For most of us airports are the places where we go in because we have to and we want to go out as soon as possible because of inconveniences involved in the place, like annoyingly much security, very high priced services or number of unavailable facilities etc. At least that was the situation for me until I touched down Changi Airport in Singapore after spending quite substantial amount of time in many European and American airports.
As soon as I have exited the plane towards Terminal 2, I felt something was different and that was not only the signs written also in Chinese. What would be the first thing that you want to do right after you jump off an airplane? Many people want to call the people who will meet with them at the city of arrival. At least that was what I thought. Apparently, somebody else in the administration has also thought about that I guess and they placed number of payphones where you can call for free in Singapore, including cell phones, right after the jetway and all on the way towards arrival hall. That is a great idea because you might not have roaming by default by your mobile service provider. That happened to me with the GSM I bought in the States. I had to make them enable roaming whereas in Europe it is not that big deal. Anyway, that is one good thing about the accessibility features of the airport is that you can enjoy free broadband wireless internet if you have a Singaporean GSM card in your smartphone. This connection does not have any limitation which means you can use your online telephony application like Skype, Viber etc. to make your international calls. This is, of course, for the departure but still nice to have it at your disposal. But if you really need to check something online and you cannot enjoy this free WiFi, you still have some other options. You have dedicated seats for wired internet connection at the waiting areas in front of the gates. You can plug your laptop and get connected. On top of all, you have many computers at various locations in the terminals. Those computers let you go online in session. Normally, each session is 10 minutes but there are not many people around waiting for them. So the connection time is practically infinity. But it is not the only think that you enjoy in the airport.
There are numerous options of accommodation and restaurant if you want/need to stay in the terminal. The restaurants open till midnight offer not only the varieties of Asian food but also some selections of world cuisines. The options are definitely not pricy and you can enjoy for much longer duration as compared to the other airports. I have to add that the duty frees on this area offer not only the varieties of world food and beverages but also perfumes, clothing and electronics for much lower prices as compared to the shops located in the European airports. Sleeping is also another option that you can enjoy in wide variety with various prices and needs: from luxurious hotel room to hourly rented sleeping chambers. So you have all the freedom. Moreover, if you stay there, you can enjoy a swimming pool or video games. They thought all! If you have a day long transfer then you can also go even for various types of Singapore sightseeing tours. So they all yours, mostly for free! Enjoy.
When the times comes for leaving the airport, the passport controls desks are always open in numbers consequently you wait for maximum a couple of people in front of you. There is also the opportunity to migrate by using an electronic system. Very convenient!
Changi Airport is like a gift keeps on giving. After the immigration, you can still make your shopping in duty frees. This is something very nice, I believe, but you cannot enjoy it most of the places. Actually, I only experience it in Istanbul Ataturk Airport only. It is good to know there is another place exists in the world. However, you need to be very careful about the quantities you buy because you need to pay tax if you exceed the given amounts. There are tight restrictions especially for the alcohol and tobacco products. You can check the limits on the signs placed above the luggage belts. Think twice if you believe you can pass with something more since every piece of luggage must go through x-ray scanners! No chance!
The transfer to the city center is well established by a metro line which costs 2-3SGD and taxis which may cost around 10-30SGD depending on the distance you need to travel. Don't forget your short pants and flip-flops because it will really be hot. All and all, Changi Airport is definitely an experience that frequent traveler must have. Have a nice flight and enjoy!
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