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Singapore is renowned for its strict laws. Actions deemed ordinary in other countries could result in penalties on this lion city island. To avoid unnecessary troubles and undeserved penalties, familiarize yourself with Singapore's prohibited acts before traveling to this country!
According to EIU - the Economic Intelligence Unit in the UK, Singapore ranks among the top 3 safest and cleanest cities in the world. Nonetheless, it is also notorious for its stringent regulations, with a plethora of peculiar prohibitions that could catch you off guard and land you in trouble.
Key considerations on environmental hygiene in Singapore
Once dubbed the 'pollution paradise,' Singapore has transformed into one of the cleanest cities globally. Achieving this feat involved the implementation of numerous prohibitive laws to uphold the cleanliness and beauty of the nation.
Disposing of waste in public areas is strictly prohibited in Singapore
No littering, no spitting
Any action that affects environmental quality violates Singaporean law. Never litter or spit in public places, as you'll be promptly apprehended and could face fines of up to $300 or community service.
Flush after using the restroom
While seemingly commonplace, it's easy to forget at times, but remember not to overlook this when in Singapore. If you happen to violate this rule, you could be fined from $150 to $500.
Do not discard candy wrappers/chewing gum on the street
No chewing gum allowed in Singapore
Many wonder, is chewing gum really banned in Singapore? The answer is yes!
Based on my experience traveling to Singapore, chewing gum was indeed once prohibited due to the difficulty in cleaning up gum residues littered on the streets. However, this law has since been lifted. Singapore now allows the use of health-friendly gums such as dental or nicotine gums for smoking cessation...
Nevertheless, Singapore still strictly enforces penalties for littering or smearing gum residues recklessly on the streets. This behavior could lead to fines of up to $1000. As long as you don't litter gum residues, feel free to use chewing gum in Singapore!
No eating or drinking on the subway
In Singapore, the subway is a popular mode of transportation between famous tourist destinations. However, there are specific regulations for traveling on the subway in Singapore, notably the prohibition of consuming food and drinks on board.
While in other countries, using food on public transport may only result in a warning, in Singapore, you could be fined up to $500 for this offense.
Furthermore, when bringing food onto the train, refrain from bringing durian. Even if you don't eat it, you could still be detained because the strong odor of durian can be unpleasant and affect other passengers.
Key gender-related issues to note in Singapore
In recent years, the issue of prostitution in Singapore has been on the rise, largely fueled by migrant women from other countries. As a result, the government has tightened immigration controls and implemented laws pertaining to gender to address this issue.
In Singapore, you are not allowed to be naked even in your own home
No public nudity allowed
In Singapore, dressing provocatively is prohibited. This especially applies to female foreign tourists; if you dress too revealingly, your entry may face considerable difficulties.
Some may perceive this as a conservative nation, but it's a measure taken to combat prostitution in this country.
No public displays of affection allowed
It sounds incredibly odd, but indeed, this is a law in Singapore.
Couples traveling to Singapore must be extremely cautious when displaying affection in public. Holding hands or light kisses are fine, but excessive gestures may provoke discomfort; beware, as you could be jailed for up to 1 year!
No nudity even in your own home
According to Singaporean law, nudity is considered a form of indecency, even within the confines of your own home.
In Singapore, pornography is prohibited, and nudity is no exception. Being nude at home might cause discomfort to neighbors if they happen to catch sight of it. If reported, you could face fines of up to $2000 or worse, 3 months in jail. So, be mindful to avoid unjust penalties!
Singapore and the taboos in public places
While in other countries, maintaining cleanliness or ensuring public order is considered a moral imperative, these behaviors are regulated in Singapore, with specific sanctions for each violation.
There are too many things you're forbidden to do in Singapore
Drinking alcohol is prohibited from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM
In Singapore, you're not allowed to use or sell alcohol, or host parties from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM. This law was enacted following riots caused by intoxicated individuals on Race Course Road in 2013.
Except for licensed restaurants, any establishment violating this regulation may face administrative fines of up to $2000.
Never smoke in public places
Smoking in public is prohibited in Singapore, with fines of up to $800.
Smoking is banned in most places across the country. The smoking ban in public areas is implemented to ensure a clean environment and protect people from passive smoking.
Even the use of vape, electronic cigarettes, is prohibited. Bringing e-cigarettes from other countries into Singapore is also illegal, so be careful to avoid trouble.
No flying kites in public places
Flying kites within the city is also prohibited in Singapore as it may disrupt public transportation. You could face a fine of up to $5000 if caught in this scenario.
If you truly want to fly kites, head to the west coast or Marina Barrage, where you can freely fly kites without fear of being fined.
Do not feed pigeons
In Singapore, you may easily encounter adorable flocks of pigeons, but be sure not to feed them, not even the tiniest crumb of bread, just to make friends. Violating this Singaporean ban could result in fines of up to $500!
Be cautious when feeding pigeons in Singapore if you don't want to run into trouble
Avoid causing inconvenience to others
Singapore is renowned for its quality of life, as they enforce strict laws to ensure everyone's environment remains comfortable. Therefore, any disruptive or annoying behavior towards others may result in fines of up to $2000.
Avoid connecting to others' Wi-Fi networks
If you suddenly come across a free network in Singapore, refrain from connecting unless you want to be deemed as trespassing. This behavior, when reported, could incur fines of up to $10,000. So, remember, not all free Wi-Fi is worth it, as it's not really 'free' at all!
Drug use is prohibited
This is not an unfamiliar law in other countries, including Vietnam. However, Singapore has the strictest anti-drug laws in the world.
All actions involving the use, possession, transportation, or trafficking of stimulants or drugs are prohibited in Singapore. If caught, you could face fines of up to $20,000, 10 years imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
Reckless driving is illegal
Walking across the street can result in fines or jail time, which may sound strange but is a law enforced in Singapore. The law applies to those who cross outside the designated 50m zone.
For the first offense, you could face on-the-spot fines of up to $1000 or 3 months imprisonment. This penalty doubles for subsequent violations. So, stay safe and don't jaywalk!
Hopefully, this article has provided you with sufficient knowledge about the prohibitions in Singapore. If you're planning a trip to Singapore, let Mytour assist you in planning and packing for exploring this beautiful Lion City!
Author: Tuntun
Image Source: Internet
