As we gather to celebrate the auspicious Platinum Jubilee of our beloved Swamiji, your journey to Singapore is an important part of this special occasion. Here is some info to make this time a joyful and meaningful experience.
Before Arrival:
Singapore Visa: Along with Passport, please ensure that you have valid Singapore visa if you are Indian Citizen. Your airlines and local immigration might ask for it during check-in and immigration process at your respective airports. You may keep print out of the visa in addition of having soft copy in your phone.
SG Arrival Card: All travelers are required to submit the SG Arrival Card before arriving in Singapore. You are required to submit the SGAC within three (3) days (including the day of arrival) before arrival in Singapore. This is to avoid unnecessary delays during immigration clearance upon your arrival. For example, if you are arriving in Singapore on 7 November 2024, you can submit your declaration from 5 November 2024 onwards. Here is the link to fill in the arrival card: https://eservices.ica.gov.sg/sgarrivalcard/
Dress Code:
For 8 Nov 2024 evening Gala Dinner : Dress Code is Semi formal or ethnic wear.
Please check sample images of the dress code given at the end of this page.
For all other events please ensure to wear modest clothing as you do in Chaitanya Mahotsava or Gurupurnima live event.
Currency / Cash:
For our program, those of you paying in Singapore, you need SGD 1000 or SGD 1050 (including visa fees). Add some buffer for your additional stay/meals/shopping. You may convert this amount into SGD in India and bring it here, there are no restrictions on carrying SGD of such an amount from India to Singapore.
Highly advised to buy SGD in India and carry SGD currency notes if you are paying for the program in Singapore (Cash on Delivery category). And finally remember, SGD is Singapore Dollar. Different than USD.
In general when you go to bank or travel agent in India, and when you say Dollar, they think US Dollar only but here you need SGD.
What to bring: In addition to your usual stuff, below is a list of items that we recommend you to bring:
Sunblock, cap, sunglasses - cuz it’s hot when you are moving around.
Raincoat/umbrella - cuz it rains randomly
Personal medicines - you cannot get over the counter medicines in Singapore, and need to go to the doctor to get any medicine
Shawl/coat - as the event venue MIGHT get cold
Travel adaptor - Singapore uses Type G plug, characterized by its three rectangular pins.
Travel insurance - medical in Singapore is expensive
Singapore Dollars (S$) - do not convert to US$ in India as you will need to exchange it again here with a loss. Get Indian Rupees to change to SGD directly.
What NOT to bring, Prohibited and Controlled Goods: Singapore has very strict laws and these Prohibited items are not allowed to be imported into Singapore. These include
Chewing gum
Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (for example, electronic cigarettes)
Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
Obscene articles, publications, videotapes, videodiscs and software
Reproductions of copyright publications, videotapes, videodiscs and laser discs, records and cassettes
Seditious and treasonable materials.
After Arrival at Singapore Airport
Immigration on Arrival:
Singapore has adopted automated immigration process and all foreigners arriving in Singapore, regardless of nationality, you can now use the automated lanes at Changi Airport. Suggest to keep a copy of your visa and ensure you have submitted SG Arrival Card before arrival Immigration, there are some computer terminals at arrival hall to submit arrival card, however we recommend you do this earlier.
Singapore Changi airport has 3 main terminal (T1,T2,T3) and 1 budget terminal (T4). All 3 main terminals are interconnected and from terminal 4 there is regular bus to main terminals.
Almost all of you shall be arriving at T1/T2/T3, Between T1,T2 & T3 you can transfer on foot or using complementary Skytrain.
By Skytrain: Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected by complimentary Skytrain service in both the public and transit areas.
On Foot: To move between T1 and T3 within the transit area, use the inter-terminal travellators located throughout the Departure Transit areas. To travel between T2 and T3 in the public area, use the Mezzanine Level link bridge between the two terminals.
SIM Card: You can purchase a SIM card from Changi Recommends counters in any terminal, enabling you to stay connected with fellow sadhaks and loved ones as we prepare for this momentous celebration.
Changi Airport Dining/Attractions: On your arrival if there is sufficient time between your arrival and hotel check in, we encourage you to enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere of Singapore Changi Airport.
Dining Options - Indian Vegetarian Delights: Kaveri Vegetarian Cuisine (Terminal 3, Level 3), Chutney Mary (Terminal 2), Bikanervala (Terminal 3)
Other Food Options: There are many cafes at each terminal as well as food courts at all 3 Terminals and Jewel Mall as well.
Relax and Freshen Up: If you need to freshen up or relax, you can visit the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel in Terminal 1 (with paid shower facilities) or use one of the many plazas for a quick rest.
Visit Jewel Changi Airport: This is new mall with multiple attractions at Changi airport, note some of the shops opens at 10 am however most attractions are open all times including
HSBC Rain Vortex: The world’s tallest indoor waterfall. A stunning sight surrounded by lush gardens.
Shiseido Forest Valley: A tranquil indoor garden offering scenic walks, perfect for a relaxing start to your trip.
Canopy Park Attractions: Located on the top level, it offers fun activities such as the Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, and Mirror Maze.
Shopping at Jewel: Brands like Uniqlo, Muji, and luxury shops are open starting from 10 a.m.
Money changers: In Singapore almost every mall has money changer including airport. There is one money changer at Hotel Boss ground floor as well.
Your arrival Date/Time:
Some of you are coming prior to 7th November for touring Singapore and are expected to have your hotel/stay booked, you may visit Gurushaktidham as well on all days (except 7,8,9 November).
On 7th November, we recommend you to reach Hotel Boss between 10.30 Am to 1 Pm. Hotel has given us formal check-in time of 3 Pm, they may provide us early check-in from 10.30 Am based on room availability.
On reaching Hotel Boss, our volunteers will be hotel lobby to receive you. Hotel has informed us that we can gather at hotel level-4 where is there is lot of open space, we shall be doing preliminary registration at level-4.
Transfers from Airport to Hotel Boss:
Taxi
Public Bus
Train
Group Bus on 7th morning : Details of this option are discussed in confirmed participants groups.