If it’s your first time in Singapore, these Singapore travel tips will help you get familiar with some local habits and social norms so you don’t get caught off guard. I’ve also included the most important rules to be aware of so you can avoid fines and enjoy a stress-free trip.
Getting Around Singapore: MRT and Bus Tips for Tourists
Singapore’s public transport system is one of the best in the world — clean, affordable and easy to use. But there are a few things to know before you hop on.
- Boarding the MRT or Bus: Stand at the sides of the doors (where the red arrows are below) and follow the floor markings. Always let passengers exit completely before you board.
- Always Tap Out on Buses: While MRT stations have gantries at every exit to remind you to tap out, buses do not so it’s easy to forget. Remember to tap your contactless credit card or EZ-Link card on the reader at the exit door or you will be charged the maximum distance fare.
- No Eating or Drinking: You cannot eat or drink anything inside MRT stations, on trains or on buses. This is a strict offence and you can be fined up to $500. And that includes plain water and chewing gum.
- No Durians on Public Transport: Yes, this is a real rule. Durians are banned on MRT and buses due to their strong scent. If you want to try the “King of Fruits,” — and you absolutely should — eat it at the stall where you bought it.
- Travelling During Peak Hours: If you have a large luggage or backpack be mindful of the space you take up especially during rush hour (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM or 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM). Carry your backpack in front of you to give others more room.
Escalator and Travelator Tips in Singapore
This one is simple but important.
Stand on the Left: Whether you’re on an escalator in an MRT station or a shopping mall — stand on the left if you’re not walking. The right side is strictly for people in a hurry. This applies to escalators and the flat moving travelators. Stand left, walk right.
Eating at a Hawker Centre in Singapore: The Unwritten Rules
Eating at a hawker centre is a uniquely wonderful Singapore experience — but there are a few things worth knowing before you sit down.
- The ‘Chope‘ System: If you see a tissue packet, an umbrella or a business card on an empty table—don’t sit there. That seat is being reserved or ‘choped’. Find another empty table and leave your own tissue packet or water bottle there to ‘choped’ your seat before ordering your food.
- Sharing Tables: Space is tight during peak hours. If a table is half occupied, you can approach the diners and ask if you can share the table with them. It is socially acceptable at hawker centres, coffee shops and food courts to share tables with strangers.
- Tray Return is Mandatory: By law, you must return your trays and used crockery to the designated return points. Leaving them on the table can result in a fine.
- Leave the Table Clean: Do not leave behind a messy table. If you spill food or sauce, wipe it up. Throw your used tissues and scraps in the bin or together with your used crockery at the return points before you leave.
Check out my full guide on how hawker centres work in Singapore.
Do You Tip in Singapore?
Tipping is not expected or necessary in Singapore.
- At Hawker Centres: There is no need to tip hawkers. Locals don’t do it and hawkers don’t expect it.
- Taxis and Grab: Tipping is not required for taxis or Grab drivers either. That said, if your driver was particularly helpful with your luggage or gave you good local tips, rounding up the fare or letting them keep the change is a kind gesture. Entirely your call.
What is Singapore’s GST and Service Charge? (The “++” on Menus)
One thing that catches many first-time visitors off guard is the pricing at cafes and restaurants in Singapore. Unlike many countries where the price on the menu is what you pay, in Singapore you may notice “++” in small print at the bottom of the menu. Unfortunately, you’ll only know the final price when you pay up.
- The First “+” refers to a 10% Service Charge, which goes to the restaurant.
- The Second “+” refers to the 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is similar to VAT.
- The Maths: If your meal costs $20, a 10% service charge brings it to $22. The 9% GST is then calculated on this amount, bringing your total to $23.98. In short, your final bill is about 19.9% higher than the menu price.
The good news: at hawker centres, coffeeshops and food courts, there is no service charge and no GST. What you see on display is exactly what you pay.
What’s Banned in Singapore (And What Isn’t)
Singapore is famous for its rules. While some are exaggerated, these are the ones you must take seriously:
- The Chewing Gum Ban: Chewing gum is fine, but selling it is illegal. You cannot buy gum here. If you bring some for yourself, don’t spit it on the ground or stick it to property—that is a fineable offence.
- Fun fact: The ban dates back to 1992, largely triggered by vandals sticking gum on MRT door sensors — causing repeated train delays. What started as a practical solution became one of Singapore’s most internationally recognised laws.
- Littering and Spitting: These are strictly enforced. Singapore is clean because littering and spitting in public are both fineable offences. Even small items like cigarette butts or tissues must go in a bin.
- Smoking in Singapore: Only smoke in “Yellow Boxes” or marked smoking corners. Smoking under shelters, at bus stops or near building entrances is illegal.
- Vaping (Zero Tolerance): Unlike gum, vaping is 100% illegal. Possession, use, or even transiting with a vape can lead to a fine of up to $2,000.
How to Submit the Official SG Arrival Card (SGAC)
This is the most important step before you fly. The SG Arrival Card has replaced the old paper “white card.” Note: This is not a visa.
- Where to Do It: It is a FREE service. Only use the official ICA website or the MyICA app. Be careful of “scam” websites that look official but try to charge you a fee.
- Ease and Speed: It takes a few minutes and it is very straightforward. It’s mostly just typing in your personal and travel details. Once you hit submit, you will receive an email confirmation almost instantly.
- When to Submit: Within 3 days of your arrival (including landing day). For example, if you are planning to arrive in Singapore on 8 June, you can submit it from 6 June onwards.
- Why You Need It: You cannot enter the country without it.
Why you shouldn’t forget to do this: After a long flight, you’ll likely be tired and ready to get to your hotel. If you forget this card, you’ll be pulled aside to fill it out at a kiosk, which is a major hassle and can take a long time if there’s a queue. Save yourself the stress and do it before you board the plane.
Enjoy Your Singapore Adventure
By keeping these simple dos and don’ts in mind—and getting your SG Arrival Card sorted early, you can spend more time enjoying the incredible food, culture and sights that make this city so unique. Safe travels and enjoy every bit of your stay!
