Singapore is one of the easiest places to explore… if you know the unspoken rules.
Locals don’t say these things anymore because they’re just common sense here — but visitors? These tips will save you from confusion and awkward moments.
Here are 45 “everybody knows… except visitors” Singapore habits and quirks.
1. Wet markets close every Monday
Weekly off day, everywhere.
2. Pasar malam (night markets) are seasonal
They appear only during festive periods or special events — not every week.
3. “How are you?” is a greeting, not a dramatic monologue request
No one expects a long emotional monologue.
A simple “Good, you?” is enough.
4. Kopitiams/Coffee Shops reserve tables with tissue packets
The legendary chope culture.
5. “Dabao” = takeaway
“Dabao” is the universal word for takeaway in Singapore’s food scene.
6. Restaurants add 19% (Service + GST)
No tipping culture.
7. Nothing is really “free” in restaurants/cafes
Even plain water (from the tap) may cost $0.50–$1.
Don’t be shocked.
8. Return your trays at hawker centres/coffee shops
It’s expected.
9. Famous hawker stalls close once sold out
No fixed timing.
10. Hawker stalls rarely give tissues
Bring your own.
11. Durian is banned on public transport
For the greater good.
12. Escalator etiquette: stand left, walk right
Universal, unspoken, enforced by stares.
13. Parks and playgrounds are lively at night
Families go out even after 8pm.
14. No selling or money transactions near MRT gantries
Security officers may stop you.
Many Carousell sellers learned this the hard way — meet outside the gantry area.
15. MRT doors close incredibly fast
Especially during crowded times. As soon as passengers alight, you have to rush in!
16. No eating/drinking on MRT
Not even water.
17. Wild otters are everywhere — cuteness overload, but don’t touch
If you see otters in Singapore, enjoy the view from a safe distance — do not approach, chase, or try to touch them. Wild otters live in rivers, reservoirs, coastal areas, and some urban green spaces.
Here’s how to watch safely:
Observe quietly from the side of canals, park paths, or rivers.
Keep your pets on leash — dogs chasing otters is dangerous.
Avoid loud noises or bright camera flashes that could startle them.
Wild otters are playful and social, often swimming in groups or with pups. Spotting them is a magical experience — just let them stay wild.
18. Animals (even strays) are protected
Cats, birds, even the wandering chickens —
Singapore takes animal welfare seriously.
Don’t touch, disturb, chase, or harm them. Heavy penalties apply.
19. Umbrellas are for sun and rain
Versatile and essential.
20. Thunderstorms and lightning are common — can be intense and loud
On average Singapore has ~167 thunderstorm days per year. If you hear thunder or see lightning — be cautious and seek shelter.
21. On heavy rain or when roads are wet, cabs may be harder to get & more expensive
Rain triggers demand — plan ahead if you depend on taxis.
22. Rain appears out of nowhere
Always carry an umbrella.
The Weather forecast are usually accurate but sometimes…
23. Everything is called “sotong”
Squid, cuttlefish, baby squid…
To Singaporeans, they’re all sotong.
24. Cyclists and PMA users share the same paths
Be alert, especially on park connectors.
They appear silently beside you.
25. Toilets are free
Except some old shopping malls and hawker centres (20 cents).
26. There’s a natural hot‑spring park open to public — Sembawang Hot Spring Park
You can visit for free, enjoy a foot‑bath or collect hot spring water. Open daily 7 am–7 pm (though foot‑bath pool may close certain hours for maintenance). You can even cook onsen Egg here.
27. If there’s a queue, the food is probably good
Singaporeans judge food by queue length — long queue = good food
If there’s a long queue at a stall, locals often take it as a sign that the food is worth it.
28. Don’t talk loudly in residential areas at night
Singapore’s neighbourhoods are very quiet after 10pm.
29. “Lah” or “Leh” at the end of sentences isn’t scolding you — it’s just Singapore colloquial speech
Don’t overthink it. It’s a friendly, everyday way locals speak.
30. Random people may cut queue
Not common, but sometimes it happens —
And locals usually don’t escalate or make a scene.
31. Buses don’t give change
Use a card or exact fare.
32. Always tap in and tap out
For MRT and buses.
33. Littering gets you a serious fine — up to S$2,000 on first court conviction
Even small actions — dropping tissue, wrappers, cigarette butts — can result in heavy fines or corrective work orders.
34. Most parks have free water coolers — refill your bottle anytime
Since late 2022 (pre-packed drinks) and end-2023 (freshly prepared drinks), beverages must be graded based on sugar & saturated fat content. “C” and “D” drinks must show the label.
35. Cashless payment is everywhere
QR codes rule the island. (Mostly Paynow/Paylah)
36. Carparks almost always charge
Even parks and nature spots.
37. Beverages carry a “Nutri‑Grade” (A/B/C/D) to show sugar/fat levels — worth checking if you care about health
Since late 2022 (pre-packed drinks) and end-2023 (freshly prepared drinks), beverages must be graded based on sugar & saturated fat content. “C” and “D” drinks must show the label.
38. Coffee shop drinks use code language
Teh-C, Kopi-O, Siew Dai…
If you don’t know, you’ll learn.
39. “Milk” = condensed milk
Unless you request otherwise.
40. You can camp — but only with permit at designated parks
You cannot just pitch a tent anywhere. Permits required, and only certain areas (e.g. part of East Coast Park) allow camping.
41. Smoking areas are limited
Find yellow boxes.
42. Malls open late
Most shops start at 11am, till 10pm at night.
43. Keep your volume soft
If you haven’t realized, there’s a signage in public bus ask you keep your volume down. No turn on loud speaker and blast music in public buses. Best is to have the same practice at public areas.
44. Some public buses brake sharply — hold on tight
Public buses may stop suddenly. Always hold grab‑poles.
45. If you’re uncomfortable with crowds — avoid major bustle during big public events or festive days
If you want to avoid crowds, try to steer clear of these areas during peak times in Singapore:
Kallang or City Hall during National Day and on Saturdays in the month of July.
Countdown celebrations on New Year’s Eve.
Chinatown during Chinese New Year and Prep period.
Woodlands Checkpoint on weekends.
Singapore’s Top Fireworks Spots This NYE 2023, Lesser-Known Locations Included
Bonus — almost needless to say, chewing gum is banned in Singapore.
(Credits: pexels, renezsg)
Since you’re here, why not Read:
Exploring Singapore for Free: 30 Activities You’ll Love Without Spending a Cent
