Since it's Independence in the 1960's, Singapore has quickly become one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in all of Asia. With it's breathtaking architecture, world renowned gardens and incredible shopping facilities, it's easy to understand how Singapore has found itself where it is today. Of course, if you are planning a trip to or studying in Singapore, there are a few laws which you must be aware of.

Maybe the most interesting regulated law in Singapore is the ban on chewing gum. It is illegal to posses, chew, or sell gum within the country.  A first time offense can generate a fine of $500 (which roughly equates to 375 U.S. dollars). So if your breath needs some freshing up, it's best just to stick with a mint.

Singapore is also an extremely clean city, and for those of you traveling elsewhere in South east Asia, you certainly will appreciate it's cleanliness. However that does come at a price. If caught littering small items such as receipts, cigarette butts or wrappers, you will incur a fine of S$300 ($225 U.S.), and the fine increases the larger the item.

Jaywalking inside of the United States is illegal, however it generally isn't frowned upon and police rarely had out citations for this offense. But the case is quite different in Singapore. A fine of S$500 ($375 U.S.) is handed out to all first time offenders. This not only includes walking through the middle of a street, but crossing through a pedestrian walkway when the signal is red. So if your not sure if your allowed to cross at a particular point, you'll be better off to wait until you see a designated path.

The last major law that tourists have trouble with  is smoking.  If you are a heavy smoker, Singapore might not be the best place for you. This is just a quick rundown of the places smoking is illegal: Most indoor locations (air conditioned shopping malls and offices, cinemas, swimming pools, sports stadiums, playgrounds, bus interchanges and shelters. You can smoke in certain designated areas around the premises of dinning facilities and entertainment establishments A S$200 ($150 U.S.) fine is given out for a first offense. If that's not enough of a head ache to remember, bringing in more than one packet of cigarettes that isn't declared at customs will bring it's own stiff fine of S$500 ($375 U.S.) per pack!

Included below a list of other common fines for tourists inside of Singapore.

Chewing Gum: S$500 ($375 U.S.)
Littering: S$300 ($225)
Jaywalking: S$500 ($375)
Smoking in illegal area: S$200 ($150)
Pack of Cigarettes not declared: S$500 ($375)
Spitting in Public: S$500 ($375)
Eating in a public bus or MRT: S$500 ($375)

Although all these rules seems to scare away the new comings, visiting or studying in Singapore still represents an opportunity that you must not miss, because the island-sized country can bringing you much more experience and enjoyment that cannot be find elsewhere.

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