Singapore customs and taboos

shake hands with Yi

Due to long-term influence from the United Kingdom, Singapore has become Westernized, and people have to shake hands when meeting and breaking up. Don't rush to visit your host for the first time. Make an appointment in advance. When introducing, people should usually be called "Mr.,""Mrs.," and "Miss," which applies to all ethnic groups in Singapore. If you go to a social gathering, people will introduce you to everyone, but quickly, and you don't have to shake hands with them when you walk by them.

Tips for Smoking

In Singapore, people are very disapproving of smoking. Smoking in elevators, public transportation, cinemas, especially government office buildings is strictly prohibited by law, and violators will be fined. It is best to ask the other person's consent to smoke.

Clothing

Singapore's climate is influenced by the ocean and latitude. The temperature is high and the humidity is high. Therefore, it is most suitable to wear clothing made of light materials in summer. People generally wear casual clothes at work. T-shirts and chinos can be worn after work. Suits and ties are only necessary for formal banquets. Ladies wear evening gowns, which also makes the host family feel respected.

Hospitality

The usual method of reception is to invite dinner or lunch. Locals generally do not invite guests they meet for the first time to dinner. However, after the host gets to know the visitors, he can hold a formal banquet and negotiate business during the banquet. Similarly, visitors should not rush to entertain guests. Frequent meetings will bring the two sides closer, and it will not be too late to entertain each other. When eating with Indians or Malays, be careful not to use your left hand.

Gifts

No matter where you go, there is no requirement to bring gifts, and there is no habit of giving gifts among Singapore businessmen. Sometimes a Singapore host will invite foreigners to her home for dinner. If the guest brings a gift (a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers), the hostess will be very happy. Singapore people think it is impolite to open a gift in front of the giver, so don't be surprised when you leave and see the gift still left intact.

conversation taboos

In social conversations, avoid discussing political gains and losses, racial frictions, religious rights and spouse situations, etc., but you can exchange travel experiences and talk about various experiences and experiences in the countries you have visited. Good topics for conversation are local specialties, restaurants, popular tourist areas and the business achievements of the host side.

In Singapore, very few people openly show their sense of humor, and not all jokes can be appreciated by people, so it is best to make less jokes before you don't understand others well.

Singapore strictly avoids saying "congratulations for prosperity." They interpret "wealth" as "ill-gotten gain" or "heartless wealth." Saying "congratulations for prosperity" is considered an insult and ridicule to others.

Behavior taboos

Pointing with your index finger, hitting the other open palm with your clenched fist, or clenching your fist and inserting your thumb between your index finger and middle finger are considered extremely rude. Don't put your hands on your hips casually, because that is a sign of anger.

numerical taboos

Singapore people think 4, 6, 7, 13, 37 and 69 are negative numbers. They hate 7 the most and try to avoid this number.

color taboos

Singapore people regard black as bad luck and bad luck, and purple is also unpopular. They prefer red and regard it as a symbol of solemnity, warmth, excitement, courage and magnanimity. They also welcome blue and green.

pattern taboos

Singapore prohibits the use of images of Rulai Buddha on product packaging and the use of religious terms. Taboo patterns of pigs and turtles.