Singapore is one of the most popular destinations for Indian travellers — and also one of the strictest. The country is famously clean, safe and orderly, but that order is held together by laws that are stricter than almost anywhere else in Asia. Step off a flight at Changi without doing your homework and you can end up paying a $300 fine for chewing gum or eating on the MRT. This complete Singapore travel do’s and don’ts guide for Indian tourists walks you through every rule, custom and social etiquette point you need to know before you land — so your trip stays smooth, safe and memorable for the right reasons.
Whether you’re flying in for a 4-day Sentosa-and-shopping holiday, a stopover on the way to Bali, or a business meeting at Marina Bay, the rules apply equally. Indians need a Singapore visa to enter, and once inside the country you’re expected to follow local laws to the letter. Here’s everything you should and shouldn’t do.
Why Singapore Is Different: The “Fine City” Reality
Singapore jokes about being a “fine city” — not because it’s pretty, but because almost every infraction comes with an on-the-spot fine. Police and enforcement officers are visible everywhere, CCTV coverage is among the highest in the world, and the law is enforced strictly regardless of whether you’re a tourist or a citizen. Pleading ignorance does not work. The good news? If you behave the way you would in any well-run public space, you’ll never have a problem.
Singapore Travel Do’s: 12 Things You Should Always Do
1. ✅ Carry your passport (or a copy) at all times
Singapore police can ask for ID at any point. Carry your passport, or at minimum a clear photo of the photo page and your e-visa, on your phone. Hotel reception will hold the original if you ask — but always have a copy on you.
2. ✅ Use the MRT and buses — they are world-class
Singapore’s public transport is clean, fast, air-conditioned and cheap. Buy an EZ-Link card or use contactless tap-and-pay with your Visa/Mastercard. A single MRT ride costs roughly SGD 1–2.50, vs. SGD 15–25 for the equivalent Grab ride.
3. ✅ Queue properly
Singaporeans take queueing seriously — at MRT platforms, food courts, taxi stands and toilets. Stand in line, wait your turn, and let people exit the train before you board. Jumping a queue will earn you stares (and sometimes a quiet, firm reprimand).
4. ✅ Eat at hawker centres
The real Singapore food story is at the hawker centres — Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, Old Airport Road, Tekka. You can eat a full Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow or roti prata for SGD 4–7. Plenty of halal and vegetarian Indian options too. Don’t forget to “chope” (reserve) your seat with a tissue packet — it’s a local custom.
5. ✅ Return your tray after eating
Since 2021, returning your tray at hawker centres and food courts is law. Leaving plates on the table can attract a fine of up to SGD 300. Drop the tray at the marked return point — non-halal and halal trays go to separate stations.
6. ✅ Remove shoes when entering temples, mosques and homes
Whether you visit Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam, or a local home, remove your shoes at the entrance. Dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees — especially at the mosque.
7. ✅ Tip only if you want to (it’s not customary)
Restaurants already add a 10% service charge + 9% GST to the bill. Tipping is not expected, but you can leave small change for exceptional service. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips either.
8. ✅ Use authorised taxis and Grab
Stick to ComfortDelGro, SMRT taxis, or Grab. All are metered, honest and cashless-friendly. Avoid unmarked cars offering rides.
9. ✅ Carry an umbrella or light raincoat
Singapore weather flips fast. Rain showers are sudden and heavy, especially November–January. A small foldable umbrella in your daybag is essential.
10. ✅ Carry cash for small vendors
Singapore is mostly cashless, but smaller hawker stalls and old-school shops still prefer cash. Keep SGD 50–100 in small notes. Use DBS or OCBC ATMs for the best exchange rate. Read our guide on forex card hidden charges before swiping abroad.
11. ✅ Drink the tap water
Singapore tap water meets WHO standards and is completely safe. Skip the bottled water and refill at any tap or public water cooler.
12. ✅ Learn a few Singlish words
Locals appreciate effort. “Lah”, “Can lah!”, “Makan” (eat), and “Shiok” (awesome) go a long way. English is the working language, so communication is easy.
Singapore Travel Don’ts: 15 Things That Can Cost You a Fine
This is where Singapore is unforgiving. The fines below are real and enforced — many tourists from India have learned the hard way. Keep this list saved on your phone.
| Offence | Fine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chewing gum (import/sale) | Up to SGD 100,000 + jail | Medical gum permitted with prescription |
| Littering (first offence) | SGD 300 | CCTV in most public areas |
| Eating/drinking on MRT | SGD 500 | Even water |
| Smoking in non-smoking zones | SGD 200 | Most outdoor public spaces |
| Vaping (possession) | SGD 2,000 | Vapes are completely banned |
| Jaywalking | SGD 50 | Always use crossings |
| Spitting in public | SGD 1,000 | Including paan |
| Public urination | SGD 1,000 + flushing required | Don’t forget to flush! |
| Drug possession | Death penalty (trafficking) | Zero tolerance |
| Connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi | SGD 10,000 | Yes, really |
| Drone flying without permit | SGD 50,000 | Apply via CAAS |
| Public nudity (even at home if visible) | SGD 2,000 | Includes hotel windows |
| Feeding pigeons | SGD 500 | Strange but real |
| Not flushing public toilet | SGD 150 | Inspectors do check |
| Importing e-cigarettes | SGD 10,000 | Confiscated at airport |
1. ❌ Don’t bring chewing gum
The most famous Singapore rule. Chewing gum sale and import has been banned since 1992. Don’t carry it in your luggage — even a single pack can lead to a fine. Sugar-free dental gum is permitted only with a doctor’s prescription.
2. ❌ Don’t bring or use e-cigarettes/vapes
Vapes are completely illegal in Singapore. Carrying one — even unused — is an offence. If you vape, leave the device in India. Smoking traditional cigarettes is allowed but only in designated yellow zones.
3. ❌ Don’t litter — anywhere
Cigarette butts, tissue papers, bus tickets — drop nothing on the street. Repeat offenders are made to wear bright vests and pick up trash in public (“Corrective Work Order”). Embarrassing and very real.
4. ❌ Don’t eat or drink on the MRT
Not even sips of water. Finish your bottle on the platform or wait until you exit the station.
5. ❌ Don’t jaywalk
Cross only at zebra crossings and traffic lights. Crossing within 50 metres of a signalled crossing is an offence.
6. ❌ Don’t carry drugs of any kind
Singapore has the death penalty for drug trafficking. Even small amounts of cannabis can result in jail time. Border drug tests can be conducted on arrival from suspect routes. Do not risk it.
7. ❌ Don’t bring duty-free cigarettes
Unlike most countries, Singapore offers no duty-free cigarette allowance. Bringing in even one pack without declaration and paying GST is an offence (SGD 200 fine + tax).
8. ❌ Don’t connect to random Wi-Fi networks
Under the Computer Misuse Act, accessing someone else’s unsecured Wi-Fi without permission is illegal. Stick to your hotel network, paid SIM data, or public networks at malls/cafés.
9. ❌ Don’t take photos in restricted areas
Avoid photography near military installations, Changi Naval Base, and certain government buildings. Always look for “No Photography” signs at temples, museums and casinos.
10. ❌ Don’t show public displays of affection
Singapore is conservative compared to Western cities. Holding hands is fine; kissing or anything beyond is frowned upon and in some cases can lead to public order charges.
11. ❌ Don’t drink alcohol in public spaces between 10:30 PM and 7 AM
Drinking is legal indoors and in licensed venues, but consumption in public spaces (parks, beaches, void decks) is banned during these hours under the Liquor Control Act. Stricter “Liquor Control Zones” like Little India and Geylang have weekend restrictions.
12. ❌ Don’t haggle in malls or shops
Unlike India, Singapore prices in shops and malls are fixed. The only places you can bargain politely are Bugis Street, Mustafa Centre (sometimes), and electronics shops in Sim Lim Square.
13. ❌ Don’t fly a drone without permission
Recreational drones over 250g need CAAS registration. Flying near Changi, military zones, or above 200 feet without permit is an offence.
14. ❌ Don’t carry pornography or pirated material
Even on your laptop. Singapore customs occasionally inspect electronic devices, and possession of obscene/pirated content is an offence.
15. ❌ Don’t overstay your visa
Overstays in Singapore are taken seriously. Penalties range from caning (yes, still legal) to multi-year bans on re-entry. Check your Singapore visa validity before extending your stay.
Cultural Etiquette: Beyond the Law
Singapore is multi-racial — Chinese (75%), Malay (14%), Indian (9%), plus a large expat population. Cultural sensitivity goes a long way:
- Greetings: A simple handshake works across communities. Indians may “Namaste”; Malays “Salam”; Chinese a light bow or handshake.
- Right hand: When eating with hands at a Malay/Indian restaurant, use only your right hand.
- Footwear at temples and mosques: Always remove. Some mosques provide robes for women.
- Don’t touch a person’s head: In Buddhist and Hindu culture the head is sacred.
- Receive items with both hands: Especially business cards — Chinese custom.
- Don’t point with your finger: Use an open palm or your thumb.
- Avoid loud public arguments: “Causing public annoyance” is a real offence.
Money & Shopping Tips for Indian Tourists
| Item | Average Cost (SGD) | In INR (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Bottled water | 1.50 | ₹95 |
| Hawker meal | 5–7 | ₹315–440 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | 20–35 | ₹1,260–2,200 |
| MRT one-way | 1–2.50 | ₹65–160 |
| Taxi 10 km | 15–20 | ₹950–1,260 |
| Hotel (3-star) | 120–180/night | ₹7,500–11,300 |
| Universal Studios ticket | 83 | ₹5,250 |
Always claim GST refund (9%) at Changi Airport for shopping above SGD 100 in a single store. Look for the “Tax Free” sticker, get the eTRS ticket, and scan it at the airport kiosks before check-in.
Safety Tips for Indians in Singapore
- Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Solo female travel is generally safe even at night.
- Save the police emergency number: 999. Ambulance: 995.
- Indian High Commission Singapore: +65 6737 6777 (24/7 emergency line for Indian passport holders).
- Travel insurance is recommended but not mandatory. Medical care is excellent but expensive — a single GP visit costs SGD 60–100.
Visa, Entry & Customs Reminders
- Indians need an e-Visa to enter Singapore. Apply 4–6 weeks before travel. See the full Singapore visa guide for Indians.
- Single-entry visa: SGD 30. Multiple-entry: SGD 30 (validity 2 years, typical issuance).
- Submit the SG Arrival Card within 3 days of arrival — free, online only. Avoid scam sites that charge.
- Duty-free allowance for alcohol: 1 litre wine + 1 litre beer + 1 litre spirits if you’ve stayed outside Singapore for 48+ hours.
- No duty-free cigarettes — declare every pack and pay tax, or leave them behind.
Ready to Plan Your Singapore Trip?
If you’ve got your dates locked, the next step is securing your Singapore visa. The earlier you apply, the better — processing usually takes 3–5 working days, but peak season (Nov–Feb, May–June) can stretch it to 10+ days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is chewing gum really banned in Singapore?
Yes. Importing or selling chewing gum is illegal under the Control of Imports and Exports Act. Personal possession of a small amount is rarely punished, but bringing packets in your luggage can lead to confiscation and a fine of up to SGD 100,000 for traffickers. Medicinal gum (e.g., nicotine gum) is allowed only with a prescription.
2. Can Indians drink alcohol in Singapore?
Yes, alcohol is legal at licensed venues and indoors. However, public consumption is banned between 10:30 PM and 7 AM under the Liquor Control Act. The legal drinking age is 18.
3. Do I need to tip in Singapore?
No. Tipping is not customary. Restaurants add a 10% service charge plus 9% GST automatically. Tipping is appreciated but never expected.
4. What happens if I get fined as a tourist?
Fines must be paid before you leave Singapore. Unpaid fines can lead to detention at the airport, refusal of re-entry, and in extreme cases, prosecution. Most minor fines (SGD 50–300) can be paid online via AXS or at any post office.
5. Are vegetarian/Jain food options easy to find?
Very easy. Little India is full of pure-veg South Indian and Gujarati restaurants. Komala Vilas, Saravanaa Bhavan, and Annalakshmi are all popular. Most hawker centres have at least one vegetarian Indian stall.
6. Is it safe to drink tap water in Singapore?
Yes. Singapore tap water passes WHO drinking water standards and is one of the safest in the world. Carry a reusable bottle to save money.
7. Can I use Indian rupees or do I need to exchange currency?
You need Singapore Dollars (SGD). Mustafa Centre offers some of the best INR-SGD exchange rates. Most places accept Visa, Mastercard and Amex. For digital payments, Indian UPI is now accepted at some merchants via the NPCI-NETS partnership — check before paying.