Fast Facts - Singapore American School

Singapore American SchoolLife in SingaporeGetting AroundSingapore is a tiny country and you can generally get from one place to another in a car in 30-minutesor less. The Singapore subway system (called the MRT) is very efficient and inexpensive; taxis arenumerous and safe. You can flag a taxi down by sticking your arm straight out when you see one comingwith its blue or green light on. It’s also possible to call a taxi. The major companies are: Tibbs (6555-8888), City Cab and Comfort Cab (6552-1111), SMART (6485-7777) and Silver Cab (6363-6888). Taxifares begin at around S$3.00 or more and incrementally increase as you travel. There are surcharges fortraveling during rush hour, for calling a taxi, and for traveling after midnight (50% extra). Taxi driversare generally familiar with Singapore’s roads and know where they are going though they often ask howyou want them to go to your destination (just say “shortest” or “fastest” route).SAS is in the far northern part of the island and the “city” of Singapore (Orchard Road) is inthe southern part. From downtown to SAS it’s about a 30 minute taxi ride costing around S$20 duringnon-peak hours.Buses and SubwaysSingapore has a modern subway and bus system that most people find easy to use. A stored valueEZ Link card or your student ID card (assuming you’ve added money to it), allows you to ride the subwayor buses without needing to calculate the fares. You tap your card on a sensor when you begin andend your trip and the amount of the fare is automatically deducted. The fare is usually between 80 centsand $1.80 depending on the length of your journey.The MRT is efficient but it is not terribly fast. If you were to take the MRT from Orchard Road,it’s about 35 minutes to Marsiling station. There is a shuttle bus from Marsiling to SAS before and afterschool or you can walk to or from SAS in about 15 minutes. The MRT stops running at around 11:30PM.SAS School BusFor daily transportation to and from school, a contracted school bus company will pick you upfrom most areas of the island. Although the school bus service is costly, it is very reliable and used bya majority of the student body. If you live in Orchard area, the pick-up time is usually around 7:15 AM,and you arrive at school by 7:55 AM.When you sign up for buses at the beginning of each semester, there is also an optional activitybus service. These 4:30 and 6:15 PM activity buses are very convenient since you will probably remainafter school for clubs, activities, sports and studying. The activity buses have drop-offs at the AmericanClub, Hilton Hotel, Turf Club, Clementi, Ulu Pandan, Farrer Road and Newton Carpark. Because thesebuses do not stop along the way, it only takes about 20 minutes to reach the various stops. Of courseyou have to make your way home from there on your own.Hanging OutThere is a lot to do in Singapore. There are over 100 movie theaters, a shopping center at nearlyevery corner, bowling alleys and ice skating rinks, and lots of restaurants and coffee shops. SAS studentstend to gather at The American Club, Holland Village, Orchard Road, and Clarke or Boat Quay.Students in Singapore do the same kinds of things that you probably did at your previous home.Movies, shopping, eating, and just “hanging out” can consume many weekend hours for an SAS student.Although Singapore is safer than most big cities, the fact remains that you are living in a big city, andlike all urban areas you need to use some common sense. One of the sayings here is that “Low crimedoesn’t mean no crime.”While living in Singapore, you are a guest of the country. As such, it is important to note that youare subject to the laws and practices of Singapore, which may be very different than those of your homecountry. For example, members of the public are required to give information to a police officer if it is8