Breakfast is included with your hotel stay if your accommodation is covered by the Forum. A welcome tea/coffee will be available from 7:30 AM before the sessions start. Lunch will be provided on all conference days. Dinner will be provided on all conference days except for 14 May, as the Forum will end no later than 4pm.

Alcoholic Beverages
Out of respect for different cultural attitudes on alcohol, the Global Institute ’s policy prohibits the organisation from paying for alcoholic drinks during this event. 

Recommended attire for the Better Future Forum is business casual. Please note that the weather in Singapore is quite warm this time of the year. All Forum venues will be air conditioned, however, if you’re planning to walk outside, please keep this in mind. See further guidance below on the climate in Singapore for reference.

The Singapore dollar is Singapore's official currency. Cash is generally accepted in locations throughout the city and ATMs are widely available, although some venues accept credit or debit cards only. You can check the current exchange rate with your home currency here.

Tipping in Singapore: Taxis and Restaurants
Tipping is not expected in Singapore.

Restaurants: Most restaurants already include a 10% service charge in the bill, so additional tipping is not necessary. Tipping is uncommon in casual eateries, hawker centers, and food courts. If a service charge is not included, you may leave a small tip if you wish, but it is not expected.

Taxis: Most taxis and ride-hailing services (e.g., Grab, Gojek) include service charges in the fare, so passengers typically do not tip. However, if your driver helped you with luggage carrying or you had particularly good service, you may add a cash or digital tip (within the app).

The local emergency line is 999. Only dial 999 if you require urgent assistance or attention. For ambulance and fire, please dial 995.

• Food & Water: Tap water in Singapore doesn't require filtration as it is moderately soft and generally safe to drink.
• Travel Insurance: Please remember to double check the travel insurance policy of your organisation, and how to proceed in cases of illness and emergencies. Teach For All does not provide travel insurance for Forum attendees.
• Chewing Gum: Chewing gum is banned in Singapore under the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations. You may be heavily fined if caught with chewing gum. 
• Crime: Violent crime and theft are rare in Singapore. However, we recommend taking the usual precautions you would take on any business trip, i.e., taking care of your passport, leaving valuables in a hotel safe, not leaving bags unattended, and not accepting drinks from strangers. Online scams and phone scams are common and may involve individuals pretending to be officials or bank employees. There is a high threat of terrorist attacks globally, meaning they cannot categorically be ruled out in Singapore.
• Weather: Singapore’s climate is tropical and equatorial, characterised by consistently warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall throughout the year. Daytime temperatures average around 32-33°C, with nighttime lows around 25-26°C. Afternoon thunderstorms are common year-round, especially during the inter-monsoon periods in late March to May and October to November. Due to minimal seasonal variation, Singapore lacks distinct "seasons," which can make the warm, humid conditions feel intense for those unused to the climate. Visitors, particularly from cooler regions, may find it more comfortable to limit outdoor activity and physical exertion. Inside spaces are usually well-air-conditioned, which is why you might want to bring a shawl or jumper despite the humidity.
• Smoking and e-Cigarettes: Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Singapore. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. Those found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes will have them confiscated and could be fined. Smoking regular cigarettes is permitted only within designated smoking zones.
• Dialing Instructions: Telephone code: <+65>
• Voltage/Adaptors: In Singapore, the sockets deliver 230 V and the electrical grid’s frequency is 50Hz. Country appliances are fitted with a three-pin plug.

• Shopping: Whatever your heart desires, you will find it in one of the many shopping malls in Singapore. Here are just a few examples close to the Forum venue:
  • Marina Square Shopping Mall is directly connected to the hotel and comprises five levels of over 200 specialty shops, including a gourmet dining wing and indoor playgrounds for children.
  • Just across the road, Suntec City is a massive shopping and business complex known for its diverse retail stores, popular dining spots, and the iconic Fountain of Wealth.
  • A short walk away, Millenia Walk offers a more upscale shopping experience with designer boutiques, specialty stores, and fine dining.
  • For luxury shopping, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands boasts high-end brands, celebrity chef restaurants, and a scenic waterfront promenade.
  • Raffles City Shopping Centre, located near City Hall MRT, combines high-street fashion, department stores, and gourmet dining, making it a vibrant retail hub.
• Eating out: Singapore has a large number of great restaurants and many different cuisines. For a truly Singaporean experience, we recommend you visit one of its many Hawker Centres:
  • Maxwell Food Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, Singapore 069184
  • Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051
  • Newton Food Centre (of Crazy Rich Asians fame), 500 Clemenceau Ave N, Singapore 229495
• Exercise: For those who prefer to spend their spare time working up an (extra) sweat, here are some ideas for running and walking routes in Singapore:
  • Marina Bay has a good short running route (options here)
  • The Botanic Gardens has a great running or walking route and offers various open, free classes like Tai Chi and Luk Tung Kuen (06:50 or 08:10 daily)
  • Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir are both lovely walking/running routes (the former with a hill, the latter with a treetop walk)

Please read the guidance below carefully before you book your travel. If you have any questions about your arrival and departure times, please contact us.

Global Advisory Council Members, Student Delegates and BOLD Fellows: Please refer to the travel memo linked to your invitation email which contains specific instructions on how to book your travel, as well as other tailored guidance for these groups.