Singapore: A Business Traveler's Guide
your complete introduction to the city-state in Southeast AsiaTravelling to Singapore?
Are you planning on traveling to Singapore for work? Get to know the city-state spread over 65 islands better in this comprehensive guide for business travelers.
Sitting just 85 miles north of the equator, the highly-developed city-state of Singapore is renowned for having one of the most innovative and business-friendly economies worldwide.
Since being expelled as part of Malaysia and becoming an independent sovereign republic in 1965, Singapore has become the most successful of the Four Asian Tigers (consisting of Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan) in terms of GDP. It is also the only Asian country to hold an AAA credit rating from the top 3 credit agencies.
For business travelers, Singapore’s tropical islands are fertile ground. Its modern identity has been shaped by a long history of trade – the city was first a global maritime emporium, then a trading post for the British Empire in 1819, before flourishing as an independent state, its economy growing by 6% every year between 1965 and 1995.
Today, Singapore is known for its status as a tax haven and the considerable investment it commits to maintaining its reputation as a leading, global business destination. It’s no accident that the city-state boasts the world’s 3rd largest foreign exchange center and is home to some of the most-awarded international travel companies in the form of Singapore Airlines, Changi Airport, and the Port of Singapore.
In this comprehensive guide to Singapore for business travellers, we delve deeper into navigating the city’s unique corporate landscape, offer our top tips for getting around, and pick out our top 3 things to see or do to make your trip unforgettable.
Singapore Fact File
The heraldic symbol of Singapore features a crescent moon (denoting a young nation on the rise), a lion & a tiger (representing the state’s ties with the Malay peninsula), and five white stars representing democracy, peace, progress, justice & equality
Languages
English (most widely spoken), Mandarin Chinese, and the national language, Malay.
Currency
Singapore Dollar (S$)
Avg. Temperatures
Summer (Jun-Aug) = 28.5°C (83.3°F).
Autumn (Sep-Nov) = 28.5°C (83.3°F).
Winter (Dec-Feb) = 28°C (82.4°F).
Spring (Mar-May) = 29°C (84.2°F).
Getting To Singapore
By Air
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is one of the world’s busiest and most well-connected airports. Located just 20km (20 miles) east of Singapore’s city centre, Changi Airport consistently ranks as the world’s best airport by Skytrax and offers direct flights from cities across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and beyond. It is also home to Singapore Airlines, considered one of the best airlines worldwide.
By Road
Getting to Singapore by road is possible from Malaysia via two major land crossings: the Woodlands Checkpoint (connected to Johor Bahru via the Causeway) and the Tuas Checkpoint (connected via the Second Link Expressway). Taxis and private cars are commonly used, and coach services frequently run between Singapore and major Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur and Malacca.
By Sea
Getting to Singapore by sea is possible via ferries and cruises from nearby countries, mainly Malaysia and Indonesia. Regular ferry services operate from Batam, Bintan, and other Riau Islands (Indonesia) to terminals like HarbourFront Centre, Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, and Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal. These ferries provide a convenient and scenic way to reach Singapore, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Business Culture & Etiquette
Singapore has a significant expatriate population, with over 2.3 million of the 5.9 million population (38.4%) formed of foreign workers, international students, or dependants. As such, the business culture in Singapore is a unique blend of Asian values and Western influences, a fact underlined by the existence of four official languages (English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil).
English is considered the main language for doing business, with most contracts, official documents and corporate communications written in English. Native Singaporeans are known for politeness and indirect communication, often preferring subtle phrasing to express disagreement rather than outright confrontation. As such, expect business to be conducted in a calm and composed manner, with meeting agendas often prepared well in advance to ensure things stay on track.
The dress code is typically formal and professional. However, due to the country’s year-round warm and humid climate, it is advisable to wear shirts or dresses that are both light and breathable. When meeting people for the first time, it is common practice to shake hands and address the individual by their title/honorific and surname.
Here are a few of our other top business etiquette and culture tips:
- Sharing business cards at the beginning of a meeting is common practice. Receive them with both hands, showing respect by briefly looking at the card before putting it away rather than pocketing it immediately.
- Chewing gum, littering, or speaking negatively about the government should be avoided during meetings.
Crime & Safety
Singapore is widely regarded as one of the safest places in the world, with a low crime rate, and strict law-enforcement policies built around a zero-tolerance approach to offending. Be aware that crimes are harshly punished. Drug possession and trafficking, for example, can result in lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty. Business travellers should also be mindful that smoking in non-designated areas and jaywalking are illegal, and that the sale and consumption of chewing gum has been highly regulated since 1992, with gum importation banned unless for medical use.
Despite the tough laws, Singapore remains a very safe place for travelers. Pickpocketing and scams are rare but not unheard of, so caution is advised when navigating crowded areas such as Orchard Road (Singapore’s main shopping street), Chinatown, and the Bugis Street market. However, these risks remain low due to the country’s highly efficient surveillance system, with CCTV cameras monitoring many public spaces.
Humidity in Singapore is consistently high, often between 70% and 90%, which can lead to excessive sweating. It’s essential to stay well-hydrated to prevent dehydration and heat exhaustion. Carry a water bottle and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially when you’re out in the sun.
Here are a few of our other top safety tips:
- In Istanbul, the emergency number for police is 999, with fire and ambulance services available via 995.
- Pack light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool in Singapore’s tropical climate.
Getting Around Singapore
Mass Rapid Transport (MRT)
The MRT system is made up of multiple lines, which serve different regions of the city. The major lines include the East-West Line (EWL) connecting the east (e.g. Changi Airport) to the west, and the Circle Line (CCL) which loops around central Singapore, connecting areas like Dhoby Ghaut and Marymount. The trains often run every 2-5 minutes on a schedule which runs from 5:30 am to midnight. Trips can be paid for using the EZ-Link card, a Singapore Tourist Pass (offering unlimited rides over 1 to 3 days), or via the SimplyGo mobile app that connects to your debit/credit card.
Buses
Singapore’s bus system consists of a vast network of over 300 bus services which serve all parts of the island, including suburban areas that lie beyond the main MRT lines. Standard buses are operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses, with night buses also available on some routes. Much like the MRT, bus trips can be paid for via the EZ-Link card, the Singapore Tourist Pass, or the SimplyGo app – cash payment is also possible but not preferred. Bus travel is also incredibly cheap, even without concessions, with a typical journey costing anywhere between S$0.92 (£0.54)to S$2.50 (£1.46).
Ride Sharing
Taxis are a popular way to get around Singapore. The taxi fleet includes sedan-style cars, typically Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz models, with companies increasingly moving towards hybrid or electric models to reduce carbon emissions. Base fares are typically between S$3.60 (£2.11) and S$5.00 (£2.93) plus around S$0.22 (£0.13) per 400 meters or 1 minute. Be aware that a surcharge of around S$5.00 (£2.93) is added for trips from Changi Airport. While taxis can be hailed on the street, it is recommended that travellers use a local ride-hailing app such as Grab or Gojek to book their trip.
Top 3 Things To See Or Do In Singapore
If you find yourself with a bit of free time on your business trip, Singapore is a city with a rich history and offers plenty to see and do. Here are our top 3 recommendations…
1. Marina Bay Sands & SkyPark
Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks. The sprawling complex includes a luxury hotel, a casino, shopping malls, fine dining, and a stunning SkyPark that offers a 360-degree view of the city skyline, including the twisting Singapore River. The Infinity Pool at the top of Marina Bay Sands is also the world’s largest rooftop pool (although it’s exclusive to hotel guests).
Don’t miss the Spectra Light and Water Show hosted in the events plaza at around 8 pm. The show features synchronised water jets that shoot in perfect time with music, laser light effects, and a projection mapping display where images and videos are projected onto a water screen.
2. Gardens by the Bay
This 150-hectare park is a stunning combination of nature, technology, and cutting-edge horticultural design. Opened in 2012 as a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, the garden features an array of plants from around the world, preserved in climate-controlled environments, including the Flower Dome – one of the world’s largest glass greenhouses. The park is a marvel of eco-conscious design. Constructions incorporate solar panels and rainwater harvesting, reflecting Singapore’s vision of one day transforming into a “city in the garden” where nature and urban life can coexist.
The Supertree Grove is the centerpiece of Gardens by the Bay, featuring 18 giant, tree-like structures that range from 25 to 50 meters in height. These Supertrees are made of steel and are covered with a variety of plants, such as orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.
3. Sentosa Island
Once a humble fishing village and a British military base, Sentosa Island is now a luxury resort destination off the southern coast of Singapore. Universal Studios Singapore (USS) is one of the island’s major attractions, featuring exhilarating rides, shows, and attractions based on popular Hollywood movies. It is also the home to the S. E. A. Aquarium – home to 100,000 marine animals from around the globe – and the Adventure Cove Waterpark where visitors can snorkel among the fish at Rainbow Reef.
Sentosa Island is also known for its beaches, including Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong. Those looking to get a panoramic view of the island can climb the Sentosa Merlion, a 37-meter-tall statue representing Singapore’s mythical half lion, half fish, and explore the observatory deck.
Singapore: King of the Four Asian Tigers
Known for its pro-business policies, AAA Credit Rating, and reputation for innovation, Singapore is a tantalising destination for corporate travellers looking to conduct business and widen their professional network.
The advantages for business travellers starts with Singapore’s world-class infrastructure. The city’s Changi Airport, consistently ranked as one of the best in the world, providing connections to most international destinations, while the local MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system and extensive bus network make getting around the city quick and convenient.
The city is also home to a thriving financial sector, with many international companies establishing regional headquarters in the central business district. Indeed, the city is widely regarded as one of the easiest places to do business. Not only does it boast one of the healthiest economies across Southeast Asia – no least among the “Four Asian Tigers” of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea – the various tax incentives on capital and personal income make it an attractive location for investors.
Beyond the boardroom, Singapore is renowned for its incredibly low crime rates, widespread cleanliness, and respect for politeness and public order. Those looking to explore the city-state in the time between meetings will also find plenty to do. Business travellers can unwind on the warm, sandy beaches of Sentosa Island, explore the shopping delights found on Orchard Street, or watch an incredible evening light and water show at Marina Bay Sands.
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