By Oluwatosin Ajibade
Of all my trips in 2022, my visit to Singapore was the most memorable. In this article, I will share 30 facts about Singapore with you. Most of these facts are from my own experience, while the rest were a product of research.
Before I delve fully into details about my visit, here are 30 facts you need to know about Singapore as a Nigerian:
- Getting into Singapore as a Nigerian is easier if you meet the requirements. As a Nigerian passport holder, I had the following documents:
- You must fill out your ICA form two days before your arrival.
- My printed E-Visa.
- Vaccination card.
- Yellow fever card.
- Hotel Card
- A maximum PTA Fee of $1,000 (They did not request this per se)
- Singapore’s four major languages are Malay, Mandarin, Tamo (from India), and English. If you can break down your English to a simple level, you should have no problem conversing with some indigenes.
- Singaporeans are very strict with their rules. Ensure you read the rules of the country before you make a move to go there. Under no circumstances should you disregard their rules. I guess this explains why Singapore is globally ranked high in terms of transparency in the public and private sectors.
- Singaporeans are very strict with their rules. Ensure you read the rules of the country before you make a move to go there. Under no circumstances should you disregard their rules. I guess this explains why Singapore is globally ranked high in terms of transparency in the public and private sectors.
- All food is imported. Singapore does not have any dairy farms or poultry.
- For some reason, there are no homeless people or beggars in the country.
- It is unlawful to sell, buy, or even chew chewing gum in Singapore except for medical purposes.
- This might not be relevant to your travel operations, but you should know that parents can sue their children for not taking care of them.
- Singaporeans LOVE their President. Do not disrespect her.
- In case you need to visit a mall, Orchard road has all the malls and major brands that sell authentic products. Singapore frowns at the sale of fake products.
- Singapore gained independence on August 9, 1965
- The president is a female, and she earns about 4 million dollars per year.
- The crime rate is so low because there are cameras everywhere. No robbery in Singapore. If you pickpocket, you will be caught in 12 hours and jailed.
- The British colonized Singapore.
- Istana- means Palace in the Malay language – this is the presidential house where she lives.
- Six universities in Singapore are the best in Asia.
- The Muslims cannot be cremated, so they are respected and buried on top of each other.
- The Singaporeans will be buried for 15 years and then exhumed and cremated, and the ashes will be buried in the crematory.
- The main source of income is the manufacturing of high-technology products, machinery, and engines.
- Top income earners come from the financial sector.
- Strikes and demonstrations are not allowed in Singapore. It is illegal. If they go on strike, the economy will go down.
- Singapore does not produce oil. They only refine oil.
- Chijmes building was where they had the wedding in Crazy Rich Asians film. The building is more than 100 years old.
- Singapore has a children policy of two children per family.
- Companies cannot employ foreigners to work. The companies must have six Singaporeans to one foreigner.
- Doctors earn 10,000 SGD per month.
- All male citizens aged 18 and above must go into the army.
- Singapore is very safe. Every street is lit up. 7 pm to 7 am.
- The original Singaporeans are all gone. They were all fishermen, and they are no more.
- You cannot get Singaporeans citizenship through marriage.
If you read up to this point, I hope you have learned a few that can help you during your visit.
