Roberta Aguirre
Singapore's official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD), and while some sources suggest that AUD may be accepted in certain places in the airport, it is not a legal tender. It is recommended to use a credit or debit card for purchases, as some shops may not accept cash at all. If you need cash, it is better to withdraw SGD from an ATM or exchange money at a money changer, as the exchange rate for AUD to SGD at shops and restaurants may not be favourable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can AUD be used at Singapore Airport? | Yes, but not all shops accept it. |
| What type of AUD can be used? | Notes, especially large ones. $1 and $2 coins may be accepted, but smaller coins are not advised. |
| What currency will the change be in? | You will get your change in Singaporean Dollars (SGD). |
| What is the exchange rate? | The exchange rate is not favourable. |
| What are the alternative options? | Using a credit or debit card is recommended. Singapore is a cashless society, so card payments are widely accepted. |
| Are there money changers at the airport? | Yes, but the exchange rates are not the best. |
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What You'll Learn
- AUD is accepted in some shops at Singapore Airport, but you will get change in Singaporean dollars
- It is recommended to use a credit or debit card instead of cash
- Singapore is a largely cashless society, with most retailers and restaurants accepting card payments
- If you need cash, it is better to use an ATM than to exchange money at the airport
- If you use a credit card, transactions will be converted from SGD to USD, then to AUD on your bill
AUD is accepted in some shops at Singapore Airport, but you will get change in Singaporean dollars
Singapore's official currency is the Singaporean Dollar (SGD). However, AUD is accepted in some shops at Singapore Airport, but you will get change in Singaporean dollars. Changi Airport accepts all major currencies in its retail outlets, but the exchange rate is not favourable. It is recommended to use a credit or debit card for purchases, as this will avoid the issue of unfavourable exchange rates.
If you are looking to exchange currency, it is recommended to do so at a money changer, as the rates at the airport are not as good. You can also use a travel money card from a digital provider like Wise or Revolut, which can convert your AUD funds to SGD without foreign transaction fees.
Singapore is a pretty cashless society, and most retailers, restaurants, and even small food stores will take card payments. If you do need cash, there are plenty of ATMs in Singapore, including at Changi Airport.
When shopping in Singapore, the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) can be refunded at the International Airport before you return home. To be eligible, no more than $500 SGD (AUD$520) in taxes may be refunded per person, and items must have been purchased in Singapore within the last two months.
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It is recommended to use a credit or debit card instead of cash
While some sources suggest that Australian dollars are accepted at Singapore Changi Airport, it is recommended to use a credit or debit card instead of cash. This is because the exchange rate for AUD to SGD at the airport is not favourable. Using a card will also save you the hassle of exchanging your leftover Singaporean dollars back into AUD.
Singapore Changi Airport accepts all major currencies in its retail outlets, but the exchange rate is not the best. If you use a credit or debit card, the transactions will be converted from SGD to USD and then to AUD on your credit card bill. This means that you will be able to take advantage of your card's exchange rate, which is likely to be better than the airport's.
Additionally, Singapore is a largely cashless society, with most retailers, restaurants, and even small food stores at hawker centres accepting card payments. This includes the airport, where you can use a credit or debit card at any shop with no surcharge, regardless of the transaction value.
If you do decide to use cash, you can exchange your AUD for SGD at a currency exchange counter at the airport. However, keep in mind that the exchange rates at these counters may not be favourable. Alternatively, you can order Singapore dollars in cash before you travel or withdraw them from an ATM at the airport, but this may also come with additional fees and poor exchange rates.
Therefore, to avoid the hassle of exchanging cash and the potential for unfavourable exchange rates, it is recommended to use a credit or debit card when making purchases at Singapore Changi Airport.
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Singapore is a largely cashless society, with most retailers and restaurants accepting card payments
Contactless cards are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore, with around 82% of consumers using them and it being their preferred payment method. Cards are considered much safer than carrying large amounts of cash, and they can be used in restaurants, retail stores, and vending machines. They are also used for car park payments and public transport, where you can simply tap your card on a reader to confirm payment.
While Singapore is moving towards being completely cashless, cash is still in use and can be handy when visiting hawker centres, buying from street vendors, and leaving tips. Some hawkers and neighbourhood coffee shops still prefer cash, and it is always good to have an alternative in case of payment system malfunctions.
For tourists, it is recommended to carry the local currency (Singapore Dollars) when travelling, as it is the best option over any other currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and you can also use payment apps like DBS Paylah! or POSB PayNow to shop and send money using your phone.
At Changi Airport in Singapore, most shops accept a number of foreign currencies, including Australian Dollars, but the exchange rate may not be favourable. It is recommended to use a credit or debit card for purchases, as most shops accept card payments without a surcharge. If you do use cash, there are vending machines where you can donate your leftover Singaporean coins and notes to charity.
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If you need cash, it is better to use an ATM than to exchange money at the airport
If you're travelling to Singapore and need cash, it's generally better to use an ATM than to exchange money at the airport. Singapore's official currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD), and while some shops and retailers at Changi Airport may accept Australian dollars (AUD), the exchange rate is often unfavourable.
Using a credit or debit card is widely accepted and may offer better rates than exchanging cash. If you need to use cash, withdrawing from an ATM can be a more cost-effective option. Singapore has plenty of ATMs, including at Changi Airport, making it convenient to access cash if needed.
However, it's worth noting that Singapore is largely a cashless society, and most retailers, restaurants, and even small food stores accept card payments. Using a travel money card from providers like Wise or Revolut can offer benefits such as mid-market exchange rates and low fees, while also boosting security by not being linked to your everyday AUD account.
Additionally, when making purchases with an Australian debit or credit card, it is usually more advantageous to pay in the local currency (SGD) rather than in AUD to avoid poor exchange rates.
Therefore, while it's possible to use AUD at Singapore Airport, it is generally recommended to use ATMs or cards to avoid unfavourable exchange rates and take advantage of the country's widespread cashless payment options.
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If you use a credit card, transactions will be converted from SGD to USD, then to AUD on your bill
While it is possible to use AUD cash at some shops in Singapore Changi Airport, it is not recommended due to poor exchange rates. It is better to use a credit or debit card for purchases, as the transaction will be converted from SGD to USD to AUD on your bill. This way, you can avoid the hassle of exchanging currencies and the associated unfavourable rates.
When using a credit card for transactions in Singapore, the amount will first be converted from Singapore Dollars (SGD) to US Dollars (USD) by the merchant or financial institution processing the transaction. Subsequently, your credit card provider will convert the USD amount to Australian Dollars (AUD) on your credit card statement. These conversions are based on the exchange rates determined by the respective financial institutions, which may differ from the market rates.
It is important to note that different credit card providers may have varying policies and fees for foreign currency transactions. Some cards may offer more favourable exchange rates or waive certain fees associated with international purchases. It is always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your specific credit card before travelling internationally to understand any potential fees or charges that may apply.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that using a credit card for smaller purchases under S$50 is generally convenient and widely accepted in Singapore. However, for larger transactions, you may want to consider the overall cost implications, including any potential fees or unfavourable exchange rates applied by your credit card provider.
To make the most of your money when travelling through Singapore Changi Airport, it is advisable to review the exchange rates offered by different money changers and make informed decisions based on your specific needs and circumstances. Carrying small denomination notes in SGD can also be useful for purchases where using a credit card may not be as convenient, such as buying snacks or making small transactions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some shops at Changi Airport accept AUD. However, you will get your change in Singaporean Dollars (SGD) and the exchange rate may not be favourable. It is recommended to use a credit or debit card instead.
Using a credit or debit card is recommended as it is widely accepted and you avoid poor exchange rates. If you are using cash, it is better to use SGD, the official currency of Singapore.
Although Singapore is a largely cashless society, some retailers and restaurants will accept AUD and list the exchange rate. However, the rate may not be favourable. It is recommended to use a credit or debit card, or exchange your AUD to SGD at a money changer.
