Singapore Hotels & Malaysia Hotels
About Singapore Malaysia

INTO SINGAPORE 4

It should be noted that even with these drug laws, narcotics abuse still continues in Singapore. Despite aggressive government campaigns to stop drug abuse, casual marijuana consumption continues in underground circles. I also hear many rumors about growing opiate addiction problems, and in recent years there's been trouble among Singaporean youth involving the most recent fashionable drugs, Ecstasy and methamphetamines. Do yourself a favor: If you're in an area
where you suspect illegal drug consumption is taking place, get the hell away from there as fast as you can. Consumption charges include 5 to 30 years imprisonment, up to S$20,000 (US$11,419) fine and caning. Things have become so strict that Singaporeans are even accountable for drug abuses committed overseas-a Singaporean who fails a urine analysis after an overseas trip faces the same penalties as if the offense were committed in the country.

Singapore has a great incentive for travelers to drop big bucks: the Tourist Refund Scheme. If you purchase goods at a value of S$300 (US$171) or more at a shop that displays the Tax Free Shopping sign, Customs will reimburse the 3% GST (goods and services tax) you paid for the purchase. You are allowed to pool receipts from different retailers for purchases of S$100 (US$57) or more. Here's how it works: When you purchase the item(s), apply with the retailer for a Tax Free Shopping Check. When you're leaving Singapore, present your Shopping Checks and the items purchased at the Tax Refund Counters located in the Departure Hall at Changi Airport's terminals 1 or 2. Within 12 weeks, you'll receive a check for the GST refund-or, if you used a credit card for the purchase, your bill can be credited (a surcharge may be levied). For more information, contact the Singapore Tourism Board at Ct 800/736-2000.
Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for at least 48 hours are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $400 worth of merchandise duty-free. You'll be charged a flat rate of 4% duty on the next $1,000 worth
of purchases. Be sure to have your receipts handy. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $100. You cannot bring fresh foodstuffs into the United States; tinned foods, however, are allowed. For more information, contact the U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (CJ 877/28788G7), and request the free pamphlet Know Before You Go. It's also available on the Web at www.customs.gov. (Click on "Traveler Information," then "Know Before You Go.")
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