Singapore Travel Money Guide

Singapore is one of the most cashless places in Asia — cards and contactless work almost everywhere. You'll need far less cash than for most trips, but the SGD is a pricey currency, so the rate you get still matters.

When to exchange

The Singapore dollar is consistently strong against the ringgit, so every sen of spread counts on a currency this expensive. Compare KL changers before you go rather than exchanging across the Causeway, where tourist-area rates are often worse.

Tip: You only need a modest amount of cash for Singapore — don't over-exchange. Leftover SGD is easy to spend, but you'll lose money converting it back.

How much cash to bring

A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:

• Food — S$15–35/day (hawker centres are cheap; restaurants add up fast)
• Local transport — S$5–12/day on the MRT and buses
• Attractions — S$20–60/day

Where to exchange in KL

These three changers currently post the best SGD rates. Tap to see their branches and live rates:

Payment tips on the ground

• Tap to pay almost anywhere — cards and mobile wallets are accepted at nearly every shop and stall.
• Hawker centres are the exception — many older stalls are cash-only, so keep small notes and coins.
• The MRT takes contactless bank cards directly — no need to buy a separate transit card.
• Skip the airport counters — Changi's exchange rates are far worse than KL changers.