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.
VisatoSingapore Editorial TeamReviewed Sep 1, 2026
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$20,000 in total use the e-727 reporting process. This cash report is separate from a goods declaration and the free SG Arrival Card.
- Currency
- Singapore dollar · SGD · S$
- 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 the official sources mean for your trip
Official sources checked 1 September 2026 · rates update online
- MAS: official exchange-rate reference service
- Frankfurter: reference-rate methodology
- MAS: licensed money-changing institutions
What Singapore money looks like
Use the official MAS currency page to see the real note and coin designs and their security features. The text here lists denominations only; it does not reproduce or authenticate Singapore currency.
We do not copy Singapore banknotes because MAS sets conditions for reproducing currency images. Open the official MAS page to view the real designs and security features.
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. Read the stated value as well as checking colour and size; appearance alone cannot authenticate a note or coin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Currency exchange map and search
The interactive Google Maps view shows current search results. Before using any outlet, verify it in the live MAS licensed-provider directory and check its opening hours.
Google Maps: licensed currency exchange locations in Singapore
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Google Maps: licensed currency exchange locations in Singapore
Open this area in Google Maps01
Changi Airport
Arrival convenience
Useful for initial cash after landing. Compare the final amount before exchanging a large sum.
02
Raffles Place / CBD
Central business district
A central comparison area during business hours; verify the exact outlet in the MAS directory.
03
Chinatown
Central visitor area
Several shopping streets and malls make comparison practical; check licence and hours first.
04
Orchard Road
Shopping district
Convenient while shopping, but convenience is not proof of the best rate.
05
Little India
North-east of the centre
A common starting area for comparing major and South Asian currencies; confirm current availability.
06
Bugis
City-centre interchange
Easy to reach from several districts; compare the final SGD payout and keep your receipt.
Google Maps is for navigation, not a recommendation or ranking. Listings and opening hours change; verify the outlet's current licence in the live MAS directory.
Cash, cards and ATM choices
A mixed setup is usually more resilient than relying on one payment method.
01
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.
02
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.
03
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$20,000, use the official ICA/e-727 guidance.
Money and arrival planning
Cash reporting, visa proof of funds and public-transport cards answer different questions. Use the guide that owns each task.
Singapore money FAQ
What currency is used in Singapore?
Singapore uses the Singapore dollar, ISO code SGD and commonly written S$. 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 to see the real designs and security features.
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.
What the official sources mean for your trip
Use these verified takeaways to plan exchange, cash reporting and currency checks. Rules can change, so open the linked official pages again close to travel.
Current SGD reference-rate converter
MAS publishes informational averages of interbank rates, not a bank, ATM or cash-counter quote. Our converter is also a planning estimate. For the same starting amount, compare the final SGD you receive after the provider applies its rate and every fee.
Where to exchange money in Singapore
A map helps you find a location; it does not prove that a provider is licensed. Before handing over cash, match the provider's exact legal name in the MAS directory and confirm that its money-changing licence is current.
Do I need to report the cash I carry?
Add every physical currency and bearer negotiable instrument you carry. If the combined value exceeds S$20,000, submit Form NP 727 online within the 72 hours before each arrival or departure. Keep the submission summary or acknowledgement email; no paper form is required. This is reporting, not a cap on how much you may carry.
What Singapore money looks like
Use MAS to check authentic note and coin designs and security features. S$1,000 and S$10,000 notes are no longer issued, but notes already in circulation remain legal tender. Do not judge whether a note is genuine from its colour alone.
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.
VisatoSingapore
Who we are
Our editorial team maintains these materials using the linked primary ICA, MFA and MOM sources. This information is not legal advice.
- Role
- Independent Singapore visa information, Form 14A preparation and filing-support service.
- What we do
- Fill in and proofread Form 14A, reconcile the supporting documents, and file eligible cases through a route ICA permits.
- What we do not do
- We are not ICA, do not issue visas, and do not guarantee approval or entry.
- Decision maker
- Final visa approval and checkpoint-entry decisions remain with Singapore's ICA.
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.