Singapore is a wonderful, safe, clean place to visit and is home to very hospitable people. The government intends to keep the city state spotlessly clean and have introduced what might appear to visitors to be quite stringent regulations. Do not be intimidated by these rules. They have been put into place to ensure that Singaporeans and visitors alike enjoy life in an orderly, shipshape environment. Space is at a premium, so it makes sense to ensure that all areas are protected for the benefit for all. Singapore is highly efficient because of these enforced laws.
He following advice will enable visitors to have a trouble free stay.
Do not tip! Tipping is not customary in Singapore and it is even frowned down upon by the government. Most service oriented products already have a service charge included.
Giving of gifts
When giving gifts, always consider the ethnic background of the person you intend to present the gift to.
For Chinese people: Never give clocks, or handkerchiefs as these are associated with death. A clock has the same pronunciation as “funeral”. Do not give cutting utensils, such as scissors or knives, as they represent the severing of a relationship. Also and do not give flowers as they are traditionally reserved for the sick and for funerals.
For Malay people: Do not give alcohol or anything made of pigskin as Malays are Muslim. Give the gift upon departing, not arriving, and use your right hand or both hands to give or receive presents.
For Indians: Do not give frangipanis if you wish to give flowers as they are traditionally reserved for funeral rites. Do not give products made out of leather to a Hindu and do not give alcohol unless you are sure that the recipient drinks alcoholic beverages. Do not wrap gifts in white as this is traditionally known as a mourning colour.
This is an issue visitors should be aware of. Displays of affection in public are frowned upon whether foreign, or Singaporean. It is also considered rude and impolite to point at someone with your index finger. It is also a definite faux pax to touch someone’s head as this part of the body is considered sacred. Do not show the bottoms of your feet or use your feet to point. Feet are considered dirty.
It is common to greet someone with a friendly handshake. A slight bow to older Chinese people is not commonly practised but is preferred. Malays will not always greet each other with a handshake, especially if it is between people of the opposite gender. A slight bow of the head is considered polite.
If you are invited to a local household for a meal, be punctual when visiting a Malay home and do expect that the meal will be served right away. Don’t be amazed if a small bowl and towel is provided during meals, it is presented so that you can wash your hands. Do remember to bring your hosts a gift. However, food gifts are not suitable if invited to a Chinese home as your hosts may misinterpret that they are not good hosts and this well-intended act could cause offence. Leave a little food on the plate when you have finished eating as clearing the plate may be interpreted that you are still hungry. Do not eat or offer anything with your left hand when dining with Muslim people.
If you are visiting Singapore for business, business etiquette issues are respectfully observed. Appointments should be made beforehand and punctuality is vital. Business cards are exchanged as a matter of formality and always receive and give business cards with both hands. Be patient throughout negotiations and never try to disagree directly with someone of a higher rank. It is considered proper to address someone by using Mr. Mrs. or Miss, but not by first names if you are not familiar. Also, always dress conservatively for business functions. People in the city state take pride in their attire.
Dos and Don’ts
Singapore is also known as a “fine” city, due to its strict rules. There are several regulations that a visitor should be aware of. Some Singapore taboos are punishable by a fine, jail or even capital punishment. Littering, jaywalking and smoking may incur a fine. Singapore carries a mandatory death penalty for drug-trafficking and harsh penalties for possession and use within the country.
A step too far
Once invited into someone’s home always remove your shoes. Likewise, do the same if you enter a mosque or a temple.
Stay streets ahead
Laws relating to littering are strictly enforced in urban areas so don’t litter while in Singapore. Other don’ts include no smoking in public areas, including restaurants. First offenders may be fined up to a maximum of SD$1,000. Dropping a cigarette end in the street could lead to a fine of SD$50 Do not bring food into the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport). Offenders will be fined up to SD$200. Do not just cross a street in Singapore; always use the dedicated pedestrian crossings. Being caught crossing the street somewhere where it is not permitted will cost you a fine of anything up to SD$500.
Chewing gum in Singapore may get you arrested. As an extension of the law against littering – the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited. In the past, vandals stuck chewing gum onto the door sensors of the MRT train and this act resulted in the breakdown of services, hence another reason to ban chewing gum.
Flushed with embarrassment
Failure to flush the toilet after use can result in a SD$150 fine but the chances of getting caught are pretty slim. However, urinating in lifts can cause the doors of some lifts to permanently close until the police arrive, with the prospect of a hefty fine.