Religion

According to Countryaah, approximately 42% of the country’s population professes Buddhism, 15% – Islam, 14% – Christianity. Among the educated stratum of the country, many consider themselves atheists. Surrounded by two Muslim countries, Malaysia and Indonesia, Singapore has absorbed the customs and traditions of many countries around the world.

Tourist behavior rules

When vacationing in Singapore, it is important to know the basic rules of behavior for a tourist in the country and try to adhere to them in everything.

So, for example, gambling is prohibited here, and for chewing gum brought with you, you will face a significant fine. Threw a piece of paper on the pavement? Get ready to part with 500 SGD. If this measure does not work for you, then such a repeated violation may result in imprisonment.

Smoking is allowed only in specially designated areas. You can easily find them by the characteristic trash can with an ashtray at the top. Just do not throw a cigarette butt past the urn, it is not welcome here. If you smoke in a restaurant, bus or cinema, then get ready to pay a fine of 1000 SGD.

You also run the risk of replenishing the country’s financial budget if you cross in the wrong place (500 SGD), drive in a car without seat belts, spit on the pavement, or fail to flush down the toilet.

Outwardly friendly Singaporeans often behave rather cavalierly in transport or shops. You don’t need to be afraid of this.

Foreigners on the streets here are treated loyally, with questions you can always contact the local police officers, who can be recognized by the dark blue uniform.

In Singapore, it is almost always hot. Therefore, for walks around the city it is better to wear light clothes made of natural cotton. It is also worth taking a jumper with you, which can be worn in air-conditioned rooms so as not to catch a cold. The dress code can be loose, but still you should not walk around the city in short shorts and a T-shirt. Some restaurants won’t let you in without a business suit.

Interesting local rite of acquaintance. Depending on belonging to a certain ethnic group, it can vary from a light handshake to a multi-stage procedure that includes the observance of many formalities.

If you are invited to a private home or temple, always remove your shoes before entering. Take a small souvenir with you during your private visit.

Most meals in Singapore are eaten with chopsticks. But you can use more familiar European cutlery.

Holidays

Main holidays and non-working days:

• January 1 – New Year’s Eve
• January-February. At this time, the celebration of Chunjie – the spring festival and the Chinese New Year.
• When visiting Singapore and from December to March, you can get to a celebration arranged in honor of the Muslim holidays of Hari Raya Haji (day of sacrifice), Hari Raya Puas, Ramadan (May to April) or Good Friday and Easter (they are celebrated in April-May).
• May 1 is Labor Day. Also on this day, the Third Prince of the Lotus, the child god, was born. During this period mediums and spiritualists of Singapore gather in the temples a. They enter the trass, and in the course of it they pierce themselves with swords or daggers. Their blood, which has fallen on sheets of paper with which the floor of the temple is covered, often serves as a talisman for people in power. Check agooddir for recent history of Singapore.
• May 6 – Vestak is celebrated, on this day the Buddha was born.
• August 9 – Republic Day
• Deepavali (festival of lights) is celebrated from October to November.
• December 25 – Christmas