We all know that Singapore is a small city-state country, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, separated from Malaysia by the Johor Strait to the north and the Singapore Strait to the south. Despite its small size, Singapore has become a global financial, economic, and cultural hub. So can you use US dollars in Singapore?
Depends, many of the shopping malls and hotels accept major foreign currencies like US dollars but it will be at a bad exchange rate. Not everywhere will accept US dollars like meals in local food courts or hawker centers, taxi rides, or coffee at a coffee shop. It is worth asking before buying anything.
In this post, we will go through whether you can use US dollars in Singapore. Let’s get started!
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Can You Use US Dollars In Singapore?
Yes, you can use US dollars in Singapore, but it very much depends on the business whether to accept it or not. The US dollar is not the official currency of the country. The official currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar, abbreviated as SGD or referred to as S$.
Many businesses in Singapore, especially those in tourist areas or international hotels, may accept US dollars, but you might receive a change in Singapore dollars. Remember that it is important to note that the exchange rate offered by businesses will not be at a favorable exchange rate. So you will end up paying more than if you had used the local currency.
For the best value, it’s advised to exchange your US dollars for Singapore dollars at banks, currency exchange booths, or withdraw local currency from ATMs. Or just use your card to pay.
Can You Use US dollars At Singapore Airport?
Yes, Changi Airport accepts US Dollars along with most major currencies in its retail outlets. The downside of this is that the exchange rate will not be the best. It might be better to use your card for a better exchange rate.
Can I Use My Debit Card In Singapore?
Yes, all major credit and debit cards are accepted across Singapore. Singapore is effectively cashless with most retailers and restaurants. Even many small food stores at hawker centers accept cards for payment.
Remember it is worth carrying a small amount of cash just in the off chance that the business does not accept cards.
Do I Need Cash In Singapore?
Not really but cash might come in useful in some cases but Singapore is effectively cashless.
Where Can I Withdraw Money In Singapore?
You can withdraw money from an ATM or over a bank counter. There are plenty of ATMs in Singapore, so there should be no problem finding one. If you go to a bank to withdraw your money you will need your passport and bank card.
Should I Tip In Singapore?
No there is no need to tip in Singapore. Tipping is not expected in Singapore, so there is no requirement to tip anyone, but small tips for good service are appreciated.
In bars and restaurants, it is customary to leave behind any loose change in coins as a tip.
Is Singapore Expensive For Tourists?
Yes, Singapore is expensive if compared to other countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand or Cambodia.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, many of the shopping malls and hotels accept major foreign currencies like US dollars but it will be at a bad exchange rate. Not everywhere will accept US dollars like meals in local food courts or hawker centers, taxi rides, or coffee at a coffee shop. It is worth asking before buying anything.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on whether you can use US dollars in Singapore has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.