Like many others, we’ve had our fair share of close calls with unknown laws and regulations when visiting a country, whether that be Jaywalking, parking against the flow of traffic on a main road. or more recently, the use of masks in certain locations. It’s always good to be in know before you go.
As we’ve highlight in our original Singapore Travel post, Singapore is considered a ‘fine’ city with plenty of laws worth noting before you travel to this cultural hub.
Disclaimer…
There is a reason we keep going back to Singapore, it’s a beautiful country with a lot to offer the people that visit and live there. We completely appreciate countries from around the world harbour different opinons, religions and cultures. It’s important to us that we respect these laws where ever we travel.
The ban of the consumption of chewing gum first came into fruition in Singapore in 1992. In a country where cleaniness has been personified through various laws, making it illegal to litter, graffiti, expel “mucus from the nose” (sorry… I know) and urinate anywhere but in a toilet. Chewing gum is no exception. However, since 2004 chewing gum has been legalised for theraputic purposes, including for nicotine addiction. Whilst the law has become more lenient, and you are able to take gum into the country for personal use. You may still be met with a fine if caught chewing gum without a prescription.
Cleanliness and toilet based laws are ubiquitous in Singapore. When nature calls, it’s best to know how to stay on the right side of the law. I mean, we should all be flushing the toilet after use. But in Singapore, it’s a must. Not doing so could mean a fine, and if you’re not able to pay the fine, it could result in a jail sentence.
Not to be mistaken with drinking alcohol in a licensed venue, which is certainly legal. Ever since the Little India riot of 2013, consumption of alcohol in a public area in Singapore, that isn’t a licensed bar or restaurant, is illegal between 10:30pm and 7am. So make sure to finish up your drinks, or take the party to one of Singapore’s many bars and restaurants!
I suppose most people at some point in their life have fed wild birds. Whether that’s the pigeons in Trafalgar Square, or a flock of ducks aside a canal. In Singapore, you might want to veer away from temptation. First time offenders could receive a hefty fine for feeding pigeons (amongst other animals) under the newly reinforced Wildlife Act.
One of the many perks of Singapore’s MRT is the speed it is able to move you around the country, with ease, and its immaculate aesthetic, boasting a clean and hygenic atmosphere for you to enjoy on your travels. But all of this comes at a price… and no it’s not the reasonably priced MRT fare. It’s simply to withstand temptation to eat or drink whilst aboard a train or inside an MRT station. If you’re caught doing so, it could lead to a fine and most likely, plenty of disapproving looks.
It is worth noting that for new mothers the governing body for the MRT does allow breastfeeding on their trains and buses.
A sad fact for Singapore’s kite-flying community who reflect on an era where Singapore’s sky used to be a spectacle of colourful kites for enjoyment and celebrations. Since 1969, to protect those working in the aviation industry, laws and restrictions have been placed on where you’re able to fly a kite, the height of its flight, and the requirement of a permit. So, if your intention is to fly a kite on your travels to Singapore, I would check in with the CAAS website first!
It might not surprise you that smoking is prohibited in many areas around Singapore. Not to worry though, as for those partial to a cigarette there are designated areas around the country, which must be used to avoid risk of a fine. It is also illegal to smoke if you are under the age of 21, and if caught smoking under age it could land you a fine of up to S$300. It’s worth taking note of where you can and can not smoke before your next trip. Find out more here.
This is actually a law in many countries. For example in the UK, it’s just worded slightly differently: “Using an electronics communications service with the intent to avoid paying”. However, in Singapore they’ve not left much to be misinterpreted. Connecting to someone elses wifi without their consent can hold serious ramifications for the perpetrator. It’s worth noting, that there are plenty of free public wifi spots throughout Singapore, where it is perfectly legal to connect to and attend to your online to-do list.