Seven Singaporean laws every visitor should know

Word to the wise: In order to maintain its reputation as one of the world's cleanest, safest nations, Singapore maintains a very strict (if sometimes odd) set of rules. Here's seven to take particular heed of.


Chewing gum, smoking or spitting in public, jaywalking and littering carry hefty fines and/or caning. Serial litterers are tasked to clean streets wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the phrase "I'm a litter lout."

Displays of affection between men—including kissing—can lead to imprisonment. It's also an offense to hug someone without permission.

Don't answer the door in your underwear—pornography (including nudity) is illegal.


If you log on to an unsecured Wi-Fi hotspot, it is considered hacking. Penalties apply.

Oral sex is only legal if it is followed by intercourse. Yes, really.

Making any type of religious/racial slur could see you wind up in jail, and/or caned.


Any type of drug possession carries life imprisonment. Trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting signals the death penalty.