Etiquette in Singapore: Avoiding Common Faux Pas

Etiquette in Singapore is important if you want to integrate successfully. By familiarising yourself with the most important laws and customs, you can connect with locals faster and prevent common faux pas.

Laws in Singapore

Singapore has well-defined laws about many issues. Before your first trip, familiarise yourself with the most important ones.

Show Respect in Public Places

Being respectful in public places is key in Singapore. Several laws dictate what you’re allowed and not allowed to do in shared spaces. Here are three important ones:

Littering: Throwing rubbish on the ground, even cigarette butts, is forbidden in public. Always place your rubbish into the designated rubbish or recycling bins, which you’ll find almost everywhere.
Public displays of affection: While hand-holding and hugging are acceptable in most situations, it’s best to keep PDA to a minimum since it is frowned upon by many locals. There are laws against public indecency, both in public places and private spaces that are exposed to public view.
Jaywalking: If you’re within 50 metres of a pedestrian crossing, you must use it. It’s also illegal to cross the street when the light is still red. Although getting fined for jaywalking is relatively rare, it’s better to avoid this practice just in case.

Public Transport

The well-defined public transport etiquette in Singapore is one of the reasons why the trains and buses are so clean and pleasant. Eating or drinking is generally forbidden. Although this law is not uniformly applied, it’s best to avoid bringing open food or drink on trains and buses. Aside from being illegal, this is considered impolite by many locals.

A unique rule is that you can’t carry durians on public transport. This fruit has a very strong smell, often described as a mixture of rotten onions and eggs, and should not be carried on trains or buses. You’ll often see signs banning durians on public transport networks.

Durian: Too pungent for public transport.

Smoking

Smoking in public is only allowed in designated areas, such as smoking corners, smoking rooms, or smoking areas. Although you can smoke in certain uncovered open spaces, it is also banned at parks and nature reserves managed by the National Parks Board. If in doubt, refrain from smoking or ask a local whether it’s allowed.

Drugs

Drugs like cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, and opium are illegal in Singapore. Avoid carrying, using, and selling these drugs.

Other Laws

Some other laws to keep in mind are:

Don’t use someone else’s wifi network without their permission. This practice is called piggybacking, and it’s illegal in Singapore.
Don’t import or sell chewing gum.
Don’t drink in public from 10:30 pm to 7 am. Most shops won’t sell any alcohol during these hours, although some licensed premises like bars and restaurants have extended hours.
Rock pigeons are an invasive species in Singapore, so you can’t feed pigeons. More generally, feeding wildlife is not allowed in most areas of Singapore.

Customs and Etiquette in Singapore

Singapore’s culture is characterised by respect and orderliness. Most people prefer indirect and nonconfrontational conversation styles, and they might avoid direct refusals. Posture, expression, and tone of voice are all very important. Watch out for subtle cues such as hesitations, nodding, and eye contact.

In Public

In Singapore, consideration of others is greatly appreciated. Queuing is an important element of this. You might see long queues in some places, such as popular shops or restaurants. Don’t try to jump the queue, as this is considered impolite.

Similarly, most Singaporeans appreciate it if you keep noise to a minimum in public places. Avoid listening to loud music or having noisy phone calls when in close proximity to other people, who might be disturbed by such actions.

Interacting with Locals

Singapore has a slightly more formal culture than many other places. When meeting locals, try to be on time since this signifies respect. Greet others with a handshake or a nod and bow. Use their title when addressing them, especially if they are older or more senior than you. Refrain from touching other people, even children, especially on the head. This is because the head is considered the most sacred body part.

Visiting Locals at Home

It’s polite to offer to take your shoes off when you enter another person’s home or a religious building. When having a meal at someone’s house, it’s customary to wait until the host or the eldest person starts eating. Avoid placing your chopsticks upright in your bowl because this is a practice associated with funerals. Whenever possible, finish what’s on your plate. Wasting food can be seen as bad manners by some Singaporeans.

Restaurants and Hawker Centers

Tipping is not required in Singapore since many venues already factor tips into the bill or add a service charge. In most places, you can round up to the nearest dollar or add a small tip if you’ve experienced exceptional service. Always be discreet about tipping.

At hawker centers, be careful where you sit. If you see a table with a pack of tissues or similar small item on it, it’s likely that someone has reserved it. This practice is called chopeing, and it’s common in Singapore.

Food at a hawker center

Common Singapore Business Customs

Business etiquette in Singapore is based on a collaborative negotiation style, punctuality, and respect for authority.

Interactions with Business Partners

Exchanging business cards is still common. When handing someone your card, hold it in both hands and make sure the card is facing them, so they can read it easily. When you receive a card, study it briefly before putting it away.

Long lunches or dinners are sometimes expected when forming or maintaining business partnerships. When at a restaurant, the host may order a selection of dishes for everyone.

Saving Face

Singaporean culture is less direct and more focused on saving face. It is considered impolite to challenge other people directly, especially superiors. Instead, a collaborative or indirect communication style is preferred. Make sure you always voice concerns respectfully, using “I” statements. A direct complaint or criticism, especially in front of other people, can be considered disrespectful.

Clothing

Many people wear suits in Singapore, despite the hot and humid climate. The attire at work is usually business casual. If in doubt, wear well-fitted clothes in neutral colours.

Knowing the laws and etiquette in Singapore can help you integrate more quickly. If you’re looking for a job in Singapore, fill out our Rigby AG application form. We can then let you know once suitable job opportunities come up.