🇸🇬💸How Not to Get Fined in Singapore

🍬 Chewing Gum (Yes, Really)

In Singapore, chewing gum isn’t banned outright, but importing or selling it (unless it’s medical gum) is restricted, and littering gum can get you fined. They may not care that you chew, but Singapore definitely cares where you stick it.

After seeing how spotless the sidewalks and trains are, I understand the logic. Gum on the ground is a nightmare to clean, and Singapore simply decided… not to deal with that.

🚽 Not Flushing a Public Toilet

Honestly? I support this one. The bathrooms are immaculate.

🍽️ Not Clearing Your Table at Food Courts

Since 2021, the implemented a fine to ensure diners return their trays and clear their tables at hawker centres, food courts, and coffee shops.

Hawker centres are the beating heart of Singapore — busy, beloved, wonderfully chaotic. When everyone clears their own table, the whole place flows better. Tables turn faster and the lunchtime rush becomes a little less frantic.

🚌 Eating or Drinking on Public Transport

In many cities, everyone is holding their morning latte on the subway on their way to work, or eating their meals to save time – I once saw someone assemble a burrito on the London Tube.

But in Singapore, No snacks, no drinks, not even water. And they actually enforce it!

The result? MRT trains that smell like… nothing. No spilled coffee, no forgotten sandwiches, no mystery crumbs.
It’s strangely refreshing.

🗑️ Littering — Even the Tiny Stuff

Littering fines exist everywhere, but Singapore takes them seriously. A dropped tissue, a stray receipt, a cigarette butt — they all count.

In many countries, littering fines are theoretical. In Singapore, you’re gonna get caught.

🚭 Smoking in Certain Outdoor Areas

Smoking bans indoors are common worldwide. But Singapore extends restrictions to many outdoor spaces: bus stops, building entrances, covered walkways, parks.

My pet peeve - I'm stuck standing out in the pouring rain because someone is smoking in the bus shelter, even though it has a big "no smoking" sign. Glad this doesn't happen in Singapore. 

🛴 Riding E‑Scooters on Footpaths

In many cities, e‑scooters zip everywhere, often to the annoyance of pedestrians. Singapore banned them from footpaths entirely, and riding one where you shouldn’t can lead to a fine.

Not getting ambushed by scooters? I'm onboard! 

🕊️ Feeding Pigeons

Feeding pigeons is illegal in Singapore.
Not discouraged — illegal.

Why? Because pigeons multiply, make a mess, and generally cause chaos. Singapore decided to keep the peace by keeping the pigeons hungry.

💸 What These Fines Really Say About Singapore

At first glance, the list seems intense. But living or traveling here, you start to see the pattern: these rules aren’t random. They’re about creating a shared environment where everyone benefits from everyone else’s consideration.

Singaporeans often describe it as a kind of social contract — a quiet agreement that if we all follow the rules, life becomes easier, cleaner, and more pleasant for everyone.

And honestly? It works.

Singapore is one of the cleanest, safest, most efficient places I’ve ever visited. Not because people are afraid of fines, but because they genuinely care about the spaces they share.

It’s a different way of thinking about community.

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