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Owning a car in Singapore is costly and entails complex procedures. Registration of a vehicle requires the obtaining of a Certificate of Entitlement (COE) through an electronic bidding system, which is valid for ten years from the date of registration of the vehicle. The price of a brand new car in Singapore inclusive of COE starts from as high as S$60,000 for a 1.3cc vehicle.
If you must drive in Singapore, a valid driving license from your country of residence or a valid International Driving License is required. Conversion of foreign driving licenses to Singapore driving licenses can be done at the Traffic Police Department.
Bicycles are a viable alternative for students. Readily available at low prices, bicycles are a hassle-free option for those living close to the campus.
Cars in Singapore drive on the left side of the road. Singapore is the first country in the world to implement the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) system on major expressways. A charge is imposed on entry into restricted areas during peak hours, deductible from cash cards slotted into In-vehicle Units installed in all Singapore cars.
The speed limit in residential areas is usually 50km/h and on expressways, 70 - 90km/h.
Where signboards indicate coupon parking applies, parking coupons should be displayed prominently on the dashboard. Rates are 50 cents per half hour outside the Central Business District and S$1 per half hour within the Central Business District. Parking coupons can be purchased form petrol stations, post offices, shopping centres and selected newsagents and shops carrying the parking coupon sign.
Paid parking is practised in most shopping centres, buildings and some public carparks. Rates vary - generally parking on weekdays and in carparks within the Central Business District is significantly more costly.
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| Last updated on 5 December 2006. |
