Money in Singapore Itinerary: Planning Your Visit | Homejourney

Planning your Money in Singapore Itinerary: Planning Your Visit ensures seamless transactions during your trip, whether exploring attractions or scouting properties. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety and trust by verifying essential money management tips for Singapore visitors.

This cluster guide supports our pillar on Singapore Tourism for Property Buyers, helping you navigate the Singapore dollar (SGD) efficiently while linking to property insights via Property Search ">Property Search .

Essential Information: Understanding the Singapore Dollar

The official currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD), with notes from S$2 to S$1,000 and coins up to S$1. Current USD to SGD rate hovers around 1.2737 as of early 2026, with forecasts suggesting slight fluctuations to 1.21 by year-end[1][3].

Best time to exchange: Before arrival or at Changi Airport for convenience. Singapore is cashless-friendly, but carry S$100-200 daily for hawker centres and small vendors.

Money Essentials Box

Currency: SGD (1 USD ≈ 1.27 SGD)[1]
ATMs: Widely available; use networks like DBS, OCBC (fees S$5 for foreign cards)
Exchange Counters: Changi Airport (rates 1-2% above mid-market), Mustafa Centre (24/7)
Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted everywhere; contactless common
Best Visit Time: Weekdays to avoid queues; 9 AM onwards
Duration: 1-2 hours for initial setup

Step-by-Step Money Itinerary for Your First Day

Follow this actionable Money in Singapore Itinerary: Planning Your Visit upon landing at Changi Airport (open 24/7, free WiFi).

Airport Arrival (0-30 mins): Skip overpriced kiosks (rates up to 6% markup). Withdraw SGD from ATM at Terminal 1, Exit A (DBS/OCBC, S$5 fee waived for some premium cards).
Exchange Small Amount (30 mins): Visit Cheers or 7-Eleven for S$50-100 at fair rates. Insider tip: Use Wise app for multi-currency card to avoid fees[3].
MRT to City (45 mins): Buy EZ-Link card (S$12, includes S$7 credit) at MRT station. Tap for buses/trains; top up via ATM.
City Centre Setup (1 hour): Head to Raffles Place MRT (Exit F), visit UOB/HSBC ATMs. Exchange at Arcade counters (Chinatown Complex, open 10 AM-10 PM).
Test Spend (Ongoing): Pay contactless at 7-Eleven or hawker stall. Track via banking app.

This itinerary minimizes fees and builds confidence. For property viewers, link to Bank Rates ">Bank Rates for mortgage insights during your stay.

Currency Exchange Strategies: Where and How

Currency exchange spots prioritize low spreads. Top picks: The Arcade at Raffles Place (MRT: Raffles Place, Exit B, 5-min walk; open Mon-Sat 9:30 AM-8 PM) offers rates near mid-market (0.5-1% fee). Avoid hotels (3-5% markup).

Insider tip from Singapore locals: Mustafa Centre (Serangoon MRT, Exit B, 24/7) for midnight exchanges, but expect crowds. Current USD/SGD: High 1.281, low 1.237 forecast for March 2026[1]. Always check MAS.gov.sg for official rates[7].

Credit Cards vs Cash vs ATM

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Credit Cards	No cash carry; rewards; accepted 99%	2-3% forex fee	Shopping, hotels
ATM	Bank rates; convenient	S$5 fee + home bank charge	Daily needs
Cash Exchange	No fees at good spots	Security risk	Hawkers, taxis

Pro tip: Notify your bank pre-trip to avoid card blocks. Homejourney verifies these for safe property transactions too—explore Projects Directory ">Projects Directory .

Practical Tips and Safety for Money Management

Wear light clothing; carry a slim wallet. Use Apple/Google Pay for speed. Restrooms at malls (S$0.20, refundable with purchase). Fully accessible via MRT elevators.

Food: Hawker meals S$5-10; pay cash or cards.
Safety: Singapore is very safe; report lost cards to police (999) immediately.
Family-Friendly: Kid ATMs at malls dispense small notes.

Money-saving: Singapore Tourist Pass (S$20/day unlimited MRT/bus). Combine with nearby sights—see Money in Singapore: Currency Exchange & Cards Guide by Homejourney ">Money in Singapore: Currency Exchange & Cards Guide by Homejourney .

Money-Saving Tips and Nearby Pairings

Free: Exchange at banks during promos. Combo: Tourist Pass + Grab rides (app discounts). Forecasts show SGD stability, average 1.27 in early 2026[1][2].

Nearby: Chinatown (5-min walk from Arcade) for meals—check Best Food & Restaurants Near Money in Singapore | Homejourney ">Best Food & Restaurants Near Money in Singapore | Homejourney . Property hunters, stay in CBD; search via Property Search ">Property Search .

Seasonal and Property Ties

Peak Dec-Jan (higher fees); off-peak Feb-Mar better rates. Post-trip, maintain properties with Aircon Services ">Aircon Services . Weather: Rainy afternoons—indoor malls ideal.