Singapore - currency

The currency in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD).
 
You’ll see the currency written simply using the dollar sign $, or as S$ to differentiate it from other dollar currencies. It’s available in denominations of $1, $5, $10, $50 and $100. Notes feature Yusof bin Ishak, the first President of the Republic of Singapore, while on the reverse you’ll see scenes representing the nation’s civic values of education, the garden city concept, sports, the arts, youth, government and economics.

A Singapore dollar is made up of 100 cents, in 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent and one dollar coins. Only the 5 cent coin is brass-plated, with the rest being nickel, while the dollar coin is a mix of the two, with a brass outer ring and nickel centre. The front shows the nation’s coat of arms and features the name ‘Singapore’ written in the island’s four official languages, English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. On the reverse are national landmarks, including the Esplanade, Changi International Airport and the Merlion.
An agreement between the Singapore and Brunei governments means that the Singapore dollar is also accepted in Brunei and vice versa. So, you can change your Brunei dollars (should you have them) in any Singapore bank, like for like with no charge. Similarly, shops and businesses in Singapore are encouraged to accept the Brunei dollar in place of the Singapore dollar.

You can, of course, change your sterling currency in Singapore, but you may find it more convenient to change some before travelling. It’s a very safe city, so carrying cash isn’t a problem. You may want to arrive on the island with a moderate amount for the first 24 hours, to take care of taxi fares, tips and the first evening’s meal, then seek out the city’s many ATMs to top up. Your regular debit card for your current account in the UK will do the job, but make sure to let your bank know where you are travelling to and when.