Money in Singapore Itinerary: Planning Your Visit
Planning your Money in Singapore Itinerary: Planning Your Visit ensures seamless finances during your trip, whether scouting properties or exploring attractions. The Singapore dollar (SGD) is the local currency, currently strong at around 1 SGD = 0.79 USD as of February 2026[1][2][6]. Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying money tips for trusted transactions, linking to our Money in Singapore: Currency Exchange, Cards & ATM Guide | Homejourney ">Money in Singapore: Currency Exchange, Cards & ATM Guide for deeper insights.
Essential Information for Handling Money in Singapore
Singapore's financial ecosystem is efficient, cashless-friendly, and secure, managed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)[8]. Key spots include Changi Airport for initial exchange, city ATMs, and hawker centres for testing small notes. Best visited during weekdays to avoid queues; allocate 1-2 hours on arrival day.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | SGD notes: $2, $5, $10, $50, $100; Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1[1] |
| Exchange Rate (Feb 2026) | 1 SGD ≈ 0.79 USD (USD/SGD ≈ 1.267)[2][6] |
| ATMs | DBS, OCBC, UOB nationwide; Fee ~S$5 for foreign cards |
| Best Time | Weekdays 9AM-5PM; Avoid weekends |
Step-by-Step Money Itinerary for Your Singapore Visit
Follow this actionable Money in Singapore Itinerary: Planning Your Visit to manage currency exchange, credit cards, and ATMs efficiently, tailored for property investors eyeing districts like Orchard or Marina Bay.
- Day 1: Arrival at Changi Airport (30-45 mins)
Exchange minimal cash (S$200-300) at counters like Travelex or Cheong Fatt. Rates beat airports elsewhere but skip for large amounts—use ATMs instead. Insider tip: Level 1 Arrival Hall has 24/7 machines; notify your bank pre-flight to avoid blocks. - En Route to Hotel: ATM Withdrawal (10 mins)
Stop at first DBS/OCBC ATM (e.g., MRT-linked branches). Withdraw S$500-1,000; fees S$5 + 1-3% foreign charge. Check Bank Rates ">Homejourney bank rates for Singapore mortgage insights if investing. - Day 2: City Centre Exchange & Cards Setup (1 hour)
Visit Mustafa Centre (Serangoon Rd, 24hrs) or Arcade @ The Heeren (Orchard Rd) for best currency exchange rates (0.5-1% spread). Test credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) at 7-Eleven; contactless under S$200 is fee-free. - Ongoing: Daily Top-Ups & Digital Wallets
Use GrabPay/Apple Pay linked to cards. Reload at Cheers convenience stores. For property viewings, carry S$100 cash for agents.
Insider Locations with Directions
- Best Exchange: The Arcade, Orchard Rd
MRT Orchard (Exit D), 2-min walk. Open 10AM-10PM; rates ~0.78 USD/SGD[1]. Local tip: Haggle politely for groups over S$5,000. - ATM Hotspots: ION Orchard
MRT Orchard (Exit E), Basement 1. Multi-bank, English menus; safe 24/7 monitored area. - Cash Testing: Lau Pa Sat Hawker
MRT Raffles Place (Exit I), 5-min walk. S$5-10 meals; exact change appreciated.
Practical Tips for Safe Money Management
Dress casually; carry money belts for cash over S$500. Singapore is very safe (low pickpocket rates per Singapore Police Force), but use hotel safes. Restrooms at malls are free; family-friendly with baby-changing stations. Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps at all MRTs and exchanges.
What to Bring & Wear
- 2-3 credit cards (no Amex dominance)
- Passport for exchanges over S$1,000
- Power bank; apps like Wise for tracking
- Light clothing; humid weather year-round
Money-Saving Tips for Your Itinerary
Avoid airport exchanges for big sums—save 3-5%[1]. Use EZ-Link card (S$12 incl. S$7 credit) for MRT/buses, saving 15% vs taxis. Singapore Tourism Board Visit Pass (S$29/day) bundles attractions. Free: Money exhibits at MAS Building (1 Finlayson Green, MRT Raffles Place Exit I).
Nearby Attractions & Property Ties
Combine with Marina Bay Sands (5-min MRT from Raffles Place). Dining: Maxi’s Hawker (S$4-8 satay). For investors, scout condos nearby via Property Search ">Homejourney property search or Projects Directory ">projects directory. Walking route: Arcade → ION → Lau Pa Sat (20 mins).
Seasonal Considerations
Year-round tropical (28-32°C); rainy afternoons—carry umbrella. Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) sees temple cash offerings; F1 (Sep) spikes ATM demand. Off-peak: Weekdays post-2PM for shorter lines.
Accommodation Near Money Hubs
Budget: Hotel 81 (S$100/night, Bugis). Mid: Orchard Hotel (S$250). Luxury: Mandarin Oriental (S$600+, Marina Bay). Stay central for easy itinerary; search safe options on Property Search ">Homejourney. Post-stay, book Aircon Services ">aircon services for rentals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the current Singapore dollar rate?
1 SGD ≈ 0.79 USD (Feb 2026); check MAS for live[2][8].
Best places for currency exchange in Singapore?
Mustafa Centre or Orchard Arcade for competitive rates; avoid airports for large amounts[1].
Are ATMs safe and do credit cards work everywhere?
Yes, major banks' ATMs are secure; Visa/Mastercard accepted 95% of spots, contactless ideal[6].
How much cash to carry daily?
S$100-200; rest digital for safety, per local advice.
Link to broader guides?
See Singapore Attractions Tickets, Prices & Hours 2026 | Homejourney ">Singapore Attractions Tickets and pillar on Singapore visits.
Homejourney builds trust with verified tips—start your safe property journey today via our Property Search ">search. Plan confidently with this Money in Singapore Itinerary: Planning Your Visit.
