Monetary concerns

The local currency is Singapore dollars. It comes in notes and coins. Notes come in SGD 2, SGD 5, SGD 10, SGD 20, SGD 50, SGD 100, SGD 500, SGD 1,000, and SGD 10,000. As a matter of fact, I have yet to seen a SGD 10,000 bill. The main reason I can think of, is the wide usage of credit cards in Singapore. The most commonly used credit cards in Singapore will be Visa and MasterCard as compared to American Express, Diners Card or JCB.

If you are having so much fun shopping or exploring and happen to run low on your SGD dollars, money can be changed in banks, hotels and money changers with displayed signs of "Licensed Money Changer". Most shopping complexes have a licensed money changer. Don’t be afraid to approach the information counters in the shopping malls or the hotels that you are in. The staff will be more then willing to point out the way to the nearest friendly money changer. You should also enquire the rough exchange rate or do a search on the internet if you do have internet access. Note that a reliable money changer should have a board with major exchange currency rates written on it at his counter that is clearly visible to you. For those who have prepared traveller cheques, you can cash them in at major banks with a nominal commission fee. Otherwise, find a travel cheque company with office branches that can be found both in your home country and Singapore.

In Singapore, there is a 10% leverage of service charges in most hotels and restaurants and 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Therefore, tipping is not widely practised but a word of praise or encouragement will definitely brighten someone’s day. As Justin Timberland’s song states, “What goes around comes around.” GST refund is applicable for purchases amounting to S$300 or more. Receipts can be pooled from participating shops, which will display a TAX REFUND sticker. A minimum purchase of S$100 is required at each shop. Check with the participating shops for details on how you can claim your refund.

Visit www.travel2sg.com/jianming for more information about Singapore.