Etiquette and Customs of Singapore

There is an authentic ‘past and present’ beauty with colonial houses against the backdrop of new skyscrapers. The streets were manicured and clean. People were relaxed and polite. I loved exploring…

Before I started traveling, to be honest with you, I didn’t hear good things about Singapore. Many times, throughout my years as a news watcher, Singapore would be featured alongside its extremely strict rules, which would make me shudder. I really didn’t have it on my list of places to visit.

Eventually, I did travel to Singapore, and I must say, I was absolutely delighted. There was an authentic ‘past and present’ beauty with colonial houses against the backdrop of new skyscrapers. The streets were manicured and clean. People were relaxed and polite. I loved exploring Little India and Chinatown. You could not miss sitting down at the Raffles Hotel to enjoy a Singapore Sling whilst cracking peanut shells, by tradition, throwing them down on the floor!

The Interesting History of Singapore

Singapore is a large port city and island that serves the Indian Ocean, South China Sea and the Malacca Straits. Records highlight that it was occupied by the Sumatran Empire, then taken over by the Southern Indian Kingdom, then the Javanese and Chinese and originally called Temasek Island. Later on, the name changed to Singapura (“Lion City”). Being a large connecting port, those from the East India Company used it as a base, later falling into the hands of the greater British Empire. So, you can see that Singapore has been marked by many cultures and until today it displays that in its architecture and cosmopolitan vibe.

‘Fine City’ 

What was I talking about when I mentioned “extremely strict rules”? Singapore is known for its penalty enforcement, issuing fines for its citizens and tourists, and keeping a strict stance on keeping the small island nation clean and socially cohesive. In the past, the Singapore government has had campaigns bringing to people’s attention, in 1968 ‘Keep Singapore Clean and in 1970’s ‘Operation Snip Snip’ highlighting men sporting long hair to be attended last and be removed from their jobs. In 2003, with the ‘OK Campaign’ of not squatting on toilets and flushing the toilet after use. Funnily enough, not flushing the toilet still is a thing! 

How about today? 

• Items such as chewing gum, E-cigarettes or vapes, pornography, and of course, drugs strictly cannot be brought into Singapore (the death penalty still exists). 
• What about your conduct and what etiquette to use when you are in public? Smoking is restricted to certain areas in the city and outer suburbs and banned indoors, undercover areas, near parks, hawker centers, public transport and near bus and train stops. And if you are a smoker you will have to make your way to a designated spot and throw the cigarette ends in the bin. 
• You will notice that Singaporean transport is very clean, and that is due to rules of not eating or drinking on public transport is prohibited. 
• You cannot throw rubbish on the ground or spit wherever you want. Those are 2 very bad habits anyway, so refuse the urge, regardless of the consequences or country. 
• Drinking alcohol is restricted as there are times and ‘liquor control zones’ when one can and cannot drink, along with shops which cannot serve people after certain times of day. 
• Displays of affection between couples is seen as inappropriate.

Cultural Cues of Singapore

Singapore is a blend of Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasians, and Westerners that occupy the island and is known for being an expatriate hangout. Learning the culture of these ethnic groups will help you navigate Singapore more easily. Be aware that those who are Eurasian may not want to discuss their ethnicity with you, so it’s best not to ask directly. 

Due to many government social campaigns and education in schools, focusing on social cohesiveness, Singaporeans generally are very polite and treat each other with respect. 

Punctuality is seen as a positive gesture and expected if you’re late, call ahead and let the host or those you are meeting know that you will be running late. If you are invited to eat, do be aware of the cultural background of that person and use the etiquette rules that apply.

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette. Elizabeth is currently traveling throughout India and brushing up on her Hindi.

www.auersmont.com | +61 466 344 331 | auersmont@gmail.com

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia