Travel essentials
Etiquette & Laws
Singapore is famously clean and orderly, and a few of its rules carry real fines — none are hard to follow, but they're worth knowing.
- On the MRT
- No eating or drinking on trains and buses — even water — and it's enforced with fines.
- Keep it tidy
- Littering, jaywalking and smoking outside designated zones all carry fines. Bins and crossings are never far.
- Chewing gum
- Selling and importing chewing gum is banned. Personal chewing won't get you in trouble, but don't bring it in quantity.
- Zero tolerance on drugs
- Drug offences carry extremely severe penalties, including the death penalty. Simply don't.
- Temples & mosques
- Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees — and remove your shoes before entering.
- “Chope” a seat
- At hawker centres, locals reserve a table by leaving a packet of tissues on it. Honour the custom.