10 Surprising Things That Are Completely Banned in Singapore (2024)

FAQs

What is weirdly illegal in Singapore? ›

Walking around your house naked

While smoking and singing at home is fine, being naked is not. p*rnography is illegal – and walking around naked in your house is considered a form of p*rnography in Singapore because it is a disturbance to your neighbours. So better close the curtains before getting ready for shower.

The possession, distribution, or sale of p*rnographic material in any form is illegal in Singapore; however, visiting p*rnographic websites and viewing their content is not an offence as long as p*rnographic content is not downloaded and stored.

Fresh fruit and vegetables. You can bring a small, reasonable quantity (i.e. hand-carried size) of fruit and vegetable products. Processed Food (except meat, seafood, fresh fruits, vegetables). You can bring a maximum of 5kg or 5 litres of processed food products.

Although public affection is not considered a crime in Singapore – something which unfortunately is in some Arab countries. Hugging without consent is considered a soft crime in this futuristic country.

Examples include simple but abusive actions such as yelling vulgarities or gesticulating at someone else, including public servants. For a first-time offender, the punishment for this offence can be a prison sentence of up to six months, a fine of up to S$2,000, or both.

“It depends on how you define what is abusive and insulting under the Act. Swearing could be deemed insulting if you apply the law strictly,” Berube said. The Protection from Harassment Act 2014 is designed to protect Singaporeans from harassment and related anti-social behaviors, including in the workplace.

“Subscribing to OnlyFans in Singapore is not an offence, as there is also non-obscene material such as travel, fashion, and fitness coaching, amongst others,” said Ms Chin.

The minimum age for the purchase, use, possession, sale and supply of all tobacco products in Singapore is 21 years old. You could be fined if you don't comply. Orchard Road is a No Smoking Zone. You can smoke at designated areas only.

Under Singapore's Copyright Act, it is a criminal offence for a person or company to conduct wilful copyright infringement. Even if someone is not caught for copyright infringement, he risks having his device exposed to malicious software on these streaming sites.

Can ladies wear shorts in Singapore? ›

Can you wear shorts in Singapore? Yes, wearing shorts in Singapore is not an issue. Although, there are a few exceptions where shorts are a big no-no such as places of worship, fine dining, clubs, and other formal settings.

Spitting or littering in public is both frowned upon and illegal. It is common for Singaporeans to reserve their seats in a public setting by placing a packet of tissues or their umbrella on the seat. Punctuality is common and expected. Public displays of affection between couples is generally considered inappropriate.

In addition to its main island, the nation of Singapore includes 63 additional islands, most of which are uninhabited. Singapore is among the 20 smallest countries in the world, with a total land area of only 682.7 square kilometers. The United States is about 15,000 times bigger.

As a general rule, condiments, vinegars, oils, packaged spices, honey, coffee and tea are admissible. Because rice can often harbor insects, it is best to avoid bringing it into the United States. Some imported foods are also subject to requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Coffee-mate, RITZ Crackers and those warm, buttery Pillsbury biscuits, are all banned in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Iceland, Norway and Denmark because of trans fats like partially hydrogenated soybean and cottonseed oils.

General Rule for Travellers

Travellers returning to Singapore can carry food products for personal consumption without obtaining an import permit if: the type of food product and where the food product comes from is allowed (see Conditions for Specific Types of Food; the amount is within the maximum allowance; and.

Casual sex was once a taboo topic in society, but not anymore. Noreen Shazreen delves deeper into the risks and benefits of hookup culture that is becoming more pervasive in Singaporean society today. “Booty calls” are sexual invitations that are widely known in the hookup culture.

Whenever you and your partner live together, or plan on living together, you can enter into a Cohabitation Agreement. You can enter into this agreement before you live together, while you are living together or at any time before you separate. These agreements can be used by anyone who chooses to use them.

What age can you date in Singapore? ›

Under Singapore's Penal Code, persons under the age of 16 are unable to give consent to any sexual activity. This means that even if a minor said “yes” to sexual acts, the law still sees it as non-consensual.

Sexting. Sending sexually suggestive messages to a person under 16 years old may result in a prosecution under section 7 of the Children and Young Persons Act or section 376E of the Penal Code.

Caning is a widely used form of corporal punishment in Singapore. It can be divided into several contexts: judicial, prison, reformatory, military, school and domestic. These practices of caning as punishment were introduced during the period of British colonial rule in Singapore.

A close reading of this law indicates that it stipulates 'obscene acts'—defined as singing obscene words in a public place—as illegal rather than singing itself. Poor description of this law online and a lack of scrutiny by readers may also have contributed to misinterpretation of this law.

Here's a newsflash: No law in Singapore bans the consumption of chewing gum. In other words, chewing a piece of gum in Singapore is not illegal and it certainly wouldn't get you into serious punishment such as getting caned or the death penalty.

Intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress

Using any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. Making any threatening, abusive or insulting communication. Publishing any information that may be used to identify the person or any related person.

The Offense of Possessing Obscene Films

The Films Act makes it unlawful in Singapore to maintain, possess, or download p*rnographic films. This is true whether or not the p*rnographic film is physical or digital, and even if the material was intended for personal consumption.

OnlyFans is known to be blocked in several countries, including Dubai, Russia, India, and Belarus. So, if you want to use OnlyFans from these locations, you'll need to use a VPN to connect to a server in a location where OnlyFans is legal, such as the UK, or the US.

In Singapore, a large portion of the population uses Facebook, making it one of the most popular social networking sites. It is Singapore's most popular social networking site, with over 3.3 million monthly active users.

Can I bring my vape to Singapore? ›

E-cigarettes and smoking

You cannot bring vaporizers, such as e-cigarettes, e-pipes, e-cigars, and refills into Singapore. These items are likely to be confiscated, and you could be fined or sent to prison.

SINGAPORE - Vaping is illegal in Singapore, with the possession, use and purchase of electronic vaporisers, or vapes, and their related products banned in Singapore since February 2018.

SINGAPORE — It is not possible to prohibit smoking at windows and balconies as there isn't an appropriate law in place and enforcement would be very challenging, said Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Amy Khor on Monday (13 September).

In Singapore, all streaming companies are subject to a content code, said a spokesperson for the country's Infocomm Media Development Authority. “Where the content does not comply,” the spokesperson said, IMDA will request that it is taken down.

Whoever commits piracy shall be punished with imprisonment for life and with caning with not less than 12 strokes, but if while committing or attempting to commit piracy he murders or attempts to murder another person or does any act that is likely to endanger the life of another person he shall be punished with death. ...

In general, permits are not required for filming on streets in Singapore, as long as there is no obstruction to vehicle or pedestrian traffic. For filming in shopping malls and commercial property, it is best to seek approvals and permissions directly from the owners.

Fashionable and comfortable sandals are key in Singapore. Even better if they are made ethically and sustainably like our Mahli the label ones. A lot of local people here wear thongs/flip flops, so if you like those, they are a great option too.

You will not offend anyone in Singapore with your bare legs, sports shorts, sport bra, leggings etc. Please exercise as usual and as your body routine requires.

Clothing tips for women

You can use your pashmina or a sarong to cover your shoulders when visiting religious sites. If you are on business then regular business suits or a dress are acceptable, and because of the heat it is ok to not wear a jacket.

Sleeveless or short-sleeved tops in natural fabrics such as cotton are best. Do not pack anything in polyester as it will retain the heat and make you sweaty and uncomfortable. Choose versatile colours that can mix and match with your skirts, shorts and trousers.

What is a rude hand gesture in Singapore? ›

Non-Verbal

Pointing: Pointing with the index finger is considered to be rude. Rather, people point by using their whole hand or nod their head in the intended direction.

Hello - Ni hao (Nee how) How are you? - Ni hao ma? (Nee how ma) Very good - Hen hao (hun hao)

What is Singapore famous for? Singapore is famous for being a global financial center, being among the most densely populated places in the world, having a world-class city airport with a waterfall, and a Botanic Garden that is a World Heritage Site.

What Is Singapore Famous For? Singapore is known for its modern infrastructure, cleanliness, and multicultural society. Despite being a city, it has a fair share of nature, boasting green landscapes like The Botanic Gardens and parks like Gardens by the Bay.

The major event that contributed to the chewing gum ban was unveiling of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project. Singapore invested $5 billion in this project to facilitate smooth and rapid transport for its people. Unfortunately, the door sensors of the train were vandalised by sticking chewing gum on them.

The Singapore chewing gum law is among the most well-known laws in the world and has attracted a lot of international media attention. It first came to light in the 1990s and is prominent in the present times as well. Thanks to the Singapore-US Free Trade Agreement 2004, the rule is now a bit more lenient than before.

Prohibited items are not allowed to be imported into Singapore. These include: Chewing gum (except dental and medicated gum) Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (for example, electronic cigarettes)

Although public affection is not considered a crime in Singapore – something which unfortunately is in some Arab countries. Hugging without consent is considered a soft crime in this futuristic country.

You can wear shorts, but they should reach at least mid-thigh, better just above your knees. Also, your top should not show too much cleavage.

To maintain a hygienic environment, spitting in the public compounds is prohibited. The penalty for non-compliance is a fine of up to S$1,000 for a first offence. The fine for a second offence is up to S$2,000 and for the third and subsequent offences the fine is up to S$5,000.

What is the punishment for stealing in Singapore? ›

Punishment for Committing Theft

Section 379 of the Penal Code 1871 provides for the punishment for committing the offense of theft in Singapore. It states that the offender may be punished with imprisonment which extends to a period of up to 3 years, or with a fine, or both.

One shining example of countries that have tamed waste successfully, is Singapore. In 2021, the island country was selected as the world's cleanest and best city in the 'Time Out Index' survey by 62% of respondents.

Toxic and infectious substances. Radioactive material. Disabling devices containing an irritant or incapacitating substance. Security-type attaché cases, cash boxes and cash bags incorporating dangerous goods such as lithium batteries, and/or pyrotechnic materials.

1 Under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisem*nts and Sale) Act, any person who is convicted of selling, offering for sale, possessing for sale, importing or distributing e-vaporisers, is liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for up to six months or to both for the first offence, and to a fine not ...

Cigarette prices range from S$8-S$15. 2. Most hotels have smoking and non-smoking rooms so you should be fine.