Packing for Singapore

I have a few guests heading my way this year so this is for all of you soon-to-be Singapore explorers. My list of things you might want to consider when you pack your suitcase.

Bags
You don't really need to pack light or be very mobile with your luggage because as soon as you get off your flight you get a trolley and as soon as you get outside there are cabs and chauffeur services waiting. Cabs aren't expensive and well worth it after a long flight. Just make sure you can physically lift your bag off the conveyor belt. Alternately look helpless enough that someone else will do it for you. Not that I've done that.

Bring a purse or side bag you are comfortable with carrying for a whole day of walking and then something smaller for an evening out.

Clothing
You really don't need to (and frankly shouldn't) dress for a safari. While you may see lots of other pale, disoriented tourists taking this approach it's really overkill and gives all the fashionable Singaporeans something to really laugh about.


You will need quite a few extra changes of clothes. A typical day is hot and humid and you will probably change into something dry for the evening. Choose fabrics that are light weight and if you can find things that don't wrinkle and dry fast you'll be much happier. Avoid heavy jersey knit cottons and things that don't breath. Also you'll have a better day if you have light weight, breathable undergarments [read: not thick cotton undies or padded bras].

Should you bring nice clothes? Yes. Not formal but certainly have something more dressy for evenings if you plan to visit sit-down restaurants for dinner.

Footwear
Flip flops or some kind of sandal that can (and will) get wet. Very wet. DO NOT PACK RUBBER BOOTS. Locals wear Havaianas or the less ugly Crocs that look more like shoes. Note that the classic Crocs are only socially appropriate here for small children. You will also want a really comfortable sandal for walking around in. This can be leather or whatever. It's good to have a bit of rotation so you don't get blisters or fungal infections.

If you plan to hike, a lightweight runner or approach shoe is fine. Hiking boots I think would be completely ridiculous. You'll probably realize once you go on a hike here that the trails are more like roads and other than a little basic protection from things that bite, you don't need really technical shoes.

Other gear
A hat is fine though for women it's socially acceptable to use a small umbrella and it's way cooler for your head and it doesn't leave you with hat head. You need a small collapsible umbrella anyway for the always spontaneous torrential downpours.

Sunblock is useful but choose ones that are not too sticky or greasy. You will be sticky and greasy enough without the extra layer of goo. Frankly, I rarely use it as most places are pretty well shaded.  I use UV shirts or surfing rashguards for running.

Considerations
Things are expensive here because everything is imported. On top of that, quality is usually lower than you'd find in Europe or North America. Clothing sizes are extremely random at the best of times and shop keepers will stalk and pester you while you shop making the whole experience even more exasperating. Arrive with everything you need and avoid the classic mistake of trying to buy your clothes when you arrive.

Do NOT pack a raincoat (portable sauna anyone?). It does not cool off enough to wear layers so sweaters are not really needed. If you are someone who gets cold really easily you might want a light weight layer for indoor air conditioning.

Toiletries
Bring 'em. As I said, things are not cheap. You'll spend a fortune replacing nice cosmetics here. Your skin and hair will not be as dry as at home so you might not need moisturizer. You may also want a more aggressive face cleanser. Hair will curl and often become a big mass of tangles. Bring the "big guns" in terms of anti-frizz products. A light weight spray might not do anything at all here.

Make-up is really tricky. If you are used to wearing foundation be prepared to have it running down your face. Go lighter or opt to ditch it completely. Powders like Bare Minerals are better but they still need some major re-application and clean-up by lunch time. Waterproof mascara. Nuff said. 

Your nails and will grow very quickly (it's insane). So even if you cut them or had a mani-pedi before leaving home expect that after a week or two you'll need to serious maintenance.  Hair also grows quickly. People with short hair will need haircuts more often. If you usually go every six weeks, you'll go every four.

Medical
Bring medications you need as well as anything you might need if you catch a cold, get a blister, throw out your back, get bitten by something or have allergies. Nothing you are used to buying in a pharmacy back home will look that same and some things are unavailable like Advil. The worst time to bridge cultural differences is when you feel like crap so arrive with your own kit avoid the hassle.

You don't need to get special immunizations for Singapore but you may for your side trips to surrounding areas. Make sure you know what your side trips might be before you leave so you are well equipped.

Finances
Carry cash. It's as simple as that. Unless you spend all your time on Orchard Road, most stores won't accept credit cards even if they have a visa/mastercard sticker on their door. Even 711 in Singapore doesn't take credit cards! If you do find a store where you can charge a purchase they will usually have a $20 minimum. I've even seen as high as $50. Most of the Comfort cabs driving around will take credit cards and all of the Limo cabs do. They charge a service fee for CCs and occasionally you have to show them how to use their machine but I do use my cards in cabs a lot and don't have too much of an issue.