Essential info for Singapore
Time: In Singapore the local time is GMT +8.
Electricity: The nation uses an electrical current that is 230 volts, 50Hz. Typically, a three-pin, square-shaped plug is used.
Language: The official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. In line with an initiative established by the local government in the 1960s, most locals are proficient in English and one other official language. Furthermore, English is the language of administration, and the language used most often in the professional and the academic world. Singlish, a patois made up of English, Chinese and Malay syntax and idiom combination, is also widely spoken.
Health: Expats moving to Singapore should be aware of the high risk of dengue fever. Otherwise no vaccinations are necessary; those relocating from a region with an incidence of yellow fever must have proper certification and immunisation records.
Expats should take care to distinguish poorly cooked food, particularly seafood, and be wary of certain fish that release bio toxins even after being properly cooked. Drinking water from Singapore is suitable straight from the tap.
Expats should beware of Singapore's harsh sunlight, even on a cloudy day sunburn is a concern. Bring plenty of sunscreen and apply generously if you plan to spend time outside.
Health care is excellent and widely thought of as the benchmark for the region. However, it is recommended to organise private medical insurance as treatment is outlandishly expensive otherwise.
Tipping: Nearly all hotels and restaurants include a standard 10 % service charge. Still, a gratuity to show appreciation is always accepted – though not necessary.
Safety: Singapore is a very safe travel destination with crime limited to the odd theft. The Singapore Government has stepped up security measures following the terrorist attacks in Bali, and is committed to maintaining Singapore's reputation as a safe destination.
Local customs: Singapore has a large expat community and is well known for hosting a fairly diverse immigrant population – largely representations of Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities are present.
The citizens are law-abiding and the city operates relatively efficiently. Expats should be well aware that nearly every offence in Singapore incurs a fine and in some cases an even stricter punishment; drug trafficking carries the maximum penalty of death.
As Chinese Singaporeans have three names, it is recommended to underline your surname for clarity. This can be the cause of confusion when making reservations.
Business: Business in Singapore is conducted on a formal basis. Suits are the preferred method of dress for both men and women. Punctuality is not only important, it is essential in the professional world. Appointments should be made in due time, usually at least two weeks in advance; and the exchange of business cards is critical to creating positive relationships when introducing yourself at meetings and at ceremonies.
Business cards are to be treated with the utmost respect; they should not be written on, folded or desecrated in any way. Shaking hands is the standard way of greeting for both men and women and can last up to 10 seconds in some situations. Individuals are to be addressed respectfully at all times, that is, by their respective title followed by their surname. Expats may want to even inquire prior to meeting what the proper address is to be used for each individual.
Business hours are typically 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international access code for Singapore is +65. The outgoing code is either 001, 002, 008 or 018, depending on the service provider, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are not used. Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take credit cards or phone cards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and Telecom shops. Calls made from hotels are free of any surcharges. Several local mobile phone operators use GSM 900/1800 networks. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafés throughout the city.
Electricity: The nation uses an electrical current that is 230 volts, 50Hz. Typically, a three-pin, square-shaped plug is used.
Language: The official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese and Tamil. In line with an initiative established by the local government in the 1960s, most locals are proficient in English and one other official language. Furthermore, English is the language of administration, and the language used most often in the professional and the academic world. Singlish, a patois made up of English, Chinese and Malay syntax and idiom combination, is also widely spoken.
Health: Expats moving to Singapore should be aware of the high risk of dengue fever. Otherwise no vaccinations are necessary; those relocating from a region with an incidence of yellow fever must have proper certification and immunisation records.
Expats should take care to distinguish poorly cooked food, particularly seafood, and be wary of certain fish that release bio toxins even after being properly cooked. Drinking water from Singapore is suitable straight from the tap.
Expats should beware of Singapore's harsh sunlight, even on a cloudy day sunburn is a concern. Bring plenty of sunscreen and apply generously if you plan to spend time outside.
Health care is excellent and widely thought of as the benchmark for the region. However, it is recommended to organise private medical insurance as treatment is outlandishly expensive otherwise.
Tipping: Nearly all hotels and restaurants include a standard 10 % service charge. Still, a gratuity to show appreciation is always accepted – though not necessary.
Safety: Singapore is a very safe travel destination with crime limited to the odd theft. The Singapore Government has stepped up security measures following the terrorist attacks in Bali, and is committed to maintaining Singapore's reputation as a safe destination.
Local customs: Singapore has a large expat community and is well known for hosting a fairly diverse immigrant population – largely representations of Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities are present.
The citizens are law-abiding and the city operates relatively efficiently. Expats should be well aware that nearly every offence in Singapore incurs a fine and in some cases an even stricter punishment; drug trafficking carries the maximum penalty of death.
As Chinese Singaporeans have three names, it is recommended to underline your surname for clarity. This can be the cause of confusion when making reservations.
Business: Business in Singapore is conducted on a formal basis. Suits are the preferred method of dress for both men and women. Punctuality is not only important, it is essential in the professional world. Appointments should be made in due time, usually at least two weeks in advance; and the exchange of business cards is critical to creating positive relationships when introducing yourself at meetings and at ceremonies.
Business cards are to be treated with the utmost respect; they should not be written on, folded or desecrated in any way. Shaking hands is the standard way of greeting for both men and women and can last up to 10 seconds in some situations. Individuals are to be addressed respectfully at all times, that is, by their respective title followed by their surname. Expats may want to even inquire prior to meeting what the proper address is to be used for each individual.
Business hours are typically 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken over lunch.
Communications: The international access code for Singapore is +65. The outgoing code is either 001, 002, 008 or 018, depending on the service provider, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are not used. Public phones are good for local and international calls; they take credit cards or phone cards, which can be bought at newspaper kiosks and Telecom shops. Calls made from hotels are free of any surcharges. Several local mobile phone operators use GSM 900/1800 networks. Email and Internet access is available at Internet cafés throughout the city.
