ATMs in Singapore: locations, fees, and tips

Planning a trip to Singapore from the UK? Whether you’re heading to this unique, ultra modern metropolis for work, play or family time, you’re going to need some spending money.

If you prefer to use cash for spending, read on. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about finding and using ATMs in Singapore as a UK traveller. This includes info on fees, exchange rates and lots more.

We’ll even show you a super convenient way to spend abroad using the Wise card, which works in countries.

So, let’s get started.

Where do I find ATMs in Singapore?

Singapore is an important global financial hub, so finding an ATM should be no problem in big cities and populated areas.

You’ll usually find ATMs in Singapore at major airports, as well as in bank branches, shopping centres and supermarkets.

To find ATMs in Singapore, you can use these ATM locator tools from major Singapore banks:

• OCBC ATM Locator
• DBS ATM Locator
• Citibank ATM Locator
• HSBC ATM Locator
• Standard Chartered ATM Locator

What are ATMs called in Singapore?

ATMs are generally called ATMs in Singapore, and should look similar to the cash machines you’ll find in the UK. Just look out for the name of a bank and the ‘ATM’ sign.

As Singapore is a multicultural country, you might also see ATMs signposted in multiple languages including Chinese.

Will my credit or debit card work in Singapore ATMs?

ATMs in Singapore generally accept Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, which are the most commonly issued cards in the UK. Some will also accept Cirrus, Plus, JCB and UnionPay.¹ And they accept both locally and overseas issued cards.

So, you should be fine to use your UK-issued card abroad - just make sure you check with your bank about any potential charges.

You can search for your nearest cash machine in Singapore with these global ATM locators:

• Visa ATM locator
• MasterCard ATM locator

Singapore ATM Pins

The most common PIN in Singapore is 6 digits long, but the 4 digit PIN which comes with your UK-issued debit card should still be accepted.¹

When it comes to paying for goods and services in shops and restaurants, Chip and PIN technology is used - but it isn’t everywhere. Some vendors still use older systems which require the swiping of the magnetic stripe on your debit card.¹ So, you’ll need to check if your card has this.

Singapore ATM max cash withdrawal limits

The maximum amount you can withdraw from a Singaporean ATM will largely depend on your bank. Each bank usually has its own daily, weekly and/or monthly withdrawal limits.

However, the ATM itself may have maximum withdrawal limits, ranging from $1,000 and $2,000 SGD depending on the ATM operator.¹

Let your bank know before you travel

These days, it isn’t essential to tell your bank that you’ll be using your debit card abroad. But it could still be a good idea to do it anyway, just in case your transactions in Singapore flag up as potential fraud. The last thing you want during your trip is for your card to be mistakenly blocked.

It could even be worth getting an alternative spending card, one that is actually designed for international travel.

The Wise card is the ideal travel companion, as it works in countries and lets you withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) from overseas ATMs without any fees. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from an independent ATM network, always check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.

Choose to withdraw in the local currency and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small conversion fee*.

This means no expensive mark-ups eating into your spending money.

Discover the Wise card 💳

What are the ATM fees in Singapore?

In the UK, while there are some independent ATM networks that charge their own fees, many ATMs are free to use.

But is it the same in Singapore, or are there fees you need to know about? Read on to find out.

Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Singapore (DCC)

The first potential cost of using an overseas ATM is related to currency conversion.

If you’ve ever used an ATM in another country, you may be familiar with the screen asking you if you want the transaction to be carried out in British pounds or the local currency. You’ll encounter this in Singapore too.

It’s always recommended to choose to withdraw in the local currency, in this case Singapore dollars (SGD) - without a currency conversion. This will mean you get a better rate, as the conversion will be done by your bank or card provider.

However, if you choose to be charged in British pounds, the ATM will make up an exchange rate using something called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This rate will almost certainly be unfavourable, and can make the transaction expensive for you. So, it’s always best to press ‘no’ when asked about currency conversion.

Home bank ATM fees

Some banks charge fees for foreign transactions, including cash withdrawals. So always check before you travel, either contacting your bank or reading the terms and conditions for your account.

Singapore bank ATM fees

The ATM operator (such as a bank) may charge fees. In Singapore, you can expect to pay anywhere up to $8 SGD per withdrawal - although some ATMs are fee-free.¹

Can I get free cash withdrawals in Singapore?

Some banks in Singapore offer fee-free cash withdrawals, but this is usually only for existing customers with a local bank account.

However, it may be possible to withdraw cash for free (or for lower fees) if your UK bank has a partnership with a bank in Singapore. It’s always worth asking your bank about this before you travel, so you know which bank's ATMs to look out for.

Tips for avoiding ATM fees in Singapore

Always choose to be charged in the local currency

Some ATMs may offer you a ‘service’ of being charged in your local currency (i.e. GBP). While you may feel relieved to see the figures on terms you’re more familiar with, it’s always best to decline this option.

Being charged in the local currency helps you avoid hidden ATM rip-offs by giving you the best possible exchange rate. Choosing to see the transaction shown in British pounds gives the ATM permission to give you an arbitrary (generally much more unfavourable) exchange rate for your withdrawal.

Check out the latest GBP - SGD conversion rates below:

Avoid airport ATMs

ATMs at airports tend to be very expensive, charging high fees for withdrawing money or converting currency. So even though they may be convenient, they’re best avoided unless you have no other option.

Check whether your home bank has partner banks in Singapore

If your UK bank has an overseas ATM network or partners with banks in Singapore, you may be able to benefit from low or no fees on ATM withdrawals. It’s always worth finding out before you travel.

Choose the right fee-free card

Some banks don’t charge ATM and foreign transaction fees. If you travel frequently, it may be worth switching banks so you can benefit from a fee-free card.

Another important tip is to avoid making ATM withdrawals with a credit card. This is because it’s usually a lot more expensive than using a debit card, as fees are charged for cash-based transactions. Plus, interest will likely start accruing right away, so you won’t benefit from your usual interest-free period.

Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card

If you travel regularly, the Wise card is the perfect way to spend and withdraw cash worldwide.

It’s a dedicated travel card, letting you spend like a local in countries worldwide. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend.

And when you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) fee-free. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks, it’s always worth checking whether the ATM operator charges its own fees.

Your Wise card awaits 💳

Opt to withdraw in the local currency and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate for only a small, transparent fee*, and it’s fee-free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up for a Wise account online and you can get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just .

Sign up for a Wise account 🌍

ATMs in Singapore FAQs

What is the best ATM to use in Singapore?

Look for ATMs in Singapore which charge the lowest fees. This might mean a touch of trial and error, as you try a few different ATMs, but it could save you money over the course of your trip.

How much do ATMs charge in Singapore for withdrawals?

ATMs in Singapore tend to charge between $0 and $8 SGD per transaction.¹

Should I take cash to Singapore?

Debit and credit card payments are very common in Singapore, as it’s a global financial hub and therefore is a leader when it comes to payment technology.

But you might want to have a mix of cash and card for your Singapore trip, just in case. Cash could come in useful for things like tipping, buying from markets or grabbing lunch from street food vendors.

Read more about money in Singapore here.

Can I use my UK debit card in Singapore?

Yes, you should be fine to use your UK debit card in Singapore. Most ATMs and vendors accept foreign-issued cards, as well as major providers such as Visa and Mastercards.

How much cash do you need per day in Singapore?

Although it depends what you’re doing during your trip to Singapore, you might want to budget around $210 SGD a day in spending money.²

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Sources used:

1. ATM Fee Saver - info on ATM fees, limits, exchange, and cards in Singapore
2. Budget Your Trip - average spend per day in Singapore

Sources last checked on date: 17-Oct-2024