The Only Singapore Packing List You'll Ever Need
Ready for your Singapore adventure? From Gardens by the Bay to Sentosa's beaches, packing smart makes all the difference. We've created this essential packing list so you can focus on making amazing memories.Suitcase or Backpack?
Singapore is one of the easiest places in South East Asia to travel with a suitcase. The city is modern, clean, and well-connected, making it simple to move around. Whether you prefer taking the MRT, grabbing a cab, or walking through the city, getting around is effortless.
That said, we still recommend packing light. The less you carry, the easier it’ll be to hop on and off trains, navigate stations, and stroll through Singapore’s streets comfortably.
We typically organize our clothes in packing cubes for quick access: one cube for bottoms, one for tops, one for outdoor clothing, and so on. We also pack our shoes in fabric reusable bags. It ultimately depends on your packing style.
Our Daypack
We have listed the items in our daypack we rely on every day, regardless of the country. We used them constantly in Singapore. You can check it out on Amazon here.
Mosquito repellent and sunscreen are a must. We keep a travel-sized reusable bottle filled with sunscreen in our daypack for easy access throughout the day. We always carry a UV umbrella in Singapore because it’s a lifesaver in the tropical heat, it shields you from strong sun rays and frequent downpours, keeping you cool and protected all day. You might also want to bring a portable fan, the humidity in Singapore can be intense, and ours has honestly been a total lifesaver.
READ | Everyday Essentials: The Must-Have Items in our Daypack
OUR DAYPACKS |
OUR DAYPACK MUST-HAVES
HYGIENE
liquid soap in a refillable bottle
toilet paper in a resealable bag
HEALTH & SAFETY
BACKPACKS
a
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, keep it light, breathable, and comfortable. Singapore’s tropical climate means it’s warm and humid year-round, so airy fabrics like cotton or linen are your best friends. You’ll want outfits that help you stay cool during the day but still look put together for evenings out. Since indoor spaces blast the air conditioning, it’s smart to pack a light jacket. And because you’ll likely do plenty of walking, choose comfortable shoes that handle both sun and the occasional rain shower. Slip-ons are great in warm regions, especially when you’re constantly taking shoes off to enter temples or homes.
A beach towel or sarong is a must for covering knees or shoulders in temples or other cultural sites, if you prefer wearing short clothing.
If you’re heading for beach destinations, don’t forget conservative swimwear. While modest dress is important in most public spaces, swimwear is perfectly acceptable at beaches and pools.
CLOTHING PACKING LIST
CLOTHING & SHOES
7x undies
5x socks
1x sleepwear
1x sneakers
1x flip flops
MALE
FEMALE
3x bras
1x sports bra
3x t-shirts
Dressing Respectfully
In general, Singapore is quite modern and relaxed when it comes to clothing, so you can comfortably wear shorts, skirts, dresses, and sleeveless tops in most areas. The city is casual, especially around tourist spots, shopping districts, and outdoor attractions.
That said, if you plan to visit religious sites like temples or mosques, it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. Singapore is a country with a rich mix of religions and cultures, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Because of this diversity, dressing conservatively is the most respectful choice. When visiting temples and other cultural or religious sites in Singapore, it’s important to dress respectfully by covering your shoulders and knees, as you might not be allowed to enter without doing so.
To dress comfortably and respectfully, we recommend packing a cover-up for your swimsuit. Opting for a more conservative swimsuit (like a one-piece or tankini) and avoiding revealing clothing like see-through tops will help you feel at ease and respect local sensibilities.
We’ve added all the items from our packing list to our Amazon storefront so you can easily find the products we love, use, and have personally tested during our travels.
To make things even easier, we also created a special section with modest clothing picks, for shopping or just outfit inspiration, based on what worked for us in Singapore.
BUY | Find modest outfit ideas on our Amazon Storefront
a
Planning your next holiday?
When you make a purchase through our links, you support us without any extra cost to you.
Your support means the world to us!
FIND HOTELS | Agoda.com
RENT A CAR | Booking.com
FIND FLIGHTS | Kiwi.com
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | HeyMondo (get 5% off)
BOOK TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | Klook
BOOK A BUS / TRAIN / TRANSFER | 12Go
Toiletries
You’ll probably find most of your usual toiletries in Singapore, so no need to overpack. Still, we recommend bringing sunscreen, mosquito repellent, solid shampoo or soap bars, and any personal skincare products you can’t go without.
We try to reduce our liquids and use solid products to make carry-on travel easier and refill our favorite products instead of buying new travel-sized ones each time. For more of our go-to travel toiletries and eco-friendly swaps, check our Amazon Storefront.
TOILETRIES
contact lenses, glasses, contact lenses supplies
FEMALE
feminine hygiene products (menstrual cup & period underwear)
make up & make up brushes
Menstruators Essentials for Singapore
For menstrual cup users it is not an easy country to handle your cup on the go. Most public toilets are not equipped with a bum gun, so cleaning your cup could be quite complicated. For long bus rides or anytime you might not have the chance to change easily, we recommend bringing period underwear. They’re comfortable, reliable, and perfect for travel days.
You will also be able to find disposable pads without any issue and sometimes tampons.
READ | Traveling on Your Period? Tips & Products to Stay Comfortable
TRAVEL MENSTRUAL ESSENTIALS
Electronics
You won’t need much, but a few key electronics make traveling in Singapore a lot smoother. Consider bringing a power bank for long days out. Good noise-canceling earphones for bus rides or flights. An absolute must-have that you should not forget is a lightweight travel fan can also come in handy in the tropical heat. Singapore uses the UK-style plug (Type G), so make sure your adapter fits.
TRAVEL ELECTRONICS
smartphone & charger
camera, memory card & charger
power bank
Camera Gear
If you love taking photos as much as we do, Singapore will keep your camera busy every single day. You’ll want to be ready for every kind of shot.
We always travel with our camera, drone, instax and phone setup, plus a few small accessories that make a huge difference. Think extra SD cards, waterproof cases, spare batteries, lens cloths, and a lightweight tripod for those sunrise and night shots.
If you’re curious about what’s in our camera bag or want ideas for upgrading your setup, check out our full post on our travel photography gear, we break down exactly what we use and why it works so well for travel days.
BUY | Camera & Photography Accesories we use on Amazon Storefront
OUR PHOTOGRAPHY ESSENTIALS
CAMERA & LENSES
Sustainable Recommendations
We always carry our reusable water bottles on our travels, including Singapore. We had water filters or water gallons for free to refill our bottles at our stay.
For groceries or beach trips we use a reusable bag, which is also super helpful if we need to lighten our luggage at the airport, allowing us to shift items into our carry-on. For hikes, sightseeing snacks, visits to street food markets, we recommend investing in collapsible food containers, along with reusable cutlery and metal straws.
READ | Eco-Friendly Travel: Sustainable Essentials for Your Packing List
TRAVEL SUSTAINABLE FAVORITES
a
Laundry
We recommend packing light, as doing laundry in Singapore is quick and easy. In most of our accommodations we had a washing machine for a small fee, otherwise, laundromats are widely available.
Don’t forget to pack a laundry mesh bag for both sustainability and protection of your delicates while traveling Singapore.
OUR TRAVEL LAUNDRY SET UP
Flight Essentials
Long flights to Singapore can feel much smoother with a few essentials by your side. We always pack in a small clear toiletry bag in our small carry-on backpack our comfort and entertainment must-haves. Things like a neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, a refillable water bottle, and a power bank. These little items make all the difference during long travel days.
BUY | Flight Bag Favorite Products on Amazon
READ | Comfort Meets Minimalism: Essentials for Your Next Flight
Flight Bag Essentials
Safety
Singapore is generally speaking a safe country to visit, but following these tips will help you to avoid getting in uncomfortable situations.
Keep your belongings close and secure, especially in busy areas.
Try not to show valuable items like expensive jewelry or electronics.
Dress modestly, especially in more traditional areas, to respect local culture.
Always use trusted transportation, and when taking a taxi, agree on the price first or use a ride-hailing app.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Drink plenty of water, and avoid tap water.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and ask locals or other travelers for help.
READ | Learn more about how we prioritize safety while traveling in our dedicated section here.
BUY | Our travel safety gear on Amazon
eSIM | For a reliable connection during your Singapore travels, a Saily eSIM helps you stay safe and connected without roaming issues.
a
Newsletter
Turn dreams into plans and get a monthly dose of wanderlust with our tips, guides & travel stories.
Health
Vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are required for entry into Singapore unless you're traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
We advice you to consult with a healthcare provider before traveling.
Recommended Vaccinations for Singapore
Routine Vaccinations: Make sure you’re up to date on the standard vaccinations, including:
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP)
Polio
Influenza
Varicella (Chickenpox)
Hepatitis A: The virus can be spread through contaminated food or water, and it’s advisable for travelers to get vaccinated before visiting Singapore.
Hepatitis B: It is recommended for travelers who may have exposure to blood or bodily fluids, such as those planning on staying long-term, seeking medical treatment, or engaging in high-risk activities.
Typhoid: If you plan to visit more rural areas or eat food from street vendors, the typhoid vaccine is recommended as it protects against foodborne bacteria that can cause infection.
Dengue: The tropical climate makes mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue more common, and vaccination can help reduce your risk while exploring the city.
If you are traveling to other countries in the region the following vaccines are recommended:
Japanese Encephalitis: This is recommended for travelers who will be spending significant time outdoors in rural areas or near farms, particularly during the warmer months when mosquitoes are more prevalent.
Rabies: Rabies is a concern in some Southeast Asian countries, and it’s recommended for travelers who may have close contact with stray dogs and monkeys.
Travel Insurance
Travel Health insurance is essential for any trip, covering unexpected medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and emergency treatments. It ensures you receive the care you need while protecting you from high medical costs. This is especially important when traveling to unfamiliar destinations or regions with limited healthcare access, where quality medical treatment may not be readily available. To help you find the best coverage for your trip, we’ve put together a guide: here’s what to look for.
OUR PARTNER | Get insured with Heymondo and save 5% as a reader of our blog!
Payment Methods
Singapore is generally a credit card-friendly country, especially in larger or modern restaurants and shops, where cards are accepted without additional transaction fees. To use the public transport, you will only have to tap your credit card or e-wallet. That said, carrying cash is essential in many small eateries and local hawker markets. If you’re looking for an international payment card, we can’t recommend the Wise debit card enough. We’ve been using it for all our travels. It lets you pay like a local, avoid crazy exchange fees, and withdraw cash at fair rates.
Bring some emergency money, in case you lose your credit card.
READ | Save on ATM Fees and Exchange Rates: Debit Card for Travelers
WISE: OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL CARD!
We use Wise everywhere: fair rates, easy cash withdrawals, and no hidden fees.
Travel Documents
Keep your passport, travel insurance, and flight confirmations easily accessible, preferably both digital and printed. We always keep our important documents safely stored in a waterproof pouch and backed up online, just in case.
DON’T FORGET THESE DOCUMENTS
Passport (with at least 6 months validity)
Visa (if required)
Flight tickets / boarding passes
Hotel booking confirmations
Travel insurance details
Photocopies / scans of important documents (passport, visa, travel insurance)
International drivers license
Student ID
a
PLAN WITH OUR SINGAPORE GUIDES
FOLLOW us
