Singapore is a fascinating and diverse country with multicultural traditions, iconic attractions, languages, cuisines, and off-the-beaten-track islands. Singapore offers everything from towering skyscrapers to outstanding retail malls and a flawless transportation system. Here, tourists can discover many sights that perfectly combine modernism and growth. Singapore is a paradise filled with greenery and iconic wonders on the planet.You must take note of many things not to do in Singapore before you step into this Merlion land to make your trip hassle-free.
Here is the list of 15 Things to Avoid in Singapore for a Hassle-Free Trip:
- Avoid chewing gum in Singapore
- Don’t drop litter in Singapore
- Avoid Jaywalk
- Avoid using unauthorized WIFI
- Never take drugs
- Don’t leave any kind of tip
- Don’t discuss politics and religion in Singapore
- Stay within your visa
- Don’t eat or drink on public transport
- Remember to flush
- Avoid using taxis
- Remember to flush in Singapore
- Give gifts, but stay cautious
- Don’t do graffiti
- Don’t lose your temper or point a finger
Table of Contents
Things to avoid in Singapore
Travelling to a new country requires lots of preparation, including visa, passport, flight ticket booking, etc. Entering a new country requires a complete understanding of every law and regulation, and you must know a little about the country it is. You should know all about the places you will be staying in after your arrival, places you can visit, and sights you will be visiting. Your to-do list should be ready when planning your trip to a new country.
If you plan to go to Singapore, a popular vacation destination, you should know Singapore’s do’s and don’ts to avoid any uncomfortable situations around the locals. Singapore is known for its harsh punishments, like mandatory execution for crimes like murder, cheating, and rape. Also, the city is clean and well-run due to the strict Singapore rules about how people should act publicly. The name given to the place is The Fine City, and if you are a tourist and want to enjoy a hassle-free trip, then it is best to follow all rules and laws.
Singapore has some bizarre, specific laws that could get you in trouble if you’re unaware. People new to the city must learn what they can do and avoid in the country to settle quickly and avoid getting fined. Below listed are 15 things that you must avoid in Singapore to enjoy a hassle-free trip:
Avoid chewing gum in Singapore
Singapore laws are stringent on gum, as purchasing gum is prohibited unless you require it for medical purposes like dental gum. The country is strict about its cleanliness because of the Singapore government’s ban on the sale of gum in 2004. This is because authorities spend much time and money getting rid of discarded gums, and thus, the government banned gums in Singapore. As a result, the seats of MRTs, sidewalks, and pavements are all gum-free now, which is the best part. So beware of gums in Singapore, and remember that it is the primary thing to avoid because if you are caught chewing or spitting it out, you will have to face a first offender’s fine.
Don’t drop litter in Singapore
Singapore is a clean city, which is a part of the harm for tourists. Thus, keep in mind that littering here is a serious offence that comes with a fine, including disposing of cigarettes. To get it off, you will find many bins everywhere and where you can dispose of these things. These rules are made to keep Singapore clean. Also, there are anti-smoking laws in Singapore, and smoking is illegal in many places, and fines are imposed if you are caught breaking the law. These places include air-conditioned places like malls and eateries. However, there are designated smoking areas in Singapore located away from public places, so you should search for them if you want to smoke.
Avoid Jaywalk
Jaywalk means running wildly across the traffic, which is not allowed in Singapore, and you must cross the road within 50 meters of a crossing zone. Pedestrians are expected to cross roads within the demarcated lanes and areas. Also, you must wait for the green man to light up before you cross, as crossing at a red light can cause you to pay a fine. The best travel tip for you as a tourist is to watch the locals there to know what you should do and follow them as examples.
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Avoid using unauthorized WIFI
Using unauthorized Wi-Fi in Singapore is an offence under Singapore’s Computer Misuse and Cybersecurity Act to connect with another person without authorization. It is one of the Things Tourists Should Never Do in Singapore, and the best way to find an internet connection is to check your email. The Wireless@SGx App is a free public Wi-Fi service with hotspots in museums, malls, MRT stations, public libraries, and many more places. Some penalties apply for hacking, like up to three years in prison and about $10,000 as a fine.
Never take drugs
One of the most essential things to avoid in Singapore is not to take drugs. Singapore’s laws on drugs and their consumption are stringent. So stay away from drugs as if caught, penalties can range from high fines to prison sentences. Also, if you have already taken drugs before entering Singapore and if you are stopped and tested and your tests show the level of drugs, you will be in serious trouble. The security at Singapore Airport is of the highest degree, so stay warned. Because of the rigid rules, Singapore has one of the minimal levels of drug abuse in the world.
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Don’t leave any kind of tip
Singapore tourists will be surprised to know that they do not have to tip the waiter or other restaurant workers. Tipping is not expected in Singapore, as it is not in Japan. Most restaurants in Singapore already include a 10 per cent service charge, and GST is already added to every payment, so you are already tipping. Tipping extra is unnecessary as it is strictly not there.
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Don’t discuss politics and religion in Singapore
Singapore has the most stable political base worldwide, making the country a business hub. The main reason behind this is the rule of not discussing religion and politics in public. As a traveler, you should maintain social etiquette in Singapore, as the country is a mix of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Taoists, all living in harmony. Nobody here discusses their religion and politics anywhere, which creates harmony among all people and cultures. It is a sensitive subject here and can end up in a heated argument, so avoid these topics to enjoy your trip hassle-free.
Stay within your visa
Singapore is a country that attracts many tourists, but if you wish to overstay your visa and think that it is safe in Singapore, then please note that it is highly discouraged that you overstay your visa. The ICA has strict laws for overstaying your visa, and the penalty can range from a fine to jail time and even a ban from Singapore. So, if you wish to extend your stay, apply for a Sto do so Singapore Visa. Always remember the visa expiration date if you don’t want to get banned from your dream country.
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Don’t eat or drink on public transport
Singapore has the world’s most advanced transport systems, and the public transport in the country has been a no-eating and no-drinking cone for many years. Never try to eat or drink if you don’t want to get penalized. You can be charged with about $500 if caught drinking or enjoying snaking on a public bus or train. However, in a few cases, if you have any heart issues or are claustrophobic, it is OK to sip on water or have a mint, but not for enjoyment. Station premises and waiting areas are also included in the public transport, where eating and drinking are strictly no-no.
Adult things to avoid in Singapore
Nudity is strict in Singapore, be it in public or private. It may seem strange, but it is one thing to avoid in Singapore. It is not allowed for anyone to get a glimpse of your room from your window, and if you are nude, then you may face a fine of about $2000 or about three months of jail as well. So it is better to close all your curtains; if you are watching adult films, it is advised to avoid that too. The country is concerned about the distributors of adult films, but consumers should also be warned.
Avoid using taxis
Singapore has the world’s fastest railway network, so it is best to avoid using taxis here. Taxis here cost pretty high, and this can be avoided easily by using other famous public transport. The MRT is a prominent landmark and is very comfortable for travelling around the city. Also, you can use buses in Singapore that are all air-conditioned and offer some of the most scenic views of the nation, and that too within the budget.
Remember to flush in Singapore
It is another one of the vital things to avoid on a Singapore trip that most people have a hard time with. If you do your body in a public washroom, it is your civic duty to flush it off. This is a courtesy that everybody appreciates, but in Singapore, it is taken to a legal level, as you can be fined for not flushing your doings and charged $150 for this offense. However, it seems like over-the-counter restrictions are necessary for those who don’t understand the importance of mental illness and hygiene.
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Give gifts, but stay cautious
It is a friendly and generous deed if you want to give a gift to anybody in Singapore. But you must research well before gifting and wrapping for Singaporeans. One of the top cultural don’ts in Singapore is wrapping a gift in white, which symbolizes mourning. Never give handkerchiefs, clocks, or flowers, as these are connected to Chinese funerals. Never give alcohol or leather goods to a Muslim, and never present gifts with your left hand; instead, use both hands to pass the gift. Also, gifts are expected to be refused thrice before humbly accepting them.
Don’t do graffiti
It is one of the things not to do in Singapore, as painting on walls and carving loved ones’ names on park benches can lead to public caning. Singapore occasionally sentences offenders to punishments for acts of vandalism, like destroying or damaging public property and stealing it. Please cherish your artistic experiences while in Singapore and refrain from any graffiti during your trip to avoid any kind of problem.
Don’t lose your temper or point a finger
Getting angry, raising your voice, and physically fighting with someone is stupid while travelling and enjoying yourself. It is best to stay cool while in Singapore and never point your index finger. Some people interpret this as a gesture that connotes servitude. While you are in Singapore, locals here find pointing fingers rude and will never respond to someone doing this. It is better to be cautious about these things for a hassle-free trip.
Conclusion
Singapore is considered the most preferred tourist destination worldwide as it is known for offering many exciting activities as well as unique experiences for travelers. There are a lot of things to do; however, keep in mind the above-listed Things Tourists Should Avoid Doing in Singapore for a hassle-free trip. Singapore has more do’s than don’ts ; thus, stay cautious, keep in mind, and act decently to enjoy your trip and make it memorable. The above-listed travel trip to Singapore will help you with this
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Frequently Asked Questions
What should a tourist avoid doing in Singapore?
Tourists should avoid littering, throwing cigarettes and trash, splitting in public—tripping culture is a big no—accessing unsecured Wi-Fi, etc.
What things are not allowed in Singapore?
Tourists are not allowed to bring things that are prohibited under Singapore laws, like chewing gum, chewing tobacco, controlled drugs, cigarette lighters, etc.
What is prohibited in Singapore for tourists?
Singapore laws for tourists prohibit many things, including overstaying in Singapore. Also, smoking and drinking in public places is illegal. Homosexuality is also illegal in Singapore.
What are the don’ts in Singapore?
There are many things that you have to keep in mind as a tourist. Some don’ts in Singapore are: Don’t eat or drink at a train station or inside a train. Don’t smoke at beaches and public places. Don’t chew gum. Don’t use taxis, etc.
Which areas to avoid in Singapore?
However, Singapore is the safest place to visit. Some neighborhood areas are considered less safe, including Nanyang, Jurong West, Yishun North, and Geylang, where crime rates are slightly higher.
What things are not allowed in Singapore?
Many things are not allowed in Singapore, including chewing gum, drugs, chewing tobacco, and psychotropic substances.
Is it fine to wear shorts in Singapore?
Yes, anybody can wear shorts in Singapore, as it is not an issue. However, there are some places where you cannot wear shorts, such as fine dining, temples, and clubs.
Can I bring paracetamol to Singapore?
You won’t need to worry about bringing regular painkillers, as paracetamol and ibuprofen are both available to buy from Pharmacists in Singapore.
You can take paracetamol and other personal medications to Singapore.Some medications are not allowed in Singapore like anti anxiety pills,strong painkillers and sleeping pills
What is Singapore Strict about?
Singapore is strict about some specific things, like
•Tough drug laws
•.No sake of chewing gums
•Severe penalties for littering and jaywalking
What is the safest part of Singapore?
Singapore is safer than many other countries. Some of the safest areas are Bukit Timah, Bishan, Kampong Java, Marine Parade, and Sembawang.
Is it safe to walk in Singapore at night?
Yes, Singapore is the safest country to walk in at night. The laws and rules are strict, and the environment is very respectful.
Is Singapore strict for tourists?
Locals and tourists alike are required to strictly follow the laws. However, if you plan to visit Singapore, you must respect local rules to have a happy and hassle-free visit.
What is the 3 4 tank rule in Singapore?
This rule in Singapore has been in place since 1991. According to this rule, all motorists travelling north out of Singapore must fill their petrol tanks to at least three-quarters full. Offenders of this rule face a maximum fine of S$500.
What are the main rules in Singapore?
•Walking naked in the house is illegal.
•Chewing gum is illegal
•Smoking is not allowed.
•No group gatherings, loud family dinners, or crazy parties post 10 pm.
•Being gay is illegal.
•Any type of drug-related activity
•Committing suicide is illegal