​​Singapore

​​Dress Code

Business attire is generally formal.
For Men: Suits or dress pants with collared shirts and ties.
For Women: Professional dresses or blouses with skirts/slacks. Dress conservatively, especially in formal business settings. 

​​Language

English is one of Singapore’s official languages and serves as the primary language of business, government, and education, making it widely spoken and understood across the country. In addition to English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil are also official languages, reflecting Singapore’s rich multicultural heritage. Many Singaporeans are bilingual or even trilingual, comfortably switching between these languages in daily life.

Telephone

International Dialing: To call Singapore from abroad, dial +65 followed by the local number. For local calls within Singapore, simply dial the number without any prefixes.
Local SIM Cards: Widely available at Changi Airport, convenience stores, telecommunications outlets, and shopping malls. Major providers include Singtel, StarHub, and M1. These offer a variety of prepaid plans with competitive data, voice, and SMS packages tailored for tourists.
Activation: Most SIM cards can be activated instantly by the vendor; some require simple registration with your passport for security purposes.
Mobile Network: Singapore has excellent 4G LTE coverage nationwide, with increasing 5G availability in urban areas, ensuring fast and reliable internet access.
Wi-Fi Access: Free public Wi-Fi networks are widely available in places like Changi Airport, MRT stations, shopping malls, cafes, and libraries. Some require a quick registration or social media login.

Internet

Singapore offers excellent internet connectivity, with widespread access to high-speed Wi-Fi available in hotels, cafes, shopping malls, and many public areas throughout the city. Mobile data networks are reliable and fast, making it easy for travelers to stay connected.

​​Business Hours

Typical business hours in Singapore are Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM. Some businesses may also operate on Saturdays, but weekends are generally reserved for rest and personal activities.

Punctuality

Punctuality is highly valued in Singapore’s business environment. Arriving on time—or a few minutes early—for meetings is expected and seen as a sign of professionalism and respect.

​​Meeting Etiquette

Meetings in Singapore typically begin with introductions and light small talk to build rapport. It’s customary to address colleagues using formal titles and last names until you are invited to use first names. Exchanging business cards is an important ritual—always present and receive cards with both hands as a sign of respect, and take a moment to look at the card before putting it away.

​​History of Major Football Incidents

Football is a popular sport in Singapore, with the local league enjoying passionate but generally peaceful support from fans. Significant incidents related to football events are rare. The country also regularly hosts international matches and tournaments, which attract large crowds and vibrant atmospheres.

​​Natural Disasters

Singapore has a very low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons. However, during the monsoon season from November to January, the city-state can experience heavy rainfall and localized flooding. Travelers should stay updated on weather forecasts during this period and plan accordingly.

​​Emergency Response

Emergency services are reliable, featuring well-trained paramedics and quick ambulance response times.
 In case of emergencies, dial 999 for police assistance and 995 for ambulance services.
It’s advisable to keep your hotel’s contact information and local emergency numbers readily accessible. Travelers should ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance to cover potential medical expenses, as healthcare costs can be high without coverage. Pharmacies across the island are well-stocked with both over-the-counter and prescription medications, and English-speaking medical professionals are widely available.

​​Medical Services

Singapore is renowned for its high-quality healthcare system, featuring modern hospitals and clinics equipped with advanced medical technology. Both public and private healthcare facilities maintain excellent standards of care, ensuring prompt and effective treatment for locals and visitors alike. Emergency services are highly reliable, with well-trained paramedics and quick ambulance response times.
 Travelers are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as healthcare in Singapore can be costly without coverage. Most pharmacies are well-stocked with a wide range of over-the-counter and prescription medications, and English-speaking healthcare professionals are readily available to assist.

 Overall, visitors can feel confident in the accessibility and quality of medical care throughout the country.

​​Pharmacies

Pharmacies are widely available, with many operating extended hours. Over-the-counter medications are easily accessible. Bring any specific medications you may need. 

📍 Pharmacies in Singapore
1. Guardian Pharmacy – Major pharmacy chain found in most malls and MRT-connected areas.
2. Watsons – Popular health and beauty chain with pharmacy sections in larger outlets.
3. Unity Pharmacy – Pharmacy brand by NTUC FairPrice, often found in supermarkets and malls.
4. Medic Drugstore – Independent local pharmacy known for basic over-the-counter needs.
5. Hospital Pharmacies – Located in public hospitals; often stock affordable generic medications.

 💊 Common Medicines for Travelers

🔹 For Headache & Fever Panadol (Paracetamol) – Widely used for pain relief and fever; safe during dengue. Generic Paracetamol – Affordable alternative to Panadol; available at most pharmacies. Ibuprofen – Effective for pain and inflammation; ask pharmacy staff as it may be behind the counter.

 🔹 For Sore Throat Paracetamol or Ibuprofen – Helps reduce throat pain and associated fever. Throat Lozenges – Brands like Strepsils offer temporary relief for mild throat irritation. Throat Sprays – Mild antiseptic sprays available for soothing sore throats.

​​Culture & Foods

​Culture: Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and more. Respect for cultural practices and traditions is important.

Foods:
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: Poached chicken served with rice and chili sauce.
- Chili Crab: A famous local dish featuring crab in a tangy, spicy tomato-based sauce.
- Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with curry and coconut milk, often served with prawns or chicken.
- Satay: Grilled skewered meat served with peanut sauce. 

​​​Others

By keeping these points in mind, you’ll be well-prepared for your business trip to Singapore. Safe travels!
Time Zone: GMT+8 (no daylight savings)
Transport: Public transport is world-class—MRT, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps.
Climate: Tropical with consistent heat and humidity year-round (25–32°C), with occasional thunderstorms.