Latest news with #SG200
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Time of India
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. " Read more: 10 cheapest countries to visit from India in 2025 Shocked by the fine, the tourist took to the Chinese social media platform to share her experience and caution 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Genera ingresos extras con IA desde casa: una manera astuta de empezar a invertir con éxito [CFD] Digital Group Prueba ahora Undo 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. Read more: Eid al-Adha escapes: Visa-free getaways to consider for spontaneous travel 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. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Tourist fined ₹13,000 for bringing durian into Singapore hotel room
A Chinese tourist visiting Singapore was taken aback when she received a S$200 (approx. ₹13,000) fine from her hotel — all because she brought a durian into her room, unaware that it was against the rules, reported MS News. The traveller took to the Chinese social networking and e-commerce platform. Xiaohongshu (XHS) and shared her experience to warn other visitors not to repeat her mistake She recalled on XHS that she and a friend had been exploring the city when they came across a roadside durian stall. With no seating available, they decided to pack the famously pungent fruit in a Styrofoam box and return to their hotel to enjoy it. During the cab ride back, her friend pointed out that the strong smell was already escaping the box. In an attempt to contain it, she wrapped the box tightly in cling film. 'I did so as I was afraid the driver would be bothered by the smell,' she said. 'But he didn't seem to react to our conversation.' Once in their room, the pair began eating the durian without giving it much thought. But after returning from sightseeing later that evening, she found a surprising note placed on her hotel bed. 'Once I saw that letter, I felt something was amiss,' she said. The note read: 'Please be informed that our Housekeeper found Durian smell in your room… SG200 will be imposed for a cleaning fee.' The fine came as a shock. 'I can't believe my eyes. S$200 is about 1,000 RMB,' she wrote. Also read: Chicago museum boss to keep $1 million job after getting drunk and stripping naked on flight Worried, she began looking through posts on XHS and realised that other travellers had experienced similar issues. 'Some were stopped by hotel staff at the entrance,' she wrote, 'while others managed to get the cleaning fee waived.' She contacted the hotel's front desk in hopes of appealing the fine. 'I argued with the staff,' she said. 'I confessed I was in the wrong and even asked if they could give me a little discount.' She explained that it was never her intention to break any rules. 'I wouldn't be so foolish as to come to another country and test the rules,' she said. However, the hotel did not budge. Staff explained that due to the strong odour left in the room, it would require professional cleaning and would be out of service for several days. Having learnt her lesson, the tourist signed off with a warning to others: never bring durian into your hotel room while in Singapore. Also read: US woman moved to India at 19 for a job: 'Didn't know my salary, didn't know anyone'
