This will be my first time to Asia. I am leaving for Singapore in two days and I have questions after questions. Is the airport's money exchange open 24 hours a day? I will be getting in after midnight so I will need money for a taxi. Where is the best place to exchange money? Is cash better or debit/credit cards? What is worth buying from Singapore that is not too expensive? I like buying original drawings, so is there a special place for this that I should go to? What spices or balms should I bring home with me? Special teas that cannot be found in the States? Are there any islands close by that are worth the time and money? I will be there for 6 days.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Yes, currency exchange is open 24 hours. There are also ATMs in the airport (and on virtually every street corner). I usually get cash via ATM. You'll get reasonable exchange rates either way.

Because you'll be taking a taxi after midnight, be aware that there is a 50% surcharge on your cab fare. It's still very inexpensive.

I always bring back some special teas from Singapore, particularly the facy "presentation" teas. But if you live someplace where you can't get excellent loose leaf teas, do buy some in Singapore. I love the Jasmine Pearl, but I can get it easily in Seattle.

For spices, visit Little India.

Singapore used to have many things that were a good deal, but with teh very weak US dollar, it's no longer so true. I still shop for Asian handicrafts there.

Do visit the Asian Civilizations Museum and the Botanical Gardens (especailly the Orchid Garden).

I've not heard good reviews of the nearby islands. You might, however, enjoy a trip up the Malaysian coast to Melaka.

I agree with Kathie. If you click on my name, you can find threads in which I've answered a lot of questions on Singapore. I don't have time to rewrite it all...and especially within the two days before you leave. Happy Travels!

Hi, Simone68! You mentioned things to do in Singapore during your 6-day stay.

One delightful attraction is the Hop-On, Hop-Off tourist busses. There are several that play the route. The daily fee is quite reasonable, and you will be given a route map that contains markings for all the stops AS WELL as listings of the sights and attractions at each stop. Delightful!

One of the stops is at the Singapore Museum of Art. Very appealing collections in what appears to be a converted government building.

Enjoy your travels!

You can do a 2D1N trip to Bintan Island or Batam Island. Both are Indonesia islands, 45mins away from Singapore by ferry. So depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa on entry (check with the travel agent in Singapore who can also arrange your transport & hotel bookings). There is nothing much on these islands, except golf, spa, sun & sea. Seafood is good & cheap in Batam. You can check up on www.banyantree.com who has a resort in Bintan and has several shops in Singapore where you can pick up some Asian sourvenirs.