You’ve probably heard the stories about Singapore’s famously strict rules, and maybe you’re a little nervous. It’s a common feeling. Many travelers worry, “Will I get fined for accidentally dropping a wrapper?” or “Is it true I can be fined just for forgetting to flush?”
We’re here to put your mind at ease. These rules aren’t traps designed to catch tourists. They are the simple, shared habits that create the incredible public comfort you’ve come to enjoy—like being able to sit on any park bench without a second thought.
Think of this as your “comfort guide.” While some rules are common sense, the real-world scenarios (like an accidental drop or a full bin) are what cause anxiety. We’re here to walk you through those specific situations for littering and public toilets, swapping that worry for confidence so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
The Big One: Littering (and How to Easily Avoid It)
When we think of littering, we usually picture dropping a food wrapper or a drink cup. In Singapore, the definition is a bit broader and includes small items like tissue paper and cigarette butts.
It also includes spitting, which is treated as a serious offense for public health reasons. The rule here is simple and absolute: just don’t. This includes spitting on the pavement, into a drain, or onto the grass.
But the law also covers situations you might not expect. Here are a few scenarios to be mindful of for a stress-free trip:
Let’s talk about the fines. Yes, they are high. For a first-time offense, you can face a “composition sum” (an on-the-spot fine) of SGD$300. Repeat offenders can even be given a “Corrective Work Order” (CWO)—and yes, this applies to tourists as well—requiring them to clean a public place while wearing a bright vest—a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility.
You don’t need to worry, as it is incredibly easy to find a bin. You will always find them readily available at bus stops, malls, MRT stations, and parks. You’re almost always just a few steps away from one.
The “Killer Litter” Danger: High-Rise Rules
Throwing any object from a building is a strict criminal offense in Singapore due to the high risk of injury in our dense, vertical city.
You might hear locals refer to this as “Killer Litter.” It sounds intense, but it is a very real safety focus here.
Since most of us live in tall buildings, even a small object like a glass bottle, a heavy fruit, or a cigarette butt can gain enough speed to seriously hurt someone walking below.
Why this matters for you:
Unlike the common littering fines we mentioned earlier, this is often treated as a police matter because it endangers lives.
The Penalties are Severe: Singapore takes this so seriously that the law presumes the owner or tenant is guilty if litter is seen falling from their unit. For a first-time offense, you could face a fine of up to SGD$2,000.
It gets stricter: offenders can also be issued a Corrective Work Order (CWO), requiring them to clean public areas for up to 12 hours while wearing a bright vest.
If the item actually endangers someone’s safety (the true “Killer Litter” scenario), it becomes a police case under the Penal Code, carrying potential jail time and much heavier fines.
⚠️ Important Warning: Do Not Try to “Fly Away” From This
A common question is: “I’m a tourist leaving in two days. Can I just ignore the fine or CWO?”
The answer is a strict no.
Public Restroom Etiquette & Hygiene Standards
First, the good news. Public toilets in Singapore are often a huge comfort, especially when you’re out exploring all day. In most shopping malls (like the ones lining Orchard Road) and hotels, you’ll find they are exceptionally clean and well-maintained.
The Famous Flushing Law
You may have heard it’s an offense not to flush a public toilet after using it. This is true.
While you might not see uniformed “toilet police,” this law is enforced. Don’t be surprised to see plainclothes officers from the National Environment Agency (NEA) conducting routine checks, especially in busy public places like hawker centres.
Forgetting to flush isn’t just impolite; it’s considered a public health hazard in such a dense city. It’s a simple act of courtesy that keeps the space comfortable for the next person, and failing to do so can result in an on-the-spot fine of SGD$150.
Our Hyper-Specific Toilet Paper Tip
Here’s a little tip we’ve learned:
Finally, it’s expected to just keep the space tidy. This means not squatting on the toilet seats (if there are footprints, it’s a sign this has been an issue) or leaving water all over the floor.
A Serious Warning on Public Urination
This brings us to a very serious point, and it’s one we want to be crystal clear about, especially for visitors enjoying Singapore’s nightlife.
We’ve all seen stories of people getting drunk in a new city and doing “funny things” like urinating in public. In Singapore, this is not a funny story or a minor offense. It is a major public order offense with severe consequences.
Singaporean authorities do not take this lightly, and being intoxicated is not an excuse. This isn’t just about tidiness; it’s seen as a deep sign of disrespect for public spaces and the people who share them. The fine can go up to SGD$1,000.
To understand how seriously this is taken: in the past, many public elevators (“lifts”) were famously fitted with Urine Detection Devices (UDDs). These high-tech systems could detect the scent of urine, lock the lift doors, and sound an alarm until the police arrived.
Our advice here is simple: please do not be playful with this rule. It’s a non-negotiable part of what keeps the city so comfortable and clean for everyone.
A Final Reassurance for Your Trip
As you can see, these rules aren’t scary. They’re just simple, mindful habits that all add up to create the wonderfully clean and comfortable Singapore that visitors, including us, love.
Our final advice is not to be paranoid, just be aware. By being a little mindful, you’ll blend right in and enjoy a completely stress-free visit.
Knowing these cleanliness rules is a great start. This article focuses on littering and public toilets, but for a comfortable trip, you’ll also want to know the specific rules for eating and drinking on the MRT and the famous laws on chewing gum. For a complete overview of all important laws, including those on alcohol and smoking, check out our primary Singapore Laws for Tourists hub.
Putting Your Mind at Ease
What is the actual fine for littering in Singapore?
For a first-time offense, you typically face a “composition sum” (an on-the-spot fine) of SGD$300. However, it is important to know that Singapore takes repeat offenses much more seriously. If someone is caught multiple times, the court can issue a Corrective Work Order (CWO), which requires the offender to clean public areas while wearing a bright vest. It is also worth noting that throwing anything from a high-rise building (often called “Killer Litter”) is treated as a severe criminal offense, not just simple littering.
What if I accidentally drop a receipt? Will I be fined immediately?
This is a very common worry, but you can relax. The laws are generally enforced with common sense and aim to catch people who are deliberately “depositing and leaving” trash, not those who make an honest mistake. If you drop something, just pick it up immediately. However, be careful with the “full bin” scenario: leaving your trash next to a full bin because you couldn’t fit it in is still technically considered littering. In that specific case, we recommend holding onto your item until you find the next empty bin.
How serious is the rule against spitting?
It is taken very seriously for public health reasons and is treated exactly the same as littering, with fines starting at SGD$300. The rule is absolute: you cannot spit on the pavement, into drains, or onto the grass. We find the simplest solution is to just treat it like any other waste—always use a tissue to handle it and then dispose of that tissue in a proper bin.
Can I really be fined for not flushing a public toilet in Singapore?
Yes, you can be fined for failing to flush a public toilet. While this law is primarily in place to ensure a clean and comfortable environment for everyone, officers enforcing the National Environment Agency’s public cleanliness statutes can issue an on-the-spot fine (typically starting at SGD$150) if you are caught. We view this simply as a way to maintain the high standard of hygiene that makes traveling in Singapore so pleasant, so it is always best to double-check that the flush worked before you leave the stall.
Where are the best public toilets in Singapore?
As a general rule for a comfortable trip, we find the cleanest and most reliable public toilets are inside major shopping malls, hotels, and tourist attractions like Gardens by the Bay. The facilities in the famous malls along Orchard Road are quite well-maintained. While toilets in hawker centres (food courts) are functional, they may not always meet the “luxury” standard of cleanliness you might prefer for a relaxing break, so we usually suggest planning your “pit stops” around major landmarks.
Should I carry my own tissues or wet wipes?
Yes, we highly recommend this! While toilets in major malls are well-stocked, older buildings and hawker centres often have a different system where the toilet paper dispenser is located outside at the main entrance, not inside the stall. If you forget to grab some before entering, you might find yourself stuck. Having a small pack of tissues in your bag ensures you are always prepared and adds a layer of comfort to your day.
Can I bring chewing gum into Singapore for myself?
No, you cannot bring standard chewing gum into Singapore, even for personal use. This is a common misunderstanding, but Singapore’s banned items for tourists include strict prohibitions on the import of all gum, except for medical or dental purposes (such as nicotine gum). While it is not illegal to chew gum here, we recommend leaving your stash at home to avoid any stress or potential fines at the border. If you need therapeutic gum, we suggest bringing a doctor’s prescription just to be safe.
