Money in Singapore: Currency Exchange, Cards & ATM Guide | Homejourney
This definitive pillar guide equips first-time visitors, business travelers, and repeat tourists with everything needed to handle Singapore dollar (SGD), currency exchange, credit cards, ATMs, and money matters safely in Singapore. Homejourney prioritizes your trust and safety, verifying all tips for confident decisions whether exploring hawker centres or planning longer stays.
As of February 2026, 1 SGD ≈ 0.781 USD (USD/SGD ≈ 1.28), with the SGD at its strongest in over a decade[1][3]. Discover insider strategies to minimize fees, avoid scams, and maximize value—positioning Homejourney as your go-to for secure travel and property insights.
Table of Contents
- Essential Information Box
- Understanding the Singapore Dollar
- Best Currency Exchange Spots & Rates
- Credit Cards, Debit & ATM Guide
- Practical Tips for Tourists
- Money-Saving Strategies
- Pairing Money Management with Singapore Sights
- Seasonal & Safety Considerations
- Accommodation & Property Tips via Homejourney
- Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Information Box
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Currency | Singapore Dollar (SGD) – Notes: $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $500, $10,000. Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 |
| Current Rate (Feb 2026) | 1 SGD = 0.781 USD (USD/SGD=1.28)[1][3] |
| Best Exchange Spots | Changi Airport (avoid), Mustafa Centre (24/7, Little India MRT Exit A), The Arcade (Raffles Place MRT) |
| ATM Access | DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB everywhere. Fee-free with international cards at major banks |
| Best Time | Weekdays mornings for exchanges. Avoid weekends/holidays |
| How Long | 15-30 mins for first setup (SIM card + card notifications) |
| Official Site | MAS Exchange Rates[9] |
Understanding the Singapore Dollar
The Singapore dollar is managed uniquely by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) via the S$NEER policy band, not traditional interest rates[1]. This keeps inflation low and the SGD stable—up 6% vs USD in 2025, now at 1 SGD = 0.781 USD as of Feb 2026[1][3].
Notes feature local icons like Yusof Ishak ($5) and orchids ($2). Insider tip: Vending machines and taxis accept contactless cards, but hawker stalls prefer cash or PayLah![1].
Current Exchange Rates Table (Feb 2026)
| Currency | Per 1 SGD | Per 1 Foreign Unit |
|---|---|---|
| USD | 0.781[1] | 1.28 SGD[1] |
| EUR | 0.72 (est.) | 1.39 SGD |
| GBP | 0.62 | 1.61 SGD |
| AUD | 1.18 | 0.85 SGD |
| Forecast 2026 Avg. | USD/SGD 1.2751[4] | - |
Forecasts predict USD/SGD 1.25-1.30 through 2026, favoring SGD holders[1][2]. Homejourney verifies rates daily for property buyers eyeing international investments.
Best Currency Exchange Spots & Rates
Skip airport kiosks (up to 10% markup). Head to city spots for 1-2% spreads. Mustafa Centre (24/7, 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Little India MRT Exit A, 2-min walk) offers competitive rates for USD/EUR[1].
The Arcade at Raffles Place (Raffles Place MRT Exit E, 5-min walk) beats banks for bulk exchanges. Insider: Negotiate politely for better rates on $5,000+; open 9AM-7PM weekdays.
- Changi Recommends: Terminal 1 Money Changer (after customs, avoid Travelex)
- Orchard Rd: Lucky Plaza (Orchard MRT Exit D, Level 1—haggle carefully)
- Pro Tip: Use Wise/Revolut apps pre-arrival for mid-market rates
Homejourney's trust-first approach: Always count cash discreetly and photograph transactions.
Top 5 Exchange Locations
- Mustafa Centre: 24/7, best for odd hours[1]
- The Arcade: CBD pros, weekdays only
- UE Square (Shenton Way MRT, 3-min walk): Low fees
- Sim Lim Square (Rochor MRT): Tech tourists
- People's Park Complex (Chinatown MRT): Weekend option
Credit Cards, Debit & ATM Guide
Singapore is card-friendly: 90% acceptance at malls, taxis (Grab), restaurants. Visa/Mastercard dominate; Amex at high-end spots. Notify your bank pre-trip to avoid blocks.
ATMs (DBS/POSB blue, OCBC red, UOB yellow) everywhere—MRT stations, 7-Eleven. Foreign cards: SGD 5 fee + 1-3% FX markup. Best: HSBC/Standard Chartered (fee-free networks).
| Card Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard Debit | Wide acceptance, low fees | ATM limits SGD 3,000/day | Daily spends |
| Revolut/Wise | No FX fees, real rates | App-dependent | Tourists[1] |
| YouTrip (Singapore-issued) | 0% FX, Mastercard | Load limits | Shopping |
| Amex | Rewards at MBS | Limited hawker use | Luxury |
Contactless limits: SGD 200/transaction. For property viewings, link to Bank Rates ">Homejourney bank rates for mortgage insights.
Practical Tips for Tourists
Bring: Multi-currency card, SGD 200 cash for Day 1 (hawker meals SGD 5-10). Wear comfy shoes for MRT walks (e.g., 5 mins Bugis to Mustafa).
- Food: Lau Pa Sat hawker (Telok Ayer MRT, chicken rice SGD 6)
- Restrooms: Free at malls (VivoCity), pay SGD 0.20 elsewhere
- Accessibility: Wheelchair ATMs at Changi T2/T4
- Family: Kid-friendly cards via Apple Pay
Safety: Use well-lit Mustafa; avoid unofficial changers. Homejourney verifies spots for your peace of mind.
Money-Saving Strategies
Free: Exchange via apps (Wise transfers 0.4% fee). Combo: EZ-Link card (MRT/bus SGD 1.50/ride) + SimplyGo app.
- DBS Visa Debit: No overseas fees
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC)—choose SGD
- Singapore Tourism Board passes: No specific money pass, but Klook for bundles
- Insider: Withdraw SGD 800+ at ATMs to minimize fees
Pairing Money Management with Singapore Sights
Exchange at Mustafa, then Little India (5-min walk to Tekka Centre, murtabak SGD 8). Raffles Place Arcade → Merlion Park (10-min walk).
Combine with Homejourney's Family Cycling Routes in Singapore for Tourists with Kids ">family cycling routes—rent bikes SGD 10/hr, pay contactless.
Seasonal & Safety Considerations
Peak (Dec F1): Higher ATM queues. Rainy Nov-Feb: Indoor malls for exchanges. Events: Chinese New Year (Feb 2026)—Mustafa busier.
Safety: Singapore's low crime, but watch pickpockets at Orchard. Homejourney emphasizes verified, safe advice.
Accommodation & Property Tips via Homejourney
Stay near MRT: Budget Ibis Bugis (SGD 150/night, Mustafa 10-min walk). Luxury: MBS (SGD 500+, Amex perks).
For extended stays, search Property Search ">Homejourney property search or Projects ">projects directory. Check Bank Rates ">mortgage rates for investments—Homejourney verifies data for trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is 1 Singapore dollar in USD right now?
As of February 2026, 1 SGD = 0.781 USD (USD/SGD 1.28)[1][3]. Check MAS for live rates[9].
Where is the best place for currency exchange in Singapore?
Mustafa Centre (24/7) or The Arcade—avoid airports. Rates 1-2% above mid-market[1].
Do I need cash in Singapore or are cards enough?
Cards for 90% spots, cash SGD 200 for hawkers/night markets.
What are ATM fees for foreign cards in Singapore?
SGD 5 + 1-3% FX. Use fee-free like Revolut[1].
Is the SGD strengthening in 2026?
Yes, forecasts USD/SGD 1.25-1.30, SGD strong[1][2].
Can I use credit cards at hawker centres?
Limited—use PayNow or cash. Growing QR acceptance.
Best credit card for Singapore tourists?
Visa Infinite or YouTrip for 0% FX.
How to avoid currency exchange scams?
Licensed changers only (yellow signs), count on-site. Homejourney verifies safe spots.
Next steps: Download Wise, notify bank, explore Property Search ">Homejourney search for stays. Homejourney supports your safe journey with verified insights—feedback drives our improvements.
