Singapore
Location: Southeast Asia
Currencies
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending SGD?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment.
Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Singapore.
Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.
Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment time.
Q. Who can I send SGD to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending SGD expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with SGD?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book an SGD exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.
Information courtesy of Currencies Direct
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. Crews travelling on Western passports can enter Singapore visa-free, but the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority decides who can enter Singapore and how long they can stay.
All travellers are required to submit a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days before arrival.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
Shoots that require exclusive use of public space, including something as simple as setting up a tripod, need to have permits. Traffic control, large set-ups and drone filming are possible with enough lead time.
Low footprint handheld shoots can generally get away without permits.
Commercial shoots at the Gardens by the Bay are possible, although location fees can be very high and permitting takes at least ten days for basic shoot approvals.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Singapore is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Singapore has a tropical climate, with high year-round humidity and rainfall.
Singapore has two distinct monsoon seasons: December to March and then June to September. Thus, given the high rainfall throughout the year, there isn’t really a reliable month to film.
In Singapore, Buddhism is the largest religion, so those holidays are observed. Many people also practise Christianity, Islam, Taoism and Hinduism.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Singapore.
Costs & VAT
Singapore is a major business centre and, as such, is one of the more expensive places to film in Asia.
The standard VAT rate in Singapore at the time of writing is set at 9%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
Incentives
At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up to date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.
Treaty Documents