs.
2. Being at the maritime crossroads of the world generally means we get the best shopping deals. Ditto with food and drink.
3. In addition the usual tourist traps ranging from quaint and cultural to shiny and thrill-laden, we're also a convenient jump-off point to the rest of Asia with cheap air fares available.

There's lots of money-changer facilities, especially at the airport. We use the Singapore dollar here, and while it's possible to use US currency in cash at the larger establishments, do expect to be charged somewhat extra for the service.

As there's a standard 10% service tax on most large eateries, there's no culture of tipping here. Just pay what's stated on the bill. Then again, if you're eating what the locals eat, it will be at food centres and such where a meal would cost something like US$2-3 ~ MAX.

[Ten Eight]

Deltagreen,

Thanks for the input. I'll keep you in mind if this trip pans out.

Any cultural, behavorial type actions to avoid? For example, I think in the Phillipines it is considered crude to extend your hand for a handshake because your hand is used to wipe your ass. Things of that nature .

[tinythief]

some quick info:

dbs card/account:
http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/deposit/ ... fault.aspx
http://www.dbs.com/sg/personal/deposit/ ... ement.aspx

Singapore cards overseas info ( some blog i found on goggle) :
http://wirused.wordpress.com/2010/12/04 ... nsactions/

what I'm using:
http://www.treasures.com.sg/posb/cards/ ... fault.aspx

I tried the card at one of those random atm's at a gas station. I got an error for both with drawling and balance checking. But, it did work at my therapy place. They use these swipe, input payment amount print and sign things. Pic below

[deltagreen451]

Deltagreen,

Thanks for the input. I'll keep you in mind if this trip pans out.

Any cultural, behavorial type actions to avoid? For example, I think in the Phillipines it is considered crude to extend your hand for a handshake because your hand is used to wipe your ass. Things of that nature .

Not so much, unless dealing with the muslim population then the usual taboos apply - don't offer them alcohol, don't offer them pork. That said, the local muslims are not the hard-line fundamentalist type, but are quite secular and cosmopolitan as they go.

Also there's the "don't mess with the ladies who don't seem to enjoy the attention" taboo, but I understand that it's a pandemic cultural condition just about everywhere...

Seriously though, if in doubt, ask. Singaporeans generally speak english quite well, especially the younger generation (I won't discuss the local slang - that's a whole entire essay), just speak clearly - or if the accent gets in the way, write it down.

And finally, since this is the ZS forum:

The current threat of a Zombie apocalypse in Singapore is currently rated as VERY LOW due to the strict quarantine laws and universal conscription.
As Singapore does not sit on or near a geological faultline, the chances of earthquake is NON-EXISTENT, likewise, we are not in tornado zone and are too low in the hurricane belt. We do however, sometimes get some pretty amazing weather during the tropical monsoon periods - please check with online weather services and dress appropriately.

Finally, as we're a small tropical island, there is no hinterland to "bug out" to. There are however, significant numbers of hardened shelters, both civil and privately owned located just about everywhere as part of our civil defence master plan - just bring your own food...

[Ten Eight]

Thanks for the follow up information guys.