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My father, mother and sister were entering Singapore yesterday for a visit, they brought 3 cartons of  cigarettes into the country. As my father is quite a heavy smoker, he brought 2 cartons from home for three people traveling, to save him buying in Singapore.

He thought they have allowance 1 carton per person like here in Australia. Well, it was until few years ago, when Singapore no longer give duty free cigarettes allowance. They did not declare the cigarettes because they thought it is still within the quantity limit for three persons traveling.

The cigarettes was in my sister’s luggage when they scanned it, they were shocked finding 3 cartons of it. They thought my sister wants to smuggle cigarettes and take my sister to the custom office for the interview, etc.
Initially they asked for $6000 fine for 2 cartons of cigarettes, but my mom bargained the fine for almost an hour, and explaining that the cigarettes are for personal use and they didn’t know there is no cigarette allowance in Singapore. They finally had to pay $3500 for it.  Lucky they bring  some cash with them otherwise 2 months jailed, and they also took the cigarettes.

Here are the list what not to bring into this country:
Prohibited Goods:
The following items are prohibited from entry into Singapore:
* Intoxicating liquors and cigarettes which are marked ‘Singapore Duty Not Paid’ on the labels, cartons or packets as well as cigarettes with the prefix ‘E’ printed on the packets
* Chewing gum
* Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products
* Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
* Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
* Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
* Firecrackers
* Obscene articles, publications, video tapes and software
* Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes or disks, records or cassettes
* Seditious and treasonable materials
* Toy coins and toy currency notes
* Locally brewed beer and stout marked ‘Brewed for Export’

GST/Duty-free Allowance:
For a traveler of 18 years and above, arriving from countries other than Malaysia and having spent not less than 48 hours outside Singapore immediately before arrival, he/she may be granted GST relief/duty-free allowance on the following:
1 litre of spirits;
1 litre of wine; and
1 litre of beer.
There is no GST relief/duty-free allowance for cigarettes and other tobacco products.

See larger image Top 10 Singapore (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE) (Paperback) By (author) Jennifer Eveland List Price: $14.00 USD New From: $14.00 In Stock Used from: $48.55 In Stock

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