Singapore travel · Money guide

Money in Singapore: currency, cash, exchange rates and where to change it

Singapore uses the Singapore dollar (SGD, written S$). Learn the useful denominations, compare a current reference rate, find licensed exchange options and check whether the physical cash you carry may trigger a separate report.

Official sources checked 28 August 2026 · rates update online

Travellers comparing a phone calculation with a currency exchange board in Singapore — Compare the full amount you will receive, not only the headline rate. This is an illustrative editorial scene, not a named exchange outlet.

The short answer

Use SGD for everyday spending. Cards and mobile wallets are widely accepted, but some small merchants and situations still need cash. Exchange only through a licensed provider, compare the final SGD amount after fees, and keep a backup payment method. Physical currency and bearer instruments exceeding S$20,000 in total use a separate e-727 reporting process.

Currency: Singapore dollar · SGD · S$
Useful small notes: S$2, S$5, S$10 and S$50
Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and S$1
Cash reporting: More than S$20,000 combined physical CBNI

What Singapore money looks like

The visual below is a recognition aid, not a reproduction of legal tender. Use the linked MAS page for official images and security features.

Original diagram of Singapore dollar note and coin denominations, not legal tender — Recognition guide only: denomination colours are simplified and no portrait, serial number or security feature is reproduced.

Notes travellers commonly use

S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50 and S$100 notes are useful to recognise. Higher-denomination S$1,000 and S$10,000 notes may remain legal tender even though MAS stopped issuing them; they are not normal tourist spending notes and a merchant may decline a large denomination.

Current coin denominations

The third coin series has 5-cent, 10-cent, 20-cent, 50-cent and S$1 coins. Look at the value as well as colour and size; a schematic cannot authenticate a note or coin.

Why no close-up banknote photo? Singapore currency images are subject to MAS reproduction conditions. We avoid publishing a high-detail copy that could be mistaken for real money.

Current SGD reference-rate converter

Convert between SGD and common traveller currencies using a daily reference rate. It is a planning estimate, not a bank, card-network, ATM or money-changer quote.

Convert an amount

Rates load from our same-origin endpoint and refresh from the reference provider during the day.

AmountFromTo

Indicative result

Loading the latest reference rates…

Your bank, card, ATM or exchange outlet can use a different rate and add a margin or fee. Always compare the final SGD amount.

Do I need to report the cash I carry?

Add every physical currency and bearer negotiable instrument you will carry. This estimate converts the combined total to SGD; it does not replace the official e-727 assessment.

Include banknotes, coins and relevant bearer instruments. Do not add your bank-account balance or card limit.

Cash amount 1

CurrencyAmount

Indicative combined SGD value

A reliable total cannot be calculated

One or more rates are unavailable. Do not infer that no report is needed; use the official ICA guidance or e-727 route.

The S$20,000 figure is a reporting trigger, not a maximum amount. Near the threshold, verify directly with the authority.

Open official e-727 Read the full cash and customs guide

Where to exchange money in Singapore

There is no permanently best outlet or rate. Airport exchange can be convenient; city areas give more opportunities to compare. Verify that the provider is currently licensed in the MAS Financial Institutions Directory before handing over cash.

Traveller comparing a receipt and rate board at a Singapore currency exchange counter — Ask for the final SGD amount, all fees and the receipt before confirming. The scene is illustrative and does not endorse a specific outlet.

Exchange-area map

Use these areas as starting points, then verify a current licensed outlet and opening hours. The map is schematic, not turn-by-turn navigation.

Singapore exchange areas from airport to city

Changi Airport

Arrival convenience

Useful for initial cash after landing. Compare the final amount before exchanging a large sum.

Raffles Place / CBD

Central business district

A central comparison area during business hours; verify the exact outlet in the MAS directory.

Chinatown

Central visitor area

Several shopping streets and malls make comparison practical; check licence and hours first.

Orchard Road

Shopping district

Convenient while shopping, but convenience is not proof of the best rate.

Little India

North-east of the centre

A common starting area for comparing major and South Asian currencies; confirm current availability.

Bugis

City-centre interchange

Easy to reach from several districts; compare the final SGD payout and keep your receipt.

Check the live MAS licensed-provider directory Open official OneMap Singapore

Locations change. We deliberately do not rank individual outlets or promise a best rate, opening time or currency stock.

Cash, cards and ATM choices

A mixed setup is usually more resilient than relying on one payment method.

Keep some SGD cash

Small merchants, deposits, tips or a temporary card outage can still make cash useful. Avoid carrying more than you need for the day.

Check card and ATM fees

Your issuer may add foreign-transaction or withdrawal fees. Review limits and travel controls before departure and keep a second payment method separate.

Prefer the SGD amount when offered a currency choice

A terminal or ATM may offer to convert into your home currency. Compare carefully: that conversion can use a separate rate and markup.

A practical money checklist

Do these checks before exchanging or travelling with a large cash amount.

01Save one payment method separately from your main wallet.
02Compare the final SGD payout after every fee, not only the displayed rate.
03Confirm the exchange provider in the live MAS licensed-provider directory.
04Keep receipts until you have counted and stored the money safely.
05Add all physical currencies and bearer instruments before checking the reporting threshold.
06If the estimate is near or above S$20,000, use the official ICA/e-727 guidance.

Singapore money FAQ

What currency is used in Singapore?

Singapore uses the Singapore dollar, ISO code SGD and commonly written S$. Prices shown with S$ refer to Singapore dollars unless the seller states another currency.

What do Singapore dollar notes and coins look like?

Common notes include S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50 and S$100; current coins are 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c and S$1. Use the official MAS currency page for authentic images and security features. Our diagram is a simplified recognition aid, not legal tender.

Can tourists pay by card or phone everywhere?

Cards and mobile payments are widespread but not universal. A small SGD cash reserve and a separate backup card help with small merchants, deposits or outages. Check your issuer's foreign-transaction and ATM fees before travelling.

Where should I exchange money in Singapore?

Airport exchange is convenient for an initial amount, while Changi, the CBD, Chinatown, Orchard, Little India and Bugis provide places to compare. There is no permanently best location. Verify the exact provider in the live MAS licensed money-changer directory.

How do buy and sell exchange rates work?

For a traveller bringing foreign currency and receiving SGD, ask how many Singapore dollars you will receive after every fee. Labels can be shown from the outlet's perspective, so the clearest comparison is the final SGD payout for the same starting amount.

When must cash be reported in Singapore?

ICA says physical currency and bearer negotiable instruments exceeding S$20,000 in combined value, or the foreign-currency equivalent, must be reported. This is a reporting threshold, not a maximum. Use the full customs guide and official e-727 route for the current process.

Is travel cash the same as visa proof of funds?

No. Cash you physically carry is a border-reporting question. Proof of funds for a visa application concerns supporting evidence and has no universal private-service amount. Keep the two checks separate and use the dedicated proof-of-funds guide.

Official sources and rate methodology

Currency, licensing and reporting rules can change. Recheck the official pages close to travel.

Money plan ready? Check your Singapore entry route

Currency planning does not tell you whether a visa is required. Check your passport route first; if a visa is needed, our application service starts from the same result.

Check whether I need a visa Start a visa application

General travel information only, not financial, legal or customs advice. Rates are indicative and do not predict a transaction price. MAS, ICA, Singapore Police Force and other competent authorities determine the applicable rules. VisatoSingapore is an independent visa-assistance service and is not affiliated with the Singapore Government.