As any good traveler knows, it’s important to respect rules and social norms — especially when you’re a guest in somebody’s country!
After the arrival of the Singapore arrival card for US citizens, many travellers have added this small yet charming country to their bucket list. However, there are some very useful things to know before you buy that ticket and pack your bags.
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore, be sure to keep these dos and don’ts in mind:
Carry cash
Singapore is full of vending machines for snacks, drinks, and tickets. Coins and cash come in handy for these smaller purchases, so try not to rely too much on bank cards and always have a certain amount of cash with you.
Use public transport
Using public transport in Singapore is not only efficient, but also much more budget-friendly than taking a taxi.
Typically, Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is the fastest and most convenient way to get around the country. Likewise, many of Singapore’s tourist attractions are within walking distance of the metro or bus station.
To make it easier, there are numerous applications that you can use to track your transportation and figure out where to go.
Don’t be afraid to try food from the street vendors
Although street food has a slightly dodgy reputation abroad, you won’t need to worry when ordering from a hawker center in Singapore! In fact, you can find some of the best local food at these ubiquitous stalls found all around the country.
From wanton noodles to bubble tea, nasi lemak, and chili crab, you’ll be spoiled for choice here. Where else can you try a Michelin-starred dish from a street food stall? Only in Singapore! For just $2.50, you can enjoy a delicious plate of soya sauce chicken at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, which received a Michelin star in 2016.
Don’t litter
Singapore has a reputation for being spotlessly clean thanks to its strict rules and harsh laws. Any violation of these rules is punished with huge fines: for example, if you throw a cigarette butt or any other type of rubbish on the ground, you will be fined a tidy sum — to the excess of $1,000 SGD.
Don’t connect to unsecured Wi-Fi
In Singapore, connecting to someone else’s unsecured network is tantamount to hacking and can land you in some pretty big trouble.
However, there’s no need to worry: you can access free Wi-Fi all around Singapore, not to mention hotels and cafes. You can find official WiFi networks under the name “Free Wi-Fi” — just make sure that it is password protected or requires registration.
No chewing gum
You may have heard of this odd rule before — and it’s absolutely true!
To keep Singapore clean, there has been a ban on chewing gum since 1992. This is due to the fact that the city government had to spend a large amount of money and resources to clean public places of discarded chewing gum.
In Singapore, gum can only be purchased from a pharmacy with a prescription for medicinal purposes. Before traveling to Singapore, be sure to check your pockets and dispose of any gum you may have. If you’re caught with chewing gum, you could face a fee of up to $1,000.
Avoid walking in the streets late at night
In Singapore, there’s an unwritten rule about public gatherings. If you decide to take a walk with friends late in the evening, you run the risk of being fined or even taken to the police station.
That’s because it’s officially forbidden for groups of more than three people to gather after 10 pm in a public area. Although it sounds odd, the government put this rule into place because they believe that preventing unlawful gatherings will help keep peace and stability in the country.
Don’t do this on the MRT…
Besides chewing gum and gathering late at night, there are also several interesting laws regarding the MRT.
In the metro, it is absolutely forbidden to sleep and make loud noises or commotion. Likewise, it is forbidden to eat and drink, as well as carry food with a strong odor (like those famous durian fruits!). If you’re craving a snack or need a sip of water, it’s best to get out of the metro and do so elsewhere.
No need to leave a tip
Although the practice of tipping is an integral part of many cultures around the world, this rule doesn’t apply in Singapore. The country takes a different attitude to tipping because employees are paid a fair wage and/or there is a 10% service fee already added to the bill.
By remembering these dos and don’ts in mind, you can avoid fines, have a stress-free trip, and enjoy Singapore to its fullest!
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