The Pokémon World Championships (WCS) are heading to Southeast Asia in August 2027, bringing the world’s top Video Game Championships (VGC), Trading Card Game (TCG), and Pokémon GO competitors together in Singapore. The tournament features a dual-venue format: main-stage Swiss rounds and bracket stages take place at Singapore EXPO, while the grand finals on Championship Sunday conclude at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
Singapore is celebrated for its efficient transit, dining scene, and safety, but it enforces strict civil regulations. In this blog, we (the locals) compiled a list of Singapore do’s and don’ts for tourists, including navigating customs, transit etiquette, and local laws, so your competitive trip runs smoothly without unexpected fines!
Read on to find out more!
Pokémon World Championships 2027 Venue Navigation: Getting to Singapore EXPO & Singapore Indoor Stadium
Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network provides direct, sheltered access to both championship venues.
1. Days 1 & 2: Singapore EXPO (Swiss & Elimination Rounds)
- MRT Station: Expo (CG1 / DT35) on the East-West Line (EWL) and Downtown Line (DTL)
- Exits to Take:
- Exit A: Direct sheltered linkway to Halls 1–6 and MAX Atria.
- Exit C: Direct sheltered walkway to Halls 7–10 and the MAX Pavilion.
- Exit B / F: Direct underground connection to Changi City Point shopping centre for food and pharmacy supplies.
- Transit Transfer Points:
- From the East-West Line (Main Line): If travelling eastbound from areas like City Hall, Bugis, or Lavender on the EWL, transfer at Tanah Merah (EW4) across the middle platform to the Changi Airport branch line for 1 stop to Expo.
- From the Circle Line: Transfer to the Downtown Line at MacPherson (CC10 / DT26) or to the East-West Line at Paya Lebar (CC9 / EW8) to head directly towards Expo.
- From the North-South Line: Transfer to the Downtown Line at Newton (NS21 / DT11) or to the East-West Line at City Hall (NS25 / EW13) or Raffles Place (NS26 / EW14).
2. Day 3: Singapore Indoor Stadium (Championship Sunday Finals)
- MRT Station: Stadium (CC6) on the Circle Line (CCL).
- Exits to Take:
- Exit A (Stadium MRT): Ascend the escalators directly into OCBC Square. Turn left and follow the sheltered plaza for 100 metres straight to the North and East entrances of the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
- Transit Transfer Points: If travelling from the east or central districts, transfer to the Circle Line at Paya Lebar (EW8 / CC9), Promenade (CC4 / DT15), or MacPherson (CC10 / DT26).
Venue Summary & Route Comparison
| Venue | Event Schedule | Nearest MRT Station | Recommended Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore EXPO | Main Tournament (Days 1 & 2) | Expo (CG1 / DT35) | Exit A (Halls 1–6) / Exit C (Halls 7–10) | 2 minutes (Sheltered) |
| Singapore Indoor Stadium | Championship Finals (Day 3) | Stadium (CC6) | Exit A (via OCBC Square) | 2–3 minutes (Sheltered) |
Regulations to Look Out for While in Singapore: Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists
| Category | Permitted Practice (Do) | Prohibited Infraction (Don’t) | Penalty / Fine Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaping & E-Cigarettes | Traditional tobacco in designated yellow smoking boxes. | Importing, possessing, purchasing, or using vaporisers or e-liquids. | Up to SGD $10,000 fine for possession; heavy customs penalties for importation. |
| MRT & Public Transit | Keeping food and drinks fully sealed inside bags. | Sipping water, chewing snacks, or drinking bubble tea past fare gates. | Fines of up to SGD $500 under Rapid Transit Systems Regulations. |
| Chewing Gum | Approved dental or nicotine gum purchased from local pharmacies. | Bringing commercial quantities of chewing gum or disposing of gum improperly. | Up to SGD $1,000 for littering; customs seizure for bulk import. |
| Littering & Cleanliness | Disposing of booster wrappers and waste in public bins. | Discarding rubbish on streets or leaving hawker tables uncleared. | SGD $300 to SGD $2,000 fine, plus potential Corrective Work Order. |
| Prescription Medication | Carrying medications with an English doctor’s prescription. | Bringing controlled sedatives, psychotropics, or stimulants without an HSA permit. | Confiscation and prosecution under the Misuse of Drugs Act. |
1. The Zero-Tolerance Vaping Ban and Import Penalties
Electronic vaporisers, e-cigarettes, and e-liquids are prohibited across Singapore under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act.
- The ban applies equally to tourists, competitors, and transit passengers.
- Possession, purchase, or personal use of vapes incurs fines of up to SGD $10,000.
- Baggage is scanned via automated X-ray at Changi Airport and land checkpoints; undeclared vaporisers lead to immediate confiscation and customs penalties.
2. Fines for Eating and Drinking Onboard Public Transport
Cleanliness across the rail network is strictly enforced by the Land Transport Authority.
- Consuming food, chewing gum, or drinking any beverage — including plain water — is strictly prohibited once past the MRT fare gates.
- Infractions carry fines of up to SGD $500. Keep drinks sealed in bags until outside the station.
3. Chewing Gum and Littering Regulations
“Can you chew gum in Singapore?” Yes: chewing it isn't an offence. What's banned, since 1992, is importing and selling it, so you won't find it in shops; pharmacies sell only dental and nicotine gum.
- Carrying multi-packs or cartons of gum into the country is prohibited.
- Discarding gum wrappers, booster pack foil, or drink containers in public spaces carries an initial SGD $300 composition fine, rising up to SGD $2,000 for repeat court prosecutions.
4. Prescription Medication Clearance
Tourists bringing personal prescription medicines must verify whether their treatments contain controlled substances under Singapore law.
- Medications containing stimulants (such as certain ADHD treatments), strong painkillers, or benzodiazepines require online HSA approval at least 10–14 days prior to departure.
- Always carry medicines in their original pharmacy packaging accompanied by an English doctor’s prescription letter.
Common Tourist Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the SG Arrival Card (SGAC): Failing to submit the free SGAC online within three days prior to arrival leads to delays at automated immigration gates.
- Leaving Food Trays at Hawker Centres: Diners at hawker centres and coffee shops must return their own trays and dirty crockery; failure to do so can result in written warnings or an SGD $300 fine.
- Jaywalking Across Major Roads: Crossing roads within 50 metres of a designated pedestrian crossing or crossing against red signals is illegal and subject to on-the-spot police fines.
- Underestimating Venue Air Conditioning: Singapore has a warm tropical climate, but convention halls maintain heavy air conditioning, making layers essential for tournament play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the strict laws and fines tourists should know in Singapore?
Tourists should be aware of the following: The Zero-Tolerance Vaping Ban and Import Penalties, Fines for Eating and Drinking Onboard Public Transport, Chewing Gum and Littering Regulations, and Prescription Medication Clearance. For more information, visit our website for a summarised list of regulations that visitors should note.
Can I bring a vape or e-cigarette into Singapore?
Electronic vaporisers, e-cigarettes, and e-liquids are prohibited across Singapore under the Tobacco and Vaporisers Control Act. The ban applies equally to tourists, competitors, and transit passengers. Possession, purchase, or personal use of vapes incurs fines of up to SGD $10,000. Baggage is scanned via automated X-ray at Changi Airport and land checkpoints; undeclared vaporisers lead to immediate confiscation and customs penalties.
Is chewing gum completely illegal in Singapore for tourists?
No. Chewing gum is not an offence, but importing and selling it have been banned in Singapore since 1992; only dental and nicotine gum is sold, by pharmacies. Carrying multi-packs or cartons of gum into the country is prohibited. Discarding gum, gum wrappers, booster pack foil, or drink containers in public spaces carries an initial SGD $300 composition fine, rising up to SGD $2,000 for repeat court prosecutions.
Do I need a visa or SG Arrival Card to visit Singapore?
Yes. Failing to submit the free SGAC online within three days prior to arrival leads to delays at automated immigration gates.
Can you bring prescription medication into Singapore?
Tourists bringing personal prescription medicines must verify whether their treatments contain controlled substances under Singapore law. Medications containing stimulants (such as certain ADHD treatments), strong painkillers, or benzodiazepines require online HSA approval at least 10–14 days prior to departure. Always carry medicines in their original pharmacy packaging accompanied by an English doctor’s prescription letter.
Can I use foreign contactless credit cards on the Singapore MRT?
Yes, Singapore MRT and public buses support contactless payments (Mastercard, Visa, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet) directly at the gantries without purchasing a physical transit pass.
Where can players test decks or practice before the 2027 Pokémon World Championships?
In addition to grassroots Pokémon VGC tournaments hosted by The Trainer Shed, local hobby stores and community spaces host meetup and Pokémon TCG sessions across the island.
Connect with the Grassroots Community
Looking to visit the island country a little earlier to acclimatise to Singapore’s do’s and don’ts for tourists, or even just to play with our local community? Check out our grassroots Pokémon tournament event schedule here at The Trainer Shed and join us if you can spare the time!
(Disclaimer: The Trainer Shed is an independent, player-run community. We are not an official Pokémon tournament organiser and have no affiliation with The Pokémon Company or The Pokémon Company International.)