DO'S AND DON'TS IN SINGAPORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

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Planning on visiting Singapore this year? Addressing the dos and don’ts in Singapore for tourists, is essential when planning your trip.

The last thing you want, is to upset local people by not knowing Singapore etiquette.

This post addresses some of Singapore’s rules and laws, and the things you need to know when visiting the country. Tourists in Singapore are held to account for their behaviour, alongside locals.

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You may have lots of questions before your trip. Is Singapore safe? What should I avoid in Singapore and why is Singapore so strict?

Singapore, an island city-state in Southeast Asia, is a vibrant cosmopolitan and popular country. You will be amazed at the plethora of things to do on your visit.

Getting around Singapore is a breeze with the brilliant public transportation options. You can shop along Orchard Road, try amazing food in public hawker centres, or explore and Singapore history in Chinatown and Kampong Glam.

There are an array of free things to do as a tourist in Singapore, so visiting Singapore need not be expensive.

Here is our list of the do’s and don’ts in Singapore, for a great trip.

ADDRESSING THE DOS AND DON’TS IN SINGAPORE BEFORE YOU GO

ADDRESSING THE DOS AND DON’TS IN SINGAPORE BEFORE YOU GO
GENERAL THINGS NOT TO DO IN SINGAPORE
GENERAL DOS IN SINGAPORE
DOS AND DONTS ON THE MRT
DOS AND DONTS IN SINGAPORE CULTURE
DOS AND DONTS IN SINGAPORE DINING
DOS AND DONTS IN SINGAPORE CONCLUSION
MORE POSTS ON SINGAPORE

GENERAL THINGS NOT TO DO IN SINGAPORE

The result of Singapore laws on things like drugs, is high standards of cleanliness, safety and low crime rates. Singapore is one of the safest country’s in the world, even at night.

Singapore Government takes these things seriously.

Whether you consider these measures heavy-handed or not, one things for sure, break the rules and you will face a fine. While the list of do’s and don’ts in Singapore can seem quite long, most of them are basic common sense.

1. DON’T CHEW GUM

Singapore rules and laws on gum are very strict. In fact unless you require gum for medical purposes, (nicotine or dental gum) the purchasing of gum is prohibited.

The country is incredibly clean and this in part, is due to the ban by Singapore Government on the sale of chewing gum, in 2004.

Authorities were spending too much time and money, getting rid of discarded gum.

The result of this strictly enforced law? Seats on the MRT, pavements and sidewalks are all gum free, a win-win scenario in my book.

If you are caught chewing or indeed spitting it out, you will face a first offenders fine.

2. DON’T DROP LITTER

One of the first things you will notice about Singapore, is how clean it is. In fact, it is part of its charm for tourists.

Streets in Singapore are clean with no litter — Singapore streets are very clean and free of litter

Although normal behaviour to most of us, littering in Singapore is a serious offence which comes with a fine. This incudes disposing of cigarette subs too.

You will find bins everywhere, and these stringent rules are what keep Singapore so clean.

3. DON’T SMOKE IN PUBLIC

Anti-smoking laws are commonplace in many countries nowadays, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Smoking is illegal in most public places, with fines imposed if you are caught breaking the law. This includes all air-conditioned places such as malls and eateries.

There are designated smoking areas, located away from public spaces, so be sure to look for them. It’s worth mentioning, that e-cigarettes have been banned in Singapore since 2011.

4. DON’T JAYWALK

What do I mean by jaywalking? Crossing the road within 50 metres of a crossing zone. As a pedestrian, you are expected to cross roads within the demarcated areas and lanes. Anything else is deemed reckless, as it could cause an accident.

So no running wildly across the traffic, instead wait for the green man to light up before crossing. Crossing on a red light if seen, could incur a fine.

A great travel tip is to watch what the locals are doing, and follow their example.

5. DON’T USE UNAUTHORISED WIFI

It is an offence under Singapore’s Computer Misuse & Cybersecurity Act, to connect to another person’s WiFi without authorisation.

The good news? Finding an internet connection in Singapore, is easy, and checking your email is a breeze.

Wireless@SGx App is a free public Wi-Fi service, with hotspots in malls, museums, MRT stations, public libraries and more.

6. DON’T TAKE DRUGS

One of the most obvious dos and donts in Singapore is in relation to drugs.

Singapore laws on drugs and their consumption, are very strict. This stance equates to the country not having a serious drug use, or drug trade problem. If caught, penalties can range from high fines to prison sentences, so be warned.

Also worth noting, is if you have already taken drugs before entering Singapore. If you are stopped on arrival, and tests show levels of drugs in your system, you will be in trouble.

Security at Singapore Changi Airport is of the highest degree. The job of enforcement officers is to ensure that NO illegal substances enter the country.

With one of the lowest levels of drug abuse in the world, these rigid rules are successful.

7. DON’T VANDALISE OR USE GRAFFITI

It is completely prohibited to cause any act of vandalism or graffiti to public or private property. Singapore rules for tourists are just as harsh and stringent as for locals.

This includes theft, removal of private property, putting up flags, posters or banners. Strict fines and punishment are dished out for things like carving a heart on a bench or tree trunk, spray-painting art, and attaching a love lock onto a bridge.

Basically, any act of vandalism is punishable.

8. DON’T USE TAXIS

Visitors do not need to have any concerns about their safety while in Singapore. Taxis are not required, other than perhaps, for longer distances.

They tend to be quite expensive, and with a state of the art MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) at your disposal, you really don’t need to use them.

GENERAL DOS IN SINGAPORE

We’ve looked at the things not to do in Singapore, but there are plenty of Singapore travel tips to follow for a successful trip.

1. DO DRINK THE TAP WATER

Water in Singapore is of a high standard and perfectly safe to drink and comes free in most restaurants and green spaces.

2. DO BRING SOME CASH

Even with todays technology, cash is still used in certain areas, so bring some local currency in small denominations. Street markets and hawker centres still prefer this method of payment.

3. DO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Singapore has one of the most efficient transportation systems in the world.

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is easy to use, fast and efficient. Pick up a free MRT guide to familarise yourself with the stations and plan your route.

Many top things to do in Singapore, are easily reached from an MRT station. Visitors can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass for the length of their stay and save money.

Singapore’s extensive bus network has routes covering most places on the island. Both economic and comfortable, buses offer a scenic journey in air-conditioned comfort. You can also pay for your fare using your tourist pass.

4. DO EXPERIENCE HAWKER CENTRES

Singaporeans love their food and eating is a national pastime. With cuisines from all over the world to try, you will be spoilt for choice.

Local hawker Centre food — Try a great dish at one of Singapore’s Hawker Centres

Hawker centres are a unique aspect of Singapore culture, offering fast food at low prices. Their reputation for cleanliness and high quality dishes is well deserved.

Singapore may be famous for the Singapore Sling but eating in hawker centers is a must when visiting the country. Stalls may look busy, but queues disappear with speed.

Try Chinese, Malay, Indian, Indonesian and even Japanese and Korean dishes. Arguably the most famous dish, is chilli crab, but don’t stop there!

DOS AND DONTS ON THE MRT

Most main attractions are located within walking distance of an MRT station. This is your best way to get around Singapore, unless walking or using the convenient bus network.

Singapore mass rapid transit — Singapore MRT is both clean and efficient

Efficient, fast and clean, the MRT is a visitor’s best friend. But what are the do’s and don’ts in Singapore when using the MRT?

1. DO STAND ON THE CORRECT SIDE

The popular MRT runs like a well-oiled machine, and this depends on the behaviour of its users. For ease of traffic flow, you should ride the escalator on the left, and climb its steps on the right.

2. DO QUEUE FOR THE TRAIN

Like the Brits, Singaporeans love to queue and are extremely good at it. Wait inline and wait your turn. Allow passengers to exit the train before entering, and don’t jump the queue, push past people or pretend you don’t know the correct etiquette.

Woe betide you if you do. It is a quick way to upset the locals.

3. DO GIVE UP YOUR SEAT

I think it only general good manners, to offer your seat to someone elderly, pregnant or less mobile than yourself. Will they take you up on your offer, probably not. But the thought is there, and that’s what matters.

4. DONT EAT OR DRINK ON THE MRT

The cleanliness and maintenance of the MRT is down to the people who use its services.

Management have officially designated the MRT as a “no eating or drinking” zone, which is strictly enforced.

You will not see people swigging coffee from beakers, eating burgers or munching a bag of crisps. You will instead, enjoy your ride in great surroundings.

This ban includes the famous Durian fruit, which has a very distinctive aroma, or stench, depending on your viewpoint.

5. DONT TRAVEL DURING PEAK TIMES

There is no real reason to avoid the MRT at peak times, other than it being extremely busy, and you probably having to stand for the length of your journey.

DOS AND DONTS IN SINGAPORE CULTURE

Although Westernised, Singapore is a multi-cultural society. A multitude of different cultures and traditions sit comfortably alongside each other. You will see churches, mosques, Hindu and Chinese temples, each held sacred by locals.

When travelling in Singapore, there are some things to be mindful of.

1. DO BE RESPECTFUL TO LOCALS

It is common practice and a sign of respect, to address elders as uncle or auntie. They will appreciate your courtesy and smile back at you.

If visiting mosques or temples, enjoy the peace and quiet by talking in a hushed tone. Don’t take photos without someone’s permission and never take selfies.

Be mindful and sensitive to your spiritual surroundings and other worshippers.

2. DO DRESS APPROPRIATELY

With its tropical climate, Singapore weather is hot and humid. Cotton clothing that is breathable will help keep you cooler. Remember sunscreen, sunglasses and try to keep out of the midday sun.

When visiting places of worship it is common courtesy to remove your shoes before entering and to dress conservatively.

3. DO BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE

Be aware that what seems acceptable back home, can be considered bad manners in Singapore. It is rude to point at someone, shout or talk loudly and spit in public.

4. DON’T DISCUSS POLITICS OR RELIGION

These are both sensitive issues, as in most countries. Whilst there is a high level of tolerance between different religions, it could be considered offensive.

DOS AND DONTS IN SINGAPORE DINING

1. DO RESERVE YOUR TABLE THE LOCAL WAY

When eating at a hawker centre, use the locals method to reserve your table. Simply leave an item on the table, such as water bottle, umbrella or tissue packet. This then indicates to other customers that you have designated the table as your own.

2. DON’T TIP

Tipping may be common practice in your own country, but in Singapore there is no need to tip hospitality staff. Tipping is not part of Singapore culture.

Your bill will include goods and service tax (GST) as well as a service charge. This effectively serves as your tip.

DOS AND DONTS IN SINGAPORE CONCLUSION

I hope that this article gave you some insight into some of the things you need to consider when visiting this wonderful island. Singapore offers visitors a melting pot of different cultures, innovative architecture and amazing attractions.

Don’t be put off by the seemingly conservative and strict reputation. Singapore’s laws result in a country that is clean, diverse, efficient and a real pleasure to walk around.

Familiarize yourself with the dos and don’ts in Singapore, and you will avoid unintentionally breaking the law and getting a fine.

ASTONISHING DO’S AND DON’TS IN SINGAPORE YOU NEED TO KNOW