The Singapore dollar is the legal tender of Singapore. It is divided into 100 cents and its ISO 4217 code is SGD. It is usually abbreviated using the dollar symbol and adding the letter S to differentiate it from other dollars.
Origins and history of the Singapore Dollar
Between 1845 and 1939 Singapore used the dollar of the Strait, this was replaced by the Malay dollar and since 1953, the Malaysian dollar and Borneo.
In Singapore, the common currency continued to be used until it was integrated into Malaysia in 1963, but two years later it became independent and the monetary union with Malaysia and Brunei was separated. On April 7, 1976, Singapore established a Monetary Council and issued the first coins and notes.
At the beginning, the Singapore dollar was fixed at the pound sterling with an exchange rate of 60 SGD = 7 GBP. This rate was maintained until the decimalization of all currencies based on the pound sterling in the early 70's.
On October 1, 2002 the Monetary Council of Singapore was dissolved, and its functions and powers were assumed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Singapore fixed its definitive exchange rate to a basket of currencies between 1973 and 1985. From 1985 onwards, Singapore adopted a market system based on the currency exchange regime, in which the Singapore dollar had the property of being a currency fluctuated, but strongly controlled by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in comparison with the other currencies with which Singapore carried out exchanges.
Singapore dollar banknotes and coins
Currently, tickets of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 dollars are in circulation.
As for the coins, they circulate of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 dollar.
Did you know?
- In 1967, the first series of banknotes that were known as the "Orchid Series" were issued.
- Except for particular occasions, in general in Singapore you will pay with credit cards. But do not forget to bring some SGDs.
Why changing currency with us is better than with your bank?
 Global Exchange | Your high-street bank | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variety of currencies | We have more than 70 currencies. We are specialists. | Only major currencies. Travel money is just a secondary business for banks. | ||
| Availability of currencies | Immediate availability of currencies in our branches. Click and collect or walk in to our stores. | The branch requests it from the head office and they can take a long time for having the currency available, or even not at all. | ||
| Expenses | Only the exchange rate, no commission, and if you book online you are guaranteed the best price. | The bank sets its own margin plus a commission. | ||
| Different denominations available | At Global Exchange, you’ll get a variety of banknotes with different values, adapted to all your payment needs. | No. Prepare for refusals and complaints in foreign languages when paying with «big» banknotes. | ||
| Delivery options | Order online to benefit from a price reduction and collect at the branch of your choice. | You’ll have to go first to your bank to order the currency you need, then wait for it to come and go back again to collect it. | ||
| Timetables | We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. | ||
| Anything else? | Airport collection on the day of your trip. All comfort. | Air-what? What miles are you talking about? No, sir. This is a bank, not an airline. |