Business Travel Guides

Business travel in Singapore: what to expect

Business travel in Singapore is simple for most visitors. The city is a regional hub for finance, trade and shipping. Many companies run their Asia offices here. English is the main language of business, and meetings tend to start on time.

Entry rules depend on your passport, so check them before you fly. Foreign visitors must also submit the SG Arrival Card online before they arrive. It is free on the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website. If you plan to work in Singapore, not just attend meetings, check whether you need a work pass.

Where to stay for work trips

Marina Bay and the CBD

The CBD, or Central Business District, is the main office area around Raffles Place and Marina Bay. Staying here means short walks to meetings and easy MRT links. The Westin Singapore and Conrad Singapore Marina are two 5-star hotels in this area. Marina Bay Sands is a good base if your event is at its Sands Expo and Convention Centre.

Tanjong Pagar

Tanjong Pagar is part of the wider CBD. It mixes office towers with older shophouse streets full of restaurants. Oasia Hotel Downtown is a 4-star choice. Sofitel Singapore City Centre is a 5-star option.

Longer stays

For a project of several weeks, a serviced apartment gives you more space and a kitchen. Ascott Raffles Place Singapore and Citadines Raffles Place are both in the CBD. Browse Serviced Apartments for more.

If your event is at Singapore EXPO, in the east, look at Hotels in Changi & Airport instead.

Client dinners and business meals

For a formal dinner, a Chinese restaurant with a private room is a common choice. Hotel restaurants such as Summer Pavilion and Jade serve Cantonese food in the Marina Bay area. For Western food, try a steakhouse such as CUT by Wolfgang Puck or Morton's The Steakhouse. See Steakhouses & Grills for more.

Book well ahead, especially for private rooms. Ask your guests about their diet before you choose. Some may not eat pork or beef, or may not drink alcohol, for religious or personal reasons.

For a quick lunch, do as local office workers do and visit a hawker centre. This is a large food court with many small stalls. Lau Pa Sat and Amoy Street Food Centre are both in the CBD. They get very crowded at lunchtime, so go a little early or late.

Business etiquette tips

• Give and receive business cards with both hands.
• Arrive on time. Punctuality is expected.
• Office dress is often a smart shirt and trousers without a jacket because of the heat. Bring a jacket for formal meetings.
• Tipping is not expected. Many restaurants add a service charge and GST, the goods and services tax, to the bill.

Working on the move

• Getting around: the MRT is fast and air-conditioned. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to book. Read How to Use the MRT in Singapore: A Tourist Guide.
• Staying connected: hotels and cafés usually offer Wi-Fi. A local SIM or eSIM is cheap. See SIM Cards & Wi-Fi.
• Power: Singapore uses the three-pin Type G plug, the same as the UK.
• Workspace: co-working spaces are common in the CBD. Co-living stays such as Lyf Funan Singapore also have shared spaces where you can work.

Fitting in some sightseeing

Even a short work trip leaves time for a few sights. Many are close to the CBD.

• Walk around Marina Bay in the evening. Start at Merlion Park, then follow the Marina Bay Night Walk.
• Visit Gardens by the Bay. The outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove are free.
• Eat local dishes after work at Satay by the Bay, an open-air hawker centre at Gardens by the Bay.
• Arrive early for your flight and explore Jewel Changi Airport, with its indoor waterfall and gardens.

For a ready-made plan, try One Day in Marina Bay: An Easy Walking Itinerary.

FAQs about business travel in Singapore

Which area is best for business travellers in Singapore?

Marina Bay and the CBD suit most trips, as many offices are there. Tanjong Pagar and City Hall are also close and well linked by MRT.

What should I wear to business meetings in Singapore?

A smart shirt and trousers or a smart dress work for most meetings. Some sectors, such as banking, may expect a suit for formal meetings.

How do I get from Changi Airport to the CBD?

The MRT runs from Changi Airport station to the city, with one change of train. A taxi is quicker and easy to find at the terminals.

Is tipping expected at business dinners?

No. Tipping is not expected in Singapore. Check the bill, as many restaurants already add a service charge.