• Population: approximately 5 million
• Capital: Singapore
• Demographics: 74.1% of residents are of Chinese descent, 13.4% of Malay descent, 9.2% of Indian descent, and 3.3% of other (including Eurasian) descent. Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Hinduism are the main practiced religions.
• Type of government: Unitary dominant-party parliamentary constitutional republic.
• Common foods: Chicken rice, chili crab, black pepper crab, fried Hokkien mee, Nyonya laksa, Char Kuey Teow, kaya toast, sambal stingray. It is renowned for its seafood and intercultural foods, such as Chinese, Malay, and Indian.
• Currency: Singapore Dollar

English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil are the four official languages of Singapore, though English is the most commonly used.

As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

It is each students responsibility to independently verify the visa information below and ensure they apply and secure the appropriate documentation to travel and stay in their host country for the duration of their program.

U.S. students will need a student visa. Visit Singapore's Immigration & Checkpoints Authority website for more information about visa type, price, and application process.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page of this website.

Phones

• One recommendation is to get a pre-paid SIM card from Starhub to put in your phone.
• Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• Free WiFi is available in most public places.

Electricity

• Singapore uses plug type G, so it is recommended that you purchase a plug adapter. You can find some on Amazon for relatively cheap.
• While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S., as Korean voltage is 220 volts and 60 Hz. It is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Using Money

• Most major debit/credit cards will work, but you will want to check with your bank before leaving regarding any surcharges.
• It is also recommended to pay in local currency when asked by credit card machine.

Banking Tips

• You can withdraw money at ATMs.
• You can use any of the following resources to locate ATMs: OCBC ATM Locator, DBS ATM Locator, Citibank ATM Locator, HSBC ATM Locator, and Standard Chartered ATM Locator.

Geography

• Singapore is a sovereign island city-state in Southeast Asia.

Climate

• Singapore is tropical and humid year-round.
• School holidays fall in June and July, the hottest (and haziest) time.

Packing

• Sun gear (sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat), mosquito repellent, a water bottle, an umbrella.
• It is recommended to pack cotton T-Shirts, skirts and desses, a jacket/cardigan/sweater, a nice outfit, and a pair of comfortable sneakers.
• For more packing considerations, view the Packing List (PDF).

Traveling Locally

• The efficient Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) subway system is the easiest, quickest and most comfortable way to get around Singapore.
• Bikes, trishaws (cycle rickshaw), are also options.
• Taxis and buses are another form of transport.

Flights

• Main Airports: Singapore Changi Airport, Seletar Airport, Paya Lebar Airport, Kallang Airport
• Common airlines: Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, JetStar Asia Airways

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. For example, how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process: visit the State Department website and look into the Identity & Inclusion resources available on this website.

International Safety and Security provides important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with this website and the resources available to you. Review the U.S. Embassy page and the Department of State website for additional safety resources.

Enroll yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.