In Singapore, tourists must strictly avoid littering, chewing gum, smoking outside designated areas, jaywalking, and public drunkenness, as these carry heavy fines and penalties. Respect strict laws regarding public order, such as avoiding public displays of affection, not bringing in banned substances, and not engaging in unauthorized demonstrations.
Culturally wise, shorts are fine, very common for both men and women to wear these in SG. But do take note of places or events, that you are going to, if there's any dress codes.
The "60/90-day rule" in Singapore refers to immigration guidelines limiting short-term visitors (especially Malaysians) to a maximum stay of 60 days within any 90-day period, preventing long-term use of social visit passes (STVP) to circumvent work permit rules, though initial grants are often 30 days, extendable up to 90 days total with fees and approval from the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Frequent entries and exits, or staying close to the limit, trigger scrutiny, with immigration officers assessing your history to prevent abuse, so always plan visits carefully.
Travellers can help to the cleanliness, social cohesion, and cultural sensitivity of the city by abstaining from behaviours such as littering, jaywalking, and public displays of affection, as well as by observing rules about things like smoking and chewing gum.
In Singapore, DO follow strict rules like queuing, using designated crossings, and respecting cultural norms (modest dress at religious sites). DON'T litter, chew gum (import/sale banned), eat/drink on public transport, jaywalk, or be loud in public, as fines are hefty, and it's a very clean, orderly city with strict laws, including harsh drug penalties. Also, carry some cash for hawker centers and don't tip.
Widely known as Section 55, it allows the home affairs minister to detain or place someone associated with crime under police supervision, for security reasons. It has been used in cases when prosecution was not viable, as witnesses refused to provide evidence for fear of reprisal.
Explosives, grenades, bombs, switchblades, butterfly knives, balisongs, and daggers are also prohibited. Under the Singapore Copyright Act, you cannot import any counterfeit goods including, fake designer items, electronics, software, DVDs, music, or any other items that infringe copyright rules.
What do I need to declare when entering Singapore?
What to declare? Under Singapore's laws, arriving travellers are required to declare and pay the duty and Goods and Services Tax (GST) to bring in dutiable and taxable goods exceeding their duty-free concession and GST relief. This is applicable whether the goods were purchased overseas or in Singapore.
If you are entering or leaving Singapore carrying a total value of Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments (CBNI)1 exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency), you are required by law to make a CBNI declaration (Form NP 727) by submitting a full and accurate report to the Singapore Police ...
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
You can wear shorts or jeans combined with a T-shirt and sneakers. Feel free to mix and match familiar items such as dresses, t-shirts, jackets, hoodies.
So while Singapore's warm and humid climate encourages the use of open-toed footwear, it's essential for both Singaporeans and expats to select footwear that offer the necessary support for their feet.
Gum chewing and selling is prohibited in Singapore. Smoking and use of tobacco products are prohibited for people below 18 years of age. It is an offence for a person to smoke in non-smoking areas and indoor premises listed under the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Act.
The "Five Cs of Singapore"—namely, cash, car, credit card, condominium and country club—is a phrase used in Singapore to refer to the materialist mindset and expectations viewed as prevalent in Singaporean society.
What are the strict rules in Singapore for tourists?
Singapore has strict laws for 'outrage of modesty' offences or being drunk and disorderly in public. You should avoid any action that could be interpreted as molestation, including inappropriate touching or language. Penalties include jail, fines and caning. You should be aware of local sensitivities.
Under the Customs Act 1960, Singapore-registered vehicles are required to have a minimum amount of motor fuel (at least three-quarters of the tank) when leaving Singapore via the land checkpoints. This is commonly referred to as the “three-quarter tank rule”.
As a passenger, What kind of goods do I have to declare? Passengers must declare all kinds of goods when the value exceed AED3,000 and the declaration for personal belonging less than AED3,000 is not required.
Singapore attire is pretty specific because you want to be cool and comfortable outside while understanding that being indoors can be very different. It's not a place where people wear skimpy outfits, instead they tend to wear shorts or skirts and a t-shirt or a dress.
Knives (including hunting knives, swords, and pocket knives)
Scissors and any other sharp/bladed objects (e.g. ice-pick, nail clippers, embroidery, crocheting and knitting needles) considered illegal by local law.
Weapons such as whips, nan-chakus, baton, or stun gun.
However, avoid kissing and fondling in public. Streets in Singapore are closely monitored so bear that in mind when you get the urge to cross the street somewhere convenient other than a pedestrian crossing. You are risking both a fine and upto 6 months in prison.
When the police arrest you, they can search you, your things, and any place that they think might have evidence. E.g., search your house, workplace, vehicle, computer and handphone.
