December 28, 2024, 6:27 am | Read time: 6 minutes
No trash on the streets, no cigarette butts on the ground, no crowding: Nearly six million people live in Singapore, yet it is so extremely clean that many cities around the world could take a cue. This cleanliness doesn’t come from nowhere, as anyone who has been there knows: Singapore has several rules that should be followed–not least because high fines and, in extreme cases, imprisonment could await those who don’t. To help keep track, here’s a list of do’s and don’ts in Singapore.
Overview
Don’t do in Singapore–what to avoid
No chewing gum
One of the most famous regulations in Singapore is the ban on chewing gum. Both the sale and importation, meaning bringing it in, are not allowed. If caught chewing, you could face a fine of a whopping 500 Singapore dollars (about 350 euros).
No littering
Even though it should be common courtesy, littering in public places and on streets is a problem found worldwide. However, Singapore actively combats this, as those who litter face hefty fines. You could pay up to 1,000 dollars (around 700 euros) for violations–fortunately, trash cans are almost everywhere. It doesn’t matter what you dispose of illegally, from tissues to candy wrappers to cigarette butts, it’s all prohibited.
No smoking in public
Speaking of cigarette butts: Smoking is also prohibited in public places. This is especially true in buildings, parks, public transportation, around educational institutions, hospitals, or even within five meters of bus stops. Violations can quickly lead to fines of several hundred or even 1,000 dollars. To be safe, smoke in designated areas. However, it is always allowed in private vehicles and accommodations.
ADVERTISEMENT: Around the world in Singapore!
No spitting on the ground
Spitting is also punishable in Singapore. Anyone who spits on the street at public places like bus stops, schools, or markets can face a fine of up to 1,000 euros.
No eating or drinking on public transport
If you’ve ever sat in a subway or at stops in Singapore, you’ve probably noticed them right away: the signs with crossed-out burgers and drinks, often accompanied by the note “Fine $500.” Eating and drinking on buses and trains is indeed prohibited–this is to protect other passengers from unpleasant odors and to contribute to the cleanliness of the transport.
By the way: Alcohol consumption in public is also not allowed! Between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m., drinking is only permitted in licensed restaurants and bars.
No indecent behavior toward women
Anyone who behaves indecently or inappropriately toward a woman in bars, clubs, or in general, harasses her, or similar, can expect to be arrested in Singapore. This can even lead to imprisonment or corporal punishment. The latter is enforced only in extreme cases.
No cuddling, kissing, or tight hugging in public
Couples or newly in love should be cautious: While things like holding hands or light, brief hugs are allowed, it is considered very rude to show affection in public. This includes intimate hugs, cuddling, or kisses. In fact, this can even lead to warnings or, in the worst case, fines.
No jaywalking
As a child, you learn: walk on green, stop on red. In Singapore, this is taken very seriously, as both crossing streets at red lights and at unauthorized places–so-called “jaywalking”–is strictly prohibited. Anyone who simply strolls across the street can expect fines starting at 50 dollars (35 euros).
These Penalties Await You Worldwide for Illegal Waste Disposal
Etiquette Rules in Other Countries
Better do in Singapore–what to pay attention to
Always drive, walk, and stand on the left
Singapore has left-hand traffic. You need to get used to this not only in cars or on scooters but also as a pedestrian. On escalators, you should stand on the left so that people in a hurry can pass on the right.
Also interesting: The most beautiful way to discover Singapore
Always take off your shoes
When entering a house or apartment in Singapore, it is polite to take off your shoes. This applies to both private visits to others and public cultural buildings such as temples, mosques, or churches.
Pay attention to your volume
“Mind your manners” is the keyword in Singapore–meaning: always think about manners. This also applies to the topic of volume. It is considered very rude to speak too loudly, for example, on the train or at stops.
Treat older people with respect
An unspoken rule in Singapore is to always treat older people with extreme politeness and like family. This doesn’t just mean giving up your seat on the bus but also includes how you address them. It is customary to call them “Uncle” or “Auntie”–even if you’re not related. Therefore, it can happen that even a younger woman is called “Auntie” by small children.
Queue up
If you cut in line in Singapore, you’re out of luck. When standing in line, it’s important to always queue up properly at the back, as otherwise, you might not only attract attention but also the anger of your fellow citizens. On the other hand, if you see a long line somewhere, such as in front of a restaurant, you can usually assume it’s worth it.
The most absurd rules and laws in Singapore
After all the regulations for which Singapore is more or less known, there are also some that are particularly peculiar. Who knew, for example, that it’s illegal in Singapore not to flush the toilet? While this is rarely checked and caught, if it happens, you can expect a fine of about 150 dollars (more than 100 euros).
Another rather unusual law even extends into your own home: You are not allowed to be naked–at least if you can be seen by neighbors. For travelers, this law also applies to hotel rooms. If you could be observed from the street, you must not walk around the room without clothes. Better to close the curtains–otherwise, you risk hefty fines over 1,000 dollars or even minor jail sentences.
Another offense, which one might think should be obvious: You must not urinate in elevators. Unlike the toilet law, this is quite strictly monitored. There are actually “urine detectors” that, if someone urinates in the elevator, close the doors and hold the offender until the police arrive.