At the time of writing, about 45% of you who will be coming for WordCamp Singapore 2019 are from out of town. Here’s a quick write up of what you can expect from WordCamp Singapore, and Singapore in general:
Travelling around
Singapore has a world-class public transport network allowing you to get around the island, quickly and comfortably (ahh, aircon!), and it won’t cost you very much either.
MRT / Trains
If you’re coming from overseas, you can get a special STP (Singapore Tourist Pass) EZ-Link card which will allow you unlimited travel on MRT and Bus services for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20). The pass can be bought at the Ticket Office at most MRT stations. They are also available at the STP Kiosks at Changi Airport MRT.
You can also use your foreign-issued Mastercard and Visa contactless bank cards for public transport, find out more here. Otherwise, you can buy single-trip and return trip tickets at all MRT stations around the island.
Bus
If you’re using the bus, you can pay your fare using your EZ-Link, Mastercard, Visa or STP the same as the trains, you will need to tap on and as you alight the bus. You can also pay for the bus fare in cash, but no change is given so make sure you have some coins.
Taxis/Grab/GoJek
Taxis are everywhere in Singapore and are especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT. Cabs are metred and there are various surcharges depending on where and when, and what company you use. All taxis will give a receipt and most drives will give you an indication of the fare. You can pay for most rides with credit cards as well as cash but check with the driver first just to make sure. You can hail a taxi by the roadside at most places, or by queuing for one at taxi stands.
If you wish to book a cab, you can call a common taxi booking number, 6-DIAL CAB (6342-5222), and your call will be routed to an available taxi company’s call centre.
We don’t have Uber here anymore, so those familiar with that experience should look into using either Grab (iOS/Android) or GoJek (iOS/Android). Grab is the most popular and has the largest network of rides, you can use Grab Hitch (Carpool), Grab Taxi (Taxi Bookings), Grab Car (Private cars, including premium vehicles). Grab also offers food delivery and payment for services using Grab Pay. GoJek is a relatively new player in Singapore and rides are generally a little cheaper. It’s worth checking out both apps to work out what one suits you best.
Maps
Google Maps and Apple Maps will both give you up to date traffic and public transport information as well, and if you’re looking for something more local, you can check out Bus Uncle.
For more detailed information, maps, guides and apps, check out the VisitSingapore.com website.
Where to Stay
Singapore has hundreds of places to stay, you will be spoilt for choice on where to lay your head, from low budget hostels to award-winning hotels.
The venue for WordCamp is One Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018989, and the Contributors Day is 79 Anson Rd, Singapore 079906, these are both very central locations close to Raffles Place MRT and Tanjong Pagar MRT respectively.
We’ve put together a shortlist of hotels that are nearby the venue and you can check them out here, otherwise one of our speakers has just let us know of this cool new space called 18by3 (we won’t hold it against them that they’re not using WordPress) which looks really funky, located nearby and reasonably priced, and the brand new Capital Kempinski Hotel and the majestic Raffles Hotel. Otherwise, you can check out any of the usual hotel booking portals like Booking.com
Note: Short-term rentals offered by platforms such as Airbnb are illegal in Singapore.
Connectivity
There are plenty of easy ways to stay in touch and get connected to your friends and loved ones while you are in Singapore.
Prepaid SIM card
If you wish to continue making calls and sending messages on your mobile phone, a good option will be to purchase a Singapore prepaid SIM card. All three local telcos – M1, Singtel and Starhub – offer a wide variety of packages, so take a little time to decide which plan best suits your needs.
Prepaid SIM cards are easily purchased at the telcos’ retail counters and convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cheers through the island, as well as at Singapore Changi Airport at Changi Recommends, currency exchange and telcos’ retail counters. You will have to produce your passport for registration when purchasing a prepaid SIM card.
Free Public Wi-Fi
Wireless@SG: This is a free public Wi-Fi service across Singapore, with hotspots available at many locations, check out this guide for a list of locations or just look for the Wireless@SG logo, you will need to connect with your phone number to register for an account and get your login details via SMS.
Free Wi-Fi service is offered and available for login at some shopping malls, restaurants and cafes in Singapore, Starbucks and McDonalds have pretty reliable connections.
If you’re staying on after the conference or want to know some great spots to eat and drink, check back next week.