The Truth About Gum in Singapore
I was greeted at the airport by students from the school’s “Welcoming Committee.” They were very friendly and helpful. They explained the bus and rail system, and gave advice on where I should live.
Then they offered me a piece of gum.
At first I declined. Gum is illegal in Singapore, right?
After they unwrapped their own and began chewing, they repeated the offer.
I reassured myself that this probably wasn’t a covert sting operation, and accepted. No sirens went off, no guard dogs attacked, and no one gave me so much as a sideways glance.
They informed me that consuming gum isn’t what’s illegal. Selling gum is illegal.
So where do they get their gum? They all go to Malaysia on the weekends, just a hop across the border, and bring it back with them.
“Most people who come here think Singapore has a reputation for strict laws. But really, there is one law in Singapore: just don’t get caught.”
