Money and duty free for Singapore
Currency and Money
Currency information
Singapore Dollar (SGD; symbol S$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of S$10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of S$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
The currency of Brunei is also legal tender, although coins may not be accepted; 1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar.
US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Yen and Pounds Sterling are also accepted at many major shopping centres in Singapore.
Credit cards
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, although cheaper eateries are likely to accept only cash.
ATM
ATMs are widespread and many will accept cards from overseas banks.
Travellers cheques
To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers from the UK are advised to take traveller's cheques in Pounds Sterling. A passport is required when cashing traveller's cheques.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0930-1500, Sat 0930-1230 (some are open later). Branches of certain major banks on Orchard Road open Sun 0930-1500.
Currency restrictions
There is no limit to the import and export of local or foreign currency, but amounts exceeding S$20,000 (or equivalent) should be declared on arrival.
Currency exchange
Foreign currencies, traveller's cheques and cheques can be changed at most banks and licensed money changers, the latter generally offering slightly better rates. They can be found throughout the city, particularly on Orchard Road and in Little India. Some banks do not offer this service on Saturdays.
Singapore duty free
Overview
Travellers, aged 18 years old or older and arriving from anywhere but Malaysia, are given the following duty-free concession for liquors:
• 1L of spirits and 1L of wine, or
• 1L of spirits and 1L of beer, or
• 1L of wine and 1L of beer, or
• 2L of wine, or
• 2L of beer
Travellers are also granted Goods & Services Tax (GST) relief on new goods purchased overseas and brought into Singapore for personal use:
• Travellers who have spent less than 48 hours outside Singapore: up to S$100 of goods are granted GST relief.
• Travellers who have spent more than 48 hours outside Singapore: up to S$500 of goods are granted GST relief.
• Do note that GST is applicable on the value of goods in excess of the respective relief limits.
There is no duty-free allowance for cigarettes and tobacco products. All cigarettes and tobacco products are subject to duty and must comply with the Standardised Packaging (SP) requirements. E-vaporisers are illegal in Singapore.
You can find further information on the Singapore Customs website (www.customs.gov.sg).
Banned Imports
Prohibited items include chewing gum, controlled drugs & psychotropic substances, chewing tobacco and any imitation tobacco products (such as tobacco-free shisha and e-cigarettes), cigarette lighters in pistol or revolver shape, endangered species of wildlife and their by-products, firecrackers, obscene publications (or in other formats), reproduction of copyright publications (or in other formats), and seditious & treasonable materials.
Restricted items that require an import permit include animals, birds, fishes, plants and their by-products, CDs, DVDs, films and video games, medicines and pharmaceutical products, handcuffs and nightsticks, telecommunication equipment, arms and explosives.
