What You Need to Know Before You Go to Singapore, Dubai, and England
You may have business traveling down to a fine art, from expertly packing your suitcase to getting that all-elusive free upgrade. But do you know about the local customs and protocols of your destinations before you leave home? Becoming acquainted with the laws of the land and thinking about what you’ll do with yourself in your free time can help you prepare for your journey.
Here are some tips for top travel destinations to help you become more travel savvy.
Singapore
- How to dress. Be prepared for some very cool temperatures! Outside, the air is hot and sticky pretty much all year round, but indoor air conditioning can make it feel positively chilly. You might want to carry a pashmina or cardigan with you so that you’re prepared for the dual temperatures! Remember that business attire is always formal, so layer accordingly.
- Gift Etiquette. Singapore has strict laws regarding corruption, so be very careful if you choose to give gifts, as they can be perceived as bribery. Corporate-branded gifts given to the group are the safest bet.
- Eating Etiquette. Meals are influenced by Western culture and cutlery is available, but because chopsticks are still used, you might want to learn how to use them prior to your visit. Lazy Susans, which are frequently used as well, are to be turned clockwise. And tradition dictates that the elders at the table eat first. If you choose to have a cocktail, be aware that drinking is banned in all public places from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Business Customs. Make sure you are punctual for your meetings. Shaking hands is a usual greeting, and you should expect some small talk prior to negotiations. Business cards should be presented with both hands, and direct and lengthy eye contact should be avoided as it could be interpreted as disrespectful.
- Leisure. Leisure time can be spent at a spa, in one of Singapore’s many museums, or outdoors on a hiking or walking trail.
Dubai
- How to dress. As with Singapore, the temperatures are hot during most of the year, and business dress is formal. Trouser suits are recommended here, as culture demands that women cover their arms and legs. Closed-toe shoes should also be worn.
- Gift Etiquette. After a meeting with your business contacts, it’s customary to give a gift to your host. High-end chocolates presented in an elegant box would be a good choice because they are something the whole office can share.
- Eating Etiquette. Accept food and drink with your right hand only, which is also the hand you should use when eating. If you are hosting and your guests are Muslim, do not offer them alcohol or any pork products.
- Business Customs. It is customary to greet your male colleagues with a gentle handshake. Simply touch your colleague’s right palm with yours as you say “Salaam Alaykum” which means “Peace be upon you.” Never initiate a handshake with another woman, however, unless she offers first. It’s prudent to have one side of your business card translated into Arabic as a polite gesture, and to present it to your colleague Arabic side up. Be sure not to arrange meetings on Fridays, because this is considered a day of rest and prayer.
- Leisure. Dubai is steeped in culture, so in your downtime, you might visit one of the many parks and resorts. Dubai also boasts the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 metres. You can also head to the desert, where you can travel by quad bike, sandboard, or camel!
USA
- How to dress. You should dress professionally, although “smart casual” is widely accepted one or more days a week. Both dresses and suits are satisfactory.
- Gift Etiquette. It might be a thoughtful gesture to take a gift to your colleagues, but it isn’t expected. If you do decide bring a gift, something from your home country would be appropriate, but don’t give gifts with any religious connotations.
- Eating Etiquette. Although dining in the USA can be an informal affair, table manners must be adhered to. Place your napkin in your lap, and wait until everybody has been served before you begin to eat. Americans will often cut the food on their plate with their knives in their right hand and their forks in their left, but then switch their forks to their right hand to eat.
- Business Customs. When you attend business meetings, you will be greeted with a firm handshake and eye contact. It’s important to be punctual, and expect most business meetings to get straight to the point.
- Leisure. Assuming you’re nearby, a trip to New York City–the Big Apple–is a must. You can invest in a New York Pass, which gives you unlimited entry into more than 90 attractions and Big Bus hop on/hop off tours. The Staten Island Ferry provides a free ride to the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park offers a beautiful location to take a run.
England
- How to dress. Business dress is usually conservative, particularly in the bigger cities. Trouser suits are the preferred choice of many women, although skirts and dresses are frequently worn in the warmer summer months.
- Gift Etiquette. As in the USA, gifts are not expected, but they will always be appreciated if offered. A pen or a suitably inscribed book would be ideal. In place of a gift, you may choose to take your colleagues out for dinner or drinks, or perhaps to the theatre to show your gratitude.
- Eating Etiquette. Dining in England can vary in formality. Don’t be surprised if you’re served first, as the custom is “ladies first”! Use your knife with your right hand and your fork with your left.
- Business Customs. A handshake is the traditional greeting. Because respecting personal space is important to the Brits, any action that can be perceived as “overly friendly” should be avoided.
- Leisure. London has some famous sights to see, including The Shard, Western Europe’s highest tower; the Tower of London, where guides will share stories about the grisly goings-on during its 900-year history or, if you prefer something a little lighter, you can see the Crown Jewels! You might also visit Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the changing of the guard, or go behind the scenes on a walking tour of the Warner Bros. studio to visit the magical sets where JK Rowling’s books were brought to life.
Wherever your travels take you, knowing what to expect before you go will help ensure that your journey is a safe and enjoyable one.