Speaking of Singapore, it is one of the cleanest, safest, and most efficient cities in the world, and especially so because of its strict laws and cultural etiquette. Knowing the things not allowed in Singapore will help you avoid unnecessary fines and enjoy a stress-free trip. If you’re a first-time visitor, whether for leisure, business, or a corporate trip, you must clearly understand and master all the rules in Singapore.
The most important thing to travel is planning ahead. But planning a trip can be especially if it’s your first time. Where do you start? What should you see and do? Don’t worry. You can read our Singapore Travel Guide to show you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip to Singapore. Secondly, if you don’t know where to stay? You can explore my honest reviews on Carlton hotel and look into our Singapore related articles.
- Top Tourist attractions in Singapore: Book with GetYourGuide
- Sentosa Day Trip: Madame Tussauds Singapore Guide
- Twin cities, one journey — uncover culture, cuisine, and explore
🚫 Things Not Allowed in Singapore: What Every Traveler Must Know
Chewing Gum Ban: The Famous Rule
One of the most talked-about rules in Singapore for tourists is the ban on chewing gum. ince 1992, the sale and import of chewing gum have been heavily restricted to maintain the city’s cleanliness and prevent vandalism of public transport infrastructure.
The Rule: The sale and commercial import of chewing gum are banned.
The Reality for Tourists: While possessing a tiny amount for therapeutic purposes (like nicotine gum) is often overlooked, using it in public can lead to complications. Do not attempt to bring in excessive amounts. For all intents and purposes, consider chewing gum to be on the list of significant things not allowed in Singapore. You certainly don’t want a chewing gum infraction to be the highlight of your vacation story.
The Littering and Spitting Policy: A Zero-Tolerance Stance
Singapore is famous for its spotless streets, a reputation fiercely guarded by its powerful anti-littering laws. This commitment to hygiene is one of the most visible rules for travelers in Singapore.
Littering: Throwing even the smallest piece of trash—a ticket stub, a cigarette butt, a candy wrapper—onto the ground is a serious offense. Penalties for first-time offenders can be steep, including a significant fine and, in some cases, a Corrective Work Order (CWO), which requires offenders to clean public areas while wearing bright vests.
Spitting: Spitting in public places is equally forbidden and carries heavy penalties. Always use a tissue or handkerchief and dispose of it properly.
Actionable Tip: Always carry a small bag for trash until you find a designated bin. Respect for this cleanliness standard is one of the most important things not allowed in Singapore for all visitors.
Public Transport Etiquette: Eating, Drinking, and Moving
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and public buses are a source of national pride, offering an efficient, affordable way to explore the city. However, they come with a strict set of rules for tourists in Singapore focused on maintaining a clean environment for all commuters.
No Food or Drink: This is absolute. You are not allowed to consume any food or drink—yes, even water—while riding the MRT or public buses. The only exception is medication. Save your snacks, coffee, and water bottles for before or after you exit the station gates.
No Durian: The pungent, spiky fruit known as the “King of Fruits” is often banned from public transport and even some hotel lobbies due to its potent aroma. Look for the ‘No Durian’ signs!
The Penalty: If caught consuming food or drink, you face a fine. Adhering to these silent rules in Singapore for travelers helps keep the transport system pristine.
Smoking and Vaping: Know Your Designated Areas
Singapore is committed to becoming a smoke-free nation, and its laws are rigorous. Vaping is illegal and a serious offense.
Smoking is not allowed to do in most indoor and many outdoor public spaces, including bus shelters, queues, common corridors of residential buildings, and within five metres of entrances and exits. Always look for yellow-boxed designated smoking areas.
Vaping: The import, distribution, sale, or use of imitation tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes, is strictly prohibited. This is one of the key things not allowed in Singapore that can result in heavy fines and confiscation.
Jaywalking: Wait for the Green Man
Traffic laws are another set of strict rules in Singapore for travelers. Pedestrian safety is paramount, and jaywalking—crossing the road when the pedestrian signal (the ‘Green Man’) is not showing—is illegal.
The Penalty: Ignoring the red signal can result in a fine. Patience is required. Wait your turn like everyone else, and follow this critical piece of advice on things to avoid in Singapore.
Typical Offences & Penalties in Singapore
| Offence / Rule Violated | Typical Fine / Penalty |
|---|---|
| Chewing-gum import or sale (unauthorised) | Up to SGD 1,000 |
| Eating or drinking on MRT / public transport | Up to SGD 500 |
| Littering (small items, first-time offences) | From SGD 300 |
| Spitting in public / public hygiene offences | SGD 500–1,000 depending on severity |
| Jaywalking (crossing outside designated crossings) | SGD 500–1,000, or higher if prosecuted |
| Smoking or vaping in prohibited areas | SGD 200–1,000 (higher for serious cases or illegal vape use) |
| Vandalism / graffiti / damaging public property | Up to SGD 2,000, plus possible caning or jail |
| Drug possession or trafficking | Severe penalties: long imprisonment, heavy fines, and capital punishment for trafficking |
Rules for Tourists in Singapore
Beyond the explicit fines, there are several cultural and social expectations—the rules for tourists in Singapore—that, while not always leading to a monetary penalty, are essential for showing respect and ensuring a positive interaction with locals.
Queuing and Patience: The Art of Order
In Singapore, queues are an unspoken contract of orderliness. This is one of the subtle rules in Singapore for travelers you must observe.
- Be Patient: Whether it’s for a famous hawker stall, the MRT, or immigration, locals are accustomed to waiting and doing so in an orderly fashion. Cutting in line (queue jumping) is considered extremely rude and offensive.
- Keep to the Left on Escalators: Always stand on the left side of escalators. The right side is reserved for those who wish to walk up or down quickly. Following this simple traffic flow rule is a courtesy that shows you respect the established rules for tourists in Singapore.
Tipping: Appreciated, But Not Expected
Unlike in North America or Europe, tipping is not a deeply rooted custom and is sometimes even discouraged, as many establishments include a service charge on the bill.
Gratitude vs. Obligation: Service staff are paid relatively well. If you are pleased with exceptional service, a small tip is a gesture of appreciation. However, it is not mandatory. Many establishments, particularly food courts and taxis, have a no-tipping policy. This is one of the most straightforward rules for travelers in Singapore—no pressure!
Respect in Religious and Residential Areas
As Singapore is multicultural coSingapore is a tapestry of diverse cultures and religions, meaning respect must be shown, especially when visiting sites like the Sultan Mosque or the Sri Mariamman Temple.
- Dress Code: When visiting temples or mosques, ensure you dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Some sites offer wraps or sarongs at the entrance.
- Home Etiquette: If invited into a Singaporean home, you need to follow the custom. For example , it’s important to remove your shoes before entering the house.
Public Decorum: Keep it Down
Local people love peaceful and quiet in public spaces , particularly on the MRT and buses in residentail areas. Being drunk and disorderly, or simply loud and rowdy, is definitely on the list of things to avoid in Singapore.
- Intoxication: Public intoxication is taken seriously. While enjoying a drink at a bar or licensed establishment is fine, being visibly drunk and causing a disturbance can lead to fines or legal issues.
- Noise Level: Keep your voice down in public places, especially late at night. Respecting the common space is one of the unwritten rules for travelers in Singapore.
Beyond avoiding penalties, there are several “Do’s” that will fully increase your experience and help you to explore the city like a local.
These are the smart rules in Singapore for travelers that boost efficiency and fun. These are the smart rules in Singapore for travelers that boost efficiency and fun.
Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)
Singapore’s public transport system (MRT and bus) is world-class, clean, and efficient. Maximize its potential with an STP.
- Unlimited Access: The STP offers unlimited travel on the public transport network for the duration of the pass (available for 1, 2, or 3 days).
- Where to Buy: You can purchase it at TransitLink Ticket Offices or selected convenience stores. This is the single best way to comply with Singapore’s travel rules while saving time and money.
Embrace the Hawker Culture Etiquette
Singapore’s Hawker centres are UNESCO-recognized cultural sites and the heart of the nation’s culinary scene. Eating here is a must, but it comes with its own mini set of rules for travelers in Singapore.
- “Chope-ing” a Seat: Locals reserve (or ‘chope’) their seats by placing a packet of tissue paper, an umbrella, or a name card on the table. If you see an item, the seat is taken. Do not remove the item.
- Returning Trays: While not all centres require it, many have adopted a mandatory tray return system. Look for the signs and return your tray and crockery to the designated station after your meal. This is a crucial, modern addition to the rules for tourists in Singapore.
Use “Please” and “Thank You”
Despite Singapore’s global outlook, traditional Asian values of courtesy and respect remain strong.
Common Courtesy: Simple expressions like “Please” and “Thank You” go a long way. This is particularly important when interacting with service staff, market vendors, or locals. Politeness is universal, but in Singapore it’s a reinforced cultural expectation—a key element of the social rules for travelers.
Download Essential Apps
Leverage technology to navigate the city, a savvy part of following the efficiency-focused rules in Singapore for travelers.
- Mapping & Transport: Google Maps works flawlessly for public transport directions.
- Booking Taxis: Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app and essential for getting around quickly.
- Payment: Contactless payment is widely accepted. Ensure your credit/debit card is set up for global usage.
A Note on Drugs and Vandalism: Things to Avoid in Singapore at All Costs
While this guide focuses on minor infractions, it is vital to discuss the serious legal issues to avoid in Singapore at all costs. Singapore maintains some of the strictest anti-drug laws in the world.
Drug Laws: Singapore has a zero-tolerance policy for drug abuse and trafficking. Penalties are extremely severe, including mandatory death sentences for drug trafficking. Do not transport, possess, or consume illegal drugs. Even small amounts can lead to lengthy jail sentences. The seriousness of this law cannot be overstated—it’s the most important thing not allowed in Singapore.
Vandalism: Acts of vandalism, including graffiti, are severely punished, often involving caning (judicial corporal punishment) in addition to fines and jail time. Respect public and private property absolutely.
Beyond the Rules: Essential Places to Visit
If you know all those rules in Singapore for travelers, you can feel free to explore the city.
We’ve rounded up the best tourist attractions — now it’s time to experience them yourself. Book your Singapore tours and tickets easily with GetYourGuide and enjoy a hassle-free trip! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Klook.comHow to Explore the City on a Budget
- Book Accommodation in advance via Agoda or Klook – Sometimes, you may get last-minute hotel deals or coupons to save on your stay.
- Eat at Hawker Center and Use Public Transportation – It’s affordable Ways to Explore and Eat in Singapore.
- Book tours through GetYourGuide or Klook – it’s the best place to book your joint tours for hassle-free solo trips, as you’ll likely find the best tours at the best price.
Singapore’s laws are designed to protect its society and maintain its extraordinary quality of life. By understanding and respecting the rules for travelers in Singapore, you are not just avoiding a fine—you are participating in the culture of a successful, orderly, and breathtaking country.
Follow these tips, and you will have a safe, enjoyable, and penalty-free trip in the Lion City!
Our articles
If you enjoyed this blog, check out more of my travel guides:
- Top Solo Travel Destinations for Women in Asia & the USA
- Khao Yai Day Trip from Bangkok: A Beautiful One-Day Itinerary
- Solo Female Travel Tips: Overcome Fear and Travel Confidently
- Ba Na Hill Day Tour | Vietnam Trip Guide
- Solo Trip from NYC to Washington, D.C
- Solo Travel Experience – Saigon Student City Tour Review
- Solo Female Travel — How to Plan 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Twin cities, one journey — uncover culture, cuisine, and explore
- Top Tourist attractions in Singapore: Book with GetYourGuide
- Sentosa Day Trip: Madame Tussauds Singapore Guide
- Carlton Hotel Singapore Review: A Luxurious Stay
- Top Solo Travel Destinations for Women in Asia & the USA
- Things to do in San Francisco: Solo Travel Guide
- Cambodia Travel Guide for Solo Travelers – Essential Tips & Tours
- Travel Benefits: Why Solo Travel is Life-Changing for Women
Conclusion: Respect the Rules, Reap the Rewards
Singapore truly is a great place to visit and it’s really safe and a shopping heaven for travelers. The occasional strict regulation—from the ban on chewing gum to the mandate against littering—is the very reason the city is so pleasant, safe, and beautiful to explore.
By following this guide to the essential rules for travelers in Singapore, you’ll be able to navigate the city with confidence, respect local culture, and make the most of your trip. Knowing what is not allowed in Singapore helps you focus your time, money, and energy on the attractions, the food, and the memories, not the court system.
Have a fantastic time in the Lion City!
