Singapore is truly unique in the world. It mixes the charms, traditions and weather of Southeast Asia juxtaposed with the mind-blowing allure of a modern metropolis.
Because of it’s cosmopolitan meets far-eastern vibe, knowing what to pack for Singapore requires thoughtful planning and consideration. Narrowing down the right clothing, plus the essential travel and safety accessories, can be stressful.
That’s why we’re here! We’ve taken all the guesswork out of what to pack for Singapore with our comprehensive Singapore survival guide –
So, get comfortable, read through the guide and gear up for the city that never ceases to amaze. You’re in for some unforgettable sights and experiences, so if you’re already feeling excited about it – we don’t blame you!
Ok then, let’s get started!
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The Ultimate Singapore Packing List
First up, we’ll take a look at some great luggage options and our favourite camera to add to your Singapore checklist.
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Best Backpack For Singapore: Nomatic Travel Bag
Before you even take on the task of figuring out what to pack for Singapore, you’ll need an amazing backpack to pack it all into. For all types of travelers and destinations, our number one recommendation is the Nomatic Travel Bag.
The Nomatic travel bag covers every detail to make backpacking travel the best experience. Because of its smart design, it manages to provide loads of packing space in a convenient, carry-on size package! Its handy built-in pockets make plenty of room for all the necessities on your what to pack for Singapore checklist – you’ll find separate compartments for important items like shoes, water bottle, electronics, underwear and socks. As an added bonus, there’s also an RFID-safe and cord management pocket.
You have a choice between backpack or duffel bag carry, and extra carrying comfort for your back thanks to its innovative strap system and detachable sternum strap. And its black, waterproof material is every bit sleek and modern as it is durable and tough. There is a reason why most Broke Backpacker staff swear by this backpack.
Best Suitcase For Singapore: Nomatic Carry-On Pro
Backpacks not your thing? That’s ok. Our friends at Nomatic are back again with a great alternative to their badass Travel Bag; the Nomatic Carry-On Pro.
This suitcase is ultra-durable, sleek, and comes with a handy tech compartment for transporting your laptop and other electronic bits. Nomatic has been an industry leader when it comes to travel gear and that reputation is reflected in the quality build design and functionality of the Carry-On Pro suitcase. If you are packing for Singapore and are happy to travel carry-on only, this is THE bag for you.
Check out our Nomatic Carry-On Pro review to learn more about this epic suitcase.
Best Camera For Singapore: GoPro Hero9 Black
For most of us, our smartphones now feature cameras with stunning photo capabilities.
But… if you are an aspiring photographer who wants to take next-level photos and video beyond iPhone selfies, I recommend going with an action camera like the GoPro Hero9 Black.
It does deliver pro-quality video and gives you a bunch of a different angle options and shooting speeds to work with for photos (including a selfie-mode).
Think of a camera purchase like this as a long term investment that will have you capturing epic shots well beyond your time exploring here. If you are looking for something cheaper for video specifically, check out these epic GoPro Alternatives.
Best Sim For Singapore – HolaFly eSim
The good news about the city state of Singapore is that there is extensive 4g and 5g Internet coverage, taxi apps and food delivery apps. The bad news is that your native SIM card will not work and so you will not be able to access any of this online goodness until you rectify that particular situation.
You can waste time hanging around phone shops queuing to get a plastic sim or you can simply install a eSim onto your phone before you leave home. You just access the HolaFly site, choose the Singapore package, download it and off you go – you are online the moment you land at the airport.
eSims are easier to set up and better than the environment than plastic sims. The downside is that not all phones are eSim ready.
Packing Cubes For Singapore – Wandrd Packing Cubes
In case you have never used them, packing cubes are little compression cubes that allow you to neatly pack clothes in in order to help facilitate better packing. They allow you to pack more stuff, and to keep it all better organised.
For the longest time, I thought that packing cubes were a superfluous indulgence, but boy was I wrong. Now I never travel without a few.
These ones from WANDRD are great quality and excellent value for money.
Nomatic Hanging Toiletry Bag
Another backpacker/traveler favorite for staying organized is a hanging toiletry bag. It’s extremely helpful to have all of your accessories neatly gathered in one bag that you can hang for easy accessibility, especially when counter space isn’t plentiful or even available. A well-organized bag is worth having whether you’re tree whilst camping or a hook in the wall – it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.
Historically, I have been the guy who has my stuff all over the bathroom, so getting one of these things really changed the toiletry game for me.
This one by Nomatic is possibly the best toiletry bag on the market. It is made from water resistant, wipe cleanable material that guarantees longevity and it offers excellent organisational capabilities. It is also comes with a hang-up-hook so you can hang it over the shower head or your hostel bed.
What To Pack For Singapore Checklist: Personal Gear
It can be tough deciding what to wear in Singapore. The weather is hot and it is part of the Southeast Asia backpacking trail so you will see a lot visitors donning elephant pants, cargo shorts and vests. However, the city state is actually quite conservative and furthermore, has a very profesional, cosmopolitan vibe – therefore maybe get out your glad rags when visiting Singapore.
The trick is therefore to strike the balance between dressing for the tropics (Singapore has a hot and humid climate) and remaining smart.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Best Shoes For Singapore – Salomon X Ultra 3 Low Aero
Visitors to Singapore have a tendency to underestimate the amount of walking that is part of the day to day experience. But the city is BIG and distances between attractions can be vast. Whilst pubic transport is great, the best way to take it all in is on foot.
Plus, you can tackle the country’s best hikes and not worry about an extra pair of shoes. Now, hiking shoes are not the most attractive pieces of footwear, we know, but they are damn comfortable and deliver good ankle support for a long day of walking.
Money Belt – By Pacsafe
Whilst Singapore is not dangerous, crime can still happen and tourists are sometimes targeted.
Therefore it is always a good idea to use a money belt to hide your cash just in case something does go wrong.
A Good Daypack for Hiking – Osprey Daylite Plus
The days exploring Singapore tend to be long so it is a good idea to take a day pack out in the morning with you. They are great for carrying water, hat’s and gloves and for packing sandwiches for lunch. We love Osprey products and this daypack is our personal pick.
The Osprey Daylite Plus has a mesh-covered panel to keep your back cool and fresh by minimizing contact with the back of the pack itself and allowing air to get between you and the pack.
Check out our full review of the Osprey Daylite plus for more details.
Additionally, you can attach it to other Osprey packs in case you want to add more capacity and carry just one piece of luggage… but the reviews on this feature are mixed.
Travel First Aid Kit
You don’t need to tote around half a pharmacy, but a well-stocked first aid kit should be in all our backpacks. Stuff happens on the road and it’s inconvenient and embarrassing when you can’t manage small situations like a cut finger or hangover migraine.
You can tuck this lifesaver away in a forgotten pocket – and it’ll be there when you need it.
Tip: Add a few bits and pieces to the first aid kit after you purchase it, like extra headache medicine, any personal meds you need (like allergy pills), whatever you take to calm your stomach and a few more plasters.
Travel Insurance From World Nomads
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Planner/Travel Journal
Keeping a journal is one of the best things to do when traveling. The Drifter Leather Journal by Kodiak is our favorite, it works great for digital nomads and organized backpackers and can be used as planner or a dream diary – whatever you want!
Keep on track with your goals, travels and save those precious memories, especially the ones you do not want to share online. This one is bound in beautiful leather so it looks beautiful and will withstand life on the road.
Abaco Sunglasses
The Singapore weather is often bright and sunny. Therefore, a reliable pair of sunglasses is undoubtedly one of your Singapore packing essentials. Our favorites are Abaco Polarized Sunglasses because they deliver on quality and style.
They’re built tough with triple-layer scratch-resistant lenses and trademarked Adventure-proof Frame Material. You can also customize them with your choice of lens and frame colors to reflect your own style.
Suncream: Thinksport Safe SPF 50+
By now, all of us are as pasty as the driven snow from sheltering in place for the last six months. Am I right? This means we are even more vulnerable than usual to the sun’s fierce rays. Packing sunscreen for X may seem like a no brainer, but you would be amazed how many sun-burned cocktail-toting people you see wandering around.
Thinksport Safe SPF 50+ sunscreen gives folks strong sun protection in a non-oily formula that’s free of gluten, paraben, phthalates and biologically harmful chemicals.
Hanging Toiletry Bag
Another backpacker/traveler favorite for staying organized is a hanging toiletry bag. It’s extremely helpful to have all of your accessories neatly gathered in one bag that you can hang for easy accessibility, especially when counter space isn’t plentiful or even available. A well-organized bag is worth having whether you’re tree whilst camping or a hook in the wall – it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.
Historically, I have been the guy who has my stuff all over the bathroom, so getting one of these things really changed the toiletry game for me. Plus they are not too expensive either. A no-brainer essential. They are great for hostels.
The Basic Stuff To Pack For Singapore
On top of the essential items listed above, here is an additional suggested checklist of what to pack for a Singapore trip:
- 1-2 pairs of comfortable pants/jeans
- 1-2 pairs of shorts (summer/late spring)
- A few pairs of socks
- (Sexy) underwear x 2/3
- Ladies: a few dresses, pants, outfits, or desired lady apparel for a night on the town. Whatever makes you comfy!
- Dudes: A few collard shirts or something half-way decent for a night on the town. Whatever makes you comfy!
- Smartphone with a good camera for photos if you are not bringing an actual camera
- Portable power bank for charging your phone on the go
- Phone charger
- Amazon Kindle for reading by the pool
- Copy of your passport just in case
- Cash (not too much, there are ATM machines everywhere)
- Packable Towel
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Final Thoughts on What to Pack for Singapore
There you have it, friends! Your handy Singapore survival guide to get you through what to pack for Singapore easily and stress-free. As you continue your pre-travel preparation, refer to our top-22 needs packing list, tips on what to wear in stylish Singapore, a breakdown of the weather by seasons and the recommendations on what to pack for each. Plus, you have our special bonus tips for women and men for their packing lists – plus, what NOT to pack for Singapore.
Be ready to experience the best of Southeast Asia in this wonderful gem of an island nation! Rest assured that anything you need along the way is easily attainable in this modern, metro destination – so there’s really no need to worry. Just pack smart, be safe and – most importantly – eat lots of good food, take some epic photos and have an incredible time!
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