What to know before you go
Chewing gum is banned — and littering is fined
CriticalSelling or importing chewing gum is illegal (therapeutic gum aside), and littering, spitting, or dropping a cigarette butt draws fines from S$300 upward. Singapore is genuinely strict about this.
No eating or drinking on the MRT
CriticalEating, drinking (even water), or carrying durian onto trains and stations is prohibited and fined up to S$500. Finish your kopi before you tap in.
Chope your seat with a tissue packet
ImportantAt hawker centres and food courts, a packet of tissues left on a seat or table means it's taken. Respect it, and use it yourself to hold a table before you queue for food.
Clear your own tray at hawker centres
ImportantReturning your tray is now required at hawker centres and food courts, with fines for repeat offenders. Stack plates at the tray-return points, sorted where bins are marked.
Racial and religious harmony is taken seriously
ImportantSingapore is multi-racial (Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian) and multi-faith. Casual remarks that mock a race or religion can cross legal lines under harmony laws — keep it respectful.
Jaywalking is an offence
Good to knowCross at signalised crossings or within 50m of one. Crossing against a red man or mid-road can be fined, and enforcement is real.