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 Guide
Quick Facts on Singapore
Singapore Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Singapore Map
Singapore Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
Singapore Hotels & Flights
Travel Insurance
Quick Facts on Singapore
Country: Singapore
Capital: Singapore City
Currency: Singapore Dollar
Population: 4.4 Million
Area total: 683 sq km
Languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil
Time Zone: GMT +8
Electricity: 230V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 65
GDP: USD 222bn (2010)
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 Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
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.
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 (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
January 23: Chinese New Year
April 6: Good Friday
April 28: Vesak Day
May 1: Labour Day
August 9: National Day
August 19: Hari Raya Puasa
October 26: Hari Raya Haji
November 13: Deepavali
December 25: Christmas Day
Singapore Map
View Larger Map
Related Resources
Singapore Weather
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.
