Things to note when traveling to Singapore
Travel: Whether by train or plane, be sure to reserve ample time before traveling. If you are flying, you should always pay attention to weather conditions. Telephone charges: Roaming charges are relatively high, so be sure to have enough of them before departure to facilitate contact with others. Medicines: Mainly bring some commonly used cold medicines, gastrointestinal medicines, mosquito repellent toilet water, heatstroke prevention medicines, seasickness medicines, etc. Accommodation: If you are not very familiar with the destination, it is recommended to book a hotel in advance. The hotel prices are still very competitive. Safety: It’s best to travel in groups, especially at night. It is best for single women or children to prepare necessary defense tools with them. Equipment: A camera is essential, and you should also choose whether you need sunscreen and other supplies based on the specific conditions of your destination. Things to note about clothing etiquette
People of different ethnic groups in Singapore have their own characteristics in dressing. Malay men wear a brimless hat called "songkok", a collarless clothing with wide sleeves on their upper body, and a sarong that reaches their ankles on the lower body; women's upper body is as wide as a robe and wears a sarong underneath. Chinese women mostly like to wear cheongsam. Government departments have strict dress requirements for their employees, and they are not allowed to wear fancy clothes during working hours.
Manner and Etiquette
Singaporeans behave in a civilized manner and show respect for others. When they sit, they sit upright and do not spread their feet apart. If they cross their feet, they just fold the knee of one leg directly on the knee of the other leg. They stand with an upright posture and do not put their hands on their hips, as that is a sign of anger.
Meeting Etiquette
In social occasions, Singaporeans generally shake hands when meeting guests. Men and women can shake hands, but for men, it is more appropriate to wait for the woman to extend her hand before shaking hands. Malays first touch each other with their hands, then withdraw their hands and put them on their chests.
Dining Etiquette
Singaporeans’ staple food is mostly rice, and sometimes they also eat steamed buns, etc., but they don’t like steamed buns. Malays generally grab food with their hands when eating. They have the habit of washing their hands before eating and must use their right hand when eating. Drinking tea is a common hobby among local people. When guests come, they often serve tea. Chinese people like to drink Yuanbao tea, which means good fortune.
Wedding and funeral etiquette
In the eyes of Singaporeans, the marriage of a man and a woman is a major event, and both Chinese and Malays attach great importance to it. Malay marriages have to go through procedures such as courtship, engagement gifts, and engagement. The Chinese in Singapore value filial piety. If an elderly person is about to die, his or her descendants must return home and stay by their bedside. Funerals are usually very solemn.
Travel Etiquette
Singapore’s bus transportation system is relatively developed. It is very convenient to take the bus during travel, and each station is clearly marked. Singapore is a multi-ethnic country, and the distribution of shops also has ethnic characteristics. For example, there is a "Malay Market" in the eastern region, which mainly sells Malay clothing and food. The Singaporean government strongly discourages tipping. Even if you tip a waiter for extra services, the waiter may refuse to accept it.
Business Etiquette
The best months to engage in business activities in Singapore are from March to October to avoid Christmas and the Chinese New Year. Most of the local business people speak English, and business cards are exchanged when meeting. The business cards can be printed in English. Try not to smoke during the session if possible. Singaporeans don't like to spend extravagantly. Don't be overly ostentatious when hosting a banquet. Especially in business activities, the thank you banquet should not exceed the level of the host's banquet to prevent the other party from having other ideas.
Main taboos
The beliefs of the various ethnic groups in Singapore are: Most Chinese believe in Buddhism or Taoism; Malays basically believe in Islam; Indians believe in Hinduism; most Pakistanis also believe in Islam; Westerners generally believe in Christianity. Singaporeans avoid 7 characters and don’t like turtles.
Fireworks and firecrackers are strictly prohibited