Adventures of a Corporate Lacky

Road Warrior : Singapore do’s and dont’s

Singapore being the regional hub of Southeast Asia and only recently pushed down by Shanghai to 2nd busiest port in the world would also be a hub for Road Warriors.

Road Warriors going to or coming from Australia or New Zealand would most likely transit through Hong Kong or Singapore. This is also is the same for anybody needing to go to the secondary and tertiary cities in Southeast Asia, Singapore would be the jumping of point.

Business is growing and multinationals are building up presence in Asia, Singapore is the choice for most. This City state has long been attracting expats and business travelers and the recent attention only helps the country grow more.

Singapore also has one of the best airports in the world, Changi Airport has been awarded the best in recent years and this only adds to the positive reasons why a transit here would be the choice.

Road Warriors frequently coming to Singapore would know most do's and dont's as most would apply to any country one is going to but there would be some distinct differences for each country.

The Law

Singapore is a very strict country and majority obey the law, from as simple as waiting for the green man to light before crossing to do not bring in chewing gums. It would be best to just avoid the hassle and don't bring anything, most important requirements can be bought here anyways.

When crossing the road, even if there is no vehicle, best just to wait for the green man to light up. When smoking, look out for designated smoking areas, best not to light if you are not sure. You'll also know if its ok to smoke as smokers will be gathered wherever it is allowed.

Smokes are very expensive here and don't be tempted to bring in more than what is allowed by customs, there are agents walking around in plain clothes looking for offenders.

Escalator

When taking the escalator, stay on the left if you plan to be stationary, the right side is for people who are in a hurry or want to walk up or down.

Chopping tables

On hawker centers or local food shops, chopping tables is done before ordering. To know if a table has been chopped or reserved by someone, there will be a tissue, hanky, newspaper, id or umbrella on the table or the chair. There might be other items to indicate it's already chopped by the list prior are the common, the most popular way to chop is to use the tissue, its packed in handy containers of about 10 or so sheets.

Eating at hawker centers or coffee shops is a good local way to dine.

Crossing the Road

For road warriors from left hand drive countries, Singapore drives on the right and therefore when crossing the road look right first or better yet look both ways.  Although drivers follow the law and would stop and let pedestrians cross first, there will always be some who will disregard such.

Tourist Traps

There are tourist traps around the city, so be sure to avoid such. Avoid Lucky Plaza and Sim Lim. If you plan to purchase electronics, head on to Funan IT Mall. For other big name brands and such, head on to Takashimaya, Paragon, ION, Wisma Atria and Tangs on Orchard road or Vivo City and Harbourfront. Best shopping I think would be at the airport, no 7% GST.

Taxi

Taking the taxi is safe and without stress but it would sometimes be hard to hail one during peak hours, trying to call one would also be hard during peak. You can hail one from almost anywhere but not always, look for signs of taxi stands first as they will almost always be one nearby, especially in the CBD. During peak, there will be a snaking que so be patient.

Aside from the fare, there will be surcharges depending on different criterias, some of which are if you are ride from or alight in the CBD area, Sentosa or Marina Sands, use of Boot surcharge, after midnight Surcharge and ride from Airport surcharge. So don't be surprised when the driver presses the meter and the fare increases instantly. You can always ask for a receipt and it is rare to find a driver who will cheat you.

MRT or Bus

Taking the MRT or Bus is just like when you are in any other developed nation, might even be better is some aspect. Get the E-Zlink card from MRT stations or bus interchanges and you can use it in all buses, MRT and LRT.

Let alighting passengers get out first before boarding and once inside go towards the rear of the bus or at the middle of the train between train doors. Give up your seats to elderly, injured, children or pregnant especially seats marked with reserved.

Eating

Singaporeans are spoiled with so many options to eat, there is always someplace nearby to eat and eating is a national past time and passion. Hawker centers and coffee shops would be the regular places locals eat from, meal usually are from 3 to 7 dollars without drinks. Cafes and Fast food are also abundant with the international brands having presence all over the city. Restaurants would usually charge 7% GST and 10% Service Charge on top of the bill in contrast to Hawkers, Coffee Shops, Cafes and fastfood, which display the final price you can expect on the bill.

If you see a shop with a long que, it does not always mean its gonna be good so look first and decide if it is worth the wait.

English Singlish

English is the primary language of communication but together with Mandarin, Malay and Tamil are the 4 official language of the Country. No problem communicating in English here, but you might encounter Singlish which is a local variation of English mixed with the local cultural flavor.

When you are asked, what time will you go back, that mean what time you go home.

When they say can or can can, that means yes.

There is also almost always lah, leh or wat at the end of a sentence. It would be a bit hard to catch-on at the start but you'll get a hang of it.