About Singapore

Singapore is a global hub for finance, commerce, and trade. Known for its impeccable cleanliness, efficient public transportation, and multicultural society, Singapore offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Key Facts:

• Location: Southeast Asia, at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
• Population: Approximately 5.8 million.
• Language: English (official and business language), Mandarin, Malay, Tamil.
• Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD).
• Climate: Tropical rainforest climate with no distinct seasons. October typically sees warm weather with occasional rain. You should have waterproof clothing and umbrellas in your luggage as it rains in Singapore every month of the year.

Business etiquette

Understanding local business practices is crucial for effective networking and collaboration.

Things to remember:

• Greetings: A handshake is common, accompanied by a slight bow as a sign of respect. Always greet the eldest person first.
• Business cards: Exchange business cards upon meeting. Use both hands to give and receive cards, and take a moment to read the card before putting it away.
• Punctuality: Being on time is highly valued. If you’re running late, inform your host as soon as possible.
• Dress code: Business attire is generally conservative; men wear dark suits and ties, while women wear suits or dresses.

Travel Tips

Getting Around:

• Public Transport: The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is efficient and covers most parts of the city. Buses and taxis are also readily available.
• Mobile network: Reliable 4G and 5G coverage from major providers like Singtel, StarHub, and M1. 
• SIM Cards: Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or convenience stores for mobile data and calls. A SIM card can also be used to connect to the internet. You must display your passport and mobile voucher at any M1 retail outlet or Cheers convenience store at Changi Airport when purchasing a SIM card in Singapore.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available at airports, shopping malls, and public spaces. You are welcome to use the free public WiFi in Singapore. Simply use any Wireless@SG hotspot to register your international phone number.
• Electricity: Singapore uses Type G sockets (three rectangular prongs). The standard voltage is 230V.

Tips are not mandatory
 

• In most Singapore restaurants, a service charge is applied to your bill to cover the cost of the waiting staff's services.
• Even so, you may leave a 5% tip if you were extremely delighted with a restaurant's services or if your bill did not include a service charge.

Culture

Singapore’s culture is a harmonious blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences. Multiculturalism is deeply ingrained in its society.

Cultural Highlights:

• Festivals: Look out for the Deepavali festival which is celebrated 29 October - 3 November. During the time of the conference Little India will be decorated with street lights and bazaars and is worth a visit. 
• Cuisine: Singapore is famous for its food, with hawker centers offering a variety of dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and satay.

Dos and Don’ts

To ensure a pleasant stay, here are some tips on local customs and regulations.

Dos:

• Do address people with their titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr.) followed by their surname.
• Do dispose of trash properly; Singapore has strict laws against littering.
• Do try the local cuisine and explore the diverse cultural districts like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.

Don’ts:

• Don’t chew gum in public; it’s banned except for medicinal purposes.  This also includes the sale of chewing gum, importing or bringing chewing gum into Singapore
• Smoking is banned from many places in Singapore; please check with the hotel if they have a dedicated area.  
• Vaping is now illegal in Singapore, simply purchasing, using or owning an electronic vape can result in fines of $2000 SGP.
• Don’t engage in public displays of affection; it’s considered impolite.
• Don’t discuss sensitive topics like politics and race.

Safety:

• Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world with low crime rates. However, it’s always advisable to stay vigilant.

Healthcare:

• High-quality medical services are available, with many hospitals offering 24-hour emergency care. It’s recommended to have travel insurance.

Claim a Tax Refund
 

• Another useful Singapore travel tip is to collect a 9% GST refund at the airport during your departure from participating stores like Fossil, Charles & Keith, and others. 
• This is only possible if you spend more than S$100 and have all of the receipts for the products you purchased. To know whether a shop is participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS), look for a “Tax Free” shopping logo or sign displayed at the shop.