New To Singapore? Here's A Guide To Local Etiquette In The Lion City

Welcome to Singapore! Whether you’ve just moved here or are visiting for the first time, navigating daily life in the Republic can be an adventure. With a unique mix of cultures, traditions, and some unwritten social rules, blending in can be a fun challenge. To help feel more like a true Singaporean, here are some etiquette tips for navigating the Lion City.

Stand on the left

On escalators in shopping malls or MRT stations, you’ll notice everyone standing on the left. That’s because the right side is the “fast lane”. It’s all about being considerate, especially during peak hours when everyone’s hustling to get to work, or when they've told their friends they are “on the way” but are actually running super late.

IMAGE: NICHOLAS YONG

Tissue paper chope game strong

At hawker centres or food courts, you might spot tissue packets, umbrellas, even name cards on empty tables. No, they haven't been forgotten – it's a quirky but efficient system called "chope", which means the table's reserved. It's especially popular in the CBD where the lunchtime rush is no joke (we’ve seen people leave their phones – it’s truly next level). The key here is to “respect the chope”, but if seats are scarce, don’t be afraid to ask if you can share the table.

Don't stare – it’s rude!

In Singapore, people value their personal space and privacy. Staring, especially in public areas, is considered quite rude. Whether someone’s sporting something eye-catching or just looks different, resist the urge to gawk.

Leave your chewing gum behind

One of the most famous laws in Singapore is the chewing gum gan from 1992 ban. You won't find gum at the 7-Eleven, and smuggling it in is a big no-no. The ban was introduced to keep public spaces clean, so it's time to switch to mints instead!

IMAGE: UNSPLASH/@_RXSHXXD

Respect peaceful public transport rides

Singaporeans love a quiet, drama-free commute, especially after a long day. Whether you’re on a bus or train, keep conversations at a polite volume. And if you're watching videos or listening to music, always use your earphones. Trust me, no one wants to hear your TikTok blasting out loud.

Reserved seats on public transport

On the MRT, the red seats at the ends of each row are reserved for those who need them most – the elderly, pregnant women, or those with disabilities. It's fine to sit there when it’s not crowded, but be ready to give up your seat if someone who needs it more comes along. It’s all about being kind and considerate to those around us.

Singlish: Not rude, just efficient!

Singlish is Singapore's blend of English and local dialects, and it can sound a bit abrupt. But don’t worry, it's not rude – it's just efficient and economical! Singaporeans just love to keep things short and sweet. Instead of saying, “Could you help me with that?”, you might hear, “Help me, can?” Sometimes it might not sound like English at all — maybe a dictionary will help.

“Have you eaten yet?”

In Singapore, asking “Have you eaten yet?”, "Sudah makan?" or 吃饱没？(Jiak ba buay?) is like saying “How are you?” It’s a sign of care and affection because food is a big part of our culture. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you this even when it's not mealtime. It’s their way of checking in on you, and the polite response is to say that you’ve already eaten or to invite them to makan (eat) together!

IMAGE: UNSPLASH/@JOHN_THNG

Respect your elders - call them ‘Aunty’ or ‘Uncle’

You might notice that we call anyone older than us “aunty” or “uncle”, even if they're not related. It’s a respectful and endearing way to address our elders, whether you're asking for directions or ordering food. Think of it as treating everyone like family, which is a big part of our local culture.

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