Before coming to Singapore, someone told me, "You can't even chew gum there." The first morning I arrived, that was the first thing I asked our Turkish friends Hakan and Melike, who have been living in Singapore for months. They explained all the rules one by one so I wouldn't get into trouble. Some of the penalties are truly surprising. In this post, I explain the things that are banned in Singapore, their penalties, and how strictly the rules are actually enforced. At the end, there are the places we visited in Singapore and my first-ever durian experience.
Watch the Video: Singapore, the Land of Bans
Is the Chewing Gum Ban in Singapore Real?
Yes, but not as people think. Singapore has banned the import and sale of chewing gum since 1992. The ban was introduced because gum was being stuck on subway doors and in public areas. Today, only certain types of gum for medical purposes (such as nicotine gum) can be sold in pharmacies.
In other words:
- Selling gum or bringing it into the country to sell: A crime that can result in heavy fines and imprisonment. I joke in the video saying "If I sell the last piece of gum I have for $1, I'll go to jail," but in reality, it's not a joke.
- Chewing gum: Not a crime in itself.
- Dropping gum on the ground: Considered littering and carries a fine.
Don't forget that carrying a small amount of gum for personal use can also cause trouble at customs. My advice: Don't take any gum with you when going to Singapore.
12 Things Banned in Singapore and Their Penalties
The penalties below are the maximum limits foreseen by law or commonly applied amounts. Amounts are in Singapore dollars (SGD) and may change over time. I recommend checking official sources for up-to-date information before you go.
1. Littering
Even for a small piece of trash, a fine of several hundred dollars is usually issued. Our friends told us it was $300. In cases that go to court, a fine of up to $2,000 for a first offense and a "Corrective Work Order"—where you wear a fluorescent vest and clean the streets—can be given.
2. Spitting on the Ground
In the same category as littering. There is a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense.
3. Eating and Drinking on the Subway
Eating and drinking on the MRT and in stations is prohibited. The penalty can go up to $500. If you want to drink water in the heat, wait until you exit the station.
4. Bringing Durian onto the Subway
The durian fruit, famous for its odor, is banned on subways, buses, and many hotels. You will see durian signs with a cross through them in stations.
5. Alcohol in Public Areas During Restricted Hours
In the video, my friends explain that it is forbidden to drink while walking in certain places. The rule is as follows: it is prohibited to consume alcohol in public places between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM. Some regions have longer restrictions. A fine of up to $1,000 can be issued for a first offense.
6. Smoking and E-cigarettes
Smoking is only allowed in designated areas; smoking in a prohibited area carries a fine of up to $1,000. E-cigarettes (vapes) are completely banned. Buying, using, and even possessing them is a punishable offense. Do not try to enter the country with a vape.
7. Not Flushing the Toilet
Yes, this exists too. The fine for not flushing a public toilet is around $150 for a first offense.
8. Crossing the Street on a Red Light or Outside a Crosswalk
A $50 fine for a first offense. In case of repetition, much heavier penalties and even imprisonment can come into play.
9. Feeding Pigeons and Wild Animals
Feeding pigeons and wild animals is prohibited, and the penalty can go up to $10,000.
10. Using a Scooter in the Wrong Place
Electric scooters are banned on sidewalks. The penalty for using them in the wrong place can be a few thousand dollars and jail time. In the video, our friends tell us the fine for this is $3,000.
11. Not Wearing a Seatbelt in the Back Seat
In Singapore, everyone in a car, including those in the back seat, is required to wear a seatbelt.
12. Unauthorized Street Performance and Selling
A license is required to perform music or sell anything on the street. My friends explained that it is left to the discretion of the police: they usually warn you first; if you insist, you get fined, and in the worst case, you are deported.
The Heaviest Penalties: Drugs, Vandalism, and Murder
Some crimes in Singapore carry the world's harshest penalties:
- Drug trafficking: The death penalty is prescribed for amounts exceeding certain limits. Drug use is also heavily penalized. Do not take any risks in this regard.
- Vandalism: Acts such as graffiti can result in prison and caning (whipping).
- Murder: The death penalty is prescribed for intentional killing.
Are the Rules Really Enforced This Strictly?
Interestingly, we also saw while traveling that the rules are not always strictly enforced. A man lying down in the back seat without a seatbelt, trash dropped on the ground, someone laying out a rug in the middle of a big square and selling animals... Our friends' summary was this: the rules are strict, but enforcement depends a bit on the discretion of the police and your attitude. Still, remember this: there are cameras everywhere in Singapore, and if you have done something, as long as you are within the country's borders, it is not very hard for them to find you.
The lesson I learned: If you act calm, respectful, and follow the rules in Singapore, you won't have any problems. Most of the rules are, after all, things that keep the city clean and safe.
Places We Visited in Singapore
Merlion Park
The Merlion statue, with a lion's head and a fish's body, spitting water from its mouth, is the symbol of Singapore. The word "Singapura" means "lion city" in Sanskrit. The statue looks out over Marina Bay, and across from it, you can see the famous silhouette of Marina Bay Sands.
Marina Bay Sands
A ship-shaped structure sitting on top of three towers. The pool at the top is exclusive to hotel guests, but it is possible to visit the shopping mall inside the building and go up to the paid observation deck for a city view.
Gardens by the Bay
A garden with giant "supertrees." Walking around Supertree Grove is free, and there is a free light and music show at the trees every evening. The walkway between the trees and the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest domes are paid. When we went, there was a cherry blossom exhibition with real sakura trees in the Flower Dome. We were waiting for Japan and Korea to see sakura, but we encountered it in Singapore.
My First Durian
We tried that famous fruit, which is even banned on the subway, at a stall in Gardens by the Bay. A box was around 10 Singapore dollars. The sellers were eating it with gloves. It didn't smell as bad as I expected; the lady selling it said some smell and some don't. My comment on its taste: neither very good nor disgusting. My life wouldn't be any different if I didn't eat it again. We asked about the seed; apparently, it's not edible.
A Brief Money Note for Singapore
Singapore's currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD). When we went, 1 US dollar was worth about 1.3 SGD; check the current exchange rate before you go. Paper money is plastic and doesn't tear. The 100 note is the largest used, though there are special larger banknotes as well. You can use a contactless bank card for public transport.
It is difficult to travel in Singapore without Grab, maps, and public transport apps. To avoid looking for a SIM card at the airport, you can check out Yırtık eSIM's Singapore and Asia packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it forbidden to chew gum in Singapore?
It is not forbidden to chew it, but it is forbidden to sell gum and bring it into the country for sale. Dropping gum on the ground requires a littering penalty.
What is the penalty for littering in Singapore?
A fine of several hundred dollars is usually issued for small items of trash. In cases that go to court, a fine of up to 2,000 SGD and a cleaning penalty can be given for a first offense.
Is it forbidden to drink water on the Singapore subway?
Yes. Eating and drinking are prohibited on the MRT and in stations, with a penalty of up to 500 SGD.
Can I take an e-cigarette to Singapore?
No. Buying, using, and possessing e-cigarettes is prohibited.
Is Singapore expensive?
Accommodation and alcohol are expensive; public transport and food centers called hawker centers are quite affordable. On this trip, we paid 1-2 SGD per person on the subway.
If you are curious about how we came to Singapore, you can check out my article on hitchhiking from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore. I explained ways to fly cheaply in my cheap flight ticket guide.
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