Funny Singapore

When we think of Singapore, these two topics inevitably come to mind: the 1994 caning of American Michael Fay and the illegality of chewing gum within city-state limits. Though seemingly unrelated, both these matters highlight a very important aspect of Singaporean life: there is a fine line between having fun and causing havoc. And when you cross that line there is a big price to pay.

In Singapore, the "fun line" (and its limits) seem to fall within 3 major categories: (1) things that are "accepted but controlled"; (2) things that are "accepted but discouraged" in one manner or another; and (3) things that are absolutely "not tolerated."

(1) Buying gum falls into this first category. Contrary to popular belief, chewing and purchasing gum is legal in Singapore. (The ban was lifted in 2004.) Though Bubble Yum is nowhere to be found, gum containing tooth whitening and breath freshening agents is available. But it comes with a catch. You can't just walk to your local 7-11 and buy a couple packs. You must purchase it from a pharmacist....and sign for it providing a passport or national ID number alongside.

Believe it or not, prostitution also falls into the "accepted but controlled" category. Though many prostitutes are here on tourist visas working illegally, the "legal" prostitutes are registered with the government and periodically attend health screenings. Additionally, there are places where prostitution is "allowed" to occur (the famous Orchard Towers happens to be right by our flat), and it is speculated that such areas are "registered." The purchase or sale of pornography is illegal, however. So avoid any fines or jail time and go for the real thing if you are so inclined.

(2) Things that are "accepted but discouraged" are usually identified by the enormous taxes you pay to enjoy them. Cars, booze, and cigarettes are three of these. According to one local Singaporean, cars are taxed up to 200% to discourage citizens from purchase and prevent enormous traffic problems that could potentially plague the city-state. Alcohol is about 3 times the price you would pay in the US, and in many cases it's actually cheaper to drink out that to purchase a beer at your local store.

As for cigarettes, the purchase price is comparable to US standards (around $8/pack), but you can also be fined up to $10,000 if caught in possession of "illegal" cigarettes. Due to the ease of transporting $2 packs across the border from Indonesia or Malaysia, all Singapore-purchased cigarettes are now labeled with a blatant "SDPC" strip (Singapore Duty-Paid Cigarette).

(3) As for the more questionable pastimes that are "not tolerated," vandalism is the most famous for which Michael Fay received 4 strokes of the cane. Parents can also administer this type of punishment at home for general "mischief" or defiance, and the domestic-use canes are available for sale at local grocery stores. Among other "fun" things that may warrant this form of corporal punishment is smoking at school. For this and more serious disciplinary offenses, it is not uncommon for schools to cane in front of the entire student body as a warning to future offenders.

Though jaywalking and other similar no-nos generally are tolerated, one word of warning for those visiting Singapore. If you want to spend a bit more time here having "fun," make sure you are a valid visitor. Overstaying your tourist visa falls on the mandatory caning list!