There are some weird and straight up crazy laws in Singapore that you may not be aware of! While things like jaywalking and littering have become regular fines in the western world, Singapore has taken it to another level. The focus on cleanliness creates a very structured city in an otherwise hectic corner of the world. Yet, as you’ll see, some of these strange Singapore laws will seem borderline absurd for many visitors. From chewing gum to hugging without permission, the laws in Singapore are something every tourist should know before their trip. Let’s review!
15 Weird Singapore Laws You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
1. Not Flushing the Toilet
Yes… Singapore literally has police walking around checking toilets. Is there anyone out there not in favor of this law? This should honestly be more than a fine! Please arrest anyone making public bathrooms more gross than they need to be.
Singapore Fine: $150
2. Singapore Chewing Gum
Outside of nicotine or medical reasons it’s illegal to buy and sell chewing gum in Singapore. Ill admit we’ve never been big gum people, and there’s really nothing more annoying than someone chomping on it loudly in your ear. So you’ll have to brush your teeth a little more because of the ban on Singapore chewing gum? Big deal.
We are kind of intrigued though. There must be some sort of black market, underground Singapore chewing gum world at work here right? Who’s the Juicy Fruit kingpin? The Doublemint Don of Singapore? We need answers!
Singapore Fine/Penalty: Up to $100,000 or 2 years in prison
3. Hugging Without Permission
If crazy Singapore laws about chewing didn’t shock you then this next one might. Ever confused when bumping into someone you haven’t seen in awhile? Are you constantly caught between a hug and an awkward handshake? Well in Singapore you’re gonna need to ask our permission before you hug us!
Singapore Fine: Undisclosed Amount
4. Spitting in Public
You’ll start to notice that some of these requirements are things that all people should abide by, and are not just Singapore laws tourists should know. Specifically, many of these weird Singapore laws are geared towards keeping the city clean.
The more you walk around Singapore the more you may start to appreciate it. We can all agree spitting is just a nasty habit, and littering is terrible for the environment. This will definitely make you think twice before you toss a soda can, or hawk a loogie onto the ground!
Singapore Fine/Penalty: $300-1000
5. Feeding Birds
Maybe in your own country it’s okay to bring some bird feed to the many pigeons in the park. Yet, due to the weird Singapore laws you’ll have to let the birds fend for themselves here! Unfortunately, they can’t become dependent on your charity wonder bread. You’ll have to save the bird food for somewhere else.
Singapore Fine: $500
6. No Durians
Most public places ban eating, or the sale of durians in Singapore. Why do you ask? Well it’s literally the stinkiest fruit you’ll ever smell! The actual taste may be up for debate depending on who you talk to, but the smell is certainly not. With so many delicious fruits available in Singapore at least you will have plenty to choose from if durians aren’t allowed.
Singapore Fine: $500
7. Eating on Public Transportation
While we’re on the topic of eating out… This is one of those weird Singapore laws that every tourist should know. How many times have you gotten on transit to work with a coffee, bagel, or some other type of snack on the go?
Well with the crazy laws in Singapore you better toss that out before you step on the train! Honestly, we weren’t loving this one until we saw how pristine the Singapore trains were. They seriously must have the cleanest public transportation in the world!
Singapore Fine: $500
8. No Fishing
Fishing is another activity that’s not allowed in Singapore. You’ll see signs around the rivers and canals of the city, and if you’re caught it’s punishable by a hefty fine. Still, if you’re dying to fish in Singapore there is designated lakes and reservoirs to cast your line out in.
Singapore Fine: Up to $3,000
More Strange & Crazy Singapore Laws
9. Urinating in Elevators
Apparently all elevators in Singapore are stocked with UDD’s (Urine Detection Device). This means if any urine is detected in the elevator, the doors lock automatically, and the perpetrator is stuck till the police arrive. Well obviously we’re in favor of pee detection technology, but the real question is how many people were doing this for it to become an actual issue?
*This also applies to other public places besides actual bathrooms.
Singapore Fine: $1,000
10. Smoking Restrictions
It’s obvious that smoking in public places is coming under scrutiny around the world, but Singapore has taken it to the next level. As you’re walking around the city you’ll actually see yellow boxes painted on the ground that you’re allowed to smoke inside of. If you light up a cig outside of one of those areas be prepared to be hit with a fine!
Singapore Fine: Up to $1,000
11. Attempting Suicide
On a serious note, this is one of the strange Singapore laws that we weren’t expecting to see. From what we’ve seen the quality of life is so good in Singapore that we aren’t sure why anyone would want to take their own life. At the same time though everyone has issues and you never know. Hopefully this a deterrent to anyone who thinks about harming themselves.
Singapore Fine/Penalty: Undisclosed fine amount and 1 year in jail
12. Public Gatherings after 10pm
Gatherings of three people or more after 10pm in Singapore is considered an offense. We’re a fan of the concept, but not necessarily the time… That’s a little early to have to ask you and your friends to pack it in. Now if we change that to 2am we’re 1000% in favor… Because we all know absolutely nothing good happens after 2am!
Singapore Fine: $1,000
13. Drug Consumption Prior to Entering the Country
Singapore has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. While this clearly increases safety and the general well being of the public, it still seems like a little much.
People are expected to abide by these laws during their time in Singapore, but to drug test them before even enter it? That’s wild! Direct flights from Amsterdam must get some serious attention.
Singapore Fine/Penalty: $20,000 and 10 years in prison
14. Connecting to Unsecured Wifi
Here’s another one of those crazy Singapore laws that tourists should really know. Connecting to an unsecured wifi network is considered hacking in the city.
We’ve never heard of this anywhere, and with so many open wifi’s in every big metropolis you could be looking for trouble. So don’t go connecting to those networks with no passwords thinking it’s all good!
Singapore Fine/Penalty: $10,000 fine and 3 years in prison
15. Walking Around Naked Inside Your House
You may be thinking my house, my rules. Simple as that! Yet in Singapore you need to be careful even inside your own home or hotel. If you’re strutting your stuff and someone catches a peak at you could actually be reported. The nudity law also applies to outside your house in case you were wondering.
Singapore Fine: $1,000
Ready for the Weird Singapore Laws?
As you can see, we do actually love most of these crazy Singapore laws. Everyday things like smoking and Singapore chewing game may seem over the top.
However, after spending time in the city you will learn to appreciate the clean environment and low crime rates. Be sure to check out our ultimate 2 day Singapore itinerary before your visit!
Where to Stay in Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands – We stayed at the Marina Bay Sands for Jake’s 30th birthday and it blew away our expectations. Aside from the luxury amenities, swimming in the rooftop infinity pool will be the highlight of your visit!
Iconic – Raffles Hotel – As one of the most historic hotels Southeast Asia, staying at the Raffles Hotel will be an experience like no other. Enjoy a Singapore Sling and take in the amazing architecture of this landmark built in 1887.
Fun Vacation– Parkroyal on Pickering– It doesn’t get much more green and lush then Parkroyal on Pickering! This fun vacation spot is literally one of the greenest hotels in the world. Plant life covers the entire property to make for a unique stay in Singapore.
Boutique – KēSa House – Located in Chinatown, this fantastic hotel was built in 1920’s. Enjoy the incredible setting in the heart of the city in a traditional building on Keong Saik Road.
Hostel – Hipstercity hostel – Fun hostel in downtown Singapore with both private and dorm rooms. Great place to meet other travelers to explore the city with.
How do you feel about these wild and strange Singapore laws? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Singapore Posts
Activities: 23 Fun Things to Do – Butterfly Garden – Chinatown – Supertree Grove – Gardens by the Bay – Marina Bay Sands – Haji Lane – Merlion Park – Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel – Singapore Jewel – Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Hawker Centers: 8 Must Try Hawkers – Maxwell – Old Airport Road – Tekka Centre – Chinatown Complex – Lau Pa Sat – Liao Fan Hawker Chan
Light Shows: Gardens by the Bay– Marina Bay – 2 Best in Singapore
Travel Tips: Singapore Airlines Review – Using the MRT – Changi Airport
Pin For Later ↓
Singapore Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Athens to Singapore for $230 USD, and Singapore to Thailand for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Singapore. You can book everything from a Singapore Highlights Bike Tour to a Gardens by the Bay E-Ticket, and even a private food tour with 10 tastings!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists! Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
