Currency in Singapore
If you're heading to Singapore, our article will fill you in on what currency in Singapore is like, and how to get it.
The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). In this article, we've put together everything you need to know about the the Singapore Dollar and share some tips on how to get the best deal on your conversion from NZD to SGD.
Before you head to Singapore, learn about:
- What Singaporean notes and coins look like
- Can you use New Zealand Dollars in Singapore?
- How to buy Singapore Dollars before your trip
- How to buy currency when you get to Singapore.
What Singaporean notes and coins look like
Notes
Singapore notes are a bit different to our currency in New Zealand. They are made up of:
$2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $1000, $10,000
Coins
There are quite a few coins in Singapore. The coins in circulation in Singapore are:
5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1
Can you use New Zealand Dollars in Singapore?
No, you can't.
While we travel to Singapore more and more, you cannot use New Zealand dollars in Singapore. Just like you can't use Singapore Dollars here! The rest of this article has some information about how you can convert currency for your holiday.
You can find out the exchange rate between the NZD and SGD with our currency converter, here.
Is it cheaper to convert currency in New Zealand or Singapore?
Because exchange rates change so frequently, and every provider offers different rates it's hard to say the cheapest way and place to exchange currency.
Having said that, it is always best to exchange currency in the more populated areas, as you should find the rates to be more competitive than if you weren't somewhere quieter.
Both in New Zealand and in Singapore, steer clear of exchanging currency at the airport. On both ends, the rates will be much worse than in the city centres.
How to buy Singapore Dollars before your trip
Online
This is a convenient way to buy currency but you need some time. You can choose where to pick the order up from, and in some instances can get home delivery. When you order with Travelex, you can choose to order cash, a prepaid Travelex Money Card or both!
Use code CURRENCYSHOP to get a better SGD rate with Travelex.
Money Changers
This is the best way to get currency quickly. You will find them in major shopping centres and towns. Our tip, is that the exchange rates are better in your city than what you'd find further out. So it can be worth going there if you're exchanging more than $2,000.
Find the best currency exchange in your part of the country here.
Bank
Most banks do exchange currency. The issue is that they often have high fees, and don't offer very good rates. It's always better to compare rates elsewhere before deciding, but as a standard rule it's best to avoid your bank. Especially for a popular currency like SGD.
Airport
Yes, you can buy currency at the airport. But that doesn't mean you should. While it's convenient, it's also very expensive. If you have run out of time before your trip, it's definitely better to buy currency when you get to Singapore, or use your Kiwi debit card instead.
How to buy currency in Singapore
f you decide to buy your currency when you get to Singapore, the first thing you'll need to do is make sure you have New Zealand dollars in cash. This way you can exchange it when you get there.
Similar to in doing it in New Zealand, it's best to avoid buying currency at the airport and the bank, and better to do it in one of the major city centres like Lucky Plaza or Change Alley.
There are many money exchange booths you will find in the streets of popular areas. Just make sure you're carefully counting what they give you.
