Things NOT to do in Singapore

Things NOT to do in Singapore

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HolidaySG Travel Team

April 27, 2026

28 min read 80 views

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Things NOT to Do in Singapore              
                    
Quick Summary                 
                    
Singapore has strict rules—breaking them can cost you money              
Avoid common tourist mistakes to enjoy a smooth trip              
Plan attractions in advance to save time and money               
Book tickets with HolidaySG for discounts & skip-the-line access             
Smart planning = stress-free Singapore experience               
                    
                    
                    
Introduction: Avoid These Mistakes in Singapore            
                    
Singapore is one of the cleanest, safest, and most organized countries in the world—but that also means strict rules and high expectations.       
                    
Many tourists unknowingly make mistakes that lead to fines, wasted money, or missed experiences.          
                    
This guide on things NOT to do in Singapore will help you avoid trouble, save money, and make the most of your trip.         
                    
                    
                    
Why It Matters to Know What NOT to Do             
                    
Singapore isn’t just another tourist destination—it’s a place where rules are taken seriously.           
                    
👉 If you don’t follow them:                 
                    
You may get fined 💸                 
Waste valuable time ⏳                 
Miss top attractions 🎡                 
                    
💡 Smart travelers plan ahead and book experiences early through HolidaySG.            
                    
                    
                    
1. Don’t Litter Anywhere                
                    
Singapore is famously clean for a reason.                
                    
❌ Throwing trash on the street can lead to heavy fines              
✅ Always use dustbins                 
                    
👉 Respect the environment—it’s part of the experience.              
                    
                    
                    
2. Don’t Chew Gum in Public               
                    
Chewing gum is restricted in Singapore.                
                    
❌ Bringing or chewing gum casually can cause issues               
✅ Follow local laws strictly                 
                    
                    
                    
3. Don’t Eat or Drink on Public Transport             
                    
This is a common mistake tourists make.                
                    
❌ Eating or drinking in MRT/buses = fines                
✅ Finish food before entering                 
                    
                    
                    
4. Don’t Skip Booking Tickets in Advance             
                    
Attractions like:                  
                    
Universal Studios Singapore                 
Gardens by the Bay                  
                    
are extremely popular.                 
                    
❌ Buying tickets at the gate = long queues + higher prices              
✅ Book online with HolidaySG for discounts and skip-the-line entry             
                    
⚡ Tickets sell out fast—don’t wait!                
                    
                    
                    
5. Don’t Rely Only on Taxis               
                    
Taxis are expensive in Singapore.                
                    
❌ Using taxis everywhere = high costs                
✅ Use MRT and buses                 
                    
👉 Save money for experiences instead.                
                    
                    
                    
6. Don’t Overpack Your Itinerary              
                    
Trying to see everything in one day is a mistake.               
                    
❌ Too many attractions = stress                
✅ Plan 2–3 major spots per day                
                    
For example:                  
                    
Sentosa Island alone can take a full day                
                    
                    
                    
7. Don’t Ignore Free Attractions              
                    
Not everything in Singapore is expensive.                
                    
Free experiences include:                 
                    
Marina Bay Sands light show                 
Gardens outdoor areas                 
                    
👉 Mix free and paid attractions for the best experience.              
                    
                    
                    
8. Don’t Visit at the Wrong Time              
                    
Singapore’s weather is hot and humid.                
                    
❌ Midday visits = uncomfortable                
✅ Visit in the evening                 
                    
👉 Evening = cooler weather + beautiful light shows.               
                    
                    
                    
9. Don’t Forget to Stay Hydrated              
                    
Walking all day can drain your energy.                
                    
❌ Not drinking water = fatigue                 
✅ Carry a water bottle                 
                    
                    
                    
10. Don’t Ignore Local Etiquette              
                    
Simple rules matter:                  
                    
Stand on the left in escalators                 
Don’t be loud in public                 
Respect queues                  
                    
👉 Small things make a big difference.                
                    
                    
                    
Best Time to Visit Singapore               
                    
February–April: Best weather                 
June–August: Peak tourist season                
November–January: Festive period                
                    
👉 Evenings are ideal for sightseeing.                
                    
Ticket Prices & Cost Breakdown                   
Approximate costs:                   
Universal Studios: ₹5,000–₹7,000 Buy Now               
Gardens by the Bay: ₹1,500–₹3,000 Buy Now                   
Night Safari: ₹3,000–₹4,500 Buy Now                   
River Wonder -₹1,500–₹3,000 Buy Now                                                                    
Marina Bay Sands- ₹5,000–₹7,000 Buy Now                           
                 
                  
                    
💡 Save money by:                  
                    
Booking online                  
Choosing combo deals                 
Using HolidaySG                  
                    
                    
                    
How to Get to Singapore                
                    
Fly into Changi Airport                 
One of the best airports in the world                
Easy connections globally                 
                    
                    
                    
Tips to Save Money                
                    
✅ Book tickets early (HolidaySG recommended)               
✅ Use public transport                 
✅ Choose combo passes                 
✅ Visit free attractions                 
✅ Avoid peak hours                 
                    
                    
                    
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Quick Recap)             
                    
❌ Littering or breaking rules                 
❌ Not booking tickets in advance                
❌ Overspending on taxis                 
❌ Poor itinerary planning                 
❌ Visiting at wrong times                 
                    
                    
                    
Why Book with HolidaySG               
                    
Make your trip easy and affordable:                
                    
✔️ Discounted attraction tickets                
✔️ Skip-the-line access                 
✔️ Combo deals                  
✔️ Fast booking                  
                    
⚡ Important: Popular attractions sell out quickly—book early!              
                    
                    
                    
FAQs                   
                    
1. What should tourists avoid doing in Singapore?              
                    
Avoid littering, breaking rules, and not booking tickets in advance.             
                    
2. Is Singapore strict for tourists?                
                    
Yes, but rules are easy to follow and ensure safety.               
                    
3. Can I eat in public transport?                
                    
No, eating and drinking are not allowed in MRT and buses.              
                    
4. How can I save money in Singapore?               
                    
Book tickets online, use public transport, and choose combo deals.             
                    
5. What is the best time to explore Singapore?              
                    
Evenings are best due to cooler weather.                
                    
6. Are Singapore attractions expensive?               
                    
They can be, but discounts are available online via HolidaySG.              
                    
                    
                    
Conclusion: Travel Smart and Enjoy Singapore            
                    
Singapore is an incredible destination—but only if you follow the rules and plan wisely.            
                    
👉 Avoid these mistakes                 
👉 Book tickets early with HolidaySG                
👉 Use combo deals to save money                
                    
✨ Don’t miss out—secure your tickets now and enjoy a hassle-free Singapore trip!            
                    

How Things NOT to do in Singapore Compares to Other Experiences

When planning a trip to Singapore, it helps to compare what different attractions and experiences offer. Here is how Things NOT to do in Singapore stacks up against other popular choices:

FeatureThings NOT to do in SingaporeMarina Bay SandsGardens by the Bay
Best ForAll types of travellersAll types of travellersAll types of travellers
Duration Needed2–4 hours2–4 hours2–4 hours
Budget LevelModerate ($$)Moderate ($$)Moderate ($$)
Crowd LevelModerateModerateModerate
Unique FactorDistinctive local experienceDistinctive local experienceLush natural beauty

Our recommendation: If you have limited time in Singapore, prioritise Things NOT to do in Singapore for its unique appeal. However, combining it with Marina Bay Sands creates a well-rounded itinerary that captures the best of Singapore.

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HolidaySG

Written by

HolidaySG Travel Team

Singapore-based travel specialists covering attractions, tours and travel experiences across Asia-Pacific and beyond. Licensed travel agency (TA04014).

Last updated: August 20, 2026

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