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NOMORO Team
10 July 2026

Don’t Get Fined! 5 Unique Rules in Singapore Often Broken by Tourists

Singapore is a dream destination for many travelers. It is clean, incredibly safe, hyper-modern, and packed with jaw-dropping attractions like the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, the bustling shopping strips of Orchard Road, and the foodie heaven of local hawker centers. It is a place where everything runs like clockwork.

However, Singapore is also fondly and sometimes jokingly referred to by locals and expats as a "fine city." This nickname plays on a double meaning: while it is an absolutely fine and beautiful place to live, you can also get a hefty financial fine for actions you might consider completely normal or harmless back home.

The Singaporean government takes public order, cleanliness, and civic responsibility very seriously. For first-time visitors, navigating the local legal landscape can feel like walking through a minefield of unexpected regulations. To help you enjoy a smooth, stress-free vacation without accidentally draining your travel budget on government penalties, let’s look at 5 unique rules in Singapore that tourists frequently break.

1. The Strict Ban on Chewing Gum

This is perhaps Singapore’s most famous piece of legislation, yet it still catches thousands of travelers off guard every year. Since 1992, the import, sale, and manufacture of chewing gum have been completely illegal under the Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations (Singapore Statutes Online, n.d.).

The rule was established after irresponsible individuals repeatedly stuck used gum on elevator buttons, inside keyholes, and on the sensors of the then-new MRT public train system, causing massive disruptions and expensive maintenance delays.

  • The Reality for Tourists: You won’t get arrested simply for having a half-empty pack of gum in your pocket for personal use. However, if you are caught importing it in large quantities, selling it, or worse, spitting it out onto the street, you can face a first-time fine of up to $1,000 SGD (~12 million IDR). Keep your breath fresh with mints instead while exploring the city!

2. Zero Tolerance for Snacking on Public Transport

If you are hopping onto Singapore’s pristine Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network or boarding a public bus, keep your snacks packed tightly inside your bag. Under the Rapid Transit Systems Act, consuming any food or drinks, even plain mineral water or a tiny piece of candy is strictly prohibited within MRT stations and inside the trains (Land Transport Authority, 2024).

The law is designed to keep the transport system exceptionally clean, free of unpleasant odors, and safe from pests like rats or cockroaches that could damage underground wiring.

  • The Reality for Tourists: Station staff and transit officers monitor platforms via CCTV and foot patrols. If you are caught taking a sip of your iced boba tea or munching on a pastry, you can receive an immediate fine of up to $500 SGD (~6 million IDR). Finish your refreshments completely before you pass through the station gantry.

3. Forgetting to Flush a Public Toilet

In many parts of the world, leaving a public restroom stall without flushing is considered bad manners. In Singapore, it is an actual offense against the law. Under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations, failing to flush a public toilet after use is an illegal act monitored by National Environment Agency (NEA) officials (Singapore Statutes Online, n.d.).

Singapore places immense cultural value on public hygiene, and this rule ensures that shared facilities remain pleasant and sanitary for everyone.

  • The Reality for Tourists: While many public restrooms in modern malls and tourist hubs now feature automated flushing sensors, some older establishments still rely on manual handles. Failing to check behind you can result in a fine of up to $1,000 SGD (~12 million IDR) for a first offense. Always make sure the water runs before you walk away!

4. Connecting to an Unsecured Wi-Fi Network (Wi-Fi Stealing)

Imagine you are walking down the street, running low on internet data, and your phone suddenly detects an open, unsecured Wi-Fi network listed as "Home_WiFi" or "Guest_Net." Your first instinct might be to tap connect to check your maps. Doing this in Singapore can technically get you arrested.

Under Section 6 of the Computer Misuse Act, accessing a wireless network without explicit permission from the owner is classified as hacking, or "unauthorized access to computer material" (Singapore Statutes Online, n.d.).

  • The Reality for Tourists: The government views using someone else's internet connection without their knowledge as a form of cyber theft. If the network owner reports the intrusion, offenders can face severe penalties, including a massive fine of up to $10,000 SGD (~120 million IDR) or even jail time. Stick to verified public networks like "Wireless@SGx" or use your own secure connection.

5. Walking Around Naked in Your Own Hotel Room

This is a quirky rule that catches many holidaymakers by surprise. In Singapore, your hotel room or rented apartment is not entirely private if the public can see inside. Under Section 27A of the Miscellaneous Offenses (Public Order and Nuisance) Act, appearing naked in a private place while being exposed to public view is treated as a form of public nuisance (Singapore Statutes Online, n.d.).

If you leave your hotel curtains wide open while undressing or walking around without clothes, and a neighbor or someone on the street spots you, they can file a complaint with the authorities.

  • The Reality for Tourists: If you are found guilty of exposing yourself to public view, you can face a fine of up to $2,000 SGD (~24 million IDR) or up to three months in prison. To keep your privacy secure and avoid any awkward legal misunderstandings, remember to pull your blackout curtains shut the moment you walk into your accommodation.

Avoid Legal Traps, Stay Safely Connected with NOMORO

Exploring a unique, orderly city-state like Singapore means you need to be smart and adaptable. Because local rules are strictly enforced and public Wi-Fi networks come with strict security laws, having your own private, reliable internet access isn't just a matter of convenience—it is a crucial tool to keep you out of trouble.

Think about it: you need a constant connection to check real-time maps, research local laws before you act, translate signage, or look into train station policies. Standing in long airport queues to buy physical SIM cards or risking heavy international roaming fees can ruin the mood of your holiday completely.

This is exactly why modern travelers trust NOMORO to guide their journeys.

NOMORO makes international data access simple, fast, and completely stress-free. As a premium digital eSIM application, NOMORO replaces old-fashioned plastic SIM cards with instant, over-the-air activation. Whether you are planning a weekend shopping trip to Singapore, a multi-city tour through Southeast Asia, or a long-term global adventure, NOMORO has an array of flexible country, regional, and global data plans tailored perfectly to your schedule.

Setting up NOMORO takes less than five minutes. You simply browse the application, select your destination plan, and install your eSIM by scanning a digital QR code before your trip even begins. The exact moment your flight touches down at Changi Airport, your smartphone connects directly to the fastest local 4G/5G networks, giving you instant access to the digital world.

NOMORO functions as more than a basic data provider; it serves as a smart travel companion. Inside the intuitive app, you will discover a curated feed of travel inspiration, expert destination guides, and practical tips and tricks to help you navigate your location like a seasoned insider.

To make your vacation preparation entirely effortless, NOMORO integrates seamlessly with Doku. This means you can pay for or top up your data plans using your favorite local digital payment options. Whether you prefer checking out with QRIS, Virtual Accounts (VA), GoPay, OVO, Dana, ShopeePay, or international cards like Amex, your transactions are processed instantly and securely.

Why gamble with public Wi-Fi risks or face unexpected roaming charges when you can travel with complete freedom? Stay smart, respect local guidelines, and keep your connection seamless. Download the NOMORO app today via Nomoromobile.com and explore Singapore with absolute peace of mind.

NOMORO: Travel internet made simple.

References 

  • Land Transport Authority. (2024). MRT system rules and regulations for commuters. Government of Singapore. https://www.lta.gov.sg/
  • National Environment Agency. (2025). Public cleanliness and hygiene enforcement guidelines in Singapore. Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. https://www.nea.gov.sg/
  • Singapore Statutes Online. (n.d.). Computer Misuse Act 1993 (2020 Revised Edition). Attorney-General's Chambers. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/CMA1993
  • Singapore Statutes Online. (n.d.). Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act 1906 (2020 Revised Edition). Attorney-General's Chambers. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/Act/MOPOA1906
  • Singapore Statutes Online. (n.d.). Regulation of Imports and Exports (Chewing Gum) Regulations. Attorney-General's Chambers. https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/RIEA1995-RG4


Terakhir diperbarui: 2 months ago