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Singapore Dollar: Currency, Exchange and Payments

Published on 10/10/2026

The official currency is the Singapore dollar, identified by the code SGD and the symbol S$. To pay for your expenses locally, the most practical approach is to combine a card that can be used abroad with some cash. Many businesses have card terminals, but some smaller establishments prefer cash or local digital payment solutions that may not be accessible to visitors.

The exchange rate displayed is not the only factor to watch: fees, withdrawal conditions and the currency selected at the terminal also determine the real cost. Between meals at hawker centres, shopping in malls and accommodation expenses, payment habits vary. Understanding these differences helps you plan your budget without repeatedly converting currencies or accumulating unnecessary notes.

In brief

SGD refers to Singapore’s currency, not the US dollar.
A bank card and small notes make a practical combination.
Compare the net amount received after fees, not just the advertised rate.
Generally choose to pay in the local currency rather than accepting a conversion into euros.
Check fees and conditions with your bank and the relevant official organisations.

Singapore dollar: recognising notes and coins

The dollar symbol can be confusing. On an invoice, booking or international platform, look for SGD or S$ before confirming: the $ sign on its own does not always identify the currency being charged.

In local shops, prices are usually expressed in the national currency. To understand the context of this city-state and avoid confusing it with a region of a neighbouring country, see our page explaining whether Singapore is a country or a city.

Banknotes suited to everyday spending

The Portrait series of banknotes features Yusof Ishak, the Republic’s first president. The materials and security features differ between denominations, so colour alone is not sufficient for authentication.

To identify a denomination or check its security features, refer to the guidance from the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the MAS. An older issue and a banknote commonly in circulation should not be confused: the unusual appearance of a note alone does not determine its status.

At a money changer, ask for a selection that will be useful for small purchases. A large denomination can make a modest payment difficult when the seller has little change; it is better to keep the notes that are easiest to use for meals and local purchases.

Why keep coins?

Coins remain useful for completing a payment or avoiding the need to ask for change every time. A separate coin purse makes them easier to use and prevents them from accumulating at the bottom of a bag.

Before leaving, gradually spend your remaining coins on planned purchases. Foreign coins are generally less widely accepted for exchange than banknotes: ask the provider what it accepts, without assuming that it will take all your remaining money.

Exchange rates: understanding the real cost

The EUR/SGD exchange rate varies. A rate found in an old guide cannot tell you how much will be applied to your next purchase, and a reference rate is not a commercial promise.

For a dated benchmark, consult publications from the European Central Bank, then compare them with your bank’s or money changer’s offer. Check the rate at the time of the transaction: its date and direction of reading matter just as much as its value.

Reading a currency conversion

When a rate indicates how many local dollars you receive for one euro, multiply your euro amount by that rate. To find the euro equivalent of a local price, divide that price by the same rate.

This currency conversion gives you an approximate figure before fees. It does not necessarily include fixed charges, a margin built into the rate or the specific conditions of your banking contract.

Element to compare	What it means	Useful check
Reference rate	A benchmark for comparing offers	Date and starting currency
Commercial rate	The provider’s conversion rate	Amount actually handed over
Commission	An added or included cost	Full fee conditions
Terminal conversion	Billing offered in euros	Cost compared with your card’s rate

Assessing the effect on your budget

An unfavourable change in the exchange rate can make your expenses more expensive in euros, even if local prices remain unchanged. Conversely, it cannot by itself measure your purchasing power: accommodation, food and activities each have their own price fluctuations.

Plan your spending in the local currency before converting it, using our guide to Singapore-related planning for travellers from France. The total amount debited is the best comparison criterion.

Exchanging money in Singapore: money changers and ATMs

Exchanging money in Singapore can be done at specialist money changers, particularly in shopping districts and at the airport. The Arcade and Mustafa Centre are well-known locations for this activity, but their reputation does not guarantee a consistently better offer.

Compare the day’s conditions for the same amount and in the same conversion direction. A board may sometimes have several columns: clearly ask how much you will receive in exchange for your euros, including all commissions.

Choosing a money changer

Choose an authorised operator and check its status in the MAS official directory. Confirm its opening hours and any document requirements directly before travelling there: this information can change.

At Changi, getting cash as soon as you arrive can be convenient, without necessarily being the cheapest option. Compare the potential saving with the time and journey involved in travelling solely for this transaction.

Count the money at the counter and keep the receipt. Avoid informal exchanges offered by strangers: an attractive rate is no substitute for traceability or the possibility of disputing an error.

Withdrawing with a foreign card

Before using an ATM, check that it accepts your card network. Several costs may apply: fees from your bank, a possible charge by the ATM operator and currency conversion.

Read the screen through to confirmation and cancel if the conditions do not suit you. When conversion into euros is offered, choosing to be debited in SGD generally allows your banking network to carry out the exchange; the exact benefit nevertheless depends on your contract.

Also check your limits and whether international transactions are enabled. As procedures vary between providers, ask your bank to confirm the applicable fees rather than relying solely on the phrase “usable abroad”.

Paying by card, mobile or cash

Card payments are widely available in hotels, shopping centres and restaurant chains. It would nevertheless be excessive to claim that they work everywhere: acceptance depends on the merchant, banking network and sometimes the booking channel.

Before ordering at a small establishment, check the displayed payment methods or ask. A digital payment logo does not automatically mean that a foreign card will be accepted.

Paying in SGD rather than euros

A terminal may offer to convert your purchase immediately into your usual currency. This option, known as dynamic currency conversion, makes the amount more familiar, but the rate is determined by the service offering the conversion.

Generally choose the local currency and check the selection on the screen before confirming. If the merchant has selected euros without asking you, request a correction before completing the transaction.

An offer advertised as “fee-free abroad” also deserves careful reading. It may include limits, exclusions or different conditions for purchases and withdrawals; only the contractual fee schedule allows you to compare properly.

Understanding local mobile payments

A mobile wallet linked to your card may work with a merchant that accepts contactless payments. However, local systems such as PayNow are not automatically accessible through a French banking app.

Similarly, an SGQR code brings together solutions accepted by the merchant, but does not guarantee compatibility with your wallet. Check which service can be used before relying exclusively on your phone.

Keeping a backup option

Cash payments remain useful at some hawker centres and small shops. Keep an appropriate reserve for immediate purchases, without carrying your entire budget with you.

A backup card kept separately protects you against loss or a technical refusal. For a longer stay, our guide to banking services in Singapore helps distinguish the needs of a visitor from those of a resident.

Transaction fees, bills and security

Transaction fees are not limited to currency exchange. A booking, hotel pre-authorisation or international transfer can have different effects on your available balance and payment limit.

At a hotel, ask whether the guarantee is a temporary hold or a debit. Also clarify the release conditions, then check them with your bank: leaving the property does not always mean that the funds immediately become available again.

Reading restaurant prices

Some menus show prices to which service charges and local tax, GST, are added. The “++” notation usually indicates these additions: check the notes on the menu rather than assuming that the displayed amount is final.

Tipping is not a general obligation. Check the bill and charges already applied first; any additional tip is at your discretion and is not automatically expected everywhere.

Checking tax refunds

Some purchases may qualify for a tourist GST refund, subject to conditions. The seller’s participation is not enough to guarantee your eligibility, and services consumed locally should not be treated like goods taken out of the country.

Before buying, check the current rules with the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and the departure procedures with Changi Airport. Keep the required receipts and allow for a possible inspection of the goods.

Protecting payments and transfers

To send money to a local account, compare the amount actually received, possible intermediary fees and the stated processing time. A low transfer fee may be offset by a less favourable conversion.

Never approve an unexpected banking request from a message you have received. Open your usual app directly and see our advice on spotting online scams: imposed urgency should trigger a check, not a payment.

Can you pay in euros in Singapore?

The euro is not used for everyday spending. Bring a card compatible with international payments or some local dollars. A charge in euros offered by a terminal is a conversion service.

Do you need to exchange your entire budget before leaving?

This is generally not necessary. Spread your payment methods between cards and cash, then compare exchange and withdrawal costs according to your bank’s conditions.

Is a foreign card enough at hawker centres?

Not always. Some stalls prefer cash or local digital solutions. Check the accepted payment methods before ordering and keep some small notes.

Where can you check the euro–Singapore dollar exchange rate?

Consult a dated reference rate from the European Central Bank, then ask your provider for the net amount offered. The commercial rate may include a margin and commissions.

Updated on 10/10/2026