Picture this: A young couple poses for selfies, arms draped around each other, oblivious to the disapproving stares. Suddenly, someone gently taps on their shoulder. 

Turns out, public displays of affection like that, while commonplace elsewhere, are a cultural no-no in Singapore. 

To avoid misunderstandings, it’s essential to be aware of the local customs and norms. Learning a few basic Singapore dos and don’ts will ensure that your interactions are courteous to the locals you meet.

Let’s explore etiquette essentials to help you navigate Singapore like a pro.

Dos

Learn basic greetings in Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil

Go beyond “hello” and make a great first impression by learning basic Malay, Mandarin, or Tamil phrases. 

A simple “Terima kasih” (Malay for “Thank you”), “Vanakkam” (Tamil for “hello”), or “Nǐ hǎo ma?” (Mandarin for “How are you?”) shows respect and breaks the ice with locals.

A genuine attempt at their language opens doors to a more authentic experience. 

Learning these greetings doesn’t require fluency, just a willingness to connect.

Queue politely and respect personal space

In Singapore, it’s important to join queues orderly and patiently to show respect for other people’s personal space and time. Courtesy and consideration for others are highly valued by locals.

Allow people to move in crowded areas with ease and maintain a comfortable distance during conversations.

Ask permission before taking photos and don’t be noisy

While capturing memories is natural, always ask permission before taking photos inside any religious site. Some areas might have restrictions, and respecting these boundaries shows your sensitivity to their traditions. 

Whispering is ideal inside prayer halls or meditation spaces. Avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior, allowing others to find peace and focus within the sanctuary.

Remove your footwear when entering religious sites

Shoes offer comfort, but when entering Singapore’s religious sites, make sure to leave them at the door. Removing footwear is not just about hygiene; it’s a sign of respect for the sacred ground you’re entering. 

Entering a holy space with shoes feels akin to walking into someone’s home with dirty footwear. 

You may opt to wear socks or ask the person in charge of the area if you may use indoor slippers in case you can’t go barefoot.

Don’ts

Don’t address elders by their first names or point at them

Respecting elders is deeply ingrained in Singaporean culture. Casual greetings with elders, like their first names or friendly gestures, can be misconstrued as disrespectful.

Opt for formal titles like “auntie,” “uncle,” “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “madam” with their last name.  Instead of pointing, which can be seen as intrusive, politely ask instead.

This simple shift shows consideration and cultural understanding.

Don’t exhibit extreme public displays of affection

While common in some cultures, public displays of affection can be considered inappropriate in Singapore. While a quick peck or holding hands is acceptable, excessively passionate displays might make others uncomfortable. 

Keeping your affection more private shows respect for the local culture and ensures everyone feels at ease.

Don’t eat on public transportation or chew gum in public

While enjoying a snack or gum on public transportation might seem harmless, saving those treats for later is best. Stray crumbs or a lingering durian aroma can create an unpleasant experience for others.

Chewing gum can leave a sticky residue that’s difficult to remove and creates an eyesore. Opt for mints instead, or choose gum-free options when in public.

Remember, Singapore prides itself on clean and comfortable public spaces!

Don’t talk loudly on the phone on public transportation

Respect the shared nature of public spaces. Keep phone calls short and quiet to avoid disturbing others.

When listening to music using earphones, it’s important to be mindful of the sound that may leak from your earphones, especially when listening at maximum volume. 

Those around you on trains or buses may be able to hear the sound coming from your earphones. So it’s a good idea to keep the volume at a reasonable level to avoid disturbing others.