Before you land in Singapore, read this! Learn the top 10 things tourists should NEVER do in Singapore—told in a local’s voice with humor and tips.
Let’s be real: Singapore is clean, safe, and super tourist-friendly. But that doesn’t mean you can’t mess things up—trust me, I’ve seen it happen more times than I’ve eaten chicken rice (which is a lot). Whether you’re here for 3 days or 3 weeks, here’s your go-to guide on what not to do in Singapore.
Because no one wants to be the blur tourist everyone’s silently judging.
1. Chewing Gum Like You’re in the 90s? Nope.
Yes, you’ve heard it—and it’s true. Singapore banned the sale of chewing gum in the early 2000s because people couldn’t stop sticking it on MRT doors and lift buttons (ew, by the way). You won’t get arrested for chewing it, but don’t try bringing a suitcase full into the country. Customs officers don’t mess around.
Pro Tip: Just don’t chew. Go get a kopi instead—way more local.
2. Forgetting to Tap Your MRT Card? That Beep Matters.
If you’re taking the MRT (and you totally should), make sure you tap in and out with your card properly. If you don’t, you might get charged the full fare or worse—confused stares from aunties behind you in the queue.
And if you try to rush through without paying… let’s just say, Singaporeans will stare you down. Passive-aggressively.
3. Crossing the Road Like It’s GTA? Good luck.
Jaywalking is illegal here, and you will get fined if caught. Plus, have you seen our roads? Drivers here are polite but not psychic. Use the crossing, wait for the green man, and please—don’t run like you’re in a Mission Impossible chase scene.
2022 Report: There were 526 pedestrian-related accidents, with 57 fatalities
4. Throwing Trash Wherever You Want – Big Mistake
Singapore is sparkling clean for a reason: we don’t tolerate littering. If you toss that drink cup or tissue on the ground, be prepared for a fine or, worse, an angry auntie scolding you loudly in Hokkien.
Real Talk: There are bins everywhere. Use them lah.
5. Being Rude to Service Staff – You’ll Get the Stink Eye
Singaporeans are chill, but we do expect basic manners. Saying “thank you” and “can I have…” goes a long way. Don’t snap your fingers at the hawker stall uncle—unless you want a legendary eye roll and possibly a “no more chicken rice for you.”
6. Assuming Everyone Speaks Chinese – Nope.
Singapore is super diverse. We’ve got Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and many other cultures blending together. English is our main language. Don’t just shout “ni hao” at every local—it’s awkward, and half the time you’ll be talking to a Malay or Indian Singaporean who’s like, “bruh…”
Best bet: Just say “hello” or a friendly “eh bro!” if you wanna sound local.
7. Smoking Anywhere You Want – Big No-No
We’ve got very specific smoking zones here. Light up outside of those zones, and you’re looking at a fine of up to SGD 1,000. That’s like 200 plates of nasi lemak
Smoker’s Tip: Look for yellow boxes on the floor in public areas. That’s your safe zone.
8. Eating on the MRT – Are You Trying to Start a Riot?
This is sacred. Do. Not. Eat. Or drink. On. The. Train.
Even water, bro. You’ll get fined. Or you’ll get judged into oblivion. Singaporeans are quiet on the train, but they see everything.
9. Skipping the Hawker Centres – What Are You Doing?!
Some tourists come here and only eat in malls or hotels. WHY? You’re in the land of $4 Michelin-starred chicken rice! Hawker centres are safe, cheap, and delicious. Yes, they’re hot and noisy—but that’s where the magic is.
10. Thinking Singapore Is “Just a Stopover” – Rude.
We may be small, but we’re mighty. Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, Arab Street, Botanic Gardens, HDB murals, Pulau Ubin… come on lah. Singapore is more than the airport (though Changi is amazing, I’ll admit).
Give us more than a layover—you won’t regret it.
First thing First
I love this little island. And I love it even more when tourists come, explore, and leave saying, “Whoa, Singapore is way cooler than I thought.” So learn from our quirks, don’t chew gum, and for goodness’ sake, eat at the hawker centre.
Enjoy your trip and don’t say I never warn you hor.
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