Singapore has recently been experiencing a spa boom, and there is now plenty of choice for everything from holistic Ayurveda to green tea hydrotherapy. However, prices aren't as rock-bottom as in neighbors Indonesia and Thailand, and you'll generally be looking at upwards of $70 even for a plain one-hour massage. Good spas can be found in most five-star hotels and on Orchard, and Sentosa's Spa Botanica also has a good reputation. There are also numerous shops offering traditional Chinese massage, which are mostly legitimate, and "health centres", which are mostly not.
Hawker centresThe cheapest and most popular places to eat in Singapore are hawker centres, essentially former pushcart vendors directed into giant complexes by government fiat.Every district in Singapore has its own hawker centres and prices decrease as you move out into the boonies. For tourists, centrally located Newton Circus (Newton MRT), Gluttons Bay and Lau Pa Sat (near the River), are the most popular options — but this does not make them the cheapest or the tastiest, and the demanding gourmand would do well to head to Chinatown or the heartlands instead. Many of the best food stalls are located in residential districts away from the tourist trail and do not advertise in the media, so the best way to find them is to ask locals for their recommendations. And if you miss western food, Botak Jones in several hawker centers offer reasonably authentic and generously sized American-restaurant style meals at hawker prices.
ATMs in SingaporeAutomated Teller Machines (ATMs) are located all over the city-state - every bank, MRT station, or shopping center has its own. Machines with a Plus or Cirrus sign will let you withdraw money using your own ATM machine. Most machines allow Visa or Mastercard withdrawals.
Credit CardsMajor credit cards are accepted islandwide. Surcharges on credit card purchases are not permitted, and any shops that attempt to impose one should be reported to credit card company involved:
- American Express (www.americanexpress.com, +65-6299-8133)
- Diners Club (www.dinersclub.com.sg, +65-6294-4222)
- JCB (www.jcbinternational.com/sg, +65-6734-0096)
- MasterCard & Visa (1800-345-1345)
Travelers' ChecksTravelers' checks may be changed in most banks or moneychangers across the island - some shops and restaurants accept them as legal tender, too! Show your passport when cashing your travelers' checks.
Changing Money in Singapore: Moneychangers & BanksLicensed moneychangers can be found at Singapore Changi Airport, Orchard Road shopping centers, the Central Business District near City Hall, and other major areas of commerce (Little India and Chinatown, among others). Look for a "Licensed Money Changer" sign to be assured of prompt and honest service.
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