Singapore is a country that is a perfect example of the quote, ‘one eye on the past, one eye to the future.’ Why? Because it captivates history while growing up on the ladder of development.
When you breathe in the air of Singapore for the first time, you will find an aroma like no other. It’s a mixture of hawker stall food, energy, calmness, and futuristic brilliance. Also, nature, sudden rain on the soil, and humidity all come next.
The country is a tropical one, an island to be exact. But the development is astounding. Attracting businesses and tourists from all over the world, you should be prepared for a different weather, atmosphere and mix of different cultures.
As the temperature fluctuates from 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) to 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit), you have to be prepared wisely. Also, unexpected rain will ruin your favorite dress or sneakers that you always wanted to wear for your Instagram.
This is why you got to be prepared to tackle all of these, with what you pack. Today we are going to talk all about what should be in your luggage, backpack, and the tote you will carry around the city.
What to Pack for Singapore Trip
You cannot undo what is done, right? Well, in this case, after reaching Singapore with all your luggage full of clothes, posh dresses, and shoes, you find yourself in a pickle.
As the country is a humid one, you do not want to wear anything that does not let the air flow. At the same time, you do not want to wear something that will be destroyed due to rain on your feet.
Sunburns, mosquito bites, and an empty phone battery will lower your mood; you don’t want to leave any of these things off your list. So it’s better that you know what you should pack beforehand for your trip to Singapore.
We have gathered all the necessary items and created a list for you. It’s safe to say that if you follow it, you won’t miss a thing while you’re here. So, let’s get started.
Don't Leave Home Without Your Documents
Your travel documents are the first thing you need to pack and get ready for. Without these, you won’t be able to set out for Singapore or even get on a plane.
This is why you should get your Singapore visa ready as early as you can. The good news is, you can apply for your Singapore visa by online. The requirements are simple, and the form is easy to fill out. The best thing about this is you can apply for your visa right from your home, and get it delivered to your email. So, apply for the Singapore visa and get it ready.
You need a valid passport for both visa applications and travel. Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Singapore.
Lastly, you should have your emergency contacts handy. This includes your family members and loved ones’ numbers, as well as the embassy contacts, for better communication.
Don’t miss out our Singapore Itinerary for 5 Days, because you are here for one reason: to enjoy your time in the country. So don’t miss out on the things you want to see and experience.
Now, on to packing your bags. We start with your main comfort, your dress choice for the tropics!
Dressing for the Tropics
By now, you should be aware that Singapore is a country of sudden rain, humidity, and sunshine. As a tropical island country, you have to pack your clothes with the climate in mind. You can also check out the weather and the best time to visit Singapore travel guide we have.
So, on with the dress list!
Light and Airy
More humidity means you will sweat more. Wearing something heavy will cause you to be uncomfortable, which will spoil your trip.
This is why you should wear light, breathable clothes. The best fabrics are cotton, linen, or quick-drying fabrics.
Another thing about the cloth is that it is loose-fitting rather than tight-fitting. We are not fashion enthusiasts by any means but travel experts. So, the more air circulation you have, the less likely you are to get sweat buildup and rash.
Go for flowy sundresses, t-shirts, shorts, and breathable pants should be your top picks. Don’t forget on your hat, tote bag, and sunglasses.
Also, your favorite sunscreen will come in handy. Make sure to pack it, too.
Cultural Dress Etiquette
While traveling to Singapore, it may seem that you can dress however you want. This is true to some extent, as the country has a multicultural community.
At the same time, there are a lot of religious sites, which are hundreds of years old heritage sites. Visiting one of them will require you to dress modestly. Just covering your shoulders and knees is all you need. Nothing too out of the ordinary.
It’s just respect that makes us better travelers, right? You can carry a light scarf that easily covers your shoulders when you need it, and all is good.
Be Ready for the Rain
Like any tropical nation, Singapore experiences frequent rain throughout the day. It’s sunny in the morning, and suddenly, in the afternoon, there is a downpour.
This is why carrying a foldable, lightweight umbrella is a must. You can also carry a raincoat to keep yourself safe from the drizzle.
Quick dry clothes do help a lot, but if you have an umbrella, you can go for anything. Just don’t go for a winter coat.
Comfortable Shoes for a Happy Feet
Traveling involves a lot of walking. So we suggest breathable shoes or your preferred method of sports sandals.
Sure, you can wear flip-flops and heavy sneakers, but they won’t do for walking long distances in dirt and rain.
Oh, again, make sure your shoes are waterproof. If not, you can go for any silicon shoe cover. They are small, lightweight, and do wonders.
Now, you do need to take care of yourself, too. So personal hygiene is up next!
Essentials for Personal Care
We cannot forget to keep ourselves clean, can we? All that humidity, rain, sunshine comes with a lot of sweat, sunburn and what not.
So make sure you pack your sunscreen. Yes, the temperature doesn’t go all desert high, but it does shine bright. So remember to pack your SPF 50 sunscreen.
Tropics and rain are the two combinations that bring in what? Mosquitos! Although Singapore is a clean and safe country, it doesn’t mean it won’t have those little buzzing creatures. So, carrying a bug spray or repellant would be the best idea.
Personal hygiene is key to avoiding any shortcomings. You don’t want a rash to develop due to sweat. It will ruin your mood, itching all the time throughout the trip. So remember to pack your toiletries, deodorants, soap, and shampoo of choice.
A first aid kit is a must! Who knows, you might slip and fall, and you need your favorite band aid with those little cartoon faces? Jokes apart, it’s good to keep some basic kit with you to avoid any inconvenience during the trip.
You must also share your experience on social media. Are you not a social media person? Still, you need to take some snaps to make the trip memorable. Let’s talk about that next.
Tech and Gadgets to Keep You Connected
Another thing comes into the packing essentials is your tech and gadgets. Why? Because everything around us is now connected, related and integrated with technologies.
You should pack your chargers. Never forget the adapters. Along with the devices that you will carry, make a separate bag for the chargers and adapters. Pack it right away after your basic needs.
If you have cameras, always carry a battery charger and an extra battery pack. Because we know how it feels at the exact moment our batteries run out, and the perfect scene is in front of us.
As you will be out doing a lot of outdoor activities, a portable charger is a must. There is no outlet in the trees or nature, so you get what we mean.
Additionally, a lot of our payments are made through our smartphones. So, keeping them charged is essential. So don’t forget to keep them full all the time.
While we are on the payment topic, you do need some cash or cards apart from your smartphone. You won’t find an ATM on a street vendor’s corner. Let’s talk about that a little.
Money Matters: What You Need to Know
Singapore is one of the most developed countries in the world. Even a street hawker has a POS machine that accepts cards.
But oftentimes, you won’t find one in the street market. They accept the old method, which is cash only. Singapore uses Singapore Dollars as its currency.
You can get some cash from your ATM after arriving in Singapore. You can cash out from the airport, but we suggest you do it somewhere else with an ATM to get the best exchange rate.
Also, your international cards will be a great option to make bigger payments while shopping. So don’t leave them at home.
While you are here, stash some cash in a hidden compartment. This is just a fail safe kinda thing. It can be of both Singapore dollars or USD.
Ready, Set, Explore!
Right after you arrive and are ready to explore, you don’t want a huge backpack to carry with you. But you still need your necessities like your extra clothes, sunscreen, sanitizer, portable charger, money clip, and a wallet.
A light waterproof backpack, that is also foldable to a tiny one, can be your partner here. A tote bag is also a good option if you are a fashionista.
Another key thing you have to do is install a map on your phone. Whether you are using an iPhone or an Android, they come preinstalled. If not, you should.
Additionally, you can drop some pins on the places you are going to visit, such as the important places like the nearest police station, embassy, etc. This will save a lot of time later on the trip.
To ensure a smooth sailing trip to Singapore, we have also included some extra tips. Following these will give you some extra security, convenience, and fun time.
Handy Extras for a Smooth Trip
So, we know what a trip to a different country feels like. Everything seems out of order, unfamiliar, and weird. This is why we are here to help you organize a little more with some extra tips.
Always lock your stuff. There is a safe room in your hotel room or Airbnb. Use it. You can also use locks on your luggage and use a hidden place to stash your valuables.
Hydration is key to keep on exploring. Bringing your favorite water bottle influences it a lot. You can also go for an inflatable water bottle, which is also handy as it doesn’t take up much space.
Bring some travel-size laundry detergent. Optionally, you can bring some detergent pens to prevent accidental spills. It’s a quick cleaning solution that doesn’t leave a stain on your clothes.
A foldable shopping bag or tote bag is a great option for shopping sprees. It is also environmentally friendly and reduces the weight of carrying many bags.
Lastly, you can learn a few local phrases like greeting, prices, and question answers. This will help you connect more with the locals. If not, Google Translate is your all-time friend on this journey.
Conclusion
Singapore is a country of wonders. The small island has so many hidden gems to explore, both new and old. With a good itinerary list, you will definitely not get bored on your trip.
While you are here, make sure you abide by the law. Singapore has strict laws, and violating them will have some consequences. To get a clear idea of these, check out our Dos and Don’ts in Singapore article.
As they are a combination of more than four cultures, have an open mind and enjoy your time while you are here. Respect everyone, and you will have an experience like no other.
Remember to tell us about your journey when you are back, what you liked what you disliked, and you will be back soon. Have a safe journey.
