Eating on trains or platforms
Eating and drinking are not recommended on trains and platforms in Singapore.
One of the biggest mistakes tourists can make is snacking at the MRT or inside the train. Not only is eating indiscriminately a nuisance to locals, it is also illegal in Singapore. Tourists can be fined up to S$500 (US$355). Even drinking water can get you a stern warning from the MRT staff. Durian is a fruit that is strictly forbidden on the MRT.
Wear shoes in temples and pagodas
Do not wear shoes in temples in Singapore.
Many tourists enjoy visiting local temples, especially Hindu temples across Singapore. But there are certain rules to follow to respect religious customs, such as taking off shoes and washing feet. Other guidelines include limiting entry into temples, sitting on the floor with feet facing priests and statues, and having close contact with other people.
Sit at the table with napkins provided
Do not sit at a table with a napkin.
Hawker centres, or open-air food stalls, are an important part of daily life in Singapore. Many tourists also enjoy eating at these hawker centres because of their delicious food and affordable prices. Locals often reserve seats at a hawker centre by placing a packet of tissues on the table, or what is locally known as “choping”. Items such as umbrellas and water bottles are also commonly used, so visitors should be careful to only sit at empty seats.
Displayed at street stalls
Please clean up after yourself at the food stalls.
While hawker centres are one of the few public places in Singapore that are not always aesthetically pleasing, diners are required to clear their tables after eating. While this was once a matter of common sense, it is now the law in Singapore. Diners who fail to return used trays, plates and utensils face fines of up to S$300. The only exceptions to this rule are “infirm seniors” and young children who cannot directly purchase and bring their own food to the table, according to local news agency CNA.
Smoking in public places
Smoking is not allowed in public places in Singapore.
Singapore has very strict laws about smoking in public places - in the city centre, people are only allowed to smoke in designated areas. Breaking this rule can result in heavy fines. In public parks and beaches, the anti-smoking laws are even stricter - all public parks across Singapore are smoke-free. Smoking in public parks is punishable by the same fine as smoking outside of designated areas in the city.
Stand on the right side of the escalator
When taking the escalator, give way to others.
Singapore’s MRT lines are extremely crowded, especially during rush hour, so most people will crowd to the left of the escalator to let the more hurried people pass on the right. If you are carrying a lot of things like backpacks or luggage and have to move around the station, it is best to take the elevator.
Bargaining indiscriminately
Don't bargain in Singapore.
While it is common practice to haggle over street food from market vendors in countries like Thailand or the Philippines, this is not the case in Singapore. Prices are fixed at most stalls, especially in hawker centres, so try to avoid haggling – you may end up offending the locals.
