Business Customs
Business discussions are usually conducted in a very straightforward manner. English is widely spoken, and most businesspeople are skilled and technically knowledgeable. Most agents/distributors have visited the United States and often handle several U.S. product lines. Corruption is virtually non-existent.
Many Singapore business people are of ethnic Chinese background, and many of them will have "Christian" first names (e.g., Nancy Goh, Jeannie Sim). Those who do not will have only their Chinese name on their business card, in which case the family name is listed first. Mr. Ho Weng Hee would be addressed as "Mr. Ho" and Ms. Wong Ai Lan as "Ms. Wong". For the sake of politeness and respect, it is wise to address a business person by the last name rather than the first name - unless an immediate rapport is developed.
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, however.
Travel Advisory and Visas
While in foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the same protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Visitors should be aware of Singapore's strict laws and penalties for a variety of offences that might be considered minor in the United States, including jaywalking, littering and spitting, as well as the importation and sale of chewing gum. Singapore imposes a mandatory caning sentence on males for vandalism offences. Caning may also be imposed for immigration violations and other offences. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Singapore has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offences. Commercial disputes that may be handled as civil suits in the U.S. can escalate to criminal cases in Singapore and result in heavy fines and prison sentences. There are no jury trials in Singapore. Judges hear cases and decide sentencing. The Singapore Government does not provide legal assistance except in capital crime cases.
A valid U.S. passport is required for tourist and business travel to Singapore. No visa is necessary for U.S. citizens visiting Singapore. To facilitate regional travel, it is advisable to replace any passport that has less than six months validity.
Holidays
The American Embassy closes on American and local holidays. The dates on which holidays are observed in 2006 are listed below:
Singapore Holidays in 2007
| January 1** | Sunday | - New Year's Day |
|---|---|---|
| January 10 | Tuesday | - Hari Raya Haji |
| January 16 | Monday | - Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| January 29 - 31*** | Sunday - Tuesday | - Lunar New Year |
| February 20 | Monday | - Washington's Birthday |
| April 14 | Friday | - Good Friday |
| May 1 | Monday | - Labor Day (Singaporean) |
| May 12 | Friday | - Vesak Day |
| May 29 | Monday | - Memorial Day |
| July 4 | Tuesday | - Independence Day |
| August 9 | Wednesday | - National Day (Singaporean) |
| September 4 | Monday | - Labor Day (American) |
| October 9 | Monday | - Columbus Day |
| October 21 | Saturday | - Deepavali |
| October 24 | Tuesday | - Hari Raya Puasa |
| November 11* | Saturday | - Veteran's Day |
| November 23 | Thursday | - Thanksgiving |
| December 25 | Monday | - Christmas Day |
| December 31** | Sunday | - Hari Raya Haji |
* According to 2 FAM 115.2, if an authorized Federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the office is closed on the preceding Friday.
** Monday will be a public holiday.
*** Tuesday will be a public holiday.
Business travelers to Singapore seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy Singapore officials are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Commercial Officers prior to departure from the U.S. The Commercial section may be reached by telephone at 65/6476-9037, fax at 65/6476-9080, or email at, commerce@pacific.net.sg.
Workweek
Singapore is twelve hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings (or thirteen hours ahead of E.S.T.). Business hours normally are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Saturday. Shops are normally open from 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Business Infrastructure
Taxis are abundant, metered, inexpensive and 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. Traffic flow is quite good. 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 much of the day. In addition, an exceptionally clean, efficient, subway system links the major business/shopping areas.
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, who offer competitive rates and will usually accept U.S. travelers' checks as well as major currencies. International credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and retail shops.
In addition to having one of the world's best airports and container posts, Singapore features an exceptionally modern telecommunications system. Public telephones accepting cash cards or cash are located throughout. 'Cyber cafes' are also gaining in popularity, and internet connections are available in most hotels. Electrical current is 220V, 50HZ.
Located a few degress from 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, an umbrella and swimsuit are recommended for the traveler. Singapore business dress is shirt and tie for men, although one will not be out of place occasionally wearing a jacket. Businesswomen wear conservative, lightweight attire. Evening dinner-dress is a shirt and tie for men, a dress for women.
Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge and a 3.0% goods and services tax (GST) to the bill. In January 2003, the GST will be raised to 5.0%.
Temporary entry of goods
There is no restriction on the temporary entry of laptop computers, software and exhibition materials into the country. Click here for more details on temporary goods entry requirement.