Electricity 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin, square-shaped plugs are in
use.
Language Singapores official languages are English, Mandarin,
Malay and Tamil. A patois called Singlish, or Singaporean English
is widely spoken. It is the by-product of mixing English, Chinese
and Malay syntax and idiom.
Health Travellers from countries where there is an incidence of
yellow fever need to have immunization records on arrival in
Singapore. There are excellent medical facilities in Singapore.
There is a high risk of dengue fever. Visitors should avoid poorly
cooked food, particularly seafood, and untreated drinking water.
Health care is excellent but also very expensive and medical
insurance is advised.
Tipping Tipping is not encouraged as most hotels and restaurants
in Singapore already levy a 10% service charge on customers' bills.
Tipping is not a way of life in Singapore, but is appreciated for
excellent service.
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.
Customs Singapore is a fairly diverse society and has been moulded
by its immigrant population, primarily Malay, Chinese and Indian,
along with the large ex-pat community. The city is incredibly
efficient and the citizens very law-abiding - there are fines
issued for just about any offence in Singapore, including S$500 for
smoking in public places, S$50 for jaywalking, S$1,000 for
littering and S$500 for eating, drinking or chewing gum on the MRT.
There are even fines for not flushing public toilets so it goes
without saying that getting involved in illegal drugs is not
advisable; trafficking carries a maximum penalty of death. Chinese
Singaporeans have three names, the first of which is their surname,
or family name. As a result visitors should be prepared for hotels
mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity
surnames may be underlined.
Business Business in Singapore is conducted formally. The
adherence to a dress code is strict, with suits the preferred
business attire. Punctuality is essential in all business meetings,
unlike social engagements where a 'fashionably-late' policy is
observed. Appointments should be made at least two weeks in
advance. The exchange of business cards is vital at introductions
and the ceremony of it is important for creating good relations.
Business cards are to be treated with respect and not folded,
written upon or vandalised in any way. Shaking hands is the common
form of greeting for both men and women and may last up to 10
seconds. The person is to be addressed by their respective title
followed by their surname. It is a good idea to ask beforehand how
the person is correctly addressed as this may vary depending on the
different cultures within Singapore. Business hours are generally
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 001 followed by the relevant country code
(e.g. 001 44 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not
necessary. Public phones are good for local and international
calls; they take credit cards or phonecards, 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 cafes throughout the city.
Duty Free Travellers to Singapore over 18 years do not have to pay
duty on 1 litre of wine, spirits and beer. Chewing gum and tobacco
products must be declared on arrival. Strictly prohibited is the
trafficking in illegal drugs, which carries the death sentence.
Prohibited items include meat and meat products, and firearms and
explosives without a permit.
