Safety

Safety in Singapore

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. For expats, safety concerns are virtually non-existent.

Crime Statistics

Singapore's crime rates are among the world's lowest:

• Crime index: 22.6 (Numbeo) - extremely low
• Violent crime: Very rare
• Petty crime: Uncommon (pickpocketing, theft)
• Scams: Occasional phone/online scams

In practical terms: You can walk anywhere at any time of day or night without concern. Women can feel safe walking alone at night.

Why Singapore is So Safe

Strict laws and enforcement:

• Heavy penalties deter crime
• Efficient police force
• Extensive CCTV coverage (90,000+ cameras, expanding to 200,000 by 2030)
• Death penalty for drug trafficking
• Caning for certain offenses

Social factors:

• Strong economy with low unemployment
• Excellent public housing
• High education levels
• Social cohesion

Laws Expats Should Know

Singapore has strict laws that may surprise newcomers:

Drug offenses:

• Death penalty for trafficking
• Caning and imprisonment for possession
• Even trace amounts in your system can result in charges
• Zero tolerance - this is serious

Other notable laws:

• Chewing gum: Banned (except therapeutic gum from pharmacies)
• Smoking: Only in designated areas. Heavy fines for violations.
• Littering: S$300+ fine for first offense
• Jaywalking: S$50 fine
• Vandalism: Caning is a possible punishment
• Public intoxication: Can be arrested
• E-scooters: Banned on footpaths
• Vaping: Illegal to sell, import, or use

Practical Safety

Personal safety:

• Violent crime against expats is essentially unheard of
• Leave valuables visible in car? Still risky (but less than elsewhere)
• Walk through any neighborhood at night? Generally fine

Home security:

• Most condos have 24/7 security
• Break-ins are rare
• Many people leave doors unlocked (though not recommended)

Online safety:

• Scams exist (phone scams, online fraud)
• Official agencies (police, banks) never ask for passwords/OTPs
• Report scams to police

Natural Disasters

Singapore is remarkably disaster-free:

• Earthquakes: None (not on fault lines)
• Tsunamis: Highly unlikely (protected by surrounding islands)
• Typhoons: None (too close to equator)
• Flooding: Occasional flash floods during heavy rain, but infrastructure handles it well

The only weather "hazard" is the haze season (usually Aug-Oct) when smoke from Indonesian forest fires can affect air quality.

Emergency Numbers

• Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999
• Ambulance only: 995
• Non-emergency police: 1800-255-0000
• Non-emergency ambulance: 1777

Safety Tips

1. Follow the rules: Singapore's laws are enforced strictly
2. No drugs: Absolutely not worth the risk
3. Respect local norms: Even if laws seem strict
4. Stay aware of scams: Phone and online fraud exist
5. Trust the system: If something happens, police are reliable