15 Things You Can't Do In Singapore

15+ Surprising Things You Can't Do in Singapore (And Why It Matters!)

On our first visit to Singapore, we were struck by how clean and organised the city felt. Poor planning on our part really, we arrived pretty unprepared and hadn't realised that Singapore has many rules. And rules that we'd broken. Ouch!

It's true that Singapore is referred to as the cleanest and most efficient city in the world — and it’s easy to see why. But that sparkling skyline and squeaky-clean streets come with some of the strictest laws you’ll find anywhere else. And it's citizens follow them. And hence the other stuff follows. There is little crime in Singapore and you can feel it.

And (we)** ahem **-mostly-Si - un-kowingly broke some of these rules when we spent 72 hours in Singapore. Not intentionally of course (sorry Singapore & Singaporeans for our amazing trip!), but purely bad planning & ignorance on our part. Actually we didn't know these before we visited and have put together a quick guide so you don't have to go on the naught step. Also there a cameras everywhere. Again we liked this and felt really safe but knowing these rules exist now makes us realise that these camera are there to enforce rule following which are intended to keep us safe/in line (which of course the two go hand in hand). If you're planning a visit to Singapore, here’s a handy list of things you definitely can’t do in Singapore — plus a few bonus tips that could save you from an awkward (or expensive) moment. And as a tourist, that likes to respect the local culture, laws and people. It's something I wish we'd known before we came.

1. Chewing Gum (Unless It’s Prescribed)

You can’t buy or bring in regular chewing gum. You wont find gum in the shops. Therapeutic gum like nicotine patches is okay with a prescription. You won't step in any used gum on the floor and chewing it will get you funny looks. It's not allowed. Erm...that is not my suermarket multi pack of chuds in my bag Sir. A bad man came, put them there and ran away. I think he went that way.

2. Littering

Singapore takes cleanliness seriously. Even minor littering can lead to hefty fines or public cleaning penalties. And we love this about Singapore. Littering should be took this seriously. But honestly in the streets, there was not a single speck of litter. Not even a runaway wrapper. Not even in the shrubbery or the plants in the middle of the roads. Not a speck. I've never seen streets so clean.

3. Jaywalking

Cross only at pedestrian crossings or risk a fine — it’s enforced, even if the street looks empty. We were so guilty of this. It's the Western way - you cross wherever and whenever you can. We did feel like rebels doing this because nobody followed and that should have made us realise but we're sorry Singapore - we'll not do this again now that we know.

4. Eating or Drinking on Public Transport

Snacking on the MRT or bus can earn you a fine. Even water is off-limits. Oops guilty as charged officer, throw away the keys. We all drank our waters un-knowingly on the MRT but did see a sign when on there and swiftly put our bottles away. And a few locals looking at us... and then their shoes... and then back at us... like put the god damned water away.

5. Spitting in Public

Public hygiene is a top priority. Spitting is considered an offence and is fined accordingly and rightly so. I mean come on it's gross. Not guilty your honour.

6. Vandalism or Graffiti

Writing or scratching on public property is illegal. In severe cases, offenders may be caned. Now we love a graffiti street (hello Barcelona, hello Berlin, hello Ibiza) and we actually appreciate the art. But this rule ensures you will see zero graffiti around Singapore. Not even a naughty willy on a motorway bridge (that makes me wonder how the hell they got up there to do that) anyway... mind wanders. NO GRAFFITi you heard me!

7. Smoking Outside Designated Areas

Smoke only in marked smoking zones. Many outdoor spaces, Parks, bus stops, and walkways are smoke-free. We like this. Non - smokers that appreciate not having to breateh cigarette smoke in anywhere. Love this rule.

8. Vaping or Using E-Cigarettes

All forms of vaping are illegal. Don’t bring your e-cig with you. We're not smokers anyway but yes you won't see anyone with a plastic puffer hanging out of there gob in a cloud of fake sticky sweet poison waft. And it's quite nice tbf.

9. Not Flushing Public Toilets

It’s an offence not to flush after using a public toilet. Some even have sensors to detect this that shoot you in the bum! That last part is not true. But the sensors part is.

10. Singing Vulgar Songs in Public

Loud, offensive music or singing can be seen as a public nuisance.

11. Using Unsecured Wi-Fi

Accessing someone else’s Wi-Fi without permission is considered illegal under cybercrime laws. It's a pretty strict thing in Singapore.

12. Disrespecting Religion

Singapore is a multi-faith nation. Insulting or mocking any religion is taken very seriously. And this is how many faiths come together in one space, looking to live pretty harmoniously from our outside perspective.

13. Feeding Pigeons

This might seem harmless, but it’s banned to prevent overpopulation and mess.

14. Fireworks Without a Permit

Only government-approved fireworks are allowed. DIY celebrations = big trouble.

15. Dancing in Unlicensed Venues

Bars and clubs need a special license to allow dancing. Otherwise, it’s a no-go.

Mad eh!? Let us know if we've missed any and I can add them here. There's actually loads more. It's crazy really to think we felt so free and safe when we visited Singapore. But we didn't know these rules. Now we know them, I'm wondering how this makes the experience of Singapore feel on our next visit. I'll let you know....

Bonus Tips:

• There's No alcohol sales after 10:30 PM in shops. WHAAAT NOOOO We'll Die. We've got kids!

• No durians on public transport due to their extreme smell. Amen they stink.

• No skinny dipping or nudity at beaches. Oops.

• No password sharing for streaming accounts — it could count as cybercrime! So giving your mates the Netflix password. NO.

• Don’t publicly criticize the government — defamation laws are strict. These rules are for our protection, not our enslavement you hear me.

Anyway, we LOVED our time in Singapore and plan to return in 2025 and this time we come armed with our full list of rules and by golly we intend to adhere to them. I'll be getting Si a belt too. We hope you found this post helpful. Did you know some of these rules? Have I missed any? Let me know in the comments.

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