Getting Singapore Dollars for Your Trip

Singapore is one of the world's most modern and efficient cities, and that extends to handling money. The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is a stable currency, and you'll find that managing money here is remarkably easy compared to many other destinations in Asia.

The good news is that Singapore is extremely card-friendly — perhaps more so than many Western countries. Contactless payments are ubiquitous, from MRT stations to hawker centres. However, understanding your options for getting SGD can still save you money, especially if you're exchanging larger amounts.

Best Ways to Get SGD Before You Travel

Here are your main options for obtaining Singapore Dollars, ranked from best to worst value:

1. Multi-Currency Card (Wise, Revolut)

The most cost-effective option for most travellers. Load your card with GBP and spend directly in SGD at the real exchange rate. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs when needed. Both Wise and Revolut are widely used in Singapore and work seamlessly.

2. Exchange Cash in Singapore

Singapore has some of the world's best money changers, offering rates that often beat online providers. If you're comfortable bringing cash (GBP, USD, or EUR), exchanging it at licensed money changers in the city can be excellent value.

3. Order SGD Online Before Travel

Services like Wise allow you to order Singapore Dollars for home delivery. Rates are competitive, though not quite as good as Singapore's best money changers. Convenient if you want cash in hand before departure.

4. Airport Exchange (Changi)

Changi Airport has multiple money changers with surprisingly competitive rates — much better than UK airports. If you need cash on arrival, exchanging at Changi is reasonable, though city money changers are still slightly better.

5. UK Bank or Bureau de Change

High street banks and airport bureaux in the UK offer poor rates for SGD. Avoid exchanging before you leave unless absolutely necessary.

Using Cards in Singapore

Singapore is a cashless society leader. You can use cards almost everywhere:

Where Cards Work Perfectly

Shopping malls, restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores (7-Eleven, Cheers), MRT and buses (contactless), taxis and Grab, hotels, tourist attractions, and increasingly, hawker centres via NETS QR or contactless payment terminals.

Where You Might Need Cash

Some traditional hawker stalls (though this is rapidly changing), wet markets, very small neighbourhood shops, and some older kopitiams. Having S$50-100 in cash covers most situations.

Card Tips for Singapore

Visa and Mastercard are universally accepted. American Express is accepted at larger merchants but not as widely. When paying by card, always choose to pay in SGD rather than your home currency to avoid poor DCC rates. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work extensively.

Withdrawing Cash from ATMs

ATMs are everywhere in Singapore — in MRT stations, shopping centres, and on most streets. The main banks are DBS, OCBC, and UOB.

ATM Tips

Singapore ATMs don't typically charge fees for international withdrawals, but your home bank might. Use a Wise or Revolut card to avoid foreign transaction fees. Withdraw in multiples of S$50 or S$100 for the best mix of notes. Decline any offer to convert to your home currency (DCC) — always choose SGD.

Best ATMs to Use

Any major bank ATM (DBS, OCBC, UOB, Citibank) works well. POSB (owned by DBS) ATMs are also reliable. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas that may charge additional fees.

Where to Find the Best Money Changers

Singapore's money changers are renowned for offering excellent exchange rates. All licensed changers are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Top Locations

Mustafa Centre (Little India) — Open 24 hours, consistently offers some of the best rates in Singapore. Multiple money changers compete for business, so compare a few.

The Arcade (Raffles Place) — Popular with business travellers and expats. Excellent rates for major currencies.

Lucky Plaza (Orchard Road) — Convenient location on the main shopping street. Good rates, especially for USD and EUR.

People's Park Complex (Chinatown) — Great rates and multiple changers to compare. Popular with locals.

Money Changer Tips

Always bring crisp, clean notes — damaged or marked bills may be rejected or exchanged at worse rates. Larger denominations (£50, $100) typically get better rates. Ask for the rate before handing over your money, and count your SGD before leaving the counter.

Singapore Money Safety Tips

Singapore is one of the world's safest countries, and you're unlikely to encounter any money-related problems. Still, sensible precautions apply:

Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres rather than on streets at night. Keep your PIN private when entering it. Don't carry excessive amounts of cash — you rarely need more than S$100-200 for most activities. Use hotel safes for spare cash and cards. Singapore has strict laws against crime, so theft is rare, but stay aware in crowded tourist areas.