Over the last 15 years, the island nation of Singapore has caught the attention of American theme park fans thanks to the 2011 opening of Universal Studios Singapore, which features some very unique attractions, including a full land dedicated to Shrek. 2026 has seen the country gain even more attention from themed entertainment aficionados when it became the home port for the Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, the Disney Adventure.
However, any theme park fans planning a trip to Singapore need to be aware of the country’s strict laws and rules, some of which may sound a bit bizarre to the ear.
Gum Sales are Banned
Since 1992, the sale of gum has been banned in the country, with potential fines and jail time on the table for offenders. The impetus for the ban came from several incidents where vandals stuck gum in the doors of the country’s then-new $5 billion Mass Rapid Transit system’s trains. In addition, former prime minister and longtime political power broker Lee Kuan Yew saw gum — and gum refuse — as potentially damaging to his vision of the nation as a perfect utopia.
While there is a ban on sales, it is not technically illegal to chew gum in the country, and it has always been legal to bring small amounts into the country for one’s own use. Furthermore, according to the BBC, “Since 2004 — as a result of the US-Singapore Free Trade Agreement — pharmacists and dentists have also been allowed to sell “therapeutic’ gum to customers with a medical prescription.” This includes sugar-free gum and nicotine gum.
Littering Will Cost You
Much like the gum “ban”, littering is seen as a detriment to cleanliness in Singapore and is heavily regulated and fined. According to GoAbroad.com, first-time offenders who throw small items like cigarette butts or candy wrappers can be fined hundreds of dollars, while “those who throw out bigger items like drink cans or bottles are considered defiant and are required to appear before the court. The punishment usually involves a Corrective Work Order (CWO), where the offenders clean up a specified area while wearing a bright, luminous green vest.
There are Technically Fines for Not Flushing Public Toilets
Seriously, it’s technically a punishable offense to not flush the toilet of a public restroom immediately upon use, with fines reaching the equivalent of several hundred dollars. While some sources allege these laws aren’t enforced, and exist more as a preventative measure, we would advise remembering to flush anyway, just to be sure.
There’s No Eating or Drinking on Public Transportation
You’ll want to make sure you gulp down your snack and finish your drink before boarding your train while vacationing in Singapore, as eating or drinking on public transportation could cost you up to around $377 in fines, according to Explore.com. That’s an expensive bubble tea.
Drinking in Public is Heavily Restricted
Drinking in public is fully legal in Singapore; however, consumption of alcohol in a public space or non-licensed premises is heavily restricted from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, and those consuming alcohol must finish their drinks before the stipulated time. A permit is required to consume alcohol during restricted hours in public places, and sales are prohibited at supermarkets and convenience stores, such as NTUC FairPrice, Giant Hypermarket, Sheng Siong, Cold Storage, and 7-Eleven during these hours.
“Flavored Air” Items are Banned
According to the Singapore Ministry of Health, “The importation, distribution, sale, purchase, use and possession of emerging and imitation tobacco products such as e-cigarettes and other types of vaporisers, and e-liquids are prohibited under the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act, or TCASA.”
No Jaywalking
Jaywalking in Singapore is defined as “crossing the road within 50 metres of a pedestrian crossing without using it. It also includes instances where a pedestrian crosses a signalized crossing while the red man light is on. A pedestrian crossing can be a zebra crossing, a designated crossing at a traffic light, or a bridge.” Those caught jaywalking can be fined $50, and may also face criminal charges if harm was caused to others as a result of their jaywalking.
Singapore is a beautiful country full of natural wonders, cultural sites, and yes, extraordinary themed entertainment. However, anyone visiting the country, especially from the U.S., needs to be aware of the country’s laws before traveling there. Stay tuned to AllEars for more travel tips.
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Singapore is what it would look like if Disney ran a country.