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US to Singapore Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

US to Singapore Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)
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Singapore is an outlier in low-cost, backpacker-friendly Southeast Asia. The tiny city-state is extremely developed (the only place in the region where you can safely drink the tap water) and exceedingly organized, which makes it a fairly straightforward travel destination.

Foreign travelers, though, will need a power adapter in order to plug in electronic devices there. So make sure you pack one along with your phone, laptop, camera, and Kindle, along with the right equipment to ensure your favorite devices don’t become damaged.

See our product selection criteria and guidelines here.

Power Outlets in Singapore

Singapore power outlet
Here is an actual photo of a
Singapore power outlet in a hotel

Singapore primarily uses Type G outlets, which have three rectangular holes and are grounded. These British-style plugs are used in neighboring Malaysia and in parts of Indonesia as well.

You may also find Type C sockets in Singapore, which are the most common European outlet type. These sockets have two round holes and are ungrounded. Type G outlets only work with the Type G plug, but Type C outlets can take any plug type that has two round pins.

Like the rest of Southeast Asia (and most countries outside the US), Singapore uses a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50 Hz.

Singapore Power Adapter

Singapore power adapter
Recommended Singapore power adapter available on Amazon.com ➜

Anyone packing for a trip to the city-state will be asking, “What plug do I need for Singapore?” Both Type G and Type C outlets require a US-to-Singapore power adapter, so you’ll need an adapter no matter what. Bringing a universal adapter will be the easiest since they include nearly every plug type and should work with any outlet you encounter in Singapore. Be aware that Type G sockets often have a small on/off switch in the corner, and if your adapter has a large plug head, it may get in the way of the switch.

We recommend this quality universal adapter because it includes both a Type G and Type C plugs. Although it’s compact, it’s compatible in over 100 countries around the world, so you can use it to charge your personal electronics on your future travels as well.

This high-quality adapter comes equipped with a built-in fuse protector and a lifetime replacement guarantee, so it will serve you well in all future travels!

View on Amazon.com ➜

Other Singapore Packing List Items

In addition to your US-to-Singapore power adapter, these items will help you pack with intention and expand the possibilities of your getaway. Also, check out our Singapore packing list for more inspiration and ideas.

  • 1. Neck Wallet / Passport Holder

    Crime rates in Singapore are fairly low, but pickpocketing and petty theft occur in almost all big cities, particularly in crowded touristy areas. Keep your money and credit cards in a neck wallet, which will cut the chances of them getting stolen to near zero. It organizes your cash, credit cards, passports, phones, travel documents and more while concealing it under your shirt so you don’t have to flash your wallet repeatedly. It’s great to stay organized during long international travel days, and we love the RFID-blocking material to protect financial data.

    neck wallet

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Jet Lag Relief

    Singapore is 12 hours ahead of the U.S.’s East Coast. This combined with a major time-zone change means jet lag is probably inevitable. Fortunately, you can reduce its effect by packing some jet lag relief pills, which will help get your sleep cycle on a normal schedule more quickly. You don’t want to waste precious time on vacation sleeping, and it will help you bounce back on the return trip too.

    jet lag relief

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

    Like many other countries in Southeast Asia, the government of Singapore blocks certain websites, which means you’ll need a VPN to access them. Beyond that, though, it’s always smart to use a VPN while you’re traveling to protect your privacy when you’re logging onto different public Wi-Fi networks. I learned this when I had my credit card number stolen at (what I thought was a safe) Airbnb. Anything from hotels to airports to cafes can leave you vulnerable and you’d be surprised how many prying eyes there are trying to monitor your online activity (your ISP, government entities, nosy neighbors, and clever hackers!)

    We use NordVPN because they offer unlimited bandwidth and the fastest streaming of any competitor. You’ll have access to regionally-censored websites like Facebook, Netflix, HBO, Hulu, PayPal, and more. For only a few dollars a month, we can’t recommend a VPN enough – it’s a must-have for privacy and online freedom.

    how a vpn works

    View options at NordVPN.com ➜

  • 4. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

    Your smartphone is a travel essential these days. It’s your camera, your GPS/map, and your flashlight, not to mention entertainment for long bus rides. But it won’t serve any of those functions if the battery dies. Keep a small portable charger with you, and you’ll be able to juice it up wherever you go. It’s a real lifesaver in an emergency, so don’t leave without it.

    Lipstick-Sized Charger

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 5. Hanging Toiletry Bag

    Once you try a hanging toiletry bag, you won’t go back! It will organize all of your toiletries into massive compartments that fold up into a leak-proof bag. Hang it on any pole, shower, door, or hook – it will unfold to create a built-in shelf so you don’t have to leave random bottles all over the hotel room.

    We love that this product is designed in Hawaii – made by travelers, for travelers. It makes repacking so easy and organizes all of your skincare, haircare, dental products, makeup, washcloths, medicine, and more. Plus, it’s water-resistant and leakproof so your items will survive the airline’s very rough transit experience.

    hanging toiletry bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Travel Insurance for Singapore

    If you get sick or injured while traveling, you’ll be lucky if it happens in Singapore, which has world-class medical facilities. However, like most things in Singapore, medical care is expensive! And your US health insurance generally does not cover you overseas. To make sure you don’t get stuck paying a giant bill out-of-pocket, sign up for a travel insurance plan before you leave.

    We use Faye because they have outperformed any provider we’ve ever worked with. They’ll cover you for common issues like baggage loss, theft, flight delays, rentals, pet care, and costly medical bills. No one plans to get sick or be pickpocketed, but these things happen all the time and you should not pay for it on your own – not when travel insurance will cover it for you. Faye is 100% digital, which means the funds are wired to you quickly without awful paperwork. They’re the best and we would not travel internationally without them.

    Travel Insurance for Singapore

    Get a quote in less than 60 seconds with Faye ➜

  • 7. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

    You’ll likely indulge in some water activities in Singapore. But you never know if your hotel will provide a towel (or if it will be too big, fluffy, and impractical to carry around). We bring this travel-sized microfiber option that is super absorbent and dries 10x faster than cotton. It’s perfect as a beach blanket, seat cover on public transit, wrap if visiting a modest holy site, and more!

    travel towel

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 8. Waterproof Phone Pouch

    When in Singapore, you should enjoy some boating, kayaking, and beach days. While the beaches are a bit limited, there are still great, family-friendly ones like Sentosa Beach and Palawan Beach. Pack this waterproof phone case to protect your lifeline from moisture, sun, and sand. My wife’s camera lens was once scratched by a sand grain, which ruined its photo-taking abilities, so it’s wise to keep this on even for sunbathing too.

    Waterproof Phone Pouch

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 9. Packing Cubes

    If you find that your suitcase or backpack tends to explode as soon as you open it in your hotel room – packing cubes will be a game-changer! Fold or roll one type of clothing (tops, shorts, socks, pajamas, essentials, etc.) into each cube, and then pack the cubes into your bag. It’ll be much easier to stay tidy and organized on the road, plus it makes repacking a breeze! The two bonus laundry bags are a treat, and you can start with the 3-pack if you need a smaller set.

    packing cubes

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 10. Luggage Straps

    One of the more underrated travel accessories I recommend is a luggage strap. These are unsung heroes that keep your bag intact even if there is blatant mishandling of your belongings (from the airline staff, bus staff you encounter, conveyor belt systems, etc.).

    Since they adjust to fit nearly any bag, you can use them for checked bags that will be out-of-sight for the long international flight, or for carry-ons to cinch-in your items like a belt so they fit without struggle in the overhead compartment. They make identification way easier since the colored straps are bright and there’s a built-in ID tag. I’ve never lost a bag or had anything break open since using these and won’t travel abroad without them.

    luggage straps

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 11. Activated Charcoal

    This is an item I wouldn’t venture to Asia without. Not to scare you, but with all the foreign cuisine and sometimes raw fish, food poisoning can happen. Traveler’s diarrhea is a common plague no matter where you go because your body is adjusting to a new local fare. Be sure to select food vendors that have proper food storage (heated, on ice, regular circulation, etc.) and pack these activated charcoal tablets as a backup. These pills will stop any harmful pathogens from absorbing into your stomach so you don’t suffer from a gnarly stomach ache. They’ll get you on your feet quicker and mitigate the distress, trust me.

    Activated Charcoal

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 12. Windproof Travel Umbrella

    It rains about 170 days a year in Singapore (nearly half the time!) Even if it’s a quickly-passing drizzle, you’ll need a reliable travel umbrella for your time in Singapore. This windproof option is well-made and lightweight. I also love that it can cover 2 people so you don’t have to bring separate ones.

    Windproof Travel Umbrella

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 13. Packable Clothesline

    For swimsuits and wet towels, bring a retractable clothesline with you to Singapore. You never know if you’ll have access to a washer or dryer at your accommodation, but this allows you to air-dry items on your patio or across your bathroom. I love this set in particular because it’s very small when not expanded and comes with the necessary clothespins.

    Packable Clothesline

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 14. TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    Even TSA recommends that you attach luggage locks when checking your suitcases. For international travel in particular, your belongings are out-of-sight for long durations, and it will offer peace of mind to know they’re secure. I attach these to my backpack when exploring crowded areas prone to pickpocketing, and they come in handy for city lockers, hotel lockers, and more.

    TSA-Approved Luggage Locks

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 15. Extra Phone Charging Cables

    Of course, you can’t use your charger without a charging cable, which is an item that often gets left behind on a train or loaned out and never returned. Just to be safe, pack some extra charging cables for your trip. You’re bound to leave one at an airport or hotel, so it’s wise to bring some spares.

    Extra Phone Charging Cables

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 16. Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    The shopping is epic in Singapore and you’ll likely want to bring some trinkets back home. Between Orchard Road, Little India, Chinatown, Bugis Street, and artisan markets – be sure to pack this “just in case” bag. This one is our go-to because the duffle material is uber lightweight, and the size qualifies it as your personal item for the return flight. This will help you forgo those pesky carry-on fees and it fits perfectly under your seat or overhead.

    Packable “Just in Case” Bag

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Electricity in Singapore

Singapore is one of the most modernized countries in the world and is known for its high level of organization. The country’s electrical grid reflects that, with its high-quality infrastructure. Power outages there are rare and typically only occur during storms or emergencies, so you’re unlikely to experience one during your trip.

Do I need a voltage converter for Singapore?

Whether you’ll need a US-to-Singapore voltage converter depends on what type of electric devices you plan to bring. Even though the US’s voltage is lower, most American-made electronics (including phones and laptops) are compatible with Singapore’s 230V grid.

However, common exceptions are hair dryers, curling irons, and electric razors, which are typically only rated to around 120V. If you plug any of them into the wall in Singapore without a converter, it will destroy the device and could shock you or start a fire.

If you plan to travel abroad frequently, you could also order new appliances that are rated 220V-240V, which you’ll be able to use anywhere in the world.

Other FAQs about traveling in Singapore

  • 1. What is the weather like in Singapore?

    Because Singapore so tiny and its elevation only changes by about 500 feet, the whole country has the same weather. Like most of Southeast Asia, Singapore has a tropical climate, meaning it’s generally hot and humid year-round. The temperatures don’t even drop much at night; average highs are usually in the upper-80s, with average lows in the upper-70s. One thing that does vary, though, is rainfall. The rainy season runs from September to January, while the dry season lasts from February to August.

  • 2. When to travel to Singapore?

    When to travel to Singapore?

    Between May and August, haze and smoke from fires in nearby Sumatra (Indonesia) penetrate the city, creating hazardous levels of air quality. While it won’t cause serious problems except for travelers with respiratory issues (who should avoid visiting during those months), it’s still not a pleasant time to be in Singapore. To miss both the fires and the rainy season, February and March are usually considered the best months to visit Singapore. That’s also tourist season, though, meaning it will be more crowded and prices will go up. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what you want to avoid most: the crowds, the rains, or the smoke. Be sure to check current Singapore travel advisories before you go.

  • 3. What to do in Singapore?

    Singapore has no shortage of things to do, both within the city proper and in the outlying areas. Gardens by the Bay, the sprawling park next to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, is the most iconic attraction. The park is really known for the vibrant sound and light show that takes place every evening but arrive earlier to experience the park in the daylight as well. For such a dense urban area, Singapore also has a surprising selection of hikes, including the Southern Ridges Trail and the Changi Coastal Walk. Another of Singapore’s best-known but totally quirky sites is Haw Par Villa, a museum dedicated to the Buddhist concept of hell. For less bizarre displays, head to the National Gallery and the Asian Civilizations Museum instead. Make sure you have time to just walk around the city and take it all in; Chinatown, Little India, and Haji Lane are the must-see areas. Lastly, to see the small part of the country that isn’t city, take a day trip to Sentosa, Kusu Island, or St. John’s Island.

    See all Singapore attractions at GetYourGuide.com ➜

  • 4. How to get around in Singapore?

    How to get around in Singapore?

    Since it’s so small and dense, Singapore is very easy to get around. Public transportation there is simple to use and includes both extensive train networks and dozens of bus routes. No matter where you are in Singapore, you probably won’t be far from a stop. Taxis are easy to come by as well, and ride-sharing apps like Grab and Go-Jek are popular and usually very cheap. Unlike many Southeast Asian cities, Singapore is also extremely pedestrian-friendly; covered sidewalks are the norm, and traffic rules are strictly enforced. Lastly, to get from the city to the offshore islands, ferries leave from several different terminals.

  • 5. How to save money in Singapore?

    The cost of living (and traveling) in Singapore is high, and if you’re coming from anywhere else in Southeast Asia, it’ll seem exorbitant. But it’s still possible to visit on a budget. Little India is generally the cheapest neighborhood for accommodations, so staying there is the best way to travel on a budget; to save, even more, consider a hostel dorm instead of a private room. Taking public transportation will also save you money over cabs or ride-sharing, and hawker centers are cheaper (and more interesting!) than restaurants. Singapore has loads of free things to do as well, including several of its museums, and there are even free walking tours.