Singapore business travel information

In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Singapore you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

Foreign travellers in Singapore with roaming hand phone facilities can dial either the 112 or 911 emergency numbers to reach an Emergency Call Centre in Singapore.

In case of a medical emergency you can contact the Singapore National University Hospital at the Emergency Department Service Hotline: (65) 6772 5000.
Emergency Medicine Department
5 Lower Kent Ridge Road
Main building 1, level 1
Singapore 119074

Business etiquette and protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Singapore it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Singapore. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Singapore to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  Singaporeans retain strong hierarchical relationships. The elderly are always treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.
  Singaporeans are not direct, they prefer subtlety to directness. The word "no" is hardly ever used.
  Non-verbal messages are highly valued in communication.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  Singaporeans mostly have a Chinese, Malyan or Indian cultural background. Try to find out the cultural background of your host in advance.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Employees in multi-national companies may have adopted the western concept of shaking hands with everyone, however be carefull with shaking hands with a woman, choose to bow your head to be safe unless a hand is offered by the woman.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Some time is spent to getting to know you before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter or an e-mail with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little. Malyans are muslim.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles to the right.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

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Languages in Singapore

Since its independence in 1965, Singapore has attempted to promote a national identity in its land of immigrants. As part of this effort, Singapore has appointed four national languages: Malay, Tamil, Mandarin and English.

For business and in politics, English is the generally used language.