Dress and etiquette
 

I've read a few of the threads here, but they're old and as a woman, I'm wondering about any specific information I need to know. I'm off to Thailand (and Singapore) next week for business and am wondering if some of the things I've read online are really true.

So..

Is it really required to wear a skirt suit? I only ask because I was told that the first time I went to Japan, only to find everyone else wearing business casual. Not even wearing ties.

Will I be treated "fairly", or are there any gotchas as far as women in business go?

Is it acceptable for me to eat alone, either in the hotel or restaurant?

I will be going alone, and compared to my first trip to Asia, where I was a big ball of stress, I'd like to make this a lot more pleasant and relaxing!

It has been trial and error, but the HR department now has it down pat.

Pick a good hotel with a club lounge, recommend the Hyatt for Japan Hong Kong Bangkok and Singapore. They will arrange the appointments for you and you acn use the lounge an office or a boardroom and the club staff will look after refreshment like tea and coffee

Bring a gift and a supply of business cards, and change your title to something impressive South East Asian product development director or Artistic something or other, but owner says it all too.

Hire a taxi for the day if you are doing it on the road and ensure the AC is on all the time. Wear something that will identify you but the Asian love. Green orange and Yellow are their favourite colours and it identifies you with a business that has vitality and trustworthy. Wear dress shoes as against casuals and always accept the other person credentials with both hands.

There are cons on every corner in Bangkok but they are so obvious you can see them coming onto the gullible in front of you. You are not going to hop into some strangers car at home, doubt you will do it here.

Have a good time don't stress it is all good fun, ask the desk if going out if it is safe around this restaurant or that, but after a day working the cities like bangkok or Singapore I am stuffed. Time for the club lounge a small bite and a hot shower.

Nature of business?
Types of companies being visited?
Purpose of trip?
Your position/function?
Position/function of persons you're meeting with?
Which part(s) of Bangkok?

Your questions are too broad to properly answer your questions.

Except, it's definitely acceptable to eat alone in public (or pretty much anything else for that matter) in both Bangkok and Singapore.

I think Singapore is a bit more formal than Bangkok. I find very few people wear ties in Bangkok and virtually no one puts on a jacket. But with all of these things some industries tend to be more formal than others.

Absolutely no problem eating alone in restaurants. But if in doubt there is always room service. Hotels in both locations are going to be very used to business travellers travelling alone and eating alone.

Ok, I think I'll bring just one jacket for at least the first day and see how everyone else is dressed. I am visiting as the customer (yes, I realize that's strange, but it's the nature of my business), so there's not that need to overdress to impress my customer.

Thanks for the advice. Sounds pretty much like Japan so far, and I've got Japan down to a science. Any big differences I need to be aware of? I'm generally the western Europe person who just got thrown into this Asian stuff recently and my only experience has been Japan so far.

Smile

You will be judged by your attire.

I keep reading that legs should be covered, but women should wear skirts in business situations. I am not sure where I can find a dressy skirt or dress that's appropriate for work that covers my legs....am I missing something here? Or can I wear pants/

Thanks, everyone. Now I just have to find some skirts and dresses that are long enough. Not an easy feat in the US, as it turns out.

Remember its the rainy season but its also HOT and humid ,

I always bring an extra pair of shoes in case the first pair get wet ,

None of the people stopping you on the street are your "friends" , do not fill in "surveys" , do not litter , the beggers are "owned" by the mafia and the babies are "rent a babies" which are with a new "mother" every few days begging,

Never take a TuK Tuk 3 wheeler anywhere , just take a taxi, and if the taxi does not turn on the meter when you get in or ask , find another taxi,
do not take a taxi thats parked in front of your hotel , take a moving taxi or one known by your hotel.....

As long as you keep your eyes open you will not have a problem

Soarer

I think a better way to say this is don't take a flat rate taxi in front of your hotel. Ask a bellman (20B tip) to find a taxi who will use the meter. There are lots of taxis and they won't all say no.

My last trip a month ago they wanted 500 to Nongkhaem and 600 to the airport. The meter fares were 180 and 207, respectively, plus for the airport 70B in tolls.

You can also do this which is very effective. Ask a moto taxi driver to go get you a meter taxi, for 20B and they zoom up the street (I was on a Sukhumvit Soi) and bring a taxi back.

My companion is Thai and she raises hell with the no meter guys but she's from a Bangkok suburb and I guess hardened to their shenanigans.

Not sure what the context is that you are reading about? Maybe it pertains to visiting some religious/Royal tourist sites where it is required for women to cover their legs?

In business settings just dress conservatively, pants or a skirt to the knees will be fine. Maybe avoid black, although this is not so much an issue these days. Incorporating the color of the day, even as an accessory may be an option, although this is also not as important these days.

Mon - yellow
Tue - pink
Wed - green
Thu - orange/brown
Fri - blue
Sat - purple
Sun - red/black

Maybe that was it. I've been told now by coworkers that pants are fine thankfully.

Color the day? Really? Probably not an option for me, as I wear the same few colors, but that's really interesting.