global business travel singapore

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Business travel made simple

A leading travel management company in singapore.

Corporate Travel Services (CoTS) comprises of a passionate and dedicated team who understands the demands of business travel management and are always ready to serve. Our reputation is built on our ability to make business travel simple, offering you a peace of mind.

In addition, we are a key representative of GlobalStar Travel Management, a worldwide travel management company owned and managed locally. CoTS merges decades of expertise with GlobalStar’s capabilities to provide you with a solution for global business travel.

Business Travel Management

Meetings, incentive & leisure, visa & immigration arrangements, corporate travel services, globalstar travel management, “we are delighted with the speed of replies and especially appreciated your top notch level of service. we can never find this elsewhere”, a software company, “you are very reactive, very efficient and take into account our very many constraints.”, an international aviation manufacturer, find out how we can help fulfil all your travel requirements.

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Global Travel

Globalstar singapore.

Brendan Leong

Managing Director

Mr. Brendan Leong has been the Managing Director at Global Travel since 2014. He started his career in travel with Singapore Airlines and has extensive experience in corporate travel, air charters, leisure, school groups and MICE. In 2006, Mr. Leong became Managing Director of Safe2Travel in Singapore before taking the M.D. position here at Global Travel. He has also served as Chairman for the Manpower and Training committee of NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) as well as Board Member of TMIS (Tourism Management Institute of Singapore) and was an adjunct lecturer at Temasek Polytechnic.

John Thornton

Business Development Manager

John has been in the travel business for over 20 years and has been involved with GlobalStar, both as a partner and as an employee, for the last 13 years. He was the International Accounts Manager at the GlobalStar Japan office of Tokyo Masters for 7 years. He then acted as the GlobalStar Regional Manager for the APAC and Middle East for 3 years before finally taking a position as Business Development Manager at Global Travel in 2012.

Melody Chin

Sales Manager

Melody is one of our top Sales Managers and services many of our top corporate clients. She has been involved in Sales and Account Management for over 5 years and brings a very professional, yet human touch to all of her accounts. Melody is passionate about continuous improvement and is always looking for new ways to exceed the expectations of her clients.

General Manager - Operations and IT

James Chua joined Global Travel in 2017 as our G.M. of Operations and has had a very successful and widely varied career of over 30 years in the travel industry. He has brought not only his wealth of experience to Global Travel but also his “vision” for our future as a travel management company. He is creating a roadmap for us to meet the challenges our industry will face in the years to come.

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If you’d like to find out more about GlobalStar or Global Travel, please get in touch. You can use the contact form opposite or the following details:

Address: 151 Lorong Chuan #04-08 New Tech Park, 556741 (Lobby H)

Phone: +65 6226-0960 Email: [email protected]

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8 best business travel management companies in Singapore

#1 - travelperk.

• Industry-leading inventory - Book flights, trains, hotels, car rentals, or even an Airbnb for a hassle-free corporate travel experience.
• Fast, 24/7 customer support - Speak to a real person in target 15-seconds by online chat to get your travel issues resolved immediately. Available 24-7, all year round, you're never left in the lurch when a travel emergency arises.
• FlexiPerk - Gives you the most flexible business travel , ever. Book any flight, hotel, car, or train at any rate, and cancel anytime with no questions asked.
• TravelCare - TravelCare keeps your employees safe during their trips , alerting them to any urgent information affecting their travel.
• Integrated travel policy & approval flows - Create and customize your ideal travel policy in under two minutes. Built-in policies make it simple for employees to stay within budgets and stay in control of their travel without being micromanaged.
• Centralized invoicing - Get one invoice for all your purchases and pay just one provider. Don't waste any more time chasing down invoices.
• Easy & real-time expense reports - An intuitive, easy-to-use expense management interface enables you to track employee spending in real-time.
• GreenPerk - Set travel emissions targets and drive down traveler emissions through accurate data, and work with carbon compensation solutions.

See how TravelPerk makes business travel stress free

#2 - cots - corporate travel services.

• CoTS TripPAL - A corporate travel management app, similar to the TravelPerk app, which acts just like a personal assistant to manage every stage of a business trip
• Travel management reporting - A reporting system that tracks and stores travel data to help businesses plan and manage their corporate travel management programs.
• Consulting - Face-to-face meetings with business leaders, travel planners and finance teams to plan corporate travel solutions and identify potential cost savings.
• Duty of care - Offering travelers peace of mind with safety and security management before, during, and after business trips.

#3 - Global Travel

• Business travel coordination including flight and hotel reservations, visa services and travel insurance
• Travel policy management
• Travel management reporting
• Crisis management

#4 - FCM Travel

• Checking airfares
• Booking flights, hotels, transfers, and car hire
• Travel approval system customized to suit company travel policies
• Duty of care
• Payments and expense management
• Reporting and analytics
• Intuitive mobile app for travelers to manage trips
• Sustainability program
• 24-7 support

Reasons why FCM Travel customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

• An intuitive platform with dozens of third-party integration options
• Flexible corporate travel cancellations with FlexiPerk
• 24/7 customer service, delivered within a target 15-second response time 
• Guest account option for members booking outside your organization

Click below for a more detailed comparison between both platforms:

#5 - egencia.

• Expense management
• Policy compliance
• Travel itinerary management
• Risk management
• Profile management

Reasons why Egencia customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

• Freemium model, simple pricing, and no minimum contract
• No extra cost for customer care or implementation
• No extra monthly fees or hidden charges
• FlexiPerk : Book any type of travel—flight, hotel, car, or train—and cancel at any time while still getting an 80% refund

#6 - SAP Concur

• Platform which operates in seven languages 
• Integration with TripIt Pro
• Expense assist feature 
• Activity dashboard 
• Activity reporting and benchmarking
• Fraud protection

Reasons why SAP Concur customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year

• Incredible UX to provide a high-quality experience
• More and better access to international travel options
• VAT recovery: enables you to save 25% on all business travel costs

• Events management 
• Industry-specific solutions 
• Self-service online booking tools 
• Traveller tracking 
• Real-time travel risk management
• Global team of corporate travel agents

Reasons why CTM customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

• Leading support in target 15-second response time
• An industry-leading travel inventory 
• An intuitive, accessible app to access trip itineraries, and more
• Reservations with more than 800,000 business-appropriate hotels
• 24-7 support through a chat-style messaging system
• Travel policy compliance and risk management
• Real-time travel alerts
• Sustainable travel options

Reasons why CWT customers have moved to TravelPerk in the past year:

• 7- star customer service : including a target 15-second response time, available 24/7 and 365 days of the year, and not a bot in sight. 
•  An industry-leading inventory for hotels, flights, car rentals, and more
• Slick UI and easy-to-use booking tool

How to choose the right corporate travel management company in Singapore

• Technology - The driving force of modern travel, your chosen corporate travel company in Singapore should be able to integrate the right travel tech for your business. The right travel technologies can help you manage risk, automate repetitive processes, and identify time and cost savings.
• Flexibility - Travel plans can change. A TMC that makes adjusting travel arrangements simple is a must to make life easier for travel planners and travelers alike.
• Responsiveness - Travel disruptions happen. When they do, you want a business travel management company in Singapore that's available and responsive to tackle any problems that arise. Ideally, you want to communicate with a real human rather than a bot when time is of the essence.
• Comprehensiveness - You want a corporate travel management company that covers everything. A TMC should be your one-stop shop for all things business travel related . From booking flights and accommodation to managing travel expenses and goods and services tax recovery, you want to limit the number of touchpoints to ensure a streamlined travel management process.

Make business travel simpler. Forever.

• See our platform in action . Trusted by thousands of companies worldwide, TravelPerk makes business travel simpler to manage with more flexibility, full control of spending with easy reporting, and options to offset your carbon footprint.
• Find hundreds of resources on all things business travel, from tips on traveling more sustainably, to advice on setting up a business travel policy, and managing your expenses. Our latest e-books and blog posts have you covered.
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Top 10 corporate travel management companies in Singapore

6.3 million people visited Singapore in  2022 , a remarkable increase after two years of reduced activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A key contributor to this growth is corporate travel . Indeed, Singapore is an increasingly popular destination for business visitors due to its vibrant economy, strategic location in Southeast Asia, and world-class infrastructure. The country is home to both tech giants and promising start-ups. 

As business travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, it’s helpful to highlight some interesting trends. The last few years saw an  uptick in assisted bookings , with 20% of corporate travel managers now preferring this method. When asked what would restore their confidence in online booking tools, managers indicated the need for integrated features, such as safety data, contextual policy applications, and automatic ticket credits.

Several corporate  travel management companies  in Singapore now offer products that integrate these and other features into one solution. These platforms provide  numerous benefits , such as easy travel policy implementation, quick reporting, and savings in both time and money. Let’s dig into the top 10 travel management companies in Singapore.

In this article, we'll take a look at:

Here are the top 10 corporate travel management companies in Singapore

#1 TruTrip – Best low-cost corporate travel agency

TruTrip is one of the most popular leading corporate travel management companies in Singapore. Founded in 2019 in Singapore, it offers an integrated and extremely user-friendly travel management system that allows business travellers to choose from a wide range of flight, hotel, car rental, and workplace booking options while giving travel managers great flexibility in customizing policies for individuals or teams, track their trips, monitor safety issues in each destination and obtain detail insights and reports on the company’s overall travel management activity to detect areas of potential improvement.

TruTrip’s benchmarking across competitors in their home markets, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and Malaysia has marked them to have the cheapest rates in the region. With 6% cheaper for flights and 9% cheaper for hotels in Singapore to home markets and vice versa. Having the lowest rates in APAC marks them as one of the leading travel management companies today.

TruTrip also offers a very handy concierge feature, meaning the platform’s users can delegate the booking process to TruTrip’s staff when self-service tools don’t provide satisfactory results.

Starting price:  free basic plan available

Pros:  

• Seamless tool integration
• Highly customizable
• Easy to learn
• Speedy support

Cons: 

• No specialized event management services

#2 Egencia  

Headquartered in the US but also available in Singapore, Egencia has been offering travellers, businesses, and suppliers a seamless experience for over 20 years. It provides a variety of services to ensure business travellers have an effortless experience when planning the trip and while on the road. Its services include booking flights, hotels, cars, and other travel-related products, as well as managing expenses and analyzing data to identify cost savings opportunities.

The Egencia platform also features user-friendly tools such as an intuitive trip planner and custom reports, making it easier for business travellers to plan and track their trips.

Starting price:  request pricing

• Comprehensive services
• Quality customer support
• Powerful analytics tools
• Complicated pricing structure

#3 BCD Travel

This travel management company in Singapore offers a wide range of services, from corporate travel planning and booking to expense management to risk mitigation. BCD Travel is available in over 160 countries, including Singapore. Its services are designed to help companies save money while ensuring their travellers stay safe and productive.

The company provides access to exclusive deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals, as well as 24/7 customer service for any issues that may arise during a trip. BCD can help you arrange entry formalities (e.g., VISAs) and adjust its booking process to your preferred suppliers and loyalty programs. Additionally, BCD Travel’s TripSource app allows travellers to book flights and manage their itineraries on the go easily.

• Exclusive deals
• Comprehensive expense management tools
• Not very flexible for changing and cancelling reservations

#4 FCM Travel  

FCM Travel is one of the world’s leading travel management companies in Singapore, with offices in the country too. Among the key features of FCM Travel, we find its travel booking system, which makes every step of the traveller’s journey simple, its travel and expense management tools, its tailored business accommodation solutions, and its specialized meetings and events services. Through FCM Travel, you will enjoy a streamlined booking process, easy approval mechanisms, advanced risk tracking, optimized cost management, and insightful reporting.

• Physical offices available worldwide
• End-to-end event management services
• Support doesn’t always reply quickly

#5 Global Travel  

Global Travel is another TMC available in Singapore. It offers very competitive prices for its services, which include easy-to-use tools to book flights, hotels, car rentals, and even cruises. Global Travel also provides exclusive deals on airfare and hotel packages, as well as 24/7 customer service support for any questions or concerns customers may have while travelling.

Starting price:  $59 / month

• Affordable prices
• 24/7 customer support
• Limited availability in certain countries

#6 TravelPerk  

Next on our list of travel management companies in Singapore is Travel Perk. This global company is also available in Singapore. Its clients also include major companies such as WWF, Grammarly and Revolut. Its services range from online booking tools to tools for managing travel budgets and creating customized business travel policies.

Additionally, it offers a virtual assistant app that allows users to book trips on the go with just their voice. TravelPerk provides high flexibility when changing previously booked trips and allows users to get at least 80% of their money back when cancelling them. It also offers real-life safety updates before and during each trip.

• Affordable advanced plans
• High customization of business travel policies
• Virtual Assistant
• High flexibility when changing or cancelling trips
• Some users have experienced delays in flight information

#7 Travel Stop  

Available in Singapore and many other countries around the world, Travel Stop is a global travel management company that assists businesses and individual travellers in planning, booking and managing their trips. It features a world-class inventory of airlines and hotels, integrated workflows that allow users to obtain significant savings, safety advice for each destination, and easy-to-use tools for receipt scanning and expense policy setting. 

• High affordability
• Helpful mobile app
• Some users have reported issues when exporting reports

#8 Plover  

Plover is another Singapore-based travel management company that offers an intuitive business travel platform packed with all the functions and features needed in a comprehensive corporate travel program. It seamlessly integrates online booking solutions, updated travel advice, expense management tools, policy compliance control instruments and advanced data analytics and reporting functions. It also includes advanced features for fraud detection and a very easy-to-use app that business travellers can use on the go.

Starting price:  free plan available

• Highly intuitive platform
• Advanced fraud detection feature

#9 Corporate Travel Services (CoTS) 

Established in 1988, Corporate Travel Services Pte Ltd (CoTS) is one of Singapore’s leading corporate travel and meetings management companies. With a clientele base of over 4,500 corporations in various industries, CoTS provides comprehensive services related to corporate and leisure travel. In addition to a comprehensive online booking solution, an advanced reports system and duty of care functions, CoTS also offer TripPAL, a mobile personal assistant that provides support for most of the platform’s services.

• Advanced reporting tools
• Personal mobile assistant
• Some users have reported unresponsive customer service

#10 CTM 

Corporate Travel Management (CTM) offers an efficient platform that allows businesses to simplify the process of planning and managing their staff’s travel expenses. The platform’s provider is a global company headquartered in the US and with operations in Singapore too. CTM consolidates decision-making and streamlines records, eliminating the need for workers to contact individual agents or file paper receipts.

Instead, users can use CTM software to book trips, automatically report expenditures and get reimbursed by managers or accountants. CTM also offers a number of features like a policy approval and management system, a self-booking tool, a worldwide supplier inventory and reporting of travel expenses. It also comes with tools for profiling business travellers, which helps users gain valuable insights into the trip’s data.

• Valuable insights from business travellers’ profiling

Streamline your business travel management operations with cutting-edge solutions

In this extremely competitive environment, the need for cost-cutting , efficiency-boosting tools that support your business decision-making is more crucial than ever. Travel management companies in Singapore   offer integrated platforms that allow businesses and organizations to centralize all aspects of corporate travel management in one place and can flexibly assist different business travel partners in their operations and strategic tasks.  Book a demo  or  sign up for a free trial  with TrupTrip to experience how these tools can elevate your travel management experience to the next level.

Upgrade your travel management programme now!

TruTrip streamlines booking, management, and reporting for hassle-free business trips.

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1 July 2019

Business Travel Guide to Singapore

This business travel guide to singapore is provided in interview with eugene tan, ctm’s general manager singapore..

Eugene is responsible for the overall management of CTM’s Singapore operations, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the travel and GDS industries across 18 markets in the APAC region.

Q.  WHAT MAKES SINGAPORE A GREAT PLACE TO TRAVEL TO FOR BUSINESS?

A.  Being a multi-cultural society, business travellers enjoy a rare opportunity to experience four cultures in a single city: Chinese, Eurasian, Indian and Malay. It is also a very progressive city. More than 40% of Fortune 500 companies have chosen Singapore as their regional HQ for the APAC region. The city is quick to embrace new technology, and the technology industry has delivered a lot of ‘firsts’ in Asia, especially exciting new technologies for the corporate travel community to enjoy. For example the  first robot housekeeper (‘AURA’) was rolled out at Hotel M Social, a hotel designed by Philippe Starck. Don’t be alarmed if your request for an additional towel is delivered by a robot as more and more hotels are adopting this new trend!

Q.  WHAT KEY THINGS DIFFERENTIATE THE CORPORATE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE OF SINGAPORE COMPARED TO OTHER MAJOR ASIAN CITIES?

A.  Singapore is considered a global hub for financial, telecommunications, education, tourism and medical industries. Accessibility from airport to the city is crucial for successful business travel. Singapore is a major transit hub for long haul routes, with more than 100 airlines flying through the country servicing more than 300 cities worldwide. There are also more than 4 billion people within a 7-hour flight radius. As such, Changi Airport is planning for major growth over the coming years, starting with the opening of its brand new terminal (T4) in October 2017, and followed by an additional terminal (T5) which is planned to open in the late 2020s. The T5 terminal will be capable of handling 50 million passengers per year, and will provide a new era of airport technology experience through fully automated departure systems with facial recognition technology.

Q.  TOP TIPS FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS AT CHANGI AIRPORT (SIN)?

A.  Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the best airports in the world, with top class lounge facilities available to a range of airline passengers. Wi-Fi connectivity is free throughout the terminals, but you do need to register to log-on. Power outlets are also readily available to keep your electronics well charged. If you would like to catch up on your sleep or take a quick shower, check out Aerotel in Terminal 1 (near gate D41). The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi and fitness centre, which are free for Aerotel Hotel guests or accessible for an admission free to other travellers. Download the  Aerotel Singapore Fact Sheet here .

Q.  WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CITY?

A.  Taxis are the best option to get to and from the city if you are short on time, the transit time is just 20 mins from Singapore’s Changi Airport to the city and downtown areas. Taxi transfers typically cost SGD$30-50 one-way to downtown. Alternatively, there are bus and train transfers to the city. The train line links Terminals 2 and 3 to the city and operate from approx. 5.30am to 11pm. Prices are distance based and typically cost only SGD$2 per ticket to downtown area. For more information,  click here .

Q.  IF YOU ARE IN A RUSH, WHAT IS THE BEST MODE OF TRANSPORT TO USE WITHIN THE CITY, AND WHY?

A.  Traffic can be a problem during peak hours, making it difficult to get a taxi and surcharges are added on top of the metered fare. For this reason, train is the best option for travel within the city, especially for business travellers who need to attend business meetings on time. It is more reliable and affordable.

Q.  WHICH IS THE BEST AREA OF THE CITY TO STAY IN FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL, AND WHY?

A.  Business travellers generally stay in the downtown core or Marina Bay area, with the Orchard Road belt as an alternative. Major hotel chains are located in these areas, and most of the corporate offices are located in the downtown or Marina Bay areas, which also boast great views of our city skyline and fantastic dining options. Additionally, if you are staying in the Orchard Road area you can easily squeeze in some shopping time after your meetings!

Q.  SINGAPORE IS HOME TO PEOPLE OF MANY DIFFERENT CULTURES. ARE THERE ANY CULTURAL SENSITIVITIES THAT BUSINESS TRAVELLERS SHOULD BE MINDFUL AND RESPECTFUL OF WHEN VISITING SINGAPORE?

A.  Business travellers should be aware that there are some dietary restrictions that apply to various race or religions in Singapore, so be mindful to check dietary needs when arranging a business meeting.

Q.  BEST PLACES TO CONDUCT A WORKING LUNCH / DINNER IN THE CITY?

A.  For a local lunch, head over to The Coconut Club (No. 6 Ann Siang Hill) which is about 10-15 mins walk from the CTM Singapore office. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hosted visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to lunch here! The menu embraces Singapore’s traditional dishes, Nasi Lemak and Cendol, in a casual and welcoming setting. If you are looking for somewhere more formal, there are many great restaurants in the CBD and Marina area that have great views and great food. Pre-booking is highly recommended during lunch hours in the CBD. In fact, our office building OUE Downtown has a new  retail gallery  which offers many interesting lunch selections as well. For dinner, head over to the National Gallery  Violet Oon National Kitchen for local Peranakan food in a grand setting and excellent service. After dinner, you can head on to one of the bars above to enjoy a drink and take in the view.

Q.  ANY TRAVELLER SAFETY TIPS WHILE VISITING SINGAPORE?

A.  Singapore is generally very safe and the laws are strict. Drinking is banned in all public places from 10.30pm to 7am. Retail shops are also not allowed to sell takeaway alcohol from 10.30pm to 7am.

Q.  ANY ADVICE FOR FEMALE TRAVELLERS TO MAXIMISE THEIR SAFETY WHILE IN SINGAPORE?

A.  As mentioned previously, Singapore is generally very safe even at night. The newly opened  JW Marriott South Beach  is one of the few hotels in Singapore to have a  Women’s Floor  for female travellers who would like a more exclusive stay.

Q.  WHAT SHOULD EVERY BUSINESS TRAVELLER EXPERIENCE WHILE IN SINGAPORE, AND WHY?

A.  Our local food! Business meetings may mean take-in lunches or set lunches. Singapore is a food paradise and it would be great to savour some of our local cuisine in the local hawker centres or food courts. Also take a stroll along our waterfront promenade at Marina Bay and witness the iconic Merlion and our beautiful skyline, one of the best in Asia.

Q.  WHAT’S THE BEST AND WORST TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO SINGAPORE, AND WHY?

A.  Generally, Singapore is an ‘all year’ visitor’s haven. September can be expensive during the Formula 1 period, so you may want to avoid this time if you are not specifically coming to enjoy the race. Weather-wise, November and December bring heavy rainfall and can limit your ability to visit some of Singapore’s best outdoor sites such as our UNESCO heritage site – The Botanic Gardens. National Day is held on 9 August every year. In the few weeks leading up to the event there are parade rehearsals where Singapore’s streets and buildings are lined with our national flag, making the city look and feel especially vibrant! The National Day celebrations include energetic street parades with singing and dancing, and are topped off by a spectacular firework display along the waterfront.

Q.  IS THERE A MUST-HAVE APP TO DOWNLOAD PRIOR TO ARRIVAL TO MAKE A STAY IN SINGAPORE MORE EFFICIENT/PRODUCTIVE?

A.  To get around Singapore on local transport, download the MyTransport app which gives you information about buses and trains. For taxis, download Comfort Delgro App or Grab apps to call a taxi / private car hire in advance. For meal reservations, download Chope app which allows you to make reservations in advance for your business lunches and dinners.

Q.  WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE BUSINESS TRAVELLERS MAKE WHEN VISITING SINGAPORE?

A.  Not carrying an umbrella! It rains quite suddenly at times and you may be caught off guard when outdoors so remember to bring (or buy) an umbrella.

Do you have an upcoming business trip? Take advantage of our expert knowledge and get in contact with CTM today .

All opinions and recommendations are the interviewee’s own. CTM recommends all travellers conduct their own thorough, independent research into their travel destination(s) prior to making any travel decisions, and take out adequate travel insurance prior to travel.

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6 Things to Know for Your Business Travel to Singapore

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Travelling to Singapore for business has never been easier. Strategically located with an economy focused on industries such as banking, technology, shipping, oil & gas, Singapore is one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent international hubs. 

Unsurprisingly, Singapore has long been a popular meeting point for business travellers all over the world. The Lion City has hosted numerous business meetings as well as major MICE (Meetings Incentives Conventions and Exhibitions) events. 

If you are heading to Singapore on a business trip, you are in luck. The city offers a host of options for business entertainment, remote working, and accommodation that are tailor-made for busy business travellers like you. 

To help you along, the teams at Pan Pacific Singapore, PARKROYAL Collection and PARKROYAL have put together a list of things you need to know as a business traveller to Singapore. 

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#1 How to Get Around in Singapore

With a world-class transport infrastructure in place, getting from place to place in Singapore is a breeze. From public transport options like buses and trains to taxis and local rideshares, transport options on this island nation are both convenient and cheap. 

Here are some of the best ways to get around Singapore:

Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is an easy and affordable way to get around the city for business and leisure. You can purchase single tickets or a Singapore Tourist Pass card with pre-stored value with the number of days you are travelling. To get on and off the trains, simply tap in and tap out at the ticketing gantries.  

Taxis can be easily hailed at taxi stands around the Central Business District (CBD) or anywhere on the streets outside the CBD. The taxis operate by metre fare with surcharges during peak travelling times. You can also download the CDG Zip App to book your taxis on-demand or in advance, to enjoy more convenience and savings. 

Public Buses are a great form of transportation if you wish to experience the city during your free time. You can use the Singapore Tourist Pass on the buses, and you can use the online bus service guide to navigate your way around on buses.

Ride-hailing services are also readily available at your fingertips. They are incredibly convenient to hire and get around in if you are short on time. Before you visit, download any of these apps— Grab , Tada , Gojek or Ryde — and use these to order a private hire car to your next destination in comfort, safety, and ease. 

#2 Where to Dine For Your Business Needs -->

As a gourmet paradise, Singapore is well-known for offering numerous exciting corporate entertainment options. There are plenty of options available for corporate lunches or dinners with your clients or colleagues here. 

Indulge your clients in mouth-watering delicacies such as roast suckling pig, exquisite handcrafted dim sum and nutritious double-boiled soups at Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant, a pioneer Sichuan restaurant in Singapore. Known for its authenticity and quality, the hidden gem in Little India blends oriental elements with modern sophistication. It also has private rooms for intimate business dining. 

Looking for something more exotic? Head to Rang Mahal , one of Singapore's oldest fine dining restaurants. Located in the business-traveller-friendly Pan Pacific Singapore , it offers authentic flavours from different Indian regions, prepared with fine-dining techniques. Highlights include the chef’s special char-grilled lamb chops with applewood mist and garam masala, raw mango chutney and kachumber salad, and tandoori chicken cubes. The main dining hall has a theatrical atmosphere, adding an elegant touch to your business lunch.   

Also at Pan Pacific Singapore, Hai Tien Lo is an award-winning restaurant that offers a wide selection of dishes featuring traditional Cantonese cuisine with a contemporary twist. There are private rooms here if you wish for some privacy to discuss million-dollar contracts with your client. 

Get directions to Si Chuan Dou Hua Restaurant

Get directions to Ran Mahal

Get directions to Hai Tien Lo

#3 Where to Work During Your Business Travel to Singapore -->

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Great Room (@thegreatroomoffices)

To accommodate business visitors as well as local and expatriate hot deskers, Singapore has seen an increase in co-working spaces in recent years. Here are three that you can consider.

WeWork has 14 locations throughout central Singapore, so you will likely find one that fits your needs. They offer private offices, dedicated desks, meeting rooms, or hotdesks for you to choose from. Each location also has onsite staff, printing stations, private phone booths and speedy WiFi connections. 

If you prefer somewhere more casual, The Co. may just fit the bill. A social space in a conservation shophouse in Duxton Hill—a laid-back neighbourhood on the fringe of the CBD—this inviting event and workspace offers a back-to-nature feel that makes you feel welcome. 

The Great Room is just what you need if you feel like a cup of coffee or tea while you work. With five locations to choose from, you can easily get your work done, have a business meeting or two, and even do some business socialising here. 

#4 Where to Host Your Business Events in Singapore -->

As a convention city and leading BT-MICE destination, Singapore has hosted major international business conventions each year. From intimate meetings and CEO breakfasts to large-scale seminars and exhibitions—there are endless possibilities when it comes to holding a business event in Singapore.

When thinking about the types of business events to organise in Singapore, do consider the following factors:

Size and location of the venue (accessibility is key here)

Estimated number of participants

Types of event format—a workshop for a group of 20, or a convention for a thousand participants work very differently

The programme flow for the event, 

Whether it requires a single room or multiple locations across the same or different venues

Catering arrangements (breakfast, tea, lunch, or dinner)

Types of directional signages, backdrops, and decor needed (including landscaping)

Hotel accommodation arrangements for events involving multiple international participants

Transportation arrangements (especially crucial for VIPs) including drop-off points and ushering

Security and safety, particularly for events involving heads of state or prominent business leaders

With multiple venues around the island, the Pan Pacific Hotels Group has both the experience and resources available to host business events of any size. You can find out more about our event planning and hosting services here, or view the capacities of all our hotels to decide which is suitable for your event here.

PS—Do also consult the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) rules on safe management measures for large-scale MICE events in Singapore here . 

#5 Understanding the Business Culture in Singapore -->

Are you meeting a Singapore business counterpart for the first time? What are the business cultural norms that you need to consider?

As an Asian country, seniority is given special regard. Often, the highest ranking person in a business will occupy the most prominent position in a meeting room. When you are with a group of colleagues, do ensure that you introduce the most senior persons first.

It is not unusual for Singapore businesspersons to mix business with pleasure. Making small talk on personal areas such as your family, hobbies, or lifestyles is par for the course. Doing so also helps you to melt the ice when you first meet your other counterpart.

Being open and transparent is also highly regarded. Singaporeans prefer to deal with business matters in a direct and straightforward manner, tempered with courtesy and tact. 

As a multicultural city with people belonging to different ethnicities and religions, it is useful for visitors to familiarise themselves with the cultural practices of the four main ethnic groups: Chinese, Malays, Indians and Eurasians. Acquaint yourself with what’s taboo in the four major religions here—Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity—especially when it comes to food.

Finally, do be mindful about how you interact with a member of the opposite sex—a handshake (or a fistpump in Covid times) is probably the best way to interact with a lady if you are a guy.

#6 Places of Interest to Visit During Your Free Time -->

Have some free time during your business trip? There is much to see and do in here Singapore. 

One of the most popular places to visit is Gardens by the Bay , which you will most likely see upon your arrival in Singapore. Its famous supertree structures are as impressive in real life as they are on the internet, especially when illuminated at night. This scenic garden paradise is a must-visit for nature and photography enthusiasts. 

Are you an animal lover? Then do not miss the Night Safari, the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals. Go on a safari ride with a guide or a walking trail and get up close to the animals. You can also join feeding sessions and catch the Creatures of the Night Show .  

If you love history and culture, sample the island nation’s diverse cultures, starting with Chinatown . Offering a blend of culture and food, you can visit historic temples, and traditional medicinal halls and sample savoury local food. 

Follow that with a trip to spirited Little India , a buzzing area showcasing the best of the Indian community in Singapore. Immerse in the Indian culture, from great food to even better shopping—at Mustafa Centre , a famous 24-hour shopping centre. Do not leave without visiting the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple . One of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, it is a distinctive landmark in the heart of Little India. 

Your last cultural experience is at Kampong Glam , the Muslim centre of Singapore. It is home to mosques, carpet shops and Middle Eastern cuisines. The golden-domed Sultan Mosque , a striking landmark in Kampong Glam, is a top pick to visit here. The area has recently evolved into a hotspot for arts and entertainment. 

Get directions to Gardens By the Bay

Get directions to Night Safari

Get directions to Chinatown

Get directions to Little India

Get directions to Kampong Glam

Essential Travel Information to Enter Singapore

If you are due to visit Singapore soon, check out the necessary information on travel to Singapore to ensure that your entry to the country is smooth during Covid times. 

Need more recommendations on where to go or what to do during your business trip to Singapore? Contact our teams at Pan Pacific Singapore, PARKROYAL Collection and PARKROYAL . We are glad to assist you. 

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American Express ®   Business Travel Account

Air. Hotels. All on one bill.

Centralise business travel expenses into one simple online account.

Paying for business travel doesn’t need to be complicated

The American Express Business Travel Account (BTA) is a centralised billing solution that uses Virtual Account Numbers for travel costs. Your employees can book business travel without physical Cards, individual accounts or complicated reimbursement processes and you can reconcile travel costs through one simple monthly statement.

Make business travel more seamless with a Business Travel Account

Maximise control

Set parameters around time, cost and suppliers for employee air and hotel spend.

Consolidate booking and reconciliation into a single statement with one monthly payment.

Increase security

Help reduce non-compliant spend and minimise the risk of fraud with single-use Virtual Account Numbers.

Help improve cash flow

Get up to 51 cash flow days 1

by centralising all travel bookings

into one payment to

American Express.

How does the Business Travel Account work?

Book travel

When your employees book travel through your Travel Management Company (TMC) the Business Travel Account automatically applies a Virtual Account Number (VAN) to each air booking and hotel reservation as needed.

Pay Suppliers

The VAN is used to pay for travel. Set account parameters can help maintain compliance with company budgets and policies.

Receive statement

Receive a monthly statement of all BTA travel expenses in one simple PDF or Excel document that's easy to filter and sort, so you can gain accuracy in reporting and discover opportunities to save. Depending on your organisation’s size and needs, you can also receive statements via the Online Statements tool, BTAConnect or an eData file.

Reconcile account

Send a single monthly payment to American Express, which can reduce admin time spent reconciling individual payments and processing reimbursements whilst expanding your cash flow up to 51 days 1 .

Case study: a consulting firm streamlines its process and cuts costs

The Challenge:  A top-tier consulting firm was struggling with outdated and cumbersome travel reconciliation processes. For each trip taken by a field rep, Executive Assistants (EAs) had to spend hours entering data such as traveller names, cost centres and trip details into an Excel spreadsheet, then matching them with specific transactions. The Finance team then had to double-check all this data before reconciling. The process took up to three weeks and was often closed out just as the next monthly billing statement was released.

The Solution:  The American Express Business Travel Account allowed the firm to easily capture traveller names, employee IDs and cost centres for each transaction, dramatically cutting down on administration time for both the Finance team and EAs. As an added bonus, the Finance team was able to contain costs and protect against fraudulent transactions by setting controls around when and how much employees could spend on travel—putting both time and money back into the company.

Start your Business Travel Account application

Fill out the form to request a call back from a Specialist.

Not an American Express Card Member?

Sign up for an American Express Corporate Card program to open up a world of perks, tools and opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a business travel account.

The American Express Business Travel Account (BTA) is a centralised billing payment solution that provides a single view of your air and hotel travel related charges, without requiring a physical Card. This enhanced visibility gives your Company control over expenses, while also helping to save time and money. 

Your Company's BTA is lodged with your chosen Travel Management Company (TMC), and American Express works in partnership with that TMC to arrange your centralised payments.

What are the advantages of using an American Express Business Travel Account?

For employees, a BTA can save time and provide peace of mind by eliminating the need to use personal Credit Cards and be reimbursed by the company for business travel. Additionally, flights charged to the Business Travel Account attract complimentary Business Travel Accident Insurance and access to emergency legal and medical support through the 24/7 Global Assist™ hotline, whilst travelling.

How can an American Express Business Travel Account help my company save money?

A BTA can improve your company’s cash flow with up to 51 cash flow days 1 , while helping ensure your vendors are paid promptly through single-use Virtual Card numbers so you can take advantage of early-payment incentives.

It also gives you rich data about your travel-related spend that can help:

• Support vendor negotiations.
• Secure savings with preferred suppliers.
• Reduce the risk of fraud by providing single-use Virtual Card numbers instead of Credit or Charge Card numbers.

Can a Business Travel Account be used for international travel?

You can use your BTA internationally wherever American Express is accepted. Foreign transaction fees may apply.

Find more ways to streamline business spend

Corporate Purchasing Card

Consolidate multiple employee expenses and process them as one easy payment.

Corporate Meeting Card

A fast, flexible and virtual way for staff without Cards to make payments on the go.

Terms & Conditions

1. Extend cash flow by up to 51 days: Depending on when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your account from your previous statement period.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Singapore travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: August 15, 2024 13:26 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, singapore - take normal security precautions.

Take normal security precautions in Singapore.

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Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in the following locations:

• public transportation facilities
• areas frequented by tourists

Ensure that your belongings, including passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Credit card and ATM fraud occur. When you are using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when other people are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements
• shop only at reputable establishments where prices are listed
• check prices before buying goods because some retailers charge foreigners exorbitant prices

Overseas fraud

Property rental scams

Scams involving property rental occur. The scams may include online advertising of properties that are not available for rent or that don’t exist.

You should :

• book your rental through a reputable service
• visit the accommodation and meet the landlord before agreeing to pay any money

Information about known local scams  - Singapore’s National Crime Prevention Council

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time, and targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Singaporean security agencies are on high vigilance.

• Expect enhanced security measures and border checks
• Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places

Demonstrations

All demonstrations and gatherings require a permit. Unauthorized demonstrations, even those involving one person, are illegal. The police can arrest, without warrant, any person involved in or suspected of disrupting the public order.

As a foreigner, you may require special permission to attend any demonstrations, even as an observer.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations, political or large gatherings are taking place, such as Speakers’ Corner in Hong Lim Park
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are very good throughout the country.

Frequent showers may pose a road hazard.

Vehicles don’t usually yield to pedestrians. Exercise caution when walking on or crossing streets.

Pirate attacks and armed robberies occur against ships in and around:

• Singapore Strait
• Strait of Malacca
• between Indonesia’s Riau Islands and Singapore

Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report  - International Maritime Bureau

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Singaporean authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you enter Singapore. This also applies to passengers in transit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Business visa: not required for stays of up to 30 days Student visa: required

The Ministry of Manpower allows work pass exemptions for certain activities. If you qualify for an exemption, you must notify local authorities through their e-notification system.

The Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority may also approve, under certain circumstances, an extension of the 30-day stay period.

• Visa extensions - Immigration and Checkpoints Authority of Singapore
• Work pass exemptions - Ministry of Manpower of Singapore
• Entry security requirements - Singaporean Immigration and checkpoints authority

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Fingerprints

Immigration officials will fingerprint all visitors upon arrival and departure.

Health entry requirements

Canadians planning to study, work or reside in Singapore for longer than 6 months must undergo a complete medical examination that includes a chest X-ray and a test for HIV. Issuance of an employment pass, long-term immigration pass or permanent residence is subject to the outcome of the medical report.

All testing must be completed in Singapore.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies  may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. 

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Health care is excellent.

Medical services are costly, and payment is required up front.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medications

Certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, legally available in Canada, may be classified as controlled substances in Singapore.

Consult Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority to determine if you must obtain permission to import some personal medications.

Bringing personal medication into Singapore  - Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Identification

Local police may ask to see your passport and visa at any time. They could detain you while they verify your identification documents.

• Carry adequate identification at all times
• Always cooperate with local authorities
• Keep a photocopy or digital copy of your passport in a safe place, in case of loss or seizure

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences, heavy fines or the death penalty.

Custom officers can subject travellers to a drug screening test at the point of entry to Singapore. If you test positive for drugs, you can be arrested and prosecuted, even if the drugs were consumed prior to your arrival in the country.

Consuming alcohol in public places between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. is illegal.

In Liquor Control Zones, the alcohol ban is extended to all day on weekends. Local authorities may impose additional restrictions in these zones.

If you don't comply, you could face heavy fines and jail time.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

• Map of liquor control zones – Government of Singapore

The legal age for smoking is 21 years old.

Smoking is prohibited in many public spaces, such as:

• parks and gardens
• the ABC Water Sites and Reservoir Parks
• certain public beaches

If you're caught smoking in prohibited places could face heavy fines.

Overview of Smoking Prohibition – Singapore's National Environment Agency

Other illegal or restricted activities

Singapore has strict laws and penalties against a variety of actions that may not be illegal or may be considered minor offences in Canada. This includes:

• littering or spitting
• importing, selling, or chewing gum
• eating and drinking on the mass rapid transit system
• inappropriate masculine behaviour
• using foul language
• inappropriate displays of affection or molestation
• shoplifting

Convicted offenders may expect:

• corporal punishment, generally in the form of caning
• imprisonment
• a combination thereof

Restricted items

Local authorities enforce strict regulations on the import and export of items, such as:

• e-cigarettes, vaporisers and their refills
• certain religious material
• pornographic material
• CDs and DVDs

All luggage is X-rayed at ports of entry, and checked luggage may be inspected for regulated items.

You may be detained if you carry any of these items without permission.

Religious activities

Jehovah's Witness meetings, including private meetings, are illegal. Possession of a Jehovah's Witness bible or any related publication is also illegal.

The Unification Church is affected by similar laws.

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Singapore laws prohibit displays of affection and sexual acts between males. Those convicted can face imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI+ persons could also be discriminated against or detained based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Singapore.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Common-law relationships

Common-law relationships are not recognized. If you are in a common-law relationship, you may have to provide proof to support the claim of your union by common-law to local authorities.

You may draft your own statutory declaration to proclaim your common-law relationship with another individual and request to notarize your declaration at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore. However, the High Commission cannot “certify” or “validate” your common-law relationship.

Traffic drives on the left. You must carry an international driving permit.

If you reside in Singapore for more than 12 months, you must convert your valid Canadian driving licence to a Singapore Driving Licence.

Traffic regulations are strictly enforced.

Drinking and driving is a serious offence. Sentences can be up to 10 years in prison.

• More about the International Driving Permit
• Converting a foreign driver's licence  – Singapore Police Force

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Singapore.

However, if you acquire two or more citizenships at birth, you can keep them all, including Singaporean citizenship, until the age of 21. At 21, local authorities may ask you to choose between your Singaporean citizenship or other citizenships.

If you're a citizen of Canada, but also a citizen of Singapore, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry or exit requirements, and other national obligations such as military service.

• General information for travellers with dual citizenship
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore – Singapore Government

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Singapore.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Singapore, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Singaporean court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Singapore to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

The currency in Singapore is the Singaporean dollar (SGD).

Typhoons and monsoon

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from:

• December to March in the northeast
• June to September in the southeast

During this period, even small tropical storm can quickly develop into major typhoons. These severe storms can put you at risk.

These severe storms can put you at risk and slow down the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Singapore during the typhoon season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• keep up to date with the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Meteorological service Singapore - Singapore Government
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be particularly hazardous between June and October.

You should monitor air pollution levels, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or if you have a pre-existing medical condition.

Air quality information  - Singapore’s National Environment Agency

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• Police: 999
• Firefighters: 995
• Ambulance: 995

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Vietnam set for a wave of global hotel brands amid booming demand for travel

As the country’s tourism industry recovers and evolves, experts weigh in on its strategy to attract high-spenders

Jamille Tran

• High-end hotel La Festa Phu Quoc, a lifestyle brand under the Curio Collection by Hilton, opened last December on Vietnam's tourist island of Phu Quoc. PHOTO: HILTON

[HO CHI MINH CITY] SOARING demand for travel in Vietnam this year is being powered by foreign arrivals – already higher than in pre-pandemic times – as well as a thriving domestic tourism industry. These twin trends have put the South-east Asian country on track to attract a major influx of global hotel brands in the coming years.

This shift is being anticipated despite an ongoing oversupply of high-end hospitality properties in the country’s coastal destinations.

According to a note issued by Savills Hotels in late July, this trend has accelerated, particularly after the pandemic. Many hotels are undergoing brand conversions or upgrades.

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