Business Customs

Business discussions are usually conducted in a very straightforward manner.  English is widely spoken, and most businesspeople are skilled and technically knowledgeable.  Furthermore, most agents and distributors have visited the United States and often handle several American product lines.  Corruption is virtually non-existent.

Many Singapore businesspeople are of ethnic Chinese background, and many of them will have “Western” first names (e.g., Melody Yeo).  Those with only a Chinese name presented on business cards will list his/her family name before their first name.  For example, a person whose card reads “Mr. Chan Yiu Kei” would be addressed as “Mr. Chan.”

The names of businesspeople of Malay or Indian descent are written and spoken as a given name followed by family names.  For the sake of politeness and respect, it is wise to address a businessperson by the last name rather than the first name until invited to use a given name.  When in doubt, it is not impolite to ask.  The common and polite Singaporean phrase is ‘How shall I address you?’

Business cards are a must as they are immediately exchanged during business and social meetings.  The East Asian practice of presenting a business card with both hands is observed.  There is no need to have special business cards printed in Chinese.

Located one degree north of the Equator, Singapore has a constant tropical climate year-round.  Daytime temperatures average between 85- and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  Humidity is very high and rain showers are frequent.  Temperatures at night average between 76 and 80 degrees.  All public buildings, indoor restaurants and taxis are air-conditioned.

Summer-weight suits/dresses, several dress shirts, and an umbrella are recommended for the traveler.  Singapore business dress is a long-sleeved shirt and tie for men, although one will not be out of place without a tie.  Some formal meetings call for a coat and tie.  Businesswomen wear light-weight attire.  Evening/dinner dress is a shirt and tie for men, but there isn’t a strict dress code for women.

Tipping is not customary in Singapore.  Restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge and the prevailing goods and services tax (GST) to the bill. 

Travel Advisory

Americans planning to travel to Singapore should regularly monitor The State Department Consular Information Sheet on Singapore and the U.S. Embassy in Singapore COVID-19 Info Page.

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the U.S. and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than those in the U.S. for similar offenses.  Persons violating Singapore laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.

There are strict penalties for possession and use of drugs as well as for trafficking in illegal drugs. Visitors should be aware of Singapore’s strict laws and penalties for a variety of actions that might not be illegal or might be considered minor offenses in the U.S. Commercial disputes that may be handled as civil suits in the U.S. can escalate to criminal cases in Singapore and may result in heavy fines and prison sentences.

Singapore customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary import and export of items such as weapons, illegal drugs, certain religious materials and pornographic material.  Singapore customs authorities’ definition of “weapon” is very broad, and, in addition to firearms, includes many items which are not necessarily seen as weapons in the United States, such as dive knives, kitchen knives, handcuffs and expended shell casings.  Carrying any of these items without permission may result in immediate arrest.  All baggage is x-rayed at every port of entry, so checked baggage will also be inspected for regulated items.

Generally, there are four types of dutiable goods in Singapore:  alcoholic beverages, tobacco, gasoline and motor vehicles.  Travelers entering Singapore at any port of entry must approach an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer at the “Red Channel” for payment of duty (e.g. alcohol and tobacco) and goods and services tax (GST) if you have dutiable goods which exceed the GST relief or duty-free concession.  It is an offence to proceed to the “Green Channel” for clearance if you have items that are subject to payment of duty and/or GST.

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens do not need a visa if their visit to Singapore is for business or social purposes and their stay is for 90 days or less.  Travelers to the region should note that Singapore and some neighboring countries do not allow Americans to enter under any circumstances with fewer than six months of validity remaining on their passport.  Travelers should note that there are also very strict penalties for overstaying their visas.

Specific information about entry requirements for Singapore may be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore.

U.S. companies should note that Singapore is part of the Visa Waiver Program and that nationals of Singapore are eligible to travel to the United States without a visa for tourist and business travel of 90 days or less, provided they possess an e-passport, a return/onward ticket and an approved authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).  Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival.  Singaporeans are also eligible to participate in the U.S. Global Entry Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.  Third country nationals living and working in Singapore may have to obtain a visa before visiting the United States.  U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States are advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa or ESTA applicants should go to the following links:

• State Department Visa Website
• U.S. Embassy Singapore
• ESTA

Currency 

Singapore’s unit of currency is the Singapore dollar.  Travelers’ checks and currency may be exchanged in the baggage claim area at Changi Airport (at a reasonable rate) or at any hotel (at a less favorable rate).  Singapore features dozens of Government-authorized “money changers” located in major shopping centers, offering competitive rates and they will usually accept U.S. travelers’ checks as well as major currencies.  International credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and retail shops.  ATMs that accept U.S. cards are widely available.

Telecommunications/Electronics

Telecommunications and Internet facilities in Singapore are state-of-the-art, providing high-quality communications with the rest of the world.  Whether you are looking to hop on Instagram or log into your email for work, it is easy to find an Internet connection in Singapore, from free Wi-Fi hotspots to prepaid data plans.  More information can be found on Visit Singapore website. Besides a nationwide broadband network infrastructure, Singapore is well connected by multiple satellite and submarine cable systems with more than 500 terabits per second (Tbps) of potential capacity supporting international and regional telecoms connectivity.  It has more than 17.5 terabits per second (Tbps) of international internet bandwidth connectivity to economies such as the United States, China, Japan, India, as well as some countries in Europe and ASEAN.

The standard electrical current used in Singapore is 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) and the power sockets are three square prongs, so do bring an adapter.

Transportation

Situated at the crossroads of international shipping and air routes, Singapore is a center for transportation and communication in Southeast Asia.  Singapore’s Changi Airport has established itself as a major aviation hub in the Asia Pacific region.  The country is one of the busiest ports in the world and the country is linked by road and rail to Malaysia.

Taxis are abundant, metered, safe, inexpensive, air-conditioned, and most drivers speak English.  Drivers should be given place names for the destination as these are often more familiar than street names.  To promote the flow of traffic, the Government limits the total number of cars on the road through heavy fees/taxes and imposes a surcharge on vehicles entering the Central Business District during peak hours, although this toll system has been paused due to Covid-19.  Other alternative transport are private hire car services such as Grab and Gojek. In addition, Singapore has an exceptionally clean, efficient subway system and bus network.

Language

English is widely spoken in Singapore.  It is the language of business, government, education and the media.  Many businesspeople are highly educated and have traveled extensively.

Health

Good medical care is widely available in Singapore and high-end medical tourism is a growing business.  Doctors and hospitals expect immediate payment for health services by credit card or cash and generally do not accept U.S. health insurance.  Recipients of health care should be aware that the Ministry of Health auditors in certain circumstances may be granted access to patient medical records without the consent of the patient, and in certain circumstances, physicians may be required to provide information relating to the diagnosis or treatment without the patient’s consent.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s website.

The Singapore Ministry of Health’s website  contains helpful health information and the latest updates on the COVID-19 situation in Singapore.

Local time, Business Hours, and Holidays

Singapore is twelve hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings or thirteen hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.  Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.  Government of Singapore agencies and many private sector companies are closed for business on Saturday.  Shops are normally open every day from 10:00 am – 9:00 p.m.

U.S. Embassy Singapore closes on American and local holidays.  The dates on which holidays are observed in 2022 and 2023 are listed below:

 

 

2023

* U.S. Embassy Singapore will observe local and American holidays that fall on a Saturday the preceding Friday and local and American holidays that fall on a Sunday the following Monday.

Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings

Goods may be temporarily imported under the Temporary Import Scheme for a period of six months and for purposes such as repairs, testing and stage performances, auctions, displays, exhibitions or other similar events without the payment of duty and/or GST.  A banker’s guarantee is required under the Temporary Import Scheme.  The temporary imports are covered by a Customs Inward Permit or a Carnet.  Goods temporarily imported must be re-exported within the prescribed period using a Customs Outward permit.  GST must be paid if the goods are not subsequently re-exported.  The procedures governing such importation can be found at the website of Singapore Customs.