Hanging laundry on balconies or windows without using designated drying areas is prohibited in Singapore, so make sure you think twice before you get those garments up there
Tourists visiting popular destinations should always familiarise themselves with local regulations, especially when it comes to seemingly harmless habits like drying laundry.
In Singapore, hanging clothes outside windows or on balconies in public housing estates, known as HDB flats, can lead to unwitting visitors being slapped with fines. Hanging laundry on balconies or windows without using designated drying areas is prohibited. This applies to both residents and tourists staying in such accommodation. The aim is to prevent cluttered façades and avoid safety hazards caused by falling items.
First-time violations typically result in warnings or fines of up to SGD 300 — roughly £180. Repeat offenders risk heavier penalties and further enforcement measures, such as the removal of unauthorised drying racks.
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Ski Vertigo, a travel expert, recently highlighted the importance of understanding these rules before travelling. A statement from the company read: “These rules are designed to prevent safety hazards, such as items falling from heights, and to maintain the city’s clean, orderly environment. Improper laundry drying can cause damage to buildings and obstruct views, which is why enforcement is strict.
“In places like Singapore, it is crucial to read accommodation rules carefully. Small details, such as laundry drying, can have big consequences. Tourists should respect local customs and regulations to ensure a smooth stay.”
Laundry habits may seem trivial when travelling, but local laws vary widely, and breaking them can result in unexpected penalties. Improperly hung laundry can also cause disputes with neighbours or building management, potentially spoiling a holiday.
There have been cases where tourists were fined or warned simply because they were unaware of local rules. Disputes arising from laundry drying in prohibited areas have led to complaints to housing authorities, creating avoidable conflict.
A separate piece of research by Ski Vertigo found that nearly 30% of British holidaymakers receive at least one fine during their trip each year. Often caused by unfamiliar local rules or simple mistakes, these fines can quickly turn an enjoyable holiday into an expensive ordeal.
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Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the number of Brits who head there each year and the country’s love of rules, Spain is the place where UK tourists are currently getting fined the most.
Fines in Spain often relate to issues such as littering, smoking in prohibited areas, parking violations, and failure to follow beach rules. Many tourists unintentionally break these regulations because they differ significantly from what is allowed in the UK.
Here are some of the laws in Spain you might find yourself accidentally breaking, and the fines you’ll face if you do:
- Leaving rubbish in public spaces: fines up to €600 (£520)
- Smoking near children or in no-smoking zones: fines range from €30 to €600 (£26 to £520)
- Parking in restricted areas or without proper permits: fines start at €80 (£70)
- Ignoring local signage about behaviour on beaches or in parks: fines vary, but can be as much as €200 (£175)
- Throwing away bus tickets before reaching the destination: €100 (£87) in destinations such as Madrid and Barcelona
- Drinking in public places: fines vary based on location, but can reach €600 (£521)
- Pet restrictions: many public spaces have limitations on pets; fines can exceed €500 (£430) for violations
- Wildlife protection: disturbing wildlife or disrupting protected areas can also result in substantial penalties