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Singapore is infamous for its extreme punishments against seemingly minor infractions, like gum-chewing and graffiti, and for harsh penalties like caning and mandatory capital punishment for cheating, murder, and rape.
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If your travel plans hold Singapore on the horizon, be aware that laws there are strictly enforced, and even failing to abide by some of the country's odd customs could land you in serious trouble.
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The State Department urges travelers to remember that they are not exempt from foreign law and the U.S. passport is not a "get out of jail free" card.
"I didn't feel like it was a totalitarian state," she said. "But it was very, very clean to the point it was almost sterile. I knew not to litter but I don't litter here anyways. If you're a respectful person and a respectful traveler, you're not going to run into an issue."
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We've compiled a brief guide to the rules you must abide by next time you're in Singapore.
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You Can Chew Gum, You Just Can't Sell Or Import It
It is widely thought that gum chewing is illegal in Singapore; however, this is not the case. It is illegal to import or sell gum in the country.
If you bought a pack of gum before your flight and chew it throughout your trip, you shouldn't have any problems. You can also purchase medical or dental gum that you obtain from a pharmacy with a prescription.
The sale of gum was banned in 1992 after gum was used to shut down the SMRT, the country's public transportation system, after it was stuck on the sensor doors and brought the system to a halt.
Smoking is currently banned in restaurants, cinemas and other indoor public spaces.
Singapore is considering increasing the ban to include parks and other public spaces. The current fine for first time offenders can be as much as $1,000.
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Vandalism Can Incur The Wrath Of The Rattan Cane
There is a mandatory caning policy for vandalism offenses. This applies to writing on public property as well as hanging banners, flags, pamphlets, or displaying anything on existing public property.
According to the U.S. Department of State, these penalties will be applied to foreign nationals, including U.S. citizens. Fines can include up to $2,000, between three to 8 strokes of the cane and up to three years in prison. Women, men over 50 and those with health conditions are exempt from caning.
You can also be arrested for littering, spitting and jaywalking and fined for failure to flush the toilet.
The image to the right shows graffiti of Singapore's most-wanted fugitive, Mas Selamat bin Kastari, now being held indefinitely under Internal Security Act for alleged terror plot.
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You Had Better Come To Singapore Drug-Free
For some drug offenses, there is mandatory death penalty.
Officials do not distinguish between drugs consumed before entering the country or those taken in Singapore.
The police are able to force both residents and non-residents to submit to random drug testing.
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The Public Transportation System May Have The Strictest Rules Of All
According to the website of the SMRT, the country's transport authority:
Drinking plain water, or any beverage for that matter, is also not permitted because it could spill and wet seats, soil other commuters’ belongings or cause them to slip and fall. We want to prevent any accidents and make sure that everyone can enjoy a pleasant ride.
The SMRT is really concerned with your safety.
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Singapore Is Not For Lovers
Unwanted touching, both violent or sexual, falls under the "Outrage of Modesty" law. Violations of this law can bring up to two years in prison, caning, or a fine.
Also be sure to leave home: chewing tobacco, lighters shaped like guns, counterfeit DVDs or copyrighted materials, swords, endangered species, firecrackers and treasonous materials.
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Hold Your Tongue About The Singaporean Government
Censorship of radio, broadcast and other forms of media are strict in Singapore. Human Rights Watch's 2012 report notes that laws require media organizations to renew registration with the government annually, and the government controls circulation of foreign publications that might be critical of the government.
The Internal Security Act and Criminal Law Act allows activists to be detained without trial indefinitely., and, according to a Gallup world poll, Singapore ranks 106th in terms of its citizens feeling safe speaking out against the government.
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This Is Not A Country For Lefties
Don't use your left hand to greet, wave, eat or interact with someone of Malay, Indian or Indonesian descent because it's the hand associated with using the restroom.
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Tips For Business Travelers
A few more tips before you head to Singapore:
Being on time is important
Handshakes are the traditional form of greeting but traditional Singaporean Malays and Indians might not shake hands of members of the opposite sex; Singaporean Chinese may bow but won't expect this of foreigners
Gifts may be considered bribes
Seniority is important—eldest should be greeted first
Sometimes "yes" means "no" or "maybe," because Singaporeans want to avoid conflict
Avoid direct eye contact for long periods; it's considered rude