The Singapore Business Travel Guide provides a range of valuable travel information to assist business travellers. The guide contains facts on the Singapore, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and Etiquette can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Singapore is located in south east Asia, it is a sovereign city state and island country located off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. The country has an advanced and developed economy with a number of business opportunities. Singapore is home to one of the world's financial centres, one of the largest ports in the world and has one of the world's highest per capita incomes. It is a member of the Commonwealth, Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Major trading partners include Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Hong Kong and USA. Singapore is a multicultural, multi racial country and home to a number of ethic groups. Singapore consists of over 60 islands; to the north and east is Malaysia and Indonesia is to the south and the west.
The country comprises of the mainland and various islands that include a number nature reserves, lowlands and coastline. Famous attractions include Singapore Zoo, Sentosa, Singapore Flyers, Universal Studios Singapore, Jurong Bird Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Night Safari, Peranakan Museum, River Safari, Science Centre Singapore, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and the National Museum of Singapore.
Singapore Guide
Quick Facts on Singapore
Singapore Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Singapore Map
Singapore Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Singapore
Country: Singapore
Capital: Singapore City
Currency: Singapore Dollar (1 dollar = 100 cents)
Population: 5.3 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 683 sq km
Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil
Time Zone: GMT +8
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 65
GDP: USD 298.9 billion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Taoist and Hindu.
Political System: Republic
Internet Domain: .sg
Singapore Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Singapore. You can find more information on entry requirements for Singapore, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British High Commission in Singapore. The information is updated regularly making it a useful point of reference for both business and leisure travellers looking for the latest travel advice and information on Singapore. For more information please see: Singapore Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
There are no visa requirements for nationals of the UK, most European countries, Canada, the USA and many others, for short term tourist or business visits. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Singapore High Commission UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business meetings should be arranged in advance, business dress is a suit for important meetings otherwise a shirt with a tie is worn. The usual greeting is to shake hands usually done softer and for a bit longer than is the norm for the west. Business cards are exchanged afterwards, they are very important here and should be given and receive holding it with both hands. It is important to show interest in the cards and they should not be put away immediately after receiving them.
Punctuality is very important for meetings, people should be addressed by honorific title and their surname. In negotiations there may be pause for thought and there should be no raised voices as it is considered rude. With a strict protocol to follow and consensus based decision making it can mean slow progress and it can take time to get decisions, thus patience will be required.
Business lunches and dinners may take place in restaurants; Singapore is known for corporate entertaining, English is spoken by many business people in Singapore, translators are available if needed.
Travel Advice and Tips
The vast majority of trips for both business visitors and tourists to Singapore are incident free. Singapore has a relatively low crime rate compared to many countries, you should however be aware of pick pockets and bag snatchers particularly in busy areas and ensure valuables are no shown in public. It is important to be alert to your surroundings and environment.
Travel Checklist: See our Checklist for Travellers containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for advice on travel vaccinations you are required to take, up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: Is not widely practised, hotels and restaurants will add the goods and services tax (GST) of 5% and a service charge of 10% to your bill. However you may wish to give a tip to efficient waiters, tax drivers and porters.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday
08.30 to 12.30 Saturdays
For Banks:
09.30 to 15.00 Monday to Friday
09.30 to 12.30 Saturdays
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
February 19: Chinese New Year
April 3: Good Friday
May 1: Labour Day
June 1: Vesak Day (Buddha's Birthday)
July 18: Hari Raya Puasa
August 9: National Day
September 23: Hari Raya Haji
November 11: Deepavali
December 25: Christmas Day
Singapore Map
Singapore City Map, Singapore
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Singapore Weather & Climate
Singapore's is located close to the equator and its geography results in a tropical climate. The climate is characterised with humid and hot conditions for most of the year. Singapore receives plenty of rainfall each year; the weather is affected by rains from November to February and the north west monsoon that generally occurs from December to March. The dryer season is between May to September; although rain is still prevalent. Singapore is known for its humidity that varies from 70% to 90% making it feel very muggy; it is important to stay properly hydrated to avoid dehydration.
Whilst Singapore's weather can be changeable there are plenty of spells of fine sunny weather too, the pleasant climate ensuring it is a destination that can be visited throughout the year.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the summer months; can get very hot and humid in summer, plenty of hydration, sunscreen and sun hat are needed. Rain is prevalent throughout the year so rain wear with raincoats and umbrellas are advisable throughout the year.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
