Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) is the main airport of Singapore and one of the main travel hubs in Southeast Asia. Often voted as the best airport in the world, Singapore Changi Airport has it all. Even if Singapore is a modern country, in some cases using cash is unavoidable even here. At Singapore Changi Airport you can exchange your domestic currency to Singapore dollars (SGD) at the money changer or withdraw local currency from a cash machine (ATM).
If you’re going to travel from Singapore Changi Airport to the city center by metro (MRT), you will have to get some cash right at the airport as the Standard Ticket for single trip or EZ-Link card for multiple trips can be purchased by cash only. You wouldn’t expect that in a developed country as Singapore is but ticket vending machines with credit card stickers on them accept credit cards for topping up EZ-Link card only and all other payments need to be done in cash.
In such a case, you will have to use ATM or to find a currency exchange booth at the airport.
Money Changers at Singapore Changi Airport
Currency exchange booths or money changers at Singapore Changi Airport are located at arrival and departure levels of all terminals. Maps of terminals can be easily noticed at the airport so it shouldn’t be difficult for you to locate where the money changer is. Actually, there even are separate signs pointing to its direction, so it shouldn’t be difficult to find.
Currency exchange rates offered by foreign exchange booths at Singapore Changi Airport are acceptable. As the supply of money changers here is limited to minimum, it’s like a “take it or leave it” deal. Considering this, currency exchange rates at the airport are quite fair.
Currency Exchange Rates at Singapore Changi Airport
What currency exchange rates can be expected at Singapore Changi Airport?
As you know, the rates are changing during the time and this table of currency exchange rates at Singapore Changi Airport isn’t current. However, you can know what rates to expect at Singapore Changi Airport by comparing them with official exchange rates at the time the photo was taken.
USD to SGD exchange rate at Singapore Changi Airport
The official USD exchange rate at the time was 1.316 SGD for 1 dollar, so the rate offered at the airport (1.270 SGD/USD) was by 0.046 SGD lower than the official rate. For every dollar exchanged here you’re losing about 0.036 USD or 3.6 USD per 100 USD. It’s definitely not the best deal you could get in Singapore for USD but acceptable.
EUR to SGD exchange rate at Singapore Changi Airport
The official EUR exchange rate at the time was 1.620 SGD for 1 euro, so the rate offered at the airport (1.596 SGD/EUR) was by 0.024 SGD lower than the official rate. For every euro exchanged here you’re losing about 0.015 EUR or about 1.5 EUR per 100 EUR. Not sure if the rates like this are constant at Singapore Changi Airport as it’s a pretty good deal. Most of the banks in Europe would charge you considerably more for international withdrawal.
Exchange rates of other currencies at Singapore Changi Airport
The official GBP exchange rate at the time was 1.843 SGD for 1 pound, so the rate offered at the airport (1.830 SGD/GBP) was only by 0.013 SGD lower than the official rate.
The official AUD exchange rate at the time was 1.010 SGD for 1 dollar, so the rate offered at the airport (0.993 SGD/GBP) was by 0.017 SGD lower than the official rate.
A bit worse rates are offered for other currencies as the gap between buying and selling rates is more significant for less popular currencies such as Thai baht, Indian rupee and others.
Tips
Get your Singapore SIM card at the airport or in the city for a discounted price: [SALE] 4G SIM Card (SG Pick Up) for Singapore.
Choose the most comfortable way for getting from the airport to your hotel in Singapore by booking a private transfer: Private Singapore Changi Airport Transfers (SIN) for Singapore.
Using Singapore public transportation is a convenient and affordable way to travel around Singapore. If you’re visiting the “Garden city”, there are few types of Singapore transport ticket to choose from. For more information check here: Singapore Transport Tickets – Best Ticket Type for You.