12 Things Not to Do in Singapore
If you want to visit or stay in Singapore for a bit, it’s best to get to know its legal system inside and out and avoid certain cultural taboos too. Being ignorant of the laws and local etiquette isn’t an excuse to “accidentally” break them.
So if you don’t want to find yourself blacklisted in Singapore for any reason, read these things you shouldn’t do in the country, ever.
What You Should Not Do in Singapore
Here are some things considered illegal in Singapore that you may not know about.
1. Littering
Penalty: Community service or $1,000
Singapore already has an efficient waste disposal system, but it always helps to expect discipline and neatness among its people. So while Singaporeans may not recycle regularly, there’s no time like the present to start this good habit.
It’s also good to remember that littering is a punishable offence in Singapore. You can either be ordered to do some form of community service or pay up to a $1,000 fine.
If neither of those penalties sounds like something you want to do, it’s easy enough to avoid them. Just put trash where it belongs and don’t even think of spitting anywhere in public.
2. Chewing Gum without a Prescription
Penalty: $500
Wondering where you can get chewing gum in Singapore? Unless you have a medical prescription for it, the answer is a big fat NOWHERE.
One of the reasons why Singapore is so clean is because sticky, hard-to-remove nuisances like gum are banned in the country. This fastidious rule can come with a $500 fine when someone breaks it.
So if your luggage contains gum and you’re headed to Singapore, better take it out and leave it behind if you don’t want it confiscated and thrown out. Bringing gum to the country without a proper prescription is also not allowed.
3. Forgetting to Flush the Toilet
Penalty: $150
For most people, flushing the toilet after it’s been used is practically second nature. That’s why some people find it laughable that it’s illegal to not flush after using a public washroom.
It also comes with up to a $150 fine. Random checks are done on public loos, so don’t be too cocky about leaving something undesirable without flushing lest you get caught doing so.
And since most Singapore public restrooms are regularly inspected by efficient plumbers, it’s quite rare to come across a defective toilet that won’t flush here.
4. Vandalising
Penalty: 3-year imprisonment or S$2,000
Singapore has a Vandalism Act that prohibits the stealing, destruction, and defacing of public property. Spray painting, affixing posters or stickers, drawing, marking, and writing on them can result in a S$2,000 fine or three-year imprisonment.
If you feel the need for creative expression, the best art jamming centres in Singapore can fill the bill. Go crazy drawing, painting, dancing, and putting your feelings and thoughts out there without damaging anyone’s property.
You can also appreciate the art in galleries at Gillman Barracks and other spots in Singapore any day.
5. Eating on Public Transportation
Penalty: $500
If you need to take the bus or train anywhere in Singapore, you can carry a water bottle with you. It’s perfectly fine to take a sip now and then to prevent dehydration, especially on a hot day.
But to bring a full meal like a sandwich (or worse, Tupperware containing leftover chilli crabs!) can earn you stink eyes from fellow passengers. You can also get fined around $500 for eating on public transport, as decreed by the Rapid Transit Systems Act.
What are the dangers in Singapore?
Singapore has a low crime rate, but it doesn’t mean that it’s a totally crime-free nation. There are still snatch thefts, robbery, scams, and moneylending harassment cases once in a while.
So the first rule we’ll mention is: don’t get lulled into a false sense of security and think nothing bad will happen to you while you’re in the country.
Just like other nations, there are particular locations that are considered the worst places in Singapore as far as crime is concerned. So if you have to go to these spots, be streetsmart and practice caution in all your transactions and interactions.
A little precaution and mindfulness never hurt anyone. So consider decluttering your wallet for safety and not wearing conspicuous jewellery pieces when you’re out and about.
Singapore Dos and Don’ts: Cultural Taboos
Let’s also take a look at some of the most common cultural taboos you should learn to avoid in Singapore.
These may not fetch you a fine or penalty like the ones above, but they still have to be observed if you want to remain in Singaporeans’ good books.
What is disrespectful in Singapore?
Respect and consideration highlight Singaporean culture and society in general. That’s why the best way to deal with Singaporeans is to be respectful in all situations, especially to the elderly.
- Pointing
So when it comes to greeting someone in Singapore, make sure to practice the right tone of voice as well as appropriate body language. Avoid pointing at someone or something, especially using your foot, as this is considered extremely rude.
- Touching a Child’s Head
And if you’re greeting a child, don’t touch their head no matter how cute you find them! This is a humiliating gesture and should be avoided at all costs for people of all ages.
There are several practical reasons why Singapore is so clean. One of them is efficient waste management, but discipline also plays a big role in the country’s neatness and orderliness.
- Spitting
So walk where you’re supposed to (not on bike lanes or the road!) and don’t spit or litter anywhere.
- Cutting Lines
Stand in line when there’s a queue for a place or service and don’t even think of cutting in line.
- Wearing Your Shoes Indoors
As a sign of respect, observe if people take off their shoes in specific places, and do the same before entering a home or space.
- Invading Someone’s Personal Space
And when you’re at a party, meeting, or any gathering, make sure to mind people’s personal spaces and don’t get uncomfortably close to anyone.
It’s also considered bad manners to bring up religion or politics or be critical of Singaporean policies and culture.
What should you wear while in Singapore?
While it’s tempting to wear flimsy clothes to deal with the heat in Singapore, you might end up offending certain people and breaking etiquette in particular places.
So avoid too-short bottoms, cropped tops, backless or strapless blouses, and skintight clothing. Instead, wear modest lightweight clothes that aren’t too revealing.
Yoga and exercise gear made of spandex and other stretchy material is fine for private gyms but not in public.
But if there’s one thing you should always wear in Singapore, it’s sunscreen. It can keep you from getting sunburnt when you’re out and about.