Tourist fined INR 13k for bringing durian into Singapore hotel; find out why you need to be careful
In a pungent twist of events, a Chinese tourist visiting Singapore found herself facing an unexpected fine of S$200 (approximately INR 13,000) after bringing durian into her hotel room, unaware of the strict regulations surrounding the fruit in the city-state.
The incident is about when the traveler bought durian from a roadside vendor while touring Singapore with a friend. Since there was nowhere to sit, they made the decision to eat the fruit in their hotel room. The stench filled the room even though the durian was wrapped in cling film to keep its strong scent contained. Upon returning from sightseeing later that day, she discovered a note on her bed stating: "Please be informed that our housekeeper found a durian smell in your room… SG200 will be imposed for a cleaning fee.
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Shocked by the fine, the tourist took to the Chinese social media platform to share her experience and caution others.She said she was shocked by the fine, pointing out that S$200 was equivalent to almost 1,000 RMB. She wrote in her article that she tried to bargain with the hotel personnel, confessing her error and asking for a discount, but was told that the room needed to be professionally cleaned and would be unavailable for use for a few days because of the persistent smell.
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Singapore's strict regulations pertaining to durian, a fruit known for its potent odour, are highlighted by this occurrence. In Singapore, a lot of hotels have durian restrictions on their grounds, with different establishments facing different penalties. For example, if a durian odour is found, the Carlton City Hotel charges a S$500 cleaning fee, whereas the Park Regis by Prince Singapore costs S$300. Since the smell of the fruit can be unpleasant to some, these precautions are meant to keep the atmosphere pleasant for all visitors.
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Moreover, the durian ban extends beyond hotels. Singapore's public transportation system, including the MRT, has prohibited durians since 1988 due to their overpowering smell. Violations can result in fines up to S$500, which highlights the country's commitment to preserving public comfort.
For visitors who are not familiar with local laws and customs, the tourist's experience serves as a warning. Many people in Southeast Asia love durian, but in some places, there are restrictions on how it can be consumed. It is recommended that visitors to Singapore be aware of these rules in order to prevent unforeseen fines.
So, while the allure of tasting durian may be strong, it's essential for tourists to be aware of local guidelines to ensure a pleasant and penalty-free stay in Singapore.
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