The island-state’s preoccupation with food has evolved into the common greeting ‘Have you had your lunch yet?’, which is actually an enquiry about your general wellbeing. The sharing of a meal is a social must— for Singaporeans as hosts and you as a guest. It is courteous, especially among Chinese, to present and receive with both hands, whether exchanging business cards or paying for something.

Common standards of decency apply and while revealing sun-tops and shorts are permitted, they can prove impractical in an air-conditioned environment. It’s required for ladies to cover up in certain religious buildings, and shoes are removed before entering temples and generally when visiting someone’s home. There is also the old tradition of only eating with your right hand, as the other is traditionally for lavatory purposes.

Same-sex relationships are tolerated—just—and overt public shows of affection should be avoided. Getting naked in public is also pretty taboo, so topless sunbathing, drunken flashing of bodily parts or urinating in public places will no doubt land you in trouble. Safety and security aren’t really an issue, although ‘low crime doesn’t mean no crime’. Don’t tempt pickpockets through carelessness.