MET A Space PodSingapore makes it easy to pay for just about anything – sometimes almost too easy. Between contactless cards, mobile wallets, and a few corners where cash is still king, visitors to Arab Street and Bugis can get caught off guard if they only pack one payment method. Here’s a practical rundown of how money actually moves around the city, so you can spend less time fumbling at the register and more time exploring.
Cash Still Has Its Place
Singapore is overwhelmingly cashless-friendly, but a handful of older hawker stalls, small provision shops, and some vendors along Bugis Street still prefer cash, especially for purchases under a few dollars. Keep a small stash of Singapore dollars in small denominations – $2, $5, and $10 notes work best – for these moments. ATMs are plentiful around Bugis and Arab Street, usually attached to banks like DBS, OCBC, and UOB, and most accept foreign cards on the Visa/Plus or Mastercard/Cirrus networks, though your home bank may charge a foreign transaction fee.
Cards & Contactless Are Everywhere
Tap-to-pay is the norm here. Most cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, and malls accept contactless Visa and Mastercard, and Singapore’s public transport system now runs almost entirely on tap-and-go – you can use a contactless bank card or your phone’s wallet directly on the MRT and buses instead of buying an EZ-Link card, as long as your card supports it. Just confirm with your bank that it doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee before you tap your way across the island.
Mobile Wallets & QR Payments
Locals pay with QR codes just as often as cards. You’ll see PayNow and various e-wallet QR stickers at hawker stalls, cafes, and even some street vendors near Kampong Glam. These are generally tied to Singapore bank accounts or local phone numbers, so visitors usually can’t use them directly – but GrabPay, built into the Grab app, works well for taxis, food delivery, and a growing number of retail stores, and can typically be topped up with an international card.
Exchanging Currency the Smart Way
Licensed money changers, found throughout Bugis Junction and along Arab Street, typically offer better rates than hotel counters or the airport. Compare two or three before committing, and avoid changing large sums at once – exchange only what you’ll need for the next few days. If you’re withdrawing from an ATM, choose ‘without conversion’ when asked about Dynamic Currency Conversion, since your own bank’s exchange rate is almost always better than the machine’s.
A Few Quick Money Tips
Tipping isn’t expected in Singapore – most restaurants already add a 10% service charge plus 9% GST to the bill, so check before leaving anything extra. Keep your phone charged for mobile payments, but don’t rely on it completely: a card and a little cash make a handy backup, especially for the odd stall near Arab Street that’s cash only. Carry all three, and you’ll be ready for everything from a three-dollar kopi to dinner on Haji Lane.