Singaporean society is known to have an enthralling blend of different cultures, religions and traditions. No wonder the city presents a potpourri tradition and customs. If you are visiting this lovely South East Asian city then you should better habituate yourself with the most common etiquettes in Singapore or else you might not be able to cast a favourable impression on people here.

Business meeting
If you are in Singapore for a business trip and formally need to meet several locals, then take some time to build personal relationship. Be careful to make business appointments in advance, at least by two weeks. Once you fix the time, never get late for meetings.

While negotiating over some thing, you have to remain patient or else you might lose a god opportunity. In case it is the time for Chinese New Year then avoid scheduling any business appointment.

Another important point to be taken care of at Singapore is treating a business card. If you are given a business card, remember to treat it with respect. Study the card carefully before putting it away. Use the titles or the family names at formal meetings or while making introduction.

Exchanging greetings
A hearty handshake is what is expected from you when you first meet a person but it is not the same while you meet the opposite sex. While meeting the older Chinese people, bow a little. If a woman meets another woman then they bow their heads.

How to dress
In Singapore, people commonly wear western outfits in normal conditions. If you are going to attend formal meetings and functions then you must dress up conservatively, i.e. a white shirt, tie, and nice trousers. Women can wear pantsuits or blouses and skirts.

Dining
If you are accompanied by the host at a restaurant, then wait for the host to place the order. Remember not to begin eating until the host starts, especially if you are dining with people of Chinese descent. And do not be the first to refuse the first offer of food or beverages. Never leave leftovers in your plate.

Tipping
Since the government disapproves tipping; it is generally not customary in Singapore. Most service charges are included in the bill itself.

Gifts
Do not wrap your gift with a black or blue color material and use both your hands while presenting the gift to a person. Gift giving etiquettes generally differ according to the ethnic background of the individual.

Visiting someone’s home
If you are invited by someone then reach the venue on time. Carry a gift with you, especially if you are invited for a meal. At the time of dining, you will notice a small bowl and towel kept to wash and wipe your hands.

General etiquettes and gestures

• Singapore government is quite strict about following the rules. So do not spit, litter, jaywalk or smoke publicly as you may have to be penalized for that.
• Chewing gum is not allowed in Singapore. Even selling is prohibited.
• Do not make any cheap jokes.
• Though western outfits are quite common in Singapore, but unlike many western people, Singaporeans generally do not use physical contact when meeting the people of opposite sex.
• Do not make public display of your affection as it is not approved in Singapore.
• Head is considered to be the soul of the body so it is taken as offence if you touch somebody’s head.
• Never touch anything with your feet and never ever show the bottoms of your feet.
• Do not tap your feet or use your index finger to point someone.
• Since Singapore is a cosmopolitan city where people of different cultures live together. So you have to follow different etiquettes while interacting with different communities. For example, the Chinese use their family names followed by the personal names whereas the Malays do not use the family names. Indians first use personal names followed by the family names.

When you travel to a new place, it is always better to know a little about that place’s culture, traditions and etiquettes. Surprise the local with a few words of their dialect and believe your trip is definitely going to be more pleasant than ever.