Singapore
Capital City
Singapore is a city-state.
Population
The approximate population of Singapore is 4,928,000.
Major Industries
Singapore’s major industries include banking and finance, biomedical sciences, and tourism.
Major Religion
Buddhism and Daoism make up the majority. Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism are also practised.
Languages
The four official languages of Singapore are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
Climate
Singapore has an equatorial climate. The annual temperature varies from 24°C to 27°C. It rains approximately 180 days of the year.
Getting There
There are no direct flights from Vancouver to Singapore. However, there are multiple airlines that offer connecting flights including: Air Canada, Air China, British Airways, and US Airways.
Visa Requirements
A Tourist or Business Visa is not required for a stay of less than 30 days. Canadians visiting Singapore must have a passport that is valid for six months after the date of expected departure.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD).
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Singapore, and many hotels and restaurants post signs asking people not to tip.
Interesting Fact
During the 14th century a visiting prince gave Singapore its name after he thought he saw a lion in the jungle. Singa Pura means “Lion City” and the symbol of the city is a Merlion, which is a mythical creature that is part lion and part fish.
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Capital City
The capital of PNG is Port Moresby.
Population
The approximate population of PNG is 6.3 million.
Major Industries
Three of the top 25 gold-producing mines in the world are located in PNG. Agriculture accounts for approximately 25% of the GDP of PNG.
Major religion
The major religion is Christianity.
Languages
There are more than 850 identified languages spoken in PNG.
Climate
PNG has a monsoon climate. The best time to travel there is May to December.
Getting There
There are no direct flights from North America to PNG. North American travellers generally fly to Australia and then on to PNG.
Visa Requirements
Travellers must have a passport, visa, and an entry permit to visit PNG. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of travel.
Currency
The unit of currency in PNG is the Kina (K), pronounced KEE-nah.
Tipping
Tipping is discouraged in PNG.
Interesting Fact
PNG has one of the world’s most diverse indigenous populations in the world. The mountains create so much isolation in PNG that some of the indigenous communities were once unaware that there were others only a short distance away.
Japan
Capital City
The capital of Japan is Tokyo.
Population
The approximate population of Japan is 128,057,352.
Major Industries
Manufacturing, construction, real estate, and communication are Japan’s major industries. Its main export goods are cars, electronic devices, and computers.
Major Religion
The two dominating religions in Japan are Shintoism and Buddhism.
Languages
The major languages in Japan are Japanese, Korean, and Okinawan.
Climate
Japan’s climate varies from tropical in the south, to temperate in the north.
Getting There
Air Canada, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines offer direct flights to Tokyo daily.
Visa Requirements
Canadians need a valid passport, a return airline ticket, confirmed accommodation arrangements, and proof of sufficient funds when entering Japan. Business visas are required if compensation for work is being received while in Japan in addition to regular salary.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Yen (￥).
Tipping
Tipping is not a part of Japanese culture. A 10-15% service charge and 5% consumption tax is added in restaurants.
Interesting Fact
When doing business in Japan, officials will often invite you to go to karaoke. Acceptance is important because it will strengthen business rapport.
Hong Kong
Capital City
Hong Kong is a city-state.
Population
The approximate population of Hong Kong is 7,122,508.
Major Industries
Hong Kong’s major industries are garment and textile manufacturing, banking, and tourism.
Major Religion
Local religions include Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Climate
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. Warm temperatures occur between March to May, and in September.
Getting There
Three major airlines that fly to Hong Kong are Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, and China Airlines.
Visa Requirements
Visitors must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. Canadians do not need a visa for visits up to 90 days.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).
Tipping
Tipping is not a big part of Hong Kong culture. However, if you wish, you can tip HKD5–HKD20 to workers in the service industry. At restaurants, leave a tip of 5–10%. For taxi drivers, round up the fare to the nearest dollar.
Interesting Fact
Gift giving and entertaining are a critical part of doing business in Hong Kong. Gifts should be given using both hands. Avoid giving clocks, books, and blankets.
