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Money & currency

Money in Singapore

Updated 2026-08-16

Money & Currency
$

Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Currency code: SGD

Practical Money Tips

Cards and Contactless Are Accepted Almost Everywhere

Singapore is one of the most cashless societies in Asia. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at virtually every restaurant, shop, hotel, taxi and hawker centre chain stall. Contactless payments work seamlessly — Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are all widely supported at NFC terminals. The government-backed NETS and PayNow systems dominate local payments, but these require a Singaporean bank account. For foreign visitors, international Visa/Mastercard contactless is the most practical option, and GrabPay (linked to the Grab ride-hailing app) can be topped up with some international cards. Cash is mainly needed at traditional hawker centres (older standalone stalls), wet markets and some small shops in older neighbourhoods.

ATMs Are Plentiful — Withdraw in SGD Only

ATMs from DBS, OCBC, UOB and POSB (Singapore's major banks) are everywhere — in MRT stations, shopping centres, convenience stores and bank branches. All major ATMs accept international Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Cirrus cards. Withdrawal limits vary by card and machine — check your own bank's limit before travelling. Always decline dynamic currency conversion and withdraw in SGD to avoid inflated exchange rates; foreign-transaction fees vary by home bank, so it's worth checking those too. Given how card-friendly Singapore is, you may not need to withdraw much cash at all.

Get an EZ-Link or SimplyGo Card for Transport

The EZ-Link card is Singapore's integrated transport stored-value card, covering the MRT subway, buses, and some taxis and retail outlets. Buy and top up one at any MRT station or 7-Eleven; fares on both MRT and bus are distance-based rather than flat. Alternatively, SimplyGo allows a contactless Visa or Mastercard to be used directly on MRT and bus readers — no separate card needed, and both systems charge the same fares.

No Tipping — Service Charge and GST Are Included

Singapore does not have a tipping culture. Restaurants add a service charge and GST to the bill, so the price shown on the menu is not the final price — expect a meaningful markup once both are added. Do not tip at hawker centres, taxis, hotels or coffee shops; this is a genuine cultural norm, not false modesty. The only situation where a small gratuity might be appropriate is for exceptional service from a private tour guide or hotel concierge who has gone well beyond their role, but it is never expected.

Note: Always check current exchange rates before traveling. Currency exchange is available at airports, banks, and authorized money changers.

Common Money Questions

What currency does Singapore use?

Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD, symbol S$ or $), issued in a standard range of notes and coins. Singapore and Brunei Dollars are interchangeable at par — Brunei currency is legal tender in Singapore and vice versa.

Is Singapore expensive?

Singapore is expensive by Southeast Asian standards but manageable with strategy — hawker centre meals, kopitiam coffee and public transport all run well below restaurant, café and taxi prices. Alcohol is notably expensive due to high excise duties. Eating mainly at hawker centres and using the MRT and buses keeps costs down considerably compared with a restaurant-and-taxi routine.

Do Apple Pay and Google Pay work in Singapore?

Yes — both work extensively. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are all supported at NFC-enabled terminals, which covers the vast majority of retailers, restaurants, convenience stores and even some hawker stalls. GrabPay is the dominant local mobile wallet but generally requires a local payment method or selected international cards; for visitors, Apple Pay or Google Pay linked to an international Visa/Mastercard is the easiest phone-based option.

What is the best way to exchange money?

Licensed money changers in shopping centres and at Mustafa Centre in Little India (open 24 hours) generally offer better rates than banks and considerably better rates than airport counters. The Arcade at Raffles Place and Lucky Plaza on Orchard Road are also well known for competitive rates — comparing a few changers before exchanging is worthwhile. Given Singapore's excellent card acceptance, exchanging only a small amount of cash for hawker centres and wet markets may be all that's needed.

How do I pay at hawker centres?

Payment at hawker centres varies by stall. Large hawker centres in tourist areas increasingly accept card and NETS payments, but many individual stalls — especially in older centres and neighbourhood kopitiams — remain cash-only. Carry some cash in small notes for hawker visits; some stalls accept PayNow via QR code, but this requires a Singaporean bank account. As a rule of thumb, keep some cash on hand for hawker centres even if everything else is paid by card.

How expensive is alcohol in Singapore?

Alcohol is expensive by global standards — Singapore imposes high excise duties, and prices at bars run well above supermarket and convenience-store prices for the same drink. No alcohol can be sold at retail after a set evening cutoff nationwide. Happy hours offer meaningful savings, and it's worth looking for promotions around Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Haji Lane. Hotel bars and rooftop lounges, such as CÉ LA VI at Marina Bay Sands and 1-Altitude, are the priciest option but offer views the street-level bars can't match.

Should I bring cash or use cards?

Cards for almost everything. Singapore is one of Asia's most cashless cities — Visa and Mastercard contactless work at restaurants, shops, convenience stores, taxis (including Grab) and MRT/bus via SimplyGo. Carry a modest amount of cash for hawker centres, wet markets and small vendors, and top up from any ATM if needed — there's no need to carry large amounts.

Entry rules, visa types and practical notes live on the Singapore overview.

Visaja keeps this page's contact details and visa guidance under continuous review — still, requirements can change at short notice, so confirm the essentials with the mission or the official government portal before you travel.