Singapore is one of the safest and cleanest places to visit in Asia. It is known for its highest standards of cleanliness and low crime rate. It is one of the best places we visited and lived in our life. But those things were not easy to achieve; strict rules and regulations were designed and maintained to maintain peace and order in Singapore. Here are the 21 interesting Singapore laws you should know before entering Singapore.
Being familiar with the local laws of a country will help you from getting fined or being arrested. Singapore is an extremely interesting and diverse country with multicultural traditions, cuisines from across the globe, skyscrapers, iconic attractions, greenery and much more. We really enjoyed our three years of living in Singapore. In our previous post, we discussed a Europe tour from Singapore.
Every country has different rules and laws. It is helpful to know about them if you are planning to visit the country.
21 interesting Singapore laws
Chewing gum is banned in Singapore
The first on our list is chewing gum. Chewing gum is banned in the Garden City. Chewing gum is completely forbidden in Singapore. You can not import gum into Singapore. If you are caught trying to sell or import chewing gum, you could face a hefty fine and even a jail sentence.
SGD 100,000 fine or up to 2 years in prison
E-cigarettes is banned in Singapore
Vaping is also banned in Singapore, even in your home. There are significant fines for anyone caught importing e-cigarettes.
Walking naked in your home is illegal in Singapore.
In Singapore, walking naked in your home is considered pornography. As pornography is illegal in Singapore, being naked in your home is also illegal.
SGD 2,000 fine or up to 3 months in prison.
Smoking is prohibited almost everywhere in Singapore.
Smoking is banned almost everywhere across Singapore. If your neighbours are fine, then the only safe place to smoke in your home.
There is a fine between SGD 150 and SGD 1,000.
Gathering in groups of more than 3 people
It is illegal to assemble in groups of more than 3 people after 10 pm in Singapore.
Plucking leaves from tress
It’s illegal to pluck leaves, flowers or fruits from a roadside tree. Damaging or removing plants or any parts from a plant from a garden or roadside tree is prohibited.
Fine upto SGD 5,000
Drinking water and eating are not allowed on public transport
It is not allowed to eat food, or even drink water, on public transport, at bus stops and at MRT stations.
Durian (a fruit) is not allowed on public transport.
Due to its stench, the king of fruits is banned on public transports in Singapore.
Not to flush public toilets in Singapore
Flushing a toilet is a good habit and common courtesy, but there is a law in Singapore if you forget to do so. It is a punishable offence not to flush after using the toilet.
Fine upto SGD 150.
Spitting in Singapore
If you have a habit of spitting, then be careful in Singapore. Don’t spit anywhere, even on public roads; it is an offence.
Fine upto SGD 1000.
Drug related activity in Singapore
Possession of any kind of drugs during your time in Singapore is a highly punishable offence, up to the death penalty. Consumption of drugs in another country before entering Singapore is also treated in the same way. The officials have the right to conduct a random drug test on anyone without a warrant.
Fines up to SGD 20,000 and 10 years in prison, even the death penalty.
Making Noise after 10 PM in Singapore
You can’t make noise after 10 pm. Family gathering, making groups in public, crazy parties are not allowed after 10 PM
Fine up to SGD 2,000
Selling or drinking alcohol publicly between 10.30 pm and 7 am
Selling of alcohol is not permitted between 10.30 pm and 7 am. If you want to party after 10.30 pm, then you have to take permission from the authority. You can not drink publicly in that timeframe.
Feeding pigeons is a punishable offence.
Be carful Bird lovers!!! It is an offence to feed the local pigeons.
Fine up to SGD 500
Distribution of any obscene materials
The distribution of any obscene materials in the form of photographs, a DVD, books, or figures is prohibited in Singapore.
3 months in jail, a fine, or both.
Connecting to another person’s wifi in Singapore
As a traveller, sometimes, we become tempted to join free wifi. In Singapore, if you join another’s wifi network, it is considered hacking and seriously punishable.
Fine up to SGD 10,000 or up to 3 years in prison
Male homosexuality is illegal in Singapore.
Same sex relationship is considered illegal in Singapore.
Up to 2 years in prison
Disturb someone with music or singing in public
It is also illegal to annoy someone with a musical instrument or sing in public especially if the lyrics contain swear words.
Up to 3 months in prison
Graffiti and Vandalism in Singapore
Vandalism is considered a serious offence in Singapore. Damaging public or private properties including painting, Graffiti arts are banned around Singapore. You will not find any street art or graffiti in Singapore.
Fine, jail or Caning
Flying kites in public is illegal in Singapore
Flying a kite if that interferes with public traffic is a punishable offence in Singapore.
Fine more than SGD 5,000
Reckless Pedestrian crossing (Jaywalking) in Singapore
Jaywalking is banned in Singapore. Reckless or illegal crossing of pedestrians on roads is not allowed. Be careful to cross the road using the designated pedestrian lanes before crossing the road.