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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of curencies available | We have more than 13 currencies. We are specialists. | Only the most common ones. They don't pay much attention to this service and, moreover, they will always try to get you to leave with Dollars. | ||
| Currency availability | Immediate availability at our airport offices on the day of your trip. | The branch requests it from Head Office and it may take quite a long time to have the currency available, or they may not even have it. | ||
| Cost of the transaction | Only the exchange rate, with no commissions, and if you book online we guarantee you the best price. | Your bank's margin plus a commission. | ||
| Fractional currency so you can pay comfortably | Of course, because we think of you and your needs when you set foot in a foreign country. | No. Be prepared to hear refusals and complaints in a foreign language when you present a "large" bill. | ||
| Delivery options | We offer you the possibility of picking up your order at the airport. | You have to go to the bank twice: once to request the currency and once to pick it up, if they can get it for you, so you have to keep track of your money. | ||
| Opening hours | We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. |