If you’ve never been to Singapore before, you might be surprised at some of the country’s odd customs. From taking off your shoes before entering a house to calling all older people aunty/uncle, this article will show you some of the weirdest ways to behave in the island nation. In addition, you’ll learn to use tissue to wipe your mouth after eating and eat with your chopsticks!
Take off your shoes before entering the house
In many cultures, it is customary to take off your shoes before entering the house. For example, in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, walking through a home with your shoes on is considered a big faux pas. This custom has even caught on in many countries, such as Finland. Even when visiting a company, it is expected that you take off your shoes before entering. Often, these companies and houses provide an area where guests can remove their shoes.
Another reason to take off your shoes before entering the house is that the bottom of your shoes can have more bacteria than the toilet seat. While it may be annoying to remove your shoes from the door, removing them before entering the house is a great way to make your indoor space clean and healthier. It’s important to note that bacteria and germs from public places like grocery stores, public restrooms, sidewalks, dog defecation areas, and other places can enter the house via your shoes. In addition to the bacteria and germs that are carried inside your shoes, they can also make their way into the house through a doormat.
Call all older people aunty/uncle
In Singapore, it is common to call older people aunty/uncle. The term carries a sense of respect and affection for the older generation. In many Asian cultures, it is not considered polite to call older people by their names. It is more appropriate to use an honorific term like uncle in conversation. However, there is an underlying social stigma associated with calling older people aunty and uncle.
For example, Chinese people call their older relatives bo fu, shu fu, and jiu fu. However, in Hokkien, the correct terms are peh, cek, and ku. In Taiwan, the word for uncle is jiujiu. This is a name for your father’s younger brother. However, you may also call a person aunty/uncle by adding the name of the spouse of the elder. Online Casino Singapore
Whether they’re relatives or not, Singaporeans call older people aunty/uncle. This courtesy may be due to the fact that Singapore is a young nation, and older people are largely non-digital natives. The Ministry of Environment has developed a series of eco-friendly reminders to remind the older generation to use water more efficiently. If you’d like to use this friendly term for older people, here are some tips for calling them aunty/uncle:
Mind your chopsticks
In the city-state of Singapore, the proper way to hold chopsticks is vital to dining etiquette. For informal meals, lay them horizontally. Avoid crossing them or pointing with your chopsticks. Pointing with chopsticks is considered rude and impolite in Japan. As a result, many Singaporeans follow a strict code of etiquette when dining.
Unlike other cultures, in Japan, it is considered impolite to cross the ends of the chopsticks when you eat. While this may be possible, it’s not advisable. Moreover, you’re not supposed to use just one chopstick at a time. This is similar to the funeral ritual. It’s also unhygienic to use one chopstick to spear food. Instead, use both hands together when you’re eating. Using chopsticks is like using a pair of tweezers: remember to use both hands to pick up food.
Chope with tissue
Aside from the usual handkerchief and tissue, Singaporeans mark their territory by churning out small paraphernalia, such as tissues and pens, onto the designated seats. It seems like a small, but effective, way of reserving seats in food courts. The practice is even considered acceptable in some Singapore restaurants – even though it is not always hygienic. https://www.onlinecasino-sg.com/
People in Singapore and Malaysia often reserve seats in public spaces using the “chope” method. To reserve a seat, Singaporeans plop down a pack of tissue on the table to prevent anyone else from sitting there. In one case, Rizman Putra went as far as dressing up like a 3-ply tissue pack for an Urban Art Fair in Paris. He was the center of attention and was laughingly greeted by passersby.
Don’t anyhow smoke
It is illegal to smoke anywhere in Singapore, and you must dispose of your cigarette butts in a trash receptacle to avoid attracting a fine. This country also has strict anti-drug laws, and violating these rules can ruin the most memorable trip of your life. The government of Singapore has even designated smoking areas around the city. The same rules apply to smoking anywhere else – don’t try to sneak some cigarettes into the country.
You should also avoid jaywalking, which is crossing the road illegally and without following the rules. It puts pedestrians at risk and causes unnecessary traffic delays. You may also face fines and other consequences if you are caught jaywalking. It is important to understand the rules and regulations regarding crosswalks in Singapore. You should also know where to find designated smoking areas, as many places in Singapore have bans on smoking.
Give up your seat
In public transport in Singapore, you should give up your seat when people in the next row are sitting. There are designated seats for specific groups of people, and you should try to get an empty seat in the same place if you can. You should also try to avoid getting in the way of locals, who will often be more adamant about their needs than foreigners. Here are 13 weird Singapore cultures and customs you should avoid at all costs:
Get permits for everything
Work permits are an essential part of doing business in Singapore. These are necessary for foreigners who plan to work in Singapore. Without the right work permit, they cannot begin their employment. Additionally, work permits are also required for new tenants, who must register with the Housing Development Board (HDB) portal before renovating or making any changes to their property. If you’re planning a large-scale outdoor event, you should contact the URA or SLA for work permit applications.
To run a business in Singapore, you’ll need to acquire several permits. While you don’t have to obtain them from every agency, you’ll need them to operate a hotel, sell tobacco products, or operate a swimming pool. Additionally, you’ll need to obtain a Massage Establishment License, so you can provide foot-reflexology services, manicure treatments, and spa baths for your guests.
Don’t tip
While there are many rules about tipping, don’t feel obliged to follow them. In Singapore, it is customary to leave a minimum of 10%, but some travelers like to go over the recommended amount. It is also normal to round up the bill, particularly if you’re using a taxi. However, if you’re on a tight budget, rounding up your cab fare is perfectly acceptable. Taxis in Singapore are generally good, and you can easily order a cab from your hotel or airport.
In Singapore, it is customary to include a service charge of around 10 percent on the bill. Normally, this service charge is shown as ‘++’ after prices on the menu. Although it may seem like a generous gesture, Singaporeans don’t tend to tip more than this. The only exception is the popular Brewerkz at Clarke Quay, which does not charge a service charge. Moreover, tourists don’t typically tip in Singapore.