What is the best currency to use in Singapore?

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (SGD), and you can easily exchange your currency for SGD at various money changers and banks throughout the city-state. It's recommended to use the local currency for daily transactions as some merchants may not accept foreign currency.



The best currency to use in Singapore in 2026 is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). While Singapore is a global financial hub and very "card-forward," having local currency is still essential for visiting hawker centers or small shops in neighborhoods like Geylang or Little India. Most importantly, Singapore is almost entirely contactless in 2026; you can pay for the MRT (subway), buses, and almost all retail transactions using a contactless credit card or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. For those who prefer cash, the SGD is often pegged closely to the Brunei Dollar, which is also technically legal tender in Singapore, though rarely seen. It is highly recommended to avoid using foreign currencies like USD or EUR at shops, as the exchange rates offered by merchants will be extremely poor. Instead, use a "No Foreign Transaction Fee" card for most purchases and withdraw a small amount of SGD from an ATM for the occasional "cash-only" bowl of laksa at a traditional market.

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Copies of All Identification Documents
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