{"id":5655,"date":"2014-11-10T07:44:12","date_gmt":"2014-11-10T07:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=5655"},"modified":"2025-10-23T06:43:59","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T06:43:59","slug":"currency-singapore","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/currency-singapore\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding Singapore Currency as an Intern"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/currency-singapore\/#What_Is_the_Currency_in_Singapore\" >What Is the Currency in Singapore?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/currency-singapore\/#Currency_Breakdown_Coins_and_Notes_Interns_Should_Know\" >Currency Breakdown: Coins and Notes Interns Should Know<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/currency-singapore\/#How_Interns_Can_Access_and_Use_Money_in_Singapore\" >How Interns Can Access and Use Money in Singapore<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/currency-singapore\/#Living_Costs_in_Singapore_for_2025_What_Interns_Can_Expect\" >Living Costs in Singapore for 2025: What Interns Can Expect<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/currency-singapore\/#Launch_Your_Internship_in_Singapore_with_Confidence\" >Launch Your Internship in Singapore with Confidence<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>As an intern in Singapore, navigating your new environment means understanding not just the workplace, but also how to manage your finances. This guide will help you get to grips with Singapore&#8217;s currency and living costs, so you can make informed financial decisions and enjoy your internship stress-free.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Currency_in_Singapore\"><\/span>What Is the Currency in Singapore?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The currency you&#8217;ll use during your internship in Singapore is the Singaporean Dollar (SGD), commonly seen as S$ or SGD$. Knowing this is essential for handling daily expenses, understanding your stipend\u2019s value, and managing your budget while abroad.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Currency_Breakdown_Coins_and_Notes_Interns_Should_Know\"><\/span>Currency Breakdown: Coins and Notes Interns Should Know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like most currencies, the Singapore Dollar is broken down into 100 cents. As an intern, you\u2019ll likely deal with small change often, especially at food stalls and convenience stores.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Coins<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>You&#8217;ll commonly use coins like 10\u00a2, 20\u00a2, 50\u00a2, and S$1, especially when buying snacks or paying for MRT fares. Having a coin pouch can save you hassle during your internship.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\"><strong>Banknotes<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>You\u2019ll mostly handle S$2, S$5, and S$10 notes for daily purchases. Higher denominations like S$50 or S$100 may be used for rent or larger transactions. Keep smaller notes handy for food courts and public transport, key parts of intern life.<\/p>\n<p>Note that the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.todayonline.com\/singapore\/singapore-stop-issuing-s10000-notes\">issuance of the\u00a0<strong>S$10,000<\/strong>\u00a0note has been stopped since October 2014 due to anti-money laundering measures<\/a>, and banks no longer recirculate it.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Interns_Can_Access_and_Use_Money_in_Singapore\"><\/span>How Interns Can Access and Use Money in Singapore<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your internship stipend is transferred internationally, be mindful of ATM fees, some charge up to S$8 per transaction. Look for partner banks or withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce fees and make your stipend last longer.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Exchanging Money: Tips for Interns<\/h3>\n<p>Exchanging currency in Singapore as an intern? Budget for a S$2\u2013S$3 service fee at most banks. For better rates, consider currency exchange apps or licensed money changers in areas like Raffles Place.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"mb-2 mt-6 text-lg first:mt-3\">Should Interns Tip in Singapore?<\/h3>\n<p>Good news for interns on a budget, tipping isn\u2019t customary in Singapore. Most restaurants include a service charge, so you can save that extra 10% for more important things like transport or groceries.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Living_Costs_in_Singapore_for_2025_What_Interns_Can_Expect\"><\/span>Living Costs in Singapore for 2025: What Interns Can Expect<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Planning your internship budget? Here&#8217;s what you can expect to spend in Singapore. Use this list to calculate how far your stipend will go and plan for meals, essentials, and weekend outings:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"466\">Bottled Water (0.33 liter bottle)<\/strong>: Approximately <strong data-start=\"482\" data-end=\"497\">S$1.00\u20131.50<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"502\" data-end=\"539\">Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant<\/strong>: Around <strong data-start=\"548\" data-end=\"564\">S$9.00\u201312.00<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"569\" data-end=\"623\">Combo Meal at McDonald&#8217;s or Food at Hawker Centers<\/strong>: Starting from <strong data-start=\"639\" data-end=\"655\">S$7.00\u201310.00<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"660\" data-end=\"691\">More Pricy Meal (3 courses)<\/strong>: Typically around <strong data-start=\"710\" data-end=\"727\">S$40.00\u201360.00<\/strong>, depending on the restaurant<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"761\" data-end=\"791\">Fruit (good for breakfast)<\/strong>: Approximately <strong data-start=\"807\" data-end=\"822\">S$3.00\u20134.00<\/strong> for basic portions<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"846\" data-end=\"868\">Bottle of Red Wine<\/strong>: Prices start at around <strong data-start=\"893\" data-end=\"904\">S$30.00<\/strong> (mid-range brands)<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"976\">Clothes from a Chain Store (Zara, H&amp;M, etc.)<\/strong>: Average cost is about <strong data-start=\"1000\" data-end=\"1017\">S$40.00\u201350.00<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"1022\" data-end=\"1042\">Shampoo (500 ml)<\/strong>: Approximately <strong data-start=\"1058\" data-end=\"1074\">S$6.00\u201310.00<\/strong>, depending on the brand<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"1103\" data-end=\"1135\">Laundry Detergent (3 liters)<\/strong>: Typically around <strong data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1165\">S$12.00<\/strong> for standard size<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"429\" data-end=\"499\"><strong data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1232\">Visit to the Flower Dome (or Cloud Dome)<\/strong>: <strong data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1245\">S$12.00<\/strong> for single admission (e.g., Flower Dome); <strong data-start=\"1288\" data-end=\"1299\">S$34\u201346<\/strong> for combined attractions for non-residents<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Launch_Your_Internship_in_Singapore_with_Confidence\"><\/span>Launch Your Internship in Singapore with Confidence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding how to manage your money in Singapore is a vital part of making the most of your internship. From currency tips to budgeting strategies, being financially prepared helps you focus on what really matters in your career journey.<\/p>\n<p>Ready to start your international experience? Absolute Internship offers fully-supported internship programs in Singapore and beyond, with personalized placement, housing, and cultural activities included.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/info.absoluteinternship.com\/apply-now\">Apply now<\/a> or explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/singapore-internships\/\">Singapore internship programs<\/a> to take the next step in your global career!<\/p>\n<p>To learn more about Singapore, read about the <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/history-singapore\"><strong>History of Singapore<\/strong><\/a>,<a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/climate-weather-in-singapore\/\"><strong> Climate &amp; Weather in Singapore<\/strong><\/a>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/what-to-wear-to-your-internship-in-singapore-2\/\">What to Wear to Your Internship in Singapore<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/rock-internship-singapore\/\">How to Rock Your Internship in Singapore<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As an intern in Singapore, navigating your new environment means understanding not just the workplace, but also how to manage your finances. This guide will help you get to grips&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":8506,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[744],"tags":[972,1129],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-5655","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-singapore-internships","tag-internship-in-singapore","tag-singapore-currency-guide"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5655","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5655"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5655\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5655"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=5655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}