Customs & Duties

When shopping abroad, keep receipts for all purchases. Upon reentering the country, be ready to show customs officials what you've bought. Pack purchases together in an easily accessible place. If you think a duty is incorrect, appeal the assessment. If you object to the way your clearance was handled, note the inspector's badge number. In either case, first ask to see a supervisor. If the problem isn't resolved, write to the appropriate authorities, beginning with the port director at your point of entry.

On Arrival in Singapore

Visitors over 18 arriving from countries other than Malaysia and who've spent no less than 48 hours outside of Singapore are allowed to bring in up to one liter of spirits, wine, or beer; all personal effects; and less than S$50 in foodstuffs such as chocolates, biscuits, and cakes. The following imports are prohibited: drugs; pornography (including such publications as Playboy and Playgirl); seditious and treasonable materials (e.g., banned books/tapes); toy Singapore coins and currency notes; cigarette lighters in pistol/revolver shapes; duty-free cigarettes; or reproductions of copyrighted publications, videotapes, records, or cassettes. Chewing gum in amounts deemed large enough for resale, chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products, and endangered species of wildlife and their by-products are also prohibited. Special import permits are required for animals, live plants, meats, arms, and controlled drugs. Penalties for drug abuse are very severe in Singapore and are rigidly enforced. The death penalty is mandatory for trafficking certain amounts of drugs (for example, 15g of heroin, 30g of cocaine, 500g of cannibis). Customs is also extremely strict regarding the import of any form of arms, including such items as ceremonial daggers purchased as souvenirs in other countries. These are held in bond and returned to you on your departure. There are no import (or export) restrictions or limitations on the amount of cash, foreign currencies, checks, and drafts.

On Departure from Singapore

Export permits are required for arms, ammunition, explosives, animals, gold, platinum, precious stones and jewelry, poisons, and medicinal drugs. The export of narcotics is punishable by death under Singapore law.