Before leaving for Singapore, it's best to understand the Singapore dollar (SGD), anticipate the cost of living and know how much cash to bring so you don't have to rely on local ATMs.
The Singapore dollar (SGD), the currency to know
The official currency of the city-state is the Singapore dollar, whose international code is SGD and whose most common symbol is "S$" (sometimes written simply as $). It is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes circulate in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 dollars (higher denominations exist for large amounts), while coins range from the cent to the dollar. An interesting peculiarity: thanks to a historic monetary agreement between the two countries, the Brunei dollar is accepted at parity in some Singaporean shops, but don't count on it for your everyday payments.
The Singapore dollar is a currency reputed to be stable and well managed, which makes it one of the benchmark currencies in Southeast Asia. Its rate against the euro varies every day depending on the markets. For this reason, we display indicative counter rates, updated daily, rather than fixed figures that would quickly become outdated.
Singapore, an expensive city: what to expect
Singapore regularly ranks among the most expensive cities in the world, particularly for housing, private transport and heavily taxed alcohol. The reality is nevertheless more nuanced for a traveller: you can eat very well for a few dollars in the hawker centres, those iconic street-food halls where a dish costs a fraction of the price of an air-conditioned restaurant. The metro (MRT) is modern, clean and inexpensive, which clearly limits travel expenses.
The item that drives up the budget remains accommodation, followed by going out, cocktails and the tourist attractions of Marina Bay. Allowing a comfortable margin is therefore reasonable, especially if you travel as a couple or with family. Planning your currency exchange ahead lets you set off with peace of mind, without having to hurriedly compare local exchange bureaux.
Card or cash payment?
Singapore is a highly digitalised society: the bank card is accepted almost everywhere, from the department store to the taxi, and contactless payment as well as mobile solutions are the norm there. For most of your spending (hotels, shopping centres, restaurants, rechargeable transport), the card is more than enough.
Cash nevertheless remains useful in several very concrete situations:
- The hawker centres and small street-food stalls, many of which still operate in cash.
- Markets, small neighbourhood shops and certain temples or sites where you leave an offering.
- Small tips: in Singapore, tipping is not an obligation (a 10% service charge is often already included in the bill), but a few dollars in cash come in handy.
- Unexpected situations, in case a card is declined or a limit is reached.
Beware of the fees on your payments abroad: depending on your bank, each ATM withdrawal or payment in foreign currency may incur exchange commissions and fixed charges that add up quickly. Systematically decline the dynamic currency conversion offered at checkout (paying in euros rather than in Singapore dollars): the rate applied there is almost always unfavourable.
How much cash to bring?
For a classic tourist stay, bringing a reasonable amount in Singapore dollars for your first few days, your street meals, your transport and your small purchases remains the best approach: you arrive ready to go, without looking for an ATM or being subjected to the rate of an airport exchange bureau. The rest of your budget can perfectly well go through the card.
Exchanging your euros before departure, at an approved bureau, guarantees you a clear rate and the right denomination. At Paris Change, an exchange bureau approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), you can prepare your trip commission-free and choose from more than 53 currencies, including the Singapore dollar. You reserve your amount online and come to collect it at the shop at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter (Saint-Michel metro line 4, RER B and C – Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame station). The agency is open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm: handy for getting organised even the day before departure. Browse all of our available currencies to compare and prepare your order.
One last regulatory point to keep in mind: if you carry the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash (all currencies combined) when entering or leaving the European Union, you must make a customs declaration. For a leisure trip, you will generally stay well below this threshold.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need cash to visit Singapore?
Yes, but in moderate amounts. The card is accepted almost everywhere, but the hawker centres, markets and certain small shops operate in cash. Allowing enough to cover street meals, transport and unexpected situations is sufficient.
Is it better to exchange your euros in France or in Singapore?
Exchanging part of your budget before departure, at an approved commission-free bureau, spares you the often unfavourable airport rates and the search for an ATM on arrival. You thus arrive with Singapore dollars in the right denomination.
Is tipping expected in Singapore?
No, tipping is not an obligation and a 10% service charge is often already added to the bill at restaurants. A few dollars in cash remain appreciated for a particular service, but nothing is required.
Prepare your trip to Singapore with complete peace of mind: reserve your Singapore dollars online and collect them at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 7 days a week, commission-free. Discover our available currencies right now.
