Money & Costs

Currency: Singapore dollar

Relative costs:
• Cheap meal: US$2-3
• Moderate restaurant meal: US$10-15
• Top-end restaurant meal: US$50 and up
• Cheap room: US$7-12
• Moderate room: US$40-80
• Top-end room:US$150 and up

Singapore is much more expensive than other South-East Asian countries which may come as a shock if you are traveling on a shoestring budget. You can still stay here, though, without spending too much money if you can forego the temptation to run amok in the shops or indulge in luxuries you may have craved while traveling in less developed Asian countries. It's possible to stay in Singapore for under US$20 a day, if you stay in hostels and eat cheaply. If you're staying in mid-range hotels and eating at good restaurants, US$70 is a more realistic daily minimum.

All major credit cards are widely accepted, although you're not going to make yourself too popular after a hard bargaining session for a new camera if you then try to pay for it with your Visa card. ATMs are widespread, although it's probably still a good idea to take cash and travelers' cheques for emergencies. You'll find moneychangers in shopping centers all over Singapore.

Tipping is not usual in Singapore: expensive hotels and restaurants may impose a 10% service charge, and a gratuity is not expected in excess of this. Bargaining is falling by the wayside, but tourists should still expect to haggle for luxury items and souvenirs. It is unnecessary to bargain for everyday goods or transport.