SINGAPORE

CURRENCY:

Singapore Dollar - SGD, Symbol S$

DENOMINATIONS:

NOTE: S$10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 2.

COIN: S$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

Please note: the currency of Brunei is also legal tender; 1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar. See below which other currencies are accepted.

US DOLLAR ACCEPTED?

Yes, widely - as are the Australian Dollars, Yen and British Pound. Check in advance.

CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND ATMS:

Major credit cards are accepted widely and ATM machines are also widespread.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

Best at banks and bureaux de change and these are easy to come by. Note some banks and money changing offices do not offer this service on Saturdays - check in advance.

TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES:

These are best in Sterling. Note you will need your passport when cashing these.

BANKING HOURS:

Mon-Fri 1000-1500 Sat 0930-1300. Note some open for longer. Some banks open on Sundays - check in advance.

CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS:

None

COUNTRY OVERVIEW:

The Republic of Singapore is an island on the bottom of the Malay Peninsula. It was once a fishing community belonging to the Malay, but since European settlement it grew in importance on the world map. It became a key commercial and military centre of the British Empire. It has been fully independent since 1965. The capital is Singapore City and the official languages are English, Malay, Chinese and Tamil.

POPULATION:

Around 5 million.

ECONOMY:

The economy of Singapore is described as highly developed. It is also market-based. The main elements include exports of imported goods which have been refined, and manufacturing industry, which has many sectors. According to one ranking, Singapore has the most "business-friendly" economy in the world. It is also one of the key financial centres in the world.