The one item you must avoid bringing into Singapore at all costs
- Replies 6
Ah, Singapore! A favourite destination for many Aussies. This city-state offers a unique blend of modernity, culture, and stunning natural beauty. But there's one thing our Singapore-bound travellers need to be extremely mindful of to avoid landing in hot water.
Tessa, whose name has been changed for privacy reasons, recently shared her harrowing experience while travelling back to Australia from a European summer adventure with a stopover in Singapore.
Tessa enjoys vaping (also known as the practice of inhaling and exhaling vapour with nicotine), and she stocked up on refills during her European travels. But little did she know that her habit would get her in serious trouble upon landing in Singapore.
As Tessa's bags were searched at customs, the officers discovered her vape and refills - prohibited items in the country. She had unknowingly broken the law, and her vape gear and pods were confiscated. Tessa was fined and considered herself lucky for not being sent to prison!
Let's avoid Tessa's costly mistake, folks. The answer is straightforward: Vaping is NOT allowed in Singapore. Since 2018, the country has banned vaping, citing health concerns and its potential to lead to smoking addiction. Getting caught vaping can result in hefty fines and, worse yet, jail time.
The Singapore government is steadfast in enforcing its vaping ban. Importing, selling, and using e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and e-cigars are strictly forbidden, as per the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. In fact, even chewing gum is banned there!
So, getting caught vaping in public or private spaces or having a vape in your possession will inevitably land you in hot water.
If the authorities find a vape or any similar item in your belongings, first-time offenders can be fined up to SGD$2,000 ($2,243 AUD). Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, with fines of up to SGD$5,000 ($5,607 AUD) or imprisonment for up to six months or both.
This crackdown on vaping began on 1st February 2018, making it illegal to possess, purchase, use, or import vaporisers into Singapore. The government has implemented this rigorous stance to protect public health and prevent new tobacco products from entering the market, according to Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health Amrin Amin.
Furthermore, Singapore puts a high priority on reducing nicotine addiction among the youth, curbing smoking, and promoting a smoke-free environment for everyone. So, the vaping ban is just one strict measure, alongside increased taxes on tobacco products and prohibitions on smoking in public places.
Despite all this, some daredevils still attempt to vape in Singapore, either due to ignorance or outright defiance. However, with the government's vigorous enforcement, it's absolutely not worth the risk to sneak in vape equipment or products.
Vaping is regulated or banned in 35 countries. Among these countries, Thailand has some of the most stringent laws, with penalties that can result in a 10-year prison sentence for individuals found vaping.
Tourists in Thailand who are caught using e-cigarettes may face up to 10 years of imprisonment or fines of 30,000 baht ($1,300 AUD).
Tourists visiting Colombia or Iran are prohibited from vaping in public spaces because it is illegal. Although vaping itself is not illegal in Turkey, purchasing an e-cigarette within the country is against the law.
Certain countries have even stricter regulations, implementing a complete ban on vaping. Such countries include Argentina, Brazil, North Korea, and Nepal. In Qatar, vaping has been illegal since 2014. Violators of the law can face hefty fines of up to 10,000 Riyals (approximately $3,800 AUD) or a maximum prison sentence of three months.
Members, if you have plans to visit Singapore or any of the mentioned countries, please be aware of their anti-vaping laws. Avoid bringing any vaping paraphernalia with you, and enjoy a hassle-free holiday! Be sure to share this story with your friends and family, especially if they vape! Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Happy travels!
Tessa, whose name has been changed for privacy reasons, recently shared her harrowing experience while travelling back to Australia from a European summer adventure with a stopover in Singapore.
Tessa enjoys vaping (also known as the practice of inhaling and exhaling vapour with nicotine), and she stocked up on refills during her European travels. But little did she know that her habit would get her in serious trouble upon landing in Singapore.
As Tessa's bags were searched at customs, the officers discovered her vape and refills - prohibited items in the country. She had unknowingly broken the law, and her vape gear and pods were confiscated. Tessa was fined and considered herself lucky for not being sent to prison!
Let's avoid Tessa's costly mistake, folks. The answer is straightforward: Vaping is NOT allowed in Singapore. Since 2018, the country has banned vaping, citing health concerns and its potential to lead to smoking addiction. Getting caught vaping can result in hefty fines and, worse yet, jail time.
The Singapore government is steadfast in enforcing its vaping ban. Importing, selling, and using e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and e-cigars are strictly forbidden, as per the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act. In fact, even chewing gum is banned there!
So, getting caught vaping in public or private spaces or having a vape in your possession will inevitably land you in hot water.
If the authorities find a vape or any similar item in your belongings, first-time offenders can be fined up to SGD$2,000 ($2,243 AUD). Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, with fines of up to SGD$5,000 ($5,607 AUD) or imprisonment for up to six months or both.
This crackdown on vaping began on 1st February 2018, making it illegal to possess, purchase, use, or import vaporisers into Singapore. The government has implemented this rigorous stance to protect public health and prevent new tobacco products from entering the market, according to Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Health Amrin Amin.
Furthermore, Singapore puts a high priority on reducing nicotine addiction among the youth, curbing smoking, and promoting a smoke-free environment for everyone. So, the vaping ban is just one strict measure, alongside increased taxes on tobacco products and prohibitions on smoking in public places.
Despite all this, some daredevils still attempt to vape in Singapore, either due to ignorance or outright defiance. However, with the government's vigorous enforcement, it's absolutely not worth the risk to sneak in vape equipment or products.
Key Takeaways
- Vaping is not allowed in Singapore and has been banned in the country since 2018, with those caught vaping facing hefty fines and even jail time.
- The Singapore government cites health concerns and the potential for vaping to lead to smoking as reasons for the ban, which includes importing, selling, and using e-cigarettes and vaporisers.
- Those caught with vape products in Singapore can be fined up to SGD$2,000 ($2,243 AUD) for the first offence and up to SGD$5,000 ($5,607 AUD) or imprisonment for up to six months for subsequent offences.
- The ban on vaping is part of Singapore's broader efforts to promote a smoke-free environment and reduce the number of smokers, which includes increasing taxes on tobacco products and banning smoking in public places.
Vaping is regulated or banned in 35 countries. Among these countries, Thailand has some of the most stringent laws, with penalties that can result in a 10-year prison sentence for individuals found vaping.
Tourists in Thailand who are caught using e-cigarettes may face up to 10 years of imprisonment or fines of 30,000 baht ($1,300 AUD).
Tourists visiting Colombia or Iran are prohibited from vaping in public spaces because it is illegal. Although vaping itself is not illegal in Turkey, purchasing an e-cigarette within the country is against the law.
Certain countries have even stricter regulations, implementing a complete ban on vaping. Such countries include Argentina, Brazil, North Korea, and Nepal. In Qatar, vaping has been illegal since 2014. Violators of the law can face hefty fines of up to 10,000 Riyals (approximately $3,800 AUD) or a maximum prison sentence of three months.
Members, if you have plans to visit Singapore or any of the mentioned countries, please be aware of their anti-vaping laws. Avoid bringing any vaping paraphernalia with you, and enjoy a hassle-free holiday! Be sure to share this story with your friends and family, especially if they vape! Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Happy travels!