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Country Commercial Guides for FY 2000: Singapore Report prepared by U.S. Embassy Singapore, released July 1999 Note*

Chapter IX. Business Travel

Business Customs
Business discussions are straightforward. English is widely spoken and most businesspeople are skilled and technically knowledgeable. Most agents/distributors have visited the United States and often handle several U.S. product lines. Corruption is virtually non-existent.

Many Singapore business people are ethnic Chinese, and many of them will have "Christian" first names (e.g., Albert Lim, Sally Lee). Those who do not will have only their Chinese name on their business card, in which case the family name is listed first. Mr. Lim Siew Fook would be addressed as "Mr. Lim" and Mrs. Tan Lee Yik as "Mrs. Tan". For the sake of politeness and respect, it is wise to address a business person by the last name rather than the first name - unless an immediate rapport is developed.

Business cards are a must as they are immediately exchanged during business and social meetings. The "Chinese" practice of presenting a business card with both hands is observed. There is no need to have special business cards printed in Chinese, however.

Travel Advisory and Visas
While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and do not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offences. Persons violating the law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Visitors should be aware of Singapore's strict laws and penalties for a variety of offences that might be considered minor in the United States, including jaywalking, littering and spitting, as well as the importation and sale of chewing gum. Singapore imposes a mandatory caning sentence on males for vandalism offences. Caning may also be imposed for immigration violations and other offences. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Singapore has a mandatory death penalty for many narcotics offences. Commercial disputes that may be handled as civil suits in the U.S. can escalate to criminal cases in Singapore and result in heavy fines and prison sentences. There are no jury trials in Singapore. Judges hear cases and decide sentencing. The Singapore Government does not provide legal assistance except in capital cases.

A valid U.S. passport is required for tourist and business travel to Singapore. No visa is necessary for U.S. citizens visiting Singapore. To facilitate regional travel, it is advisable to replace any passport with less than six months validity.

Holidays
The American Embassy closes on American and local holidays. The dates on which holidays are observed in 2000 are listed below:

December 31, Friday - New Year's Day
January 8, Saturday - Hari Raya Puasa
January 17, Monday - Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
February 5, Saturday- Chinese New Year
February 6, Sunday* & February 7, Monday February 21, Monday - Washington's Birthday
March 16, Thursday - Hari Raya Haji
April 21, Friday - Good Friday
May 1, Monday - Labor Day (Singaporean)
May 18, Thursday - Vesak Day
May 29, Monday - Memorial Day
July 4, Tuesday - Independence Day
August 9, Wednesday - National Day (Singaporean)
September 4, Monday - Labor Day (American)
October 9, Monday - Columbus Day
October 26, Thursday#- Deepavali
November 10, Friday - Veteran's Day
November 23, Thursday- Thanksgiving December 25, Monday - Christmas Day
December 27, Wednesday- Hari Raya Puasa

* The following Monday will be a public holiday.
# Subject to change. The confirmed date will be known towards the end of 1999.

U.S. Business travelers are encouraged to obtain a copy of the "Key Officers Of Foreign Service posts: Guide For Business Representatives" available for sale by the superintendent of documents, U.S. government printing office, Washington, D.C. 20402; Tel: (202) 512-1800; Fax (202) 512-2250. Business travelers to (name of country) seeking appointments with U.S. Embassy (name of capital) officials should contact the Commercial section in advance. The Commercial section can be reached by telephone at (65) 476-9037, fax at (65) 476-9080, or email at Singapore.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov

Work week
Singapore is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings (or 13 hours ahead of E.S.T). Business hours normally are 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 1:00 p.m., Saturday. Shops are open from 10:00 am - 7:00 p.m.

Business Infrastructure
Taxis are abundant, metered, inexpensive and air-conditioned, and most drivers speak English. Give drivers place names for the destination, as these are often more familiar than street names. Traffic flow is quite good. The Government limits the total number of cars on the road through heavy fees/taxes and imposes a surcharge on vehicles entering the Central Business District during much of the day. In addition, an exceptionally clean, efficient subway system links the major business/shopping areas.

Singapore's unit of currency is the Singapore Dollar. Travelers' checks and currency may be exchanged in the baggage claim area at Changi Airport (at a reasonable good rate) or at any hotel (at a less favorable rate). Singapore features dozens of Government-authorized "money changers" located in major shopping centres, who offer competitive rates and will usually accept U.S. travellers' checks as well as major currencies. U.S. credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and retail shops.

In addition to having one of the world's best airports and container ports, Singapore features an exceptionally modern telecommunication system. Electrical current is 220V, 50HZ.

Located a few degrees from the Equator, Singapore has a constant tropical climate year-round. Daytime temperatures average between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is very high and rainshowers are frequent. Temperatures at night average between 76 and 80 degrees. All public buildings, indoor restaurants and taxis are air-conditioned.

Summer-weight suits/dresses, several dress-shirts, an umbrella and swimsuit are recommended. Singapore business dress is shirt and tie for men, although one will not be out of place occassionally wearing a jacket. Businesswomen wear conservative, light-weight attire. Evening dinner-dress is a shirt and tie for men, a dress for women.

Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Restaurants automatically add a 10 percent service charge.

Temporary entry of goods
There is no restriction on the temporary entry of laptop computers, software and exhibition materials into the country. Please see Chapter VI on temporary goods entry requirement.