Singapore can be called one of the most expensive cities in Asia. In Singapore, everything from hotels and transport to entertainment and food is more expensive than in neighboring countries(Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia). This article contains 10 simple ways save money when traveling to Singapore: how to buy tickets at discounts, not overpay for hotels and transport, and not go broke on alcoholic drinks and dinners in restaurants.

1 | Plan your trip in advance

Singapore is a very popular tourist destination, where a huge number of tourists strive to get to. Don't count on last minute deals from popular hotels or budget airlines. Typically, the closer you get to your travel date, the higher the prices for air tickets and hotels.

• metro - S$2.30 (S$1.36 with Ez-link card),
• 24-hour bus - airport transfer to 400+ hotels in Singapore - S$9,
• taxi - S$22 (not premium class and not during rush hour).

Of course, it is worth considering that the metro is not suitable for you if:

• you arrived in Singapore at night (the metro can be used from 5:18 am to 11:18 pm),
• the hotel you have chosen is far from the metro station,
• you are traveling with children and heavy suitcases.

5 | Buy tickets to attractions with discounts

The most profitable option- buy a combined ticket at a significant discount, which includes:

• sightseeing bus to the sights of Singapore (with audio guide in Russian),
• 15% discount on food and drinks at a participating restaurant,
• two entrance tickets to choose from a list of attractions.

Home monetary currency Singapore is considered the Singapore dollar. His digital code– 702, letter symbolic designation in the global economy – SGD. In practice, it is equivalent to one hundred cents. Today, coins with denominations from one to fifty cents and 1 dollar are common in the world; as well as banknotes in the form of: one, two, five, ten, twenty, twenty-five, fifty, one hundred, five hundred, thousand and ten thousand dollars.
To the creation process banknotes There is a special attitude in the city - individual series are periodically invented and developed: portraits, birds, orchids. On some coins you can see a variety of floral arrangements and the Coat of Arms of the country.

In general, the design of the coins is almost the same: on the reverse there is the country’s coat of arms, under which there is a ribbon, below is the year of issue of the coin; in a circle - countries are written in different languages. The right side is determined by the digital denomination, the inscription and a certain image. As for banknotes, the first series was created in 1967, and received the poetic name “Orchid”. After this, “Birds” (1976 – 1980), then “Ships” (1985 – 1989) began to appear in everyday use. Beginning in 1999, a series of banknotes, partly consisting of polymer, was introduced - “Portrait” - with the placement of symbolic subject images. On the right side of Singaporean banknotes the image of the first Republic Yusuf ibn Ishaq and the coat of arms are drawn

On each banknote, the first President Yusuf ibn Ishaq is depicted on the left side

On back side compositional drawings flaunt:

• 2 SGD – “Education”;
• 5 SGD – “Singapore Garden”;
• 10 SGD – “Sport”;
• 50 SGD – “Art”;
• 100 SGD – “Youth”;
• 1000 SGD – “Government Building”;
• 10000 – “Science”.

Moreover, each banknote has its own specific color. In honor of the fortieth anniversary of the interchangeable currency, two states - Brunei and Singapore, in two thousand and seven, created a common twenty-dollar banknote.

History of the Singapore dollar

Historically, the first Singapore dollar was developed and created back in nineteen sixty-seven. Before this significant event, the state used the “Straits dollar”, as well as the Malayan dollar. In the twentieth century, monetary policy Singapore has experienced many changes. Today, the national currency of Singapore has officially replaced the money of Malaya and British Borneo. The territory of application of the Singaporean monetary unit is very extensive: American Samoa, Virgin (British) Islands, Virgin Islands (USA), Minor Pacific Outlying Islands of the United States, United States of America, Haiti, Guam, Micronesia, Panama, Puerto Rico and other states.

Rate

Initially, SGD was pegged to the British pound and had a ratio of 60:7. This position was not chosen by chance, because historically, the British practically built the city and port, thereby introducing their culture to the island. In general, the history of Singapore, for a long time, had a close connection with the events taking place in Great Britain. Today, the Singapore dollar exchange rate policy is set by the Singapore MoF.

Singapore dollar cross rate:

• To the US dollar – 1 SGD = 0.74 USD, and 1 USD = 1.35 SGD;
• To the euro – 1 SGD = 0.66 EUR, 1 EUR = 1.52 SGD;
• To the Russian ruble – 1 SGD = 48.96 RUB, 1 RUB = 0.02 SGD.

However, due to the instability of the ruble exchange rate, we advise you to check the exact exchange rate before traveling.

General characteristics

Thanks to the Great Leap Forward modern economy, the Singapore currency today is characterized by sufficient stability and significant popularity in the world economy, therefore, to carry out the exchange foreign currency on SGD is quite simple. This process can be carried out at almost any bank branch or special exchange office. As a rule, there is no significant difference in exchange rates - so you can buy or sell the Singapore dollar anywhere, and this will happen without significant losses.

According to the latest research materials, Singapore became one of the most expensive cities in the world in 2014, although a couple of years ago it was in twentieth place in terms of cost of living. Stable growth economic situation in the state had a positive impact on the significant strengthening of the Singapore currency. Today's reality suggests that Singapore continues to further strengthen its investment position, thereby significantly increasing the value of SGD in the global economy.

Before going to Singapore, any tourist from Russia needs to find out what currency to take with them to this country. It also wouldn’t hurt to find out the exchange rate between the Singapore dollar and the ruble. This can be done not only in the nearest bank branches, but also online on the Internet.

Basic information

The main currency that can be used to pay in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD). Tourists should take American dollars or euros with them on their trip, which can be exchanged at any exchange office or bank for local money. It is not advisable to take Russian rubles with you. It will not be possible to exchange them in Singapore even if you really want to. Residents of Kazakhstan (their currency is tenge) and many other republics that were formerly part of the USSR should take the same into account.

Bank rate

Tourists traveling to Singapore will need accurate exchange rates. Today, one Singapore dollar is equal to approximately 48.5 rubles. Future travelers will need information about larger amounts:

• 20 SGD costs about 970 rubles;
• 30 – approximately 1455 rubles;
• 50 – approximately 2425 rubles;
• 100 – about 4850 rubles;
• 200 – about 9700 rubles;
• 500 – about 24,249 rubles, etc.

To change American currency using Singaporean money, you also need to find out the exchange rate of the Singapore dollar to the US dollar. Today, one Singapore dollar is equivalent to approximately 0.74 US dollars. The Singapore dollar to euro exchange rate today is as follows: one SGD is approximately equal to 0.65 euros.

The currency converter available on our website will show you more up-to-date information. To use it, you need to select two currencies and enter the required amount. The calculator will give you an accurate result in a matter of seconds (the data in it is updated daily).

Where is the best place to change?

First of all, you can exchange dollars or euros for local banknotes at the airport immediately upon arrival. Find a bank where currency operations, will not be difficult. It is located near the baggage claim area. At this bank branch, tourists can also buy a SIM card for their phone. But the rate at which the exchange is made is not the most favorable here, so if there is no special need, it is better to exchange small amounts at the airport, which will be used to pay for transport fare to the hotel.

To purchase Singapore banknotes at a more favorable rate, tourists can contact any exchange offices which are located in different parts of the city. Most often, exchange offices are located in hotels, metro stations, and large shopping centers. You can recognize them by the illuminated boards that indicate exchange rates. The usual operating hours of exchange offices are from ten in the morning to five to eight in the evening. You can also find 24-hour exchangers.

You can make an exchange at such points without worrying about fraud or deception. Such organizations operate honestly and legally. It is necessary to remember that it is most profitable to change large amounts at once; in such cases, tourists can be offered the most favorable rate.

In addition to exchange offices, local banks sell local currency. The exchange rate there may be less favorable than at exchange offices. The majority of banks are open on weekdays from half past ten in the morning to half past four in the evening. On Saturday banks close at 13.00. Sunday at banking structures- day off.

If a tourist is planning to fly home and still has local money, he can exchange it for euros or dollars without any problems. You can get the necessary currency at the airport by going to the duty-free area.

Cashless payments

If for some reason it was not possible to exchange currency, you can also pay in Singapore with a bank card. Payment by Visa cards and Mastercsard will be accepted in shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants. But taxi drivers will take an additional commission of 15% for paying for travel by card. Therefore, it is best to pay for a taxi in cash. In addition, when making payments in some stores, sellers give discounts to those customers who give paper money for goods.

If a tourist with a bank card Russian bank, he will need cash, he can always withdraw it from ATMs, which are located in Singapore at almost every step in all areas of the city. When cashing out a ruble card, the ATM will issue local banknotes. The minimum amount of money to withdraw is twenty SGD. You can withdraw up to two thousand SGD at a time. You should not withdraw funds in crowded areas where pickpockets and petty thieves usually live.

It is important to know!

Tourists who come to Singapore should take into account a number of nuances and important details related to money, which will help them not find themselves in an awkward situation when paying for goods or services:

1). In stores, restaurant menus, and various price lists, the Singapore dollar can be indicated by the $ sign, sometimes the Latin letter S (S$) is added to it. You can also see the U$ icon on the price tags, which means that the price is indicated in American dollars. You need to look at such inscriptions very carefully.

2). In some cases, additional icons may be indicated on price tags after the cost of a product or service, knowing the meaning of which you can understand how much the product actually costs:

• the plus sign (+) means that 10% for service (tip) must be added to the cost of the product or service;
• the “two pluses” (++) icon indicates that in addition to the 10% tip, an additional 7% must be added to the price (a product tax similar to what is called VAT in Russia);
• the inscription “Nett” tells the buyer that this is the total cost of the purchase or service, no additional fees will be charged.

The national currency of Singapore is the Singapore dollar (denoted as SGD or S$), which is divided into 100 cents. In circulation are paper and polymer banknotes in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1000 and 10,000 dollars, the so-called “portrait series”. Change coins are also used in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 dollar.

2 Singapore dollars

5 Singapore dollars

10 Singapore dollars

50 Singapore dollars

In addition to Singapore dollars, Brunei dollars are also freely circulated in Singapore. The Sultanate of Brunei is one of Singapore's main trading partners, and the Brunei currency is rigidly pegged to the Singapore dollar at a ratio of 1:1. Therefore, Brunei dollars are accepted in almost all Singaporean retail outlets.

The main method of payment for goods and services in Singapore is bank cards, they are accepted almost everywhere. They are very convenient to use, since you can pay cashless and not think about exchanging currencies, and you can immediately withdraw Singapore dollars from ATMs.

However, you cannot do without cash, especially small ones. Singapore dollars can, for example, be bought at the airport immediately upon arrival in the country. The exchange office is located in the baggage claim area. Upon departure, the remaining Singapore currency can be exchanged back in the Duty Free area after clearing customs.

But it is better to use city “exchangers”, they are more profitable. Currency exchange offices in Singapore are located on the main streets and in many shopping centers. They are easy to recognize by the light displays with exchange rates. The operating hours of most exchange offices are from 10.00 or 11.00 to 17.00, some money changers are open until 20.00 or 21.00.

Singapore dollar exchange rate

The current exchange rate of the Singapore dollar to the ruble, as well as the US dollar exchange rate for comparison, can be found on this informer. Exchange rates are given based on data from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation.

For a tourist planning a trip to Singapore, it is important to know what currency is in Singapore and find out the features money rate. It is useful to clarify in advance how currency exchange is carried out in Singapore: what money is best to take with you and what to exchange for. In this article we will try to answer all questions related to the currency of this country.

The national currency of the republic is the Singapore dollar. It is characterized by the following symbolic and code designations:

In the state of Singapore, 1 dollar is equivalent to 100 cents, the cent is a derived monetary unit for SGD. And this the only country, where the Singapore dollar is currently used in circulation.

Current banknotes have denominations of 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 1000 and 10000. There is also one dollar, but not in the form of a paper bill, but a coin. SGD can be exchanged using coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 cents. The production of one-cent and two-cent coins was recently discontinued, but they are still in circulation and, by law, are a full-fledged means of payment.

Historical excursion

Over the entire centuries-long period of development (from the 3rd century AD) of the country, Singapore's money has changed. This was influenced by historical factors. Indeed, until the 19th century, the city was part of various Asian states, until it became a British colony. But it gained independence only in the middle of the 20th century. State money at different times was:

1. Straits Dollar (1904-1939).
2. Malayan dollar (1939-1953).
3. Dollar of Malaya and British Borneo (1953-1967).

April 7, 1967 became significant in the development of modern monetary system. Its own Monetary Authority was established and the first national SGD coins and banknotes were issued. Initially, the SGD rate was closely linked to British pound sterling. Recent colonial dependence and established traditions had an effect. But since the 70s, British money began to lose its sphere of influence in the global financial arena. The Singapore currency began to focus first on American money, and then the exchange rate monetary unit turned to the basket of world currencies.

Design and distinctive elements of Singapore money

From the very first issue, SGD banknotes have been issued in series with a single theme. The pilot series, produced in 1967, was the Orchids series. Then there were Birds (1976), Ships (1985), Portraits (1999, still in circulation). The latest, current series today is dedicated to various areas life.

The main distinctive element of SGD banknotes is the portrait image of state leader and first Singaporean President Yusof bin Ishak. It is located on the front side of the banknotes. On their back you can see pictures symbolizing various industries and areas of life:

1. The back of Singapore's 2 SGD banknote is dedicated to education.
2. The 5 SGD note features the city's famous gardens, symbolized by the Tembusu tree and Singapore's national flower, the hybrid orchid Vanda Miss Joachim.
3. 10 SGD reflects the sports life of the republic.
4. The 50 SGD note is dedicated to Singaporean arts.
5. 100 SGD symbolizes the younger generation as the bulwark of the future.
6. 1000 SGD is interesting because of the picture of the government building. It emphasizes the importance of government power.
7. 10,000 SGD banknote, one of the most expensive in the world money market, is dedicated to high progressive technologies and scientific achievements. It depicts a girl with a microscope and a computer.

It is important! There are no restrictions on the import and export of Singaporean money. But tourists should know that it is strictly forbidden to bring souvenir bills here.

Where to exchange currency for Singapore dollars

Let's start with the main thing. Regarding questions about what currency to take to Singapore and whether Singapore correlates the dollar with the ruble, tourists need to remember: Russian rubles are not quoted in Singapore. It is impossible to change them here. Russian rubles are not accepted for exchange in Singapore!

It is best to go to Singapore with US dollars or buy Singapore dollars in Russia. If you are visiting Singapore from Thailand, Malaysia or Indonesia, national currency these countries will also be accepted for exchange.

Singapore dollar exchange rate for today

Exchange offices in Singapore with the most favorable rates

For travelers, exchanging money is of great importance. However, if you are traveling to Singapore, there is no reason to worry: the country has many reliable, licensed currency exchange offices that offer favorable rates. They are also located in numerous shopping malls. Similar service also provided at the hotel where you are staying.

But if you want to exchange money at the best rate, go to shopping centers with a well-deserved reputation. These are The Arcade in Raffles Place, Lucky Plaza on Orchard Road, Mustafa Center in Little India, People's Park Complex in Chinatown and Parkway Parade in Marine Parade. These places traditionally attract many tourists. It is easily accessible by public transport, so it is very convenient for travelers to change cash here. Please note that you can agree on the maximum favorable rate, if you bargain!

Exchange offices in The Arcade shopping center in Raffles Place

The Arcade is located in Raffles Place, the financial center of Singapore. There are many currency exchange offices here that offer favorable rates. Highly qualified staff will conduct the transaction at the highest level.

Sheen International Exchange:

• It is profitable to exchange Japanese yen, pounds sterling and other currencies here.
• Room #02-04 The Arcade

Arcade Plaza Traders Pte Ltd:

• a reliable exchanger that has been operating for more than 3 decades. It is used by those traveling abroad local residents, and numerous tourists.
• They offer an excellent course for American dollars, euro, pounds sterling and for the currencies of individual Asian countries.
• Room #02-03 The Arcade

Arcade Money Changers:

• On their website it is possible to track changes in exchange rates online. (http://arcademoneychangers.com.sg/ratesbiglogo.asp)
• Room #01-18 The Arcade.
• Open: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 18:30, Saturday from 9:00 to 15:00, Sunday and holidays: Closed

People's Corner Money Changer:

• It is profitable to exchange pounds sterling, Taiwanese and New Zealand dollars here.
• Room #02-07 The Arcade

Hassan & Sons Exchange:

• this place offers good course for Taiwan dollars, Japanese yen and Thai baht.
• Room #02-05 The Arcade.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 – 19:30, Saturday 10:00 – 16:30

How to get to the center

• MRT Station: Raffles Place MRT (EW14) and (NS26) (1 minute walk from Gate C)
• Buses: 10, 10E, 57, 70, 75, 100, 107, 128, 130, 131, 162, 167, 196 and 19 (2 minutes walk from stop B03019)

Helpful advice: Since there are many exchangers in the building, check the exchange rates before making a transaction.

Singapore dollar exchange offices in the Lucky Plaza shopping center

The shopping center building is located on Orchard Road, which is home to a variety of shops and luxury boutiques. With a variety of exchange offices, Lucky Plaza is an excellent choice for nearby tourists. There are no electronic boards with information about exchange rates, but helpful and highly qualified staff will answer all your questions.

Rabi Trading

• The service's services are usually used by aircraft crew members due to the favorable exchange rate and high level service.
• room #01 – 37
• Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 19:00

Rahiman Trading

• It is recommended to change US dollars here. You can track rate changes online on their website: http://rahiman-forex.webs.com/
• room B1-10
• Opening hours: daily from 10-30 to 20-30

Fajar Money Changer

• high quality service
• room #01-82
• Opening hours: daily from 10:30 to 19:30

Europe Fancy Store

• features a high level of service.
• room #B1-141
• Opening hours Mon - Fri 10:00 – 20:30, Saturday 13:00 – 18:00, Sunday 09:30 – 18:30

How to get to the center

• Nearest MRT Station: Orchard MRT (NS 22), (2 minutes walk from Exit D)
• Buses: 7, 14E, 16, 65, 106, 111, 123, 175, 502 (2 minutes walk from stop B09048)

Helpful advice: before using the services of exchange offices, compare the rates they offer to choose the most advantageous offer.

Exchange offices in the Mustafa Center shopping center

There are many currency exchange offices in the Mustafa Center shopping center, but the most reliable and well-known is Mustafa Foreign Exchange. It is open 24 hours a day. Thus, Mustafa Foreign Exchange is the only place in Singapore where you can exchange money not only during the day, but also at night.

Traveler's checks are not accepted for exchange

How to get there:

• Nearest MRT Station: Farrer Park MRT, (3 minutes walk from Exit G)
• Buses: 21, 125 and 130 (4 minutes walk from stop B07231)

On a note: To get the most favorable rate, you can bargain. Traveler's checks are not accepted.

Exchange offices in the People's Park Complex shopping center in Chinatown

People's Park Complex is an ancient building in the heart of the city, which is considered one of the most convenient and popular places for currency exchange. Before using multiple services, compare the courses they offer.

Crante Money Changer

• it can be easily recognized by the constant queue at the door and the nearby shop that sells durian pancakes.
• located 1 Park Road #01-28 People's Park Complex
• open daily 09:00 – 21:00

Today's Money Exchange

• located 1 Park Road #01-03 People's Park Complex

Emerald Money Changer

• located 1 Park Road #01-61 People's Park Complex

AK Money Changer & Department Store

• located 1 Park Road #01-K95C People’s Park Complex
• Opening hours every day 09:30 – 22:00

How to get there

Nearest MRT station: Chinatown MRT (NE4), (Exit C)
Buses: 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 80, 143, 197, 961, 961#, 970, CT18, CT28 and CT (1 minute walk from stop B05013)

On a note: You can negotiate to agree on a better rate. Keep an eye on your personal belongings, as pickpockets are active nearby. Check the current exchange rate before you take out your money.

Exchange offices in the Parkway Parade shopping center

Parkway Parade is a huge six-storey shopping complex with at least 300 stores. The best currency exchange offices are located mainly on the first level. Their services will be especially convenient for tourists who happen to be nearby – in the East Coast Park and Katong areas.

Yakadir Enterprises

• here they provide services not only for exchanging money, but also for transferring it. Traveler's checks accepted
• located Marine Parade Rd 80 #01-17 Parkway Parade
• Opening hours 10:00 – 21:00

Everpeace Money Changer

• Currency exchange and money transfers are available to tourists
• located Marine Parade Rd #01-14 Parkway Parade
• opening hours from 9-00 to 21-00

Helpful advice: Compare the rates offered before you make a deal. Bargaining is welcome.