Kelly Jackson-Nash - CultureShock! Singapore

Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from ones comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.

Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.

Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the peoplewhere they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book.

Then on with the practical aspectshow to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But thats not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.

To round off, snippets of information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.

2016 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited

Text Kelly Jackson-Nash

This 4th edition published by Marshall Cavendish Editions

An imprint of Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited
1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196.

First published in 2006 and reprinted 2007, 2nd edition published in 2009 by Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited; 3rd edition published in 2012 and reprinted 2013 and 2015 by Marshall Cavendish Corporation.

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National Library Board, Singapore Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

Name(s): Jackson-Nash, Kelly.

Title: CultureShock!. Singapore : a survival guide to customs and etiquette /

Kelly Jackson-Nash.

Description: 4th edition. | Singapore : Marshall Cavendish Editions, [2016] | Series: Culture shock! | Includes index.

Identifier(s): OCN 950878967 | eISBN 978 981 4751 76 6

Subject(s): LCSH: Singapore--Social life and customs. | Etiquette--Singapore.
Classification: DDC 959.57--dc23

Printed in Singapore by Markono Print Media Pte Ltd

Photo Credits:

All photos by the author except for Malay couple on page 64 by Ramlah Anwar

Cover photo by the author

All illustrations by TRIGG

It seems it takes a village to write a book..

My thanks must first and foremost go to Justin Lau, Rachel Heng, Melvin Neo and everyone at Marshall Cavendish for this amazing opportunity. Thank you for your advice, reassurance, and guidance along the way. Apologies for the random apostrophes, missing words, and overly long sentences.

A big thank you to all of the people who knowingly (and unknowingly) have contributed to the writing of this book. I doubt there is a person Ive encountered in Singapore this past year who hasnt helped in some way, even though they might not have even known!

The greatest pleasure in writing this book was the opportunity to learn more about Singapore and Singaporeans. I am eternally grateful to the Singaporeans who gave so freely and graciously of their time and knowledge, and never resented my just one more question! emails. Rosalind Ong, Eisen Teo, Elisa Chia, Precious Marimuthu, Siti Mariam Binte Abu Bakar, Muru Pillay, Karen Lee, and Manisah ShariffI couldnt have done this without you!

Heartfelt thanks to my family and friends who encouraged and supported me throughout this process. Extra special thanks to the four friendsKirsten, Jen, Nora and JoDee who talked me into saying yes to the book and saving me from a lifetime of regret!

Last, but not least, to my fellow expat adventurersMark, Caitlin and Hayleyfor your love and support. I love you 96 million thousand and six. Ditto.

For Caitlin and Hayley
my inspirations

If youre reading this book then you are either living in Singapore already or considering living in Singapore, or you know me (Hi Mum! Hi Dad!). So, let me make it apparent early in this book that I think living in Singapore is an amazing experience. Although every city and country in the world has its pros and cons, the dangers that come with many other locations are minimised in Singapore. As a mother, this gave me great comfort and assurance both before and after we relocated to Singapore.

We had already committed to moving to Singapore when I paid my first visit in 2010 on a stopover on the way home from Europe. Alone with my two daughters, I was taken ill in the middle of the night. With the help of some wonderful hotel staff and an incredibly efficient (and affordable!) hospital emergency department, both my daughters and I were incredibly well looked after. I knew from that experience that living in Singapore was an adventure that I wanted to take.

What people know about a particular country depends very much on where and when they grew up. For Australians like me, Singapore has had a relatively prominent place in our culture, partly due to the horrors of World War II and partly because of Singapores handy location as a stopover destination on our way to other places. Whilst most Australians arent completely knowledgeable on Singapores intricacies, they are at least familiar with many of the countrys pros and cons. For those from nations further afield, Singapore may be more of a surprise.

Either way, its highly likely that you will experience some form of culture shock during your first months in Singapore. Whilst this book doesnt aim to obliterate culture shock, it does provide you with information that will help you navigate your way to the other side of the culture shock ride. Having an early understanding of the Singapore culture will help you more easily make sense of, and enjoy, your new country.