Thanks to severe laws, the crime rate in Singapore is one of the lowest in the world: only Luxemburg has a better rating according to this characteristic. The situation in the country remains stable and calm for quite a long time now, therefore tourists don’t have to worry about their safety.
Nevertheless, it is better not to relax entirely in Singapore: although rare, but pickpocketing still occurs here. As a rule, it happens in the most crowded places, in tourist spots. However, if you are alerted, it is easy to avoid troubles.
The voltage in Singapore electricity network is from 220 to 240 volts with current frequency 50 hertz. As a rule, three-pole plugs with flat pins, similar to the British ones, are used. However, many hotels have plug sockets that are suitable for plugs with three flat rectangular pins and for European plugs. If necessary, you can take adapters at hotel reception (this service is free), or buy them at local supermarket.
Singapore is known for its drastic rules and laws, violation of which might result in severe fines, deportation and even criminal sanctions for a tourist.
In order to avoid troubles it is important to have a clear image of what one mustn’t do:
– Smoke in enclosed public spaces (public transportation, museums, shops, elevators, theaters, cinemas, restaurants and state institutions). Smoking is allowed only in specially allocated places, marked with special signs. Violation of this rule is liable to a fine of up to 1 000 SGD.
Moreover, Remember that any cigarette in the country must have a special marking SDPC (Singapore Duty-Paid Cigarettes) that is put down at the customs when you pay corresponding fee for importing tobacco goods. Each pack of cigarettes without such marking is subject to a fine of 500 SGD per pack.
– Use any narcotic drugs. Violation of this law is punished by long imprisonment. Import and distribution of drugs is subject to death penalty without right to file an appeal.
– Chew gum on the street. Otherwise it costs 500 SGD.
– Cross the street in the wrong place or at the red light. The offender will have to pay a fine of 500 SGD. Driving a car without wearing a seat belt costs the same.
– Drop litter on the street. Violation of this rule is subject to a fine of 500 SGD, repeated violation may lead to imprisonment. In addition, it is illegal to spit on the ground in public places; it equals littering and is punishable by the same penalty.
– Eat and drink in undetermined place, for example, in subway. Failure to do so leads to a fine of 500 SGD.
– Gamble. The only permitted forms of gambling in Singapore are charity lotteries, Toto and Singapore Sweep lotteries, and gambling at the Singapore Turf Club during races.
– Store and send up dangerous fireworks (including salutes, rockets, firecrackers, etc.), as well as bring flammable substances to public places. The penalty for this is up to 5 000 SGD.
Special prohibiting signs that inform visitors about the rules of conduct are installed everywhere in Singapore. If you read them carefully and follow the specified rules, it is easy to avoid high fines and other penalties.
Singaporean society is quite conservative: family values and traditions are honored there. And it is reflected in the attitude to the people of untraditional sexual orientation.
Relationships between men are illegal in Singapore and can lead to criminal penalties: up to two years of imprisonment. On the other hand, lesbian relationships are legally recognized and are perceived more loyally by society.
People, having untraditional sexual orientation, should avoid displaying their feelings in public, while it may lead to negative reaction by homophobic Singapore residents. Nevertheless, the city has bars, restaurants and hotels that are friendly to the LGBT community.