Are Singapore Plugs the Same as the UK? A Guide on Shipping Electrical Appliances 

Moving to a new country requires a lot of preparation. Adapting or buying brand-new appliances can be a costly part of moving. Fortunately for UK movers relocating to Singapore, the UK and Singapore use the same plugs, meaning all your UK electrical appliances will work without the need for adapters, converters, or rewiring. 

1st Move International have been helping UK mover ship their electronics to Singapore for over 25 years. With guaranteed weekly shipping, secure shrink-wrap packing, and a team of customs experts, you’re in safe hands for your removals to Singapore.

In this guide, we’ll explore how plug compatibility makes moving your electronics easier, what to know before shipping appliances, and which items are worth bringing from the UK to Singapore. Whether you’re relocating permanently or just for a long stay, this guide will help you make informed decisions about your UK electronics and appliances.

Does Singapore Use the Same Plugs as the UK?

Yes, the UK and Singapore both use Type G plugs, meaning your electrical appliances are compatible and will fit without the need for any modifications. The voltage, frequency, and amperage are the same, so your electrical items will work to their best, depending on their wattage. 

UK vs Singapore Plugs 

The UK and Singapore share many similarities when it comes to their electrical systems. Both use 230V, 50Hz, and can support up to 13 amps. This means UK appliances, which are typically marked 230V or 220–240V, will work in Singapore with no problems. UK plugs are also designed to support up to 13 amps, and fortunately, so are Singapore’s. 

Feature	UK	Singapore
Plug Type	Type G	Type G – Same 3-pin rectangular plug
Voltage	230V	230V – no converter needed
Frequency	50Hz	50Hz – compaibale
Amperage Supported	Up to 13A	Up to 13A – Standard for most household appliances
Adapter Needed	No	No
Voltage on Label	220–240V or 230V	Same as the UK

Top Tip: If the label reads 220–240V / 50Hz / Type G plug / 13A or less, this is safe and compatible to use with Singapore plugs.

What UK Electrical Appliances Can I Bring to Singapore?

All UK appliances within the voltage and frequency range can be used safely in Singapore.

Laptops and Phone Chargers: These are typically low-wattage and dual-voltage, marked 100-240V, so they are compatible in Singapore and worldwide.

Hairdryers, Hair Straighteners, and Electric Razors: These are typically under 13 amps, but some heavy and expensive models might exceed this, so always check the label.

Microwaves and Toasters: Small, compact models are usually under 13 amps, so they are safe to ship and use.

TV and Computer Monitors: Fortunately, the UK and Singapore both use the PAL system, meaning they are compatible. However, UK TVs must support DVB-T2 if you want to get Free-to-Air channels in Singapore.

Vacuum Cleaner: Most household cleaners use around 5–10 amps, so they are well within the 13 amps limit. 

Small Kitchen Appliances: Small items like blenders, mixers, slow cookers, rice cookers, and air fryers are safe to ship and use in Singapore. 

What is Better to Buy in Singapore?

Although all UK items are typically compatible with Singapore plugs, some items may be better bought on arrival. 

Built-in Appliances: Appliances that are custom-fitted to UK kitchens might be tricky to install in Singapore and may not fit Singaporean housing layouts. Talk to an electrician to weigh up your options.

Hard-Wired Appliances: Certain items, such as cookers or extractor fans that aren’t plug-in, may not be compatible due to different installation requirements and electrical codes in Singapore.

Older Items: If any of your electrical appliances are old and on the way out, they might not be worth bringing to Singapore. If you need any spare parts, these may be difficult to source in Singapore for UK-made items. 

Items That Exceed 13 Amps: Both the UK and Singapore support up to 13 amp items, but some items may exceed this and not be compatible. 

It’s always worth speaking to a registered electrician about any specialised or unique items you have. 

Will My White Goods Work in Singapore?

Yes, your white goods, like fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, and cookers, will all work in Singapore without the use of an adapter, voltage converter, or rewiring the plugs. You’re often better off shipping your UK white goods to Singapore instead of buying brand new replacements on arrival, especially if you have any high-end, expensive appliances. 

Although the plugs and voltage match, the plumbing of dishwashers and washing machines may be trickier. Always hire a local and qualified electrician to professionally install any large appliances. UK warranties are typically void once the item is in Singapore, so you might want to check if the brand offers a warranty transfer to Singapore. 

It’s worth noting that kitchens in Singapore tend to be smaller than UK ones, so it’s important to measure your items to check they’ll fit. Singapore also places emphasis on energy-efficient appliances, and UK labels may not align with local eco-certifications. This won’t prevent use but may affect resale or energy costs.

When You Might Need an Adapter

If your UK appliances are old and don’t meet the BS 1363 standard, they’d either need an adapter for use in Singapore or need to be rewired. 

Any electrical appliances you purchased in or from another country may not be compatible with Singapore plugs. Europe use Type C, E, and F, and North America uses Type A/B plugs. You would need to use a Type G plug adapter for these to work in Singapore, and you may even need rewiring or voltage converters. 

How Much Does An International Removal Cost From the UK to Singapore?

The cost of international removals from the UK to Singapore starts from £840 for a shared container service, £3,010 for a 3-bed house and £5,640 for a 4 or 5-bed house. To get an accurate, personalised free quote for your move, enter details of your move in our easy to use form and a member of our team will be in touch.

We offer guaranteed weekly sailings from London, so there’s no waiting around for containers to be filled. On average, it takes around 27 days for an international move to Singapore.

Shipping Electrical Appliances to Singapore From the UK

Once you’re certain your electrical appliances will work in Singapore, you will want to start planning how you’re going to ship them there safely. Singapore citizens, permanent residents, and soon-to-be residents can ship their household goods from the UK for free. They must be owned and used by you for more than 3 months. 

You should only ever use a trusted international removal company that has experience in packing and shipping household goods abroad. That’s where 1st Move International comes in. With over 25 years of experience, we specialise in helping UK movers navigate the customs process, correctly declare their items, and ensure a smooth, hassle-free shipment of electrical appliances and personal belongings to Singapore.

You will have to list all your items in an inventory list, which we can provide you with, and they will be inspected by Singapore customs. Ensure all your items are clean and dry before we pick them up. This is to comply with biosecurity rules at Singapore customs. For further information on the customs and import process, read our detailed page on Singapore import rules.