Chewing gum, spitting and 5 other 'sins' Singapore can imprison you for

In a country where chewing gum is strictly restricted and illegally connecting to a foreign Wi-Fi network can result in imprisonment, it is worth knowing the in Singapore rules to avoid unpleasant situations.

Things you can't do in Singapore

The Singaporean government banned chewing gum over 30 years ago [Shutterstock] Shutterstock

1. Chewing gum

As unlikely as it may seem, chewing gum is strictly prohibited in Singapore. Only those who can prove it is necessary for their health, such as nicotine gum, can use it.

The Singapore government introduced this ban over 30 years ago to address the problem of residents attaching gum to various public facilities, which was causing problems, especially on public transport.

2. Littering

Singapore is definitely a place where public order is a priority. Leaving garbage in a public place may result in a fine. Moreover, things that seem obvious are not so obvious in Singapore. Physiological activities in the elevator are strictly prohibited - the elevators are equipped with odour sensors that automatically close the doors and call the police if urine is detected. This rule especially applies to small children and pets.

3. Public smoking

If your neighbours are bothered by cigarette smoke, they can call the police [BI USA] Before I moved to Paris, I was aware of the stereotype that French people are big smokers. I half expected it to be false (as so many clichs are), so I was surprised to find that cigarettes are actually very common here. Walk down a busy street in Paris around noon, and you will pass dozens of Parisians having a smoke before lunch. Grab a seat at a caf, and you will find an ashtray on the table. Have a drink with a friend on a terrace, and you may sit directly next to someone ready to pull out a cigarette.Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places, workplaces, and public parks, so I didn't expect so many nightclubs to have designated smoking rooms inside. I've also noticed that it's completely normal for people to light up at crowded concerts.I've seen plenty of locals smoke inside at house parties in Paris (usually by a window or in a bathroom, to be fair), which I rarely, if ever, saw happen in the US.All of the smoking here put me off in the beginning — in part because I have asthma — but after nearly six years in Paris, it doesn't bother me as much anymore. Business Insider USA

If you are planning to quit smoking, Singapore may be the perfect place. Smoking is prohibited virtually everywhere except designated areas and private homes. But be careful - if your neighbours are bothered by cigarette smoke, they can call the police.

Additionally, you must remember that when traveling to Singapore, you cannot take a single pack of cigarettes with you. Cigarettes are completely banned here and this ban also applies to electric cigarettes.

4. Connecting to foreign Wi-Fi network

Be careful what network you connect to [Freepik] Pulse Nigeria

In the era of remote work, connecting to a foreign Wi-Fi network may seem like an innocent act. Not in Singapore. Here it is considered hacking, with a fine and even imprisonment of up to three years. If you need the internet, it is best to get your own SIM card.

5. Nudity

Nudity even inside your own apartment can be a problem [iStock] Pulse Nigeria

Although we may think that our home is our castle, in Singapore this is not so obvious. If your neighbours notice you walking around your apartment naked, they can call the police and report it, just like they do in the case of smoking. Walking without clothes, even in your home, is considered pornographic, which is, of course, prohibited.

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Singapore is a place that teaches, above all, discipline and self-control. Please remember that you may also be fined for snorting and spitting on the street. Additionally, it is better not to forget to flush after using a public toilet.

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This article was originally published on Onet Travel.