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Eating and drinking on the train or at the station.
Eating and drinking is not permitted on train carriages and platforms in Singapore.
One of the biggest mistakes tourists can make is snacking at MRT stations or inside trains. Eating and drinking indiscriminately not only affects locals but is also considered a violation of the law in Singapore. Tourists can be fined up to S$500 (approximately US$355). Even drinking water can result in a stern warning from MRT staff. Durian, in particular, is absolutely forbidden on the MRT.
Wear shoes when entering temples and pagodas.
Do not wear shoes inside temples and pagodas in Singapore.
Many tourists enjoy visiting local temples, especially Hindu temples throughout Singapore. But there are some rules to follow to respect religious customs, such as removing shoes and washing feet. Other rules include limiting entry into temples, sitting on the floor with feet facing towards priests and statues, and avoiding close physical contact with others.
Sit at a table where napkins are provided.
Do not sit at a table with napkins.
Hawker centers, or outdoor food stalls, are an important part of daily life in Singapore. Many tourists also enjoy eating at these hawker centers because of the delicious and affordable food. Locals often reserve seats at a hawker center by leaving a pack of tissues on the table, or what is locally called "choping." Items such as umbrellas and water bottles are also commonly used, so tourists should be mindful to only sit in seats that are empty.
Messing around street stalls
Please clean up after you finish eating at the food stalls.
Although hawker centers are among the few public spaces in Singapore that aren't always aesthetically pleasing, diners are required to clear their tables after eating. While previously a matter of personal responsibility, it's now an official law in Singapore. Diners who fail to return used trays, plates, and utensils face fines of S$300 or more. The only exceptions are the elderly and young children who are unable to purchase and bring their own food, according to local news agency CNA.
Smoking in public places
Smoking is not allowed in public places in Singapore.
Singapore has very strict laws regarding smoking in public places – in the city center, people are only allowed to smoke in designated areas. Violations of this rule are subject to hefty fines. In public parks and beaches, the smoking ban is even stricter – all public parks throughout Singapore prohibit smoking. Smoking in public parks is subject to the same penalties as smoking outside designated areas in the city.
Stand to the right of the escalator.
When using an escalator, please yield to others.
Singapore's subway lines are extremely crowded, especially during peak hours, so most people will stand on the left side of the escalator to let those in a hurry pass on the right. If you are carrying a lot of items like backpacks and luggage and need to move around the station, it's best to choose the elevator.
Bargaining indiscriminately
Don't haggle in Singapore.
While haggling over street food prices is common in markets like Thailand or the Philippines, it's not in Singapore. Prices are fixed at most stalls, especially in hawker centers, so try to avoid bargaining – you might offend the locals.
