Pek Kim Singapore: How Much to Give at a Funeral

Pek kim (白金) — pronounced 'pek kim' in Hokkien or 'bai jin' in Mandarin — literally means 'white gold.' It is the condolence money given to the bereaved family during a Chinese funeral or Buddhist/Taoist wake in Singapore.

Unlike red packets (ang bao) given at weddings, pek kim is placed in a plain white envelope — white being the colour of mourning in Chinese tradition.

The money serves two purposes: a practical one (helping offset funeral costs, which can run S$5,000–15,000) and a symbolic one (showing solidarity and support).

For the full context of a Chinese funeral wake see Buddhist Funeral Singapore and Taoist Funeral Singapore.

These are guidelines, not rules. S$50 is the practical standard for most guests — straightforward and widely accepted. The bereaved family will appreciate any amount given sincerely. Never feel pressured to give beyond your means — your presence at the wake is equally meaningful.

In Chinese custom, even numbers are associated with auspicious occasions like weddings. Funerals being the opposite, odd amounts are traditionally given.

In practice: • S$30, S$50, S$70, S$90 — clearly odd ✅ • S$100 — technically even, but universally accepted in Singapore. Most people simply give S$50 or S$100 for simplicity and practicality. • S$101 — the stricter interpretation for those who want to be absolutely correct • Avoid amounts with the number 4 — considered unlucky (四 sounds like 'death')

Honestly, enforcing a strict 'not ending in 00' rule in modern Singapore is impractical — most guests give S$50 or S$100 without a second thought. If an elderly relative insists on S$101, that is entirely valid. If you give S$100, no one will take issue.

1. Use a plain white envelope — not red, not patterned, not festive. 2. Write your name on the front — so the family can acknowledge receipt. 3. Place cash inside — notes only, no coins. 4. At the wake, sign the condolence book and deposit the envelope into the condolence box at the reception table. 5. Do not hand it directly to a grieving family member in an emotional moment.

Forgot an envelope? Completely acceptable to hand over folded cash directly.

Yes — increasingly so. Many families now display a PayNow QR code at the reception table. Digital transfers are socially acceptable, particularly if you cannot attend in person or the family has explicitly displayed a QR code.

Cash in a white envelope remains the traditional and most widely practised form. If in doubt, use cash.

Buddhist and Taoist funerals — standard and expected. White envelope, odd amount, condolence box at reception. See Buddhist Funeral Singapore and Taoist Funeral Singapore.

Christian and Catholic funerals — not a formal tradition, but Chinese Christian families often observe it. If a condolence box is visible, giving is appropriate. See Christian Funeral Singapore.

Freethinker funerals — depends on the family's background. Follow the cues at reception. See Freethinker Funeral Singapore.

Muslim funerals — known as duit takziah. Any amount is fine, no odd/even rule. Cash passed discreetly to a family member.

For dress code guidance when attending any wake see What to Wear to a Funeral Singapore.

Some families request no monetary donations — they prefer donations to a charity, or want to keep the funeral simple. This is stated in the obituary or at the reception.

Respect this. Do not press money on the family. Instead consider sending flowers or donating to their specified charity.