Planning a trip to the Lion City? Singapore is known for being clean, green, and extremely safe. But let’s be honest—Singapore is also known for one thing: rules. As the best travel agency in Singapore, we’ve seen it all. We’ve had people break the “unspoken” rules and others break the bank because they didn’t know the “hacks.”
So if you want to have a fantastic time in the Lion City without a “fine” as a memento, here are the top 10 mistakes to avoid, brought to you by the best travel agency in Singapore.
1. Bringing Chewing Gum into the Country
It’s the oldest rule in the book, but people still manage to forget! You won’t find gum in our 7-Elevens, and bringing large quantities across the border is a big no-no.
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The fix: Stick to mints or breath strips. Your luggage and your wallet will thank you.
2. Eating or Drinking on the MRT
Our MRTs are spotless for a reason. Taking even a small drink of water or snack on the MRT will result in a whopping $500 fine.
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Pro Tip: If you’re feeling thirsty, step out of the station gate, take a drink, and go back in.
3. Not “Choping” Your Seat at a Hawker Center
If you spot a pack of tissue paper on an empty table at a hawker center during peak hours, don’t even think about sitting there. It’s “choped” or reserved.
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The Local Way: Get yourself a tissue pack and stake your place in line before queuing up for your chicken rice.
4. Overpaying for Taxis
Taxis can be quite pricey with the added surcharges for “Peak Hour” and “City Area”.
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Agency Advice: Get yourself an EZ-Link card from your travel agency. The MRT is world-class and will save you a fortune.
5. Tipping at Restaurants
A service charge and GST of 9% and 10% respectively are already included in your bill.
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Save Your Cash: Use that extra cash to get yourself some second helpings of Satay!
6. Jaywalking (Even if the Road is Empty)
Discipline is part of the Singaporean bloodline. Jaywalking, especially when the ‘Red Man’ is not showing, can result in an on-the-spot fine.
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Safety First: Look for the overhead bridge or the zebra crossing.
7. Forgetting to Return Your Tray
It is now compulsory to return your tray and crockery as of the last couple of years in hawker centers and food courts. Leaving a mess for others can actually result in a warning or a fine.
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Be Considerate: We want our food centers clean for the next person.
8. Smoking Outside Designated Zones
Smoking is not allowed anywhere in Singapore except in specified smoking zones. Look for the yellow boxes on the ground. If you smoke outside these areas, you will be caught by a camera or a smoking enforcer.
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Note: Vapes or e-cigarettes are totally banned in Singapore. Do not bring them when you travel to Singapore.
9. Not Carrying an Umbrella
The weather in Singapore is “steady” in one way: it will probably rain. One moment it’s hot, and the next minute it’s a tropical rain shower!
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Travel Essential: Always bring a “brolly” in your bag.
10. Booking Everything Separately
Some tourists want to DIY all their tickets separately, only to realize they missed out on “Bundle Deals.”
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The Smart Move: Ask a travel agency in Singapore for help in booking your tickets or passes for Universal Studios or Night Safari. You can actually save more by letting them handle your bookings!
Conclusion
Singapore is a piece of cake when you travel through it if you know the “lay of the land.” By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be sure to have a more enjoyable and stress-free trip!
Whether you’re looking for a short trip in Singapore or a complete package for a Singapore tour, we at a travel agency in Singapore can help you plan your dream vacation! We don’t just book your tickets; we make sure you travel like a local!
Ready to plan your 2026 vacation? Contact us today—the best travel agency in Singapore for a stress-free vacation!
FAQ's
Common Questions About Traveling to Singapore (2026)
Tourists must avoid importing chewing gum, e-cigarettes (vapes), and tobacco products. Additionally, littering, jaywalking, and eating or drinking on public transport (MRT and buses) are strictly prohibited and carry heavy on-the-spot fines.
Yes, tap water in Singapore is perfectly safe to drink and meets World Health Organization standards. Carrying a reusable water bottle is a great way to save money and stay hydrated in the tropical heat.
No, tipping is not a local custom. Most restaurants already include a 10% service charge and 9% GST in the bill. While small change is appreciated for exceptional service, it is not required.
While personal consumption is generally not the focus, the import and sale of chewing gum are illegal. If you are caught littering gum in public places like the MRT or keyholes, you can face fines starting from $1,000 for first-time offenders.
No. Vapes and e-cigarettes are completely banned in Singapore. Possession, use, or purchase can result in a fine of up to $2,000. It is illegal to bring them into the country even for personal use.
People say Singapore is the most expensive city, but honestly? If you eat at hawker centers and use the MRT like we do, you can have a world-class day for under $50. It’s all about knowing where the ‘lobangs’ (good deals) are!