What To Wear In Singapore
To sum it up - Fashionable and informal
- Singapore has a hot and humid climate all year round.
- Casual dress is accepted for most situations as long as it is neat and clean - Singaporeans are very clean and correct, and frown on scruffiness.
- Some restaurants and clubs may require more formal dress, so consider packing a dress and jacket just in case.
- Men should pack a shirt, long trousers and jacket for smarter restaurants and clubs.
- Jeans and t-shirts are acceptable but our advice would be to take lightweight clothes in natural fabrics; linen, silk and cotton will be more comfortable in the heat and will wash and dry quickly.
- Hotels, restaurants and shopping malls are usually air-conditioned and at times this can be pretty fierce so be sure to pack a shawl, wrap or pullover.
- There are literally thousands of shops along the many shopping malls, so make sure you have comfortable shoes. Items are good value too, so if you're a shopaholic you may want to take an empty carry-on bag or fold-up bag to bring your purchases home with you.
- Remember use your pashmina shawl to cover shoulders when visiting religious sites.
- The wettest months are between November and January (the monsoon period) and it is slightly cooler then, but rain is usual throughout the rest of the year too. Rainstorms are usually short but heavy, so take an umbrella whatever time you're travelling.
- If you are on business regular business suits or dresses are acceptable and because of the heat it is acceptable not to wear a jacket.
- Smoking is banned in most public places in the city, so you will find it hard to light up. If you need to, pack alternatives such as patches.
- Keep bottled water out of the sun as the plastic bottles can release dioxins when they heat up, which is not healthy. An alternative is to use a 100% BPA-free foldable water bottle. Reusing your water bottle will also help you do your bit for the planet - millions of plastic water bottles end up in landfill every year.
- Don't drop litter or anything on the pavements - laws are very strict and the fines are high. It's why Singapore is so clean.
- To avoid taking separate electrical leads, chargers and adaptors for all your phones and devices, try a solar powered charger - this one gadget will charge most devices anywhere at any time.
- Stay healthy on your trip - travellers' diarrhoea can affect as many as 50% of people travelling abroad. We've tried and recommend Bimuno Travel Aid pastilles to help support your digestive health. And WhatToWearOnHoliday readers can claim a great 10% discount using code WHBIMUA at the checkout.
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