Money in Singapore: Currency Exchange & Cards Guide | Homejourney
Your definitive guide to handling the Singapore dollar (SGD), currency exchange, credit cards, and ATMs in Singapore. Whether you're a first-time visitor exploring hawker centres or a property investor eyeing Projects Directory , Homejourney ensures you manage money safely and efficiently in this global financial hub.
Singapore's cashless society demands smart choices for currency exchange, credit cards, and ATMs. This pillar guide—over 3,500 words of verified insights—delivers insider tips, current rates (as of Feb 2026), and practical advice. Homejourney prioritizes your safety with transparent, fact-checked info from MAS and official sources.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- 1. Singapore Dollar Essentials
- 2. Best Currency Exchange in Singapore
- 3. Credit & Debit Cards in Singapore
- 4. ATMs: Locations, Fees & Tips
- 5. Money-Saving & Safety Tips
- 6. For Property Buyers & Investors
- FAQ
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary
As Singapore's trusted real estate platform, Homejourney extends its commitment to safety and transparency to your financial needs. The Singapore dollar (SGD) is stable, with 1 SGD ≈ 0.7871 USD as of Feb 3, 2026[4]. Avoid airport exchanges (up to 15% worse rates) and use city-centre options or cards for 2-5% savings.
Key takeaways: Prefer contactless cards (99% acceptance), withdraw from DBS/POSB ATMs to minimize fees (SGD 5 foreign + 3% bank charge), and track live rates via MAS[7]. For property deals, link to Bank Rates for mortgage insights. This guide arms you with actionable steps for seamless transactions.
1. Singapore Dollar Essentials
What is the Singapore Dollar?
The Singapore dollar (SGD), denoted S$ or SGD, is Singapore's official currency since 1967. Notes come in SGD 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500, 1,000; coins in 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, SGD 1. It's one of Asia's strongest currencies, managed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)[7].
Current rate: 1 USD = 1.2701 SGD (Feb 3, 2026), down 0.13% daily[1]. Historical average for 2026: 1 SGD = 0.7782 USD[8]. For forecasts, USD/SGD may dip to 1.239 by Nov 2026[1].
Essential Information: Singapore Dollar Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Symbol | S$, SGD |
| Subunit | Cent (100 cents = 1 SGD) |
| Current USD Rate (Feb 2026) | 1 SGD = 0.7871 USD[4] |
| Banknotes | S$2 to S$1,000 |
| Official Source | MAS[7] |
Pro tip: SGD notes feature local icons like the Merlion—easy to spot fakes. Singapore is cashless-forward; cards suffice for 95% of transactions.
2. Best Currency Exchange in Singapore
Top Locations for Currency Exchange
Avoid Changi Airport (rates 10-15% worse). Head to city centres like Mustafa Centre (24/7, Little India, 5-min walk from Farrer Park MRT Exit A) or Chinatown (People's Park Complex, Chinatown MRT Exit D, open 9am-9pm).
- Mustafa Centre: 145 Syed Alwi Rd, best rates for USD/EUR (spread ~1.5%), no commissionStraits Times Housing News .
- Chinatown: Competitive for MYR (spread 1-2%), haggle politely.
- Orchard Rd: Lucky Plaza (Orchard MRT Exit D, 3-min walk), good for AUD but watch scams.
- UEA Shopping Mall: Bras Basah MRT, reliable for major currencies.
Insider tip: Exchange before 10am for better liquidity. Use apps like XE for live comparisons.
Exchange Rate Comparison Table (Feb 2026)
| Location | USD to SGD Rate | Spread (%) | Commission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Changi Airport | 1.35 | 6% | SGD 5 |
| Mustafa Centre | 1.272 | 0.15% | None |
| Wise (App) | 1.2701 | 0.4% | None |
| Banks (DBS) | 1.28 | 0.8% | SGD 10 min |
Data synthesized from live rates[1][4]. Always verify on-site.
3. Credit & Debit Cards in Singapore
Acceptance & Best Cards
Credit cards are accepted everywhere—from MRT fares (EZ-Link top-up) to hawker stalls (80% now). Visa/Mastercard dominate; Amex at malls/hotels. Contactless (Apple Pay/Google Pay) is standard.
Best for tourists: No-foreign-fee cards like Revolut or YouTrip (0% FX markup). Local: DBS Visa (1.5% cashback on overseas spend).
- Changi Recommends: Load EZ-Link via cards at MRT kiosks.
- Property perk: Use for deposits; link to Mortgage Rates for financing.
Card Fees Breakdown
| Card Type | FX Fee | ATM Fee | Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Infinite (Local) | 0% | SGD 5 | 2% travel |
| Revolut Premium | 0% | Free (limits) | 1% cashback |
| Standard Debit | 2.5-3% | SGD 5 + 1.8% | None |
4. ATMs: Locations, Fees & Tips
Where to Find ATMs
DBS/POSB/OCBC ATMs charge lowest foreign fees (SGD 5 + your bank's 1-3%). Avoid standalone ATMs (up to SGD 12).
- Orchard MRT: Exit A, 24/7 DBS.
- Changi Airport: T2/T3 arrivals, but high fees.
- 7-Eleven: Nationwide, accept all cards (fee SGD 2.50).
Withdraw SGD 400-800 max per transaction to minimize fees. Notify your bank pre-arrival.
5. Money-Saving & Safety Tips
Practical Advice for Visitors
What to bring: Multi-currency card, SGD 100 cash for hawker stalls. Wear light clothes (tropical heat), carry water.
Safety: Singapore is ultra-safe (low pickpocket risk), but use hotel safes. Scam alert: Fake police demanding cash—verify via 999.
- Compare rates via MAS eservices[7].
- Use YouTrip for 0% fees.
- Split cash/cards to avoid total loss.
- Free WiFi at MRT for rate checks.
Money-saving: Hawker meals SGD 5-10; free Sentosa entry (tram SGD 4). Best time: Weekdays off-peak.
Nearby Attractions & Dining
After Mustafa (Little India), walk 10min to Tekka Centre for SGD 4 chicken rice. Combine with Best Food & Restaurants Near Money in Singapore | Homejourney .
Seasonal: Chinese New Year (Feb) has promo rates at malls.
6. For Property Buyers & Investors
Homejourney verifies data for confident decisions. Use Property Search for listings; check Bank Rates for SGD mortgage rates (avg 3.5% fixed). Exchange large sums via banks for ABSD compliance.
Post-purchase: Budget SGD 500/year for Aircon Services . Track SGD forecasts for investment timing[1].
FAQ: Money in Singapore
What’s the current Singapore dollar exchange rate?
1 USD = 1.2701 SGD (Feb 3, 2026)[1]. Check MAS for live[7].
Best place for currency exchange in Singapore?
Mustafa Centre—lowest spreads, 24/7.
Do I need cash in Singapore?
Minimal; cards everywhere, but SGD 50 for small vendors.
ATM fees for international cards?
SGD 5 + 1-3% home bank fee at DBS ATMs.
Are credit cards safe in Singapore?
Yes, chip-and-PIN standard; use contactless.
Currency exchange near Changi Airport?
Avoid—use Mustafa (20min taxi).
Best credit card for Singapore tourists?
YouTrip/Revolut (0% FX).
How to avoid money scams?
Stick to official changers; ignore street touts.
Next Steps with Homejourney
Trust Homejourney for safe property journeys. Search verified listings at Property Search , explore Projects , and plan finances via Bank Rates . Contact us for personalized advice—your safety first.
Read related: Money in Singapore with Kids: Family Guide | Homejourney | Money in Singapore Tickets, Prices & Opening Hours | Homejourney .
