Generally, Singapore is pretty cashless - most retailers and restaurants, and even many small food stores at hawker centers, will take a card payment. There are also ATMs everywhere if you decide you really need cash - making spending with a travel card a smart option for many people.

In 2026, Singapore is a nearly cashless society, and the easiest way for tourists to pay is via contactless credit/debit cards or mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). You can simply "tap" your card or phone for almost everything, including buses, the MRT (subway), retail shops, and cafes. For the famous "Hawker Centres" (food courts), while many stalls now accept digital payments via SGQR codes, it is still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash (Singapore Dollars) for smaller, traditional stalls. Another popular option for transport is the EZ-Link card, which you can top up at any station. Note that most shops will no longer accept high-denomination notes ($1,000 notes have been discontinued), so stick to $10 and $50 notes if you are carrying physical currency for your local food adventures.