New ReviewDialing one number—10111—connects you to a central emergency-services control room operated by the state. Unfortunately, as with many state services in South Africa, this one tends to be understaffed and underequipped. It often takes a...

New ReviewSouth Africa has a sophisticated financial services sector that resembles that of many other countries when it comes to checking, savings, insurance, and other products. ATMs are widely available, and online and telephone banking are...

New ReviewSouth Africa makes up the southern portion of the continent of Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Indian Ocean in the east. The country is the 27th-largest in the world, or the same size as France, Spain, and Portugal...

New ReviewSouth Africa is a visual feast, one of the most diverse countries in the world. South Africa's business environment is equally vibrant. The country's economy is one of the most dynamic in Africa, and it's the wealthiest on the continent,...

New ReviewOverall, the quality of the Singaporean workforce is high. In addition to having positive attitudes, workers generally apply their skills. There’s been a tendency to be lured by higher wages and to job-hop, particularly when unemployment...

New ReviewSingaporeans have a strong work ethic. They take pride in their work, are generally conscientious, and will put in whatever hours are required to meet deadlines. If a job isn’t completed at the end of the workday, they’ll usually work...

New ReviewCorporate cultures in Singapore tend to differ depending on whether the company is a local Singaporean firm or a branch or subsidiary of a large multinational. The pace in most work environments is fast. Workers know that if they work...

New ReviewA high percentage of women in Singapore are educated and have professional training. This should come as no surprise considering the emphasis the society places on education and learning a skill or profession. Almost all women work, even...

New ReviewIt’s important to remember that Singapore is a young multiracial and multicultural society. Over time, the locals have become accustomed to dealing with members of different races and cultures. As a result, adherence to behaviors and...

New ReviewAlthough most Singaporeans are influenced by Western popular culture and media, they are Asian in their social etiquette and customs. They tend to be kind and courteous. Humility, reserve, and modesty are valued. Rarely are they...

New ReviewMore and more companies in Singapore are switching to flexible working hours, or flextime. In most of these companies, everybody is required to be at the workplace during core hours, but arrival and departure times vary. Learn more about...

New ReviewSingapore is exceptionally clean and sanitary, but it’s also hot and tropical. Outbreaks of malaria and other serious illnesses are infrequent but not unheard of. In general, the best ways to get around Singapore are by taxi and public...

New ReviewSingaporeans are generally reluctant to take risks on new ventures. Most products and services offered on the island were shown to be viable elsewhere before being brought to Singapore. Historically, Singaporeans have been more likely to...

New ReviewSingaporeans enjoy socializing but spend much of their free time with a small circle of friends and family. In general, don’t expect them to make the first overture to get together socially; on the other hand, they will probably respond...

New ReviewSingapore is a secular state, and people of all religions are free to worship. This history of religious tolerance dates back to a time when traders, immigrants, and conquerors introduced the islanders to their religions. Over the...

New ReviewSingaporeans tend to place more stock in what someone knows than in whom someone knows. As a result, networking—the art of making and fostering business contacts and relationships—is not an active part of business life in Singapore. An...

New ReviewThe generally accepted negotiating style in Singapore businesses is a win-win approach that is achieved through compromise. Cutthroat tactics are not recommended. The goal is to arrive at an agreement that is beneficial to both parties....

New ReviewAlthough women represent a sizeable percentage of Singapore’s workforce, relationships between men and women on the island tend to be fairly traditional. Learn more about gender roles and the male-female dynamic.

New ReviewSingaporeans generally have a pragmatic, no-nonsense attitude toward business; there are rarely hidden agendas. In this respect, the style is more like that of the United States and Europe than of other countries in Asia. Merchants and...

New ReviewSingapore’s legal system is modeled after the British system. Although certain rules may favor indigenous people of the country, most laws and regulations apply to everyone. Similar to the system in Britain, there are several levels of...

New ReviewSingapore has almost no poverty. In fact, its people are relatively rich. Most are either middle-class or better. The Singapore government urges islanders to be competitive and alert to economic opportunities and to strive to improve...

New ReviewSingaporeans may seem at times to laugh inappropriately. This occurs most often when they’re feeling shy, nervous, or embarrassed. They sometimes laugh to hide other feelings or because they don’t know how to respond. Take care not to...

New ReviewTraders came to the island of Singapore beginning in the thirteen century CE, and over the years commerce between Chinese, Arab, Indian, Thai, Malay, and Javanese traders resulted in a colorful mix of cultures and languages. Eventually...

New ReviewSingapore’s history as a British colony is clearly evident in its parliamentary system of government and laws, many of which the British imposed. Singapore has retained many of these institutions since independence, while slowly evolving...