We’ve put together a list of what to pack for Singapore to take the guesswork out of preparing for your trip!
This Singapore packing list covers all the essentials, plus what to wear in Singapore, and what documents you’ll need to take with you. We’ve also covered what not to bring to Singapore so you won’t pack anything unnecessary!
The tropical climate in Singapore means the weather remains quite consistent throughout the year. That is, hot and humid with frequent downpours. This means you won’t need to pack for different seasons!
Plus, our Singapore packing tips will have you covered, regardless of what time of year you plan to visit!
Let’s get packing…
Psst – Download a copy of our complete Singapore packing checklist here!
What to Pack for Singapore – The Essentials
- Travel Adapter – Power outlets in Singapore use Type G plugs (same as UK, Hong Kong and Malaysia). However, many hotels nowadays over universal sockets.
- Portable Umbrella or Poncho – you never quite know when the Singapore skies will open up and deliver a heavy downpour (they are quite frequent), so we recommend carrying one of these around, just in case.
- Sunscreen – the sun in Singapore can be brutal.
- Sunglasses – can’t go anywhere without them.
- Hat – we recommend a Baseball cap or wide-brim Panama-style hat.
- Insect Repellent – Singapore is a tropical destination, so mosquitos are around.
- Hand Sanitiser – a must for all trips nowadays.
- Reusable Water Bottle – tap water is clean and safe to drink in Singapore, so we recommend refilling your own water bottle to avoid buying plastic.
- Medicines – most over the counter medications (such as paracetamol) can be easily purchased at pharmacies in Singapore, however be sure to bring any prescription medications with you (don’t forget to make sure they’re not on the prohibited list).
- Portable Charger – you will most likely use your phone a lot to take photos, book a Grab, access Google Maps, and other travel apps. There’s a good chance you may need to add some juice on the go.
- Day Pack – we recommend bring a comfortable day pack to carry your essentials – water bottle, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, portable charger, umbrella etc.
Travel Documents for Singapore
- Passport – goes without saying! It pays to carry this on you when shopping in Singapore so you can claim a tax refund when purchasing goods over S$100.
- Visa – don’t forget to check if you need one!
- SG Arrival Card – this is issued via electronic format these days. If you won’t have WiFi access when you arrive then we recommend printing this out (or screenshot it on your phone) to show Customs officials on arrival.
- Cash – although card is widely accepted here, some places in Singapore still only take cash. There are some Hawker Centre stalls that are cash only, so it pays to carry some cash around with you. SGD 50 per day is more than enough for some meals and incidentals.
- Travel Insurance – you just never know when you’re going to need it!
- SIM Card – make things easy on yourself navigating around Singapore and grab a local SIM card to help with roaming fees.
Singapore Packing Tips & FAQs
What Size Suitcase Do I Need to Bring?
As a general rule, we recommend:
- A small carry-on sized suitcase should be enough for a 2-3 day trip (unless you’re a chronic overpacker).
- A medium to large-sized suitcase would be needed for 4+ days (or if you plan to buy a lot of souvenirs!)
Keep in mind that due to the hot humid weather in Singapore, it’s easy to sweat a lot. Usually I’ll end up wearing two outfits a day. After a day of sightseeing and sweating it up, I like to freshen up and change into a separate outfit to go out in the evenings.
Are there Laundromats in Singapore?
There are a few laundromats dotted around Chinatown and Kampong Glam districts.
It’s possible to launder clothes in hotels but as always, it can be pricey. Many hotels in Singapore don’t have washing machines, but some hostels do.
Pack Lightweight, Loose-fitting, Breathable Clothing
The temperature in Singapore is hot and humid year-round. Day time temperatures vary between 29°C and 33°C throughout the year. Basically, it’s always hot, even during tropical downpours!
Light-weight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics is the best. Linen, cotton or silk shorts and shirts are our go-to. But even man-made natural fabrics like viscose and rayon will work. Avoid polyester like the plague!
Bring Good Walking Shoes
Sightseeing around Singapore involves a lot of walking. We usually pack a pair of good quality sneakers or walking shoes to wear everyday, and a pair of comfortable dressy sandals or slip-on leather shoes to wear if we go out to a rooftop bar or restaurant for the evening.
Don’t Forget Sun Protection!
The sun is a formidable force in Singapore, even on rainy days. It’s very common to see tourists wandering around with badly sun burnt shoulders. We recommend wearing a hat and good sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses.
What to Wear in Singapore
Tops
T-shirts, blouses or tops should be a lightweight breathable material. Because of the humidity in Singapore, you’ll likely end up quite sweaty after a day exploring, so if there is any item to pack extras of, its tops!
Bottoms
Even though Singapore is relatively conservative with dress standards, shorts are perfectly acceptable attire in Singapore. Sports shorts or linen shorts are best. I would just recommend not to wear anything too ripped or revealing.
Linen pants or light dress pants are great to wear in the evening, but the weather is likely to be too hot to wear jeans or heavy pants.
Dresses
Light-weight dresses for women are a great option for Singapore. Short or long? The choice is yours, either are acceptable but just avoid long sleeves, or anything too revealing. Also don’t pack any dresses made mostly of synthetic material, as you’ll sweat and feel pretty uncomfortable.
Swimwear
Bring at least one swimsuit to Singapore. Many hotels in Singapore have rooftop pools so if you plan to spend some time relaxing by the pool, or even the beach clubs on Sentosa Island, then a swimsuit is a must!
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must in Singapore. All the locals wear sneakers just about everywhere because there is so much walking between attractions and public transport. Sandals or Flip Flops are also a must have item. Flip Flops or thongs are perfectly acceptable to wear in Singapore.
You could getaway with just bringing two pairs of shoes (a pair or sneakers plus a pair of sandals), but if you decide to bring a third pair, we recommend a pair of dress shoes to wear out to dinner or drinks.
Sun Protection
The sun can get quite brutal in Singapore and many of the best things do to involve outdoor attractions. We recommend bringing a packable sun hat or sports cap to wear throughout the day.
What Not to Bring to Singapore
Items on the Prohibited List
This is a list of the usual suspects – pirated software, narcotics, vapes, etc. Check the full list of goods prohibited in Singapore here.
Chewing Gum
Yes, it’s true. Chewing Gum really is banned in Singapore!
Prohibited Medications
Some prescription medications require approval to carry them into Singapore, others are banned completely.
Even some over-the-counter meds, such as pseudoephedrine are not allowed. Check here for more details.
Revealing Clothing
Singapore is not quite as conservative as some other Asian countries. Wearing singlets, shorts and flip flops or thongs (the ones that go on your feet) are quite acceptable in public. However, Singaporeans generally tend to avoid anything too revealing. If you wish to avoid unwanted attention then avoid anything that shows too much cleavage, booty, or bare midsection.
Warm Clothing
Don’t waste space in your suitcase. We have never needed warm clothing in Singapore. Ever! The only possible scenario where a pair of jeans or light cardigan might be useful is if you have plans to be indoors all day (such as an office, shopping centre or movie theatre), as the air conditioning can get quite cold. However, most activities and attractions are outdoors so it’s likely not required.
Complete Singapore Packing List
The following Singapore Packing List is what we recommend for a 5 day trip to Singapore (as a minimum). You can download a printable version of this packing checklist here.
If you like to have a few extra outfit options or you tend to sweat a lot then I would add a few extra tops or shirts to change things up (plus a few extra pairs of underwear).
The Essentials
- Travel Adapter (Type G or Universal)
- Portable Umbrella
- Portable Charger
- Day Pack or Crossbody Bag
- Reusable Water Bottle
- Medicines
Cosmetics & Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitiser
- Moisturiser
- Cleanser
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Makeup
- Body Wash or Soap
- Hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Travel Documents
- Passport & Travel wallet
- Visa and/or SG Arrival Card
- Travel Insurance
- Singapore SIM Card
- Wallet & Credit Cards
- Cash (Singapore Dollars)
Clothing for Women
- 3 x pairs of shorts (denim or linen)
- 3 x dresses
- 5 x tops, blouses or t-shirts
- 1 pair linen pants
- 3 x pairs pyjamas
- 5 x pairs underwear
- 5 x bras
- 5 x pairs of socks
- 1 pair of swimwear
Clothing for Men
- 3 x pairs of shorts (linen or chino-style)
- 2 x pairs pants (linen or light chino-style)
- 3 x button-up linen or cotton shirts
- 5 x t-shirts
- 3 pairs pyjamas
- 5 x pairs underwear
- 5 x pairs of socks
- 1 pair of swimwear
Footwear & Accessories
- 1 pair of comfortable sneakers or walking shoes
- 1 pair of sandals or flip flops
- 1 pair of dress shoes
- A pair of sunglasses
- A wide-brim hat or sports cap
Other Travel Items
- Suitcase
- Packing cubes
- Headphones
- Camera
- Phone
- Eye Mask
- Ear Plugs