Visiting Singapore is always popular among travelers if only in most cases it is a short visit. Traveling to Singapore is always very popular among travelers. Singapore is a little island cosmopolitan city-state on the bottom tip of the Malay peninsula in Southeast Asia. And is often called the Lion City. Singapore is a small city-state on the bottom tip of the Malay peninsula in Southeast Asia. And is often called the Lion City. There are a few dos and don’ts in Singapore you need to be aware of.
Singapore is a melting pot of culture, Singapore’s diversity is a huge part of what makes it a great place to visit. From ethnic enclaves from Chinatown to Little India, each with its traditions, to shiny skyscrapers across the city skyline, as well as the mix of old and new buildings.
However, there are a few rules, taboos, and quirks you should be aware of so as not to offend anyone or worse. Let’s go through the general do’s and don’ts while in Singapore.
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- Singapore Travel Guide
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General Dos And Don’ts In Singapore
There are a few laws in Singapore that you should be aware of so as not to offend anyone or even worse you could end up in prison.
Here is a list of a few do’s and don’ts that you may not be aware of.
Definitely, DON’T Use Illegal Drugs
Drugs in Singapore are a no-no. If you get caught, you will face prison and maybe the death penalty.
No matter how much substance is found in someone’s possession, they will find themselves at the mercy of the law.
Possession of illegal substances and drug trafficking are considered a heinous crime. This is even subject to capital punishment.
DON’T Jaywalk
Jaywalking is not only an American thing but it means the reckless or illegal crossing of pedestrians on roads.
In Singapore, make sure you look for pedestrian lanes and specified areas to cross the streets to avoid any accidents or fines.
DON’T Chew Chewing Gum
Singapore police take cleanliness seriously in Singapore. The reason chewing gum was banned is that gum was been stuck under seats, in elevators, and on pavements which led to time-consuming and costly measures to clean.
If caught, the fines are up to S$1000 and the law is strictly enforced.
DO Dress Appropriately
Simply Singapore is very humid and hot. It’s advisable to wear light clothes.
Remember, if showing too much skin you may not be allowed to enter religious buildings.
DON’T Drink Eat Or Smoke On The MRT
Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is the fastest and most efficient way to move around during your stay.
Most of Singapore’s key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.
It’s advised to learn the network’s routes. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) management strictly prohibits all passengers from bringing in food and drinks within the station premises, waiting areas included.
If caught, the fines are up to S$500.
It’s recommended that if carrying food, you should try and hide it in your bag. And remember that if you carry the durian fruit it will stink up the place, so don’t bring this particular fruit at all.
DO Use Public Transportation
The public bus network is also an efficient way of getting around with the added bonus of scenic views.
Taxis are expensive and you don’t really need them with the bus network and MRT.
DON’T Smoke in Public
Smoking is illegal in public places in Singapore. Don’t smoke in cinemas, theatres, government offices, restaurants, and shopping centers.
If caught, the fines are up to S$1000 and the law is strictly enforced.
Cultural Do’s And Don’ts In Singapore
Like any other country in the world, Singapore has a few cultural dos and don’ts.
Here is a list of a few cultural do’s and don’ts in Singapore that you may not be aware of.
DO Look Out For Packets Of Tissue Paper / Umbrellas On Tables
Before you sit down at a table in a food center or coffee shop, check for packets of tissue paper or umbrellas.
Singaporeans have a peculiar habit of reserving their seats with these items, while they queue up for food.
Don’t Bring Up Religion Or Politics
Generally, this is something worldwide not to discuss openly for obvious reasons. Singapore generally has a high level of religious tolerance and racial harmony in this society.
It’s still not advised not to openly talk about it.
DO Take Your Shoes Off, If Entering Someone’s Home
This is generally a cultural thing in Asia. Shoes are considered dirty and may be considered disrespectful if you don’t take your shoes off when entering someone’s house.
Recommended to wear clean socks. And remember the humidity in Singapore can cause bad body odor.
DO Address People By Their Titles
In Singapore, if addressing someone, it is advised to use the titles of Mr., Mrs., or Miss.
Recommended that you only use their first names when asked to.
Do’s And Don’ts In Singapore Airport
Changi Airport is the main airport in Singapore. The same rules apply to any other airport around the world.
Here are a few don’ts in Changi airport that you may not be aware of but are common sense.
DON’T Use Hover Boards Or Any Other Similar Device
At Changi Airport personal transporters, such as hoverboards, unicycle scooters, and other similar devices are not allowed to be used.
They are not allowed to be used in any part of the Airport Premises including the Skytrain, car parks, roadway systems, and MRT-linked bridge.
DON’T Use Bicycles, Scooter Bikes, Roller Blades, And Skateboards
You are not allowed to use self-powered transporters such as bicycles, scooter bikes, roller blades or roller skates, and skateboards.
They are not allowed to be used in any part of the Airport Premises including the Skytrains, car parks, roadway systems, and MRT-linked bridges.
DO NOT Play Sporting Games
You are not allowed to play games such as frisbees, all forms of ball and racquet games, drones, and kite flying are not allowed in any part of the Airport.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, Singapore is a great place to visit but it does have a few rules, taboos, and quirks you should be aware of so as not to get into any unnecessary trouble. Most of them are nothing new other than chewing being banned and Singapore’s policies on cleanliness.
And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on the general dos and don’ts in Singapore was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if you go.
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