Singapore: One Fine City

With its reputation for impeccable cleanliness and safety, the city-state is also home to some of the most bizarre laws around everyday activities. Although many of these could be considered harmless in your home country, remember to think twice before acting next time you’re in town!

1. Chewing Gum

One of the most well-known laws among foreigners, Singapore strictly enforces a ban on importing chewing gum. However, as a result of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement, the ban has been partially lifted. Since 2004, licensed professionals are allowed to sell “therapeutic” gum to those with medical prescription.  

2. Late night public drinking

 Due to an increase in cases of rioting linked to consumption of alcohol, a recent law effective as of   April 1^st, 2015 prohibits drinking in public places from 10:30 pm to 7am. Under the new law, sales     of takeaway alcohol are also banned. Those convicted could be fined up to 1,000 SGD while repeated offences could face up to 3 months in prison.

3. Not flushing the toilet 

It is against the law to not flush the toilet after use. Random spot checks are conducted from time to time. If you are caught failing to flush a public toilet, it can cost you up to 500 SGD.

4. Littering

 “Accidentally” dropped your candy wrapper? Litterers can face a 1,000 SGD fine as well as community work orders, where they have to pick up trash in public while donning a “CWO” vest, intended to publicly embarrass convicted offenders. Along with littering, spitting is also banned in Singapore.

5. Tapping into unsecured internet connection

Trying to “borrow” your neighbor’s Wi-Fi? Violation of the Computer Misuse Act could lead to a 10,000 SGD fine and up to three years in jail. Make sure to ask for permission before accessing an unsecured wireless network!