Singapore Travel: SGD Exchange & Budget Guide
Your complete guide to Singapore Dollar exchange, hawker center prices, MRT costs, and money-saving strategies for visiting one of Asia's most exciting city-states.
Singapore: Expensive Reputation, Surprising Value
Singapore has a reputation as one of Asia's priciest destinations, and while luxury shopping and fine dining can certainly burn through your budget, the city-state also offers incredible value if you know where to look. World-class hawker center meals for under $4, an efficient MRT system that takes you anywhere for a few dollars, and free attractions from Gardens by the Bay's outdoor areas to stunning neighborhood walks.
The key is understanding the Singapore Dollar (SGD), exchanging money wisely, and knowing where locals spend their money versus where tourists get overcharged.
Understanding the Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Exchange Rate
The Singapore Dollar is one of Southeast Asia's strongest currencies, typically trading around 1.35 SGD per 1 USD. This reflects Singapore's strong economy and stable monetary policy managed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Denominations
Banknotes: $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $1,000, $10,000 (the latter two are rarely seen)
Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1
| Note | Color | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| $2 SGD | Purple | ~$1.48 |
| $5 SGD | Green | ~$3.70 |
| $10 SGD | Red | ~$7.40 |
| $50 SGD | Blue | ~$37.00 |
| $100 SGD | Orange | ~$74.00 |
Tip: Brunei Dollars are accepted at par (1:1) in Singapore, and vice versa, due to a currency interchangeability agreement between the two countries.
Where to Exchange Money in Singapore
The Mustafa Centre and Little India
For the best exchange rates in Singapore, head to the money changers in Little India, particularly around Mustafa Centre (open 24 hours). These licensed money changers consistently offer rates within 0.1-0.3% of mid-market, making them among the best in the world.
Raffles Place and the CBD
Money changers in The Arcade at Raffles Place and the Change Alley are popular with office workers and offer similarly competitive rates. These are convenient if you are staying in the Marina Bay or CBD area.
Comparison of Exchange Options
| Location | Typical Spread | Convenience |
|---|---|---|
| Mustafa Centre / Little India | 0.1-0.3% | High (24 hours) |
| The Arcade, Raffles Place | 0.2-0.5% | High (business hours) |
| MRT station changers | 0.5-1.5% | Very High |
| Changi Airport exchange | 1-3% | Very High (on arrival) |
| Hotel exchange | 3-6% | Low value |
| Wise/Revolut card | 0.3-0.6% | Very High |
Changi Airport
Changi Airport has multiple exchange counters. While rates are not as good as city changers, they are surprisingly competitive for an airport — typically 1-2% above mid-market. Exchanging $100-200 SGD at Changi for immediate MRT and taxi fares is perfectly reasonable.
ATMs
ATMs from DBS, OCBC, and UOB are everywhere in Singapore. Foreign card withdrawal fees vary by your home bank. Singapore ATMs generally do not charge an additional local fee for foreign cards, but always check.
Card Payments in Singapore
Highly Card-Friendly
Singapore is extremely card-friendly. Visa and Mastercard are accepted virtually everywhere, and contactless payments are the norm.
Cards accepted at:
- All restaurants and cafes
- Hawker centers (many stalls now accept cards/NETS)
- MRT and buses (contactless bank cards work directly)
- Taxis and Grab
- Retail shops and malls
- Tourist attractions
Where cash might be needed:
- Some older hawker stalls
- Small neighborhood shops
- Some wet markets
Using Your Card on Public Transit
Singapore's MRT and buses accept contactless Visa and Mastercard directly at the fare gates. Simply tap your card when entering and exiting. This means you do not necessarily need to buy a separate transit card, though an EZ-Link or SimplyGo card may offer slightly lower fares.
Hawker Centers: Singapore's Budget Food Paradise
Hawker centers are the heart of Singaporean food culture and your best friend for budget eating. These government-regulated food courts house dozens of stalls serving everything from chicken rice to laksa at incredibly affordable prices.
Famous Hawker Centers
- Maxwell Food Centre — Home of the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Lau Pa Sat — Beautiful Victorian-era market in the CBD
- Chinatown Complex — One of the largest, with incredible variety
- Old Airport Road — Local favorite with over 150 stalls
- Tiong Bahru Market — Hipster neighborhood favorite
Hawker Center Prices (2025)
| Dish | Price (SGD) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken rice | $3.50-5.00 | $2.60-3.70 |
| Laksa | $4.00-6.00 | $2.96-4.44 |
| Char kway teow | $4.00-6.00 | $2.96-4.44 |
| Nasi lemak | $3.50-5.50 | $2.60-4.07 |
| Roti prata | $1.50-3.00 | $1.11-2.22 |
| Bak chor mee | $4.00-6.00 | $2.96-4.44 |
| Kopi (local coffee) | $1.20-1.80 | $0.89-1.33 |
| Fresh juice | $2.00-3.50 | $1.48-2.59 |
| Tiger beer (can) | $4.00-6.00 | $2.96-4.44 |
What Things Cost in Singapore (2025)
Dining Beyond Hawkers
| Venue | Price per Person (SGD) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Casual restaurant | $15-30 | $11-22 |
| Mid-range restaurant | $30-60 | $22-44 |
| Fine dining | $80-300+ | $59-222+ |
| Cafe (coffee + cake) | $10-18 | $7-13 |
| Bar (cocktail) | $18-28 | $13-21 |
| Bar (beer) | $10-16 | $7-12 |
Note: Restaurants add a 10% service charge and 9% GST, so the final bill is approximately 19% higher than menu prices.
Transportation
| Mode | Price (SGD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (single trip) | $0.99-2.20 | Distance-based |
| Bus | $0.99-2.20 | Distance-based |
| Grab car (10km) | $10-20 | Varies by time |
| Taxi (flag down + 10km) | $12-20 | Surcharges apply at peak |
| MRT day pass (Tourist Pass) | $10/day | Unlimited travel |
| Changi Airport to city (MRT) | $2.20 | ~35 minutes |
| Changi Airport to city (taxi) | $25-40 | 20-40 minutes |
Accommodation
| Type | Price per Night (SGD) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | $25-55 | $19-41 |
| Budget hotel | $80-150 | $59-111 |
| Mid-range hotel | $150-300 | $111-222 |
| Luxury hotel (Marina Bay Sands, etc.) | $400-1,000+ | $296-741+ |
Attractions
| Attraction | Adult Price (SGD) | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Gardens by the Bay (Flower Dome + Cloud Forest) | $53 | $39 |
| Marina Bay Sands SkyPark | $26 | $19 |
| Singapore Zoo | $48 | $36 |
| Night Safari | $55 | $41 |
| Universal Studios Singapore | $82 | $61 |
| S.E.A. Aquarium | $43 | $32 |
| ArtScience Museum | $16-21 | $12-16 |
Daily Budget Estimates
| Travel Style | Daily Budget (SGD) | Daily Budget (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $60-100 | $44-74 |
| Budget | $100-180 | $74-133 |
| Mid-range | $180-350 | $133-259 |
| Luxury | $350-800+ | $259-593+ |
Money-Saving Tips for Singapore
Free Activities
Singapore offers plenty of free experiences:
- Gardens by the Bay outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove light show (nightly)
- Merlion Park and Marina Bay waterfront walk
- Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Neighborhood walks: Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam
- Changi Airport's Jewel complex (indoor waterfall)
- East Coast Park cycling and beach
- Fort Canning Park heritage trails
Alcohol is Expensive
Alcohol is heavily taxed in Singapore. A beer at a bar costs $10-16 SGD, and cocktails run $18-28 SGD. To save money, buy from convenience stores or supermarkets (beer from $3-5 SGD per can). Note that alcohol cannot be sold from retail outlets between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM.
Sentosa Island Budget Tips
Sentosa can be expensive (Universal Studios alone is $82 SGD), but the island offers free beaches, free entry via the Sentosa Boardwalk, and various free evening shows.
Drink Water for Free
Singapore's tap water is safe to drink and meets WHO standards. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill from taps to save on bottled water costs.
Key Takeaways
Singapore rewards smart travelers with incredible food, efficient transit, and fascinating cultural neighborhoods — all accessible on a reasonable budget. Exchange money at Little India money changers for the best rates, eat at hawker centers for world-class meals under $5, and take advantage of the many free attractions. Use a contactless card or travel debit card for most transactions, and keep a small amount of cash for older hawker stalls.
Check the latest SGD exchange rates and plan your Singapore budget at hwanyul.com.
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