Packing Guides

What to pack for Singapore: the basics

Working out what to pack for Singapore starts with the weather. It is hot and humid all year, often around 25°C to 32°C. Heavy showers can arrive with little warning. Indoors, malls, trains and cinemas are kept cool, sometimes very cool. So pack light clothes for outside and one warm layer for inside. For month-by-month weather, see Weather & Best Time to Visit.

Clothes for heat and humidity

• Light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen and quick-dry sports fabrics work best. Pack a few spare tops, as you may want to change after a long walk.
• Shorts, skirts and summer dresses. These are normal everyday wear in Singapore.
• One light layer. A thin cardigan, shirt or jacket helps on the MRT, in malls and on long bus rides.
• Comfortable walking shoes. You will walk more than you expect. Sandals are fine for most places too.
• Swimwear. Many hotels have pools, and Sentosa has beaches such as Palawan Beach.
• Sun protection. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. The sun is strong all year.

Rain gear and outdoor kit

Rain is part of daily life here. A small folding umbrella is the most useful thing you can bring. It also gives shade on sunny days. Many central areas have covered paths, so check Singapore Areas With Covered Walkways to the MRT.

For nature walks at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or the MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, add these:

• insect repellent, as mosquitoes can spread dengue fever
• trainers or walking shoes with good grip
• a refillable water bottle, since tap water is safe to drink
• a light rain jacket or poncho

Outfits for temples, mosques and smart restaurants

Places of worship

Singapore has many active temples, mosques and churches. Visitors are welcome, but please dress with respect. Cover your shoulders and knees. You remove your shoes before entering a mosque or a Hindu temple, so slip-on shoes help. Some places lend robes or wraps to visitors. A light scarf or sarong in your bag is handy too.

Before you visit Sultan Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple or Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, read Little India Temple Etiquette: What Visitors Should Know.

Smart restaurants and rooftop bars

Most places to eat are casual. Some fine dining restaurants and rooftop venues ask for smart casual dress. That often means no shorts, sleeveless tops or flip-flops. Pack one smart outfit and closed shoes if you plan a special dinner. See Rooftop Bar Dress Code in Singapore: What to Wear.

Plugs, tech and documents

• Plug adapter. Singapore uses Type G plugs, the three-pin UK style, at 230 volts. Check that your chargers can handle this voltage.
• Power bank. Maps and ride-hailing apps drain your battery. Airlines usually want power banks in hand luggage.
• Contactless bank card. You can tap it to pay for MRT and bus rides. See How to Use the MRT in Singapore: A Tourist Guide.
• Phone data. A local SIM card or eSIM keeps you online. See SIM Cards & Wi-Fi.
• Passport. It should be valid for at least six months when you arrive. See Visas & Entry.
• Medicines. Bring prescription medicines in their original packs, with a copy of the prescription. Some medicines need approval to bring in, so check the Health Sciences Authority website.

What not to pack

• Vapes and e-cigarettes. They are illegal in Singapore, and that includes owning or using one.
• Chewing gum. You cannot bring it in, apart from some dental and medical gum.
• Cigarettes. There is no duty-free allowance, so you must declare them and pay tax.

Family essentials

• A light, folding stroller. Most malls, MRT stations and big attractions have lifts.
• Sun hats, children's sun cream and swim nappies for pools.
• Spare clothes in your day bag, as children get hot and sweaty fast.
• Tissues and wet wipes. Some hawker stalls do not hand out napkins.

For more, see Family Travel, Things to Do With Kids in Singapore: 12 Family Ideas and What to Bring to a Hawker Centre: A Short Checklist.

FAQs about packing for Singapore

What should I wear in Singapore?

Wear light, loose clothes in cotton or linen, with comfortable shoes. Bring one layer for air-conditioned places.

Do I need a jacket in Singapore?

Not for the weather. A light cardigan or shirt is useful in cold malls, cinemas, buses and trains.

What plug adapter do I need for Singapore?

Singapore uses Type G plugs with three square pins, as in the UK. The supply is 230 volts.

Can I wear shorts in Singapore?

Yes, shorts are common. Cover your shoulders and knees at places of worship, and check the dress code at smart restaurants.

Should I bring an umbrella to Singapore?

Yes. Rain can be sudden and heavy, and an umbrella also gives shade from the sun.