Banking, Money and Taxes in Singapore

One of the world’s major financial centres, Singapore gives expats access to leading banking systems with dozens of local and foreign banking and financial institutions present in the city-state.

Needless to say, expats will find a full spectrum of services in Singapore, from consumer banking, asset management and foreign exchange to dedicated insurance services and investment banking.

Money in Singapore

The unit of currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD). One dollar is divided into 100 cents.

• Notes: 2 SGD, 5 SGD, 10 SGD, 20 SGD, 25 SGD, 50 SGD, 100 SGD, 1,000 SGD and 10,000 SGD

• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 SGD.

Banking in Singapore

With so many foreign and local banks in Singapore, expats will certainly not be at a loss for a reputable service provider. It's important to consider the services offered, location and the ATM network available when choosing a bank. 

Opening a bank account 

It's easy to open a bank account in Singapore, and the process can be completed in a single day. English is the primary administrative and professional language in Singapore, so expats are unlikely to face a language barrier when it comes to managing money. 

Documentation requirements will vary from bank to bank but expats will likely need a copy of their passport, employment pass and a minimum deposit amount to open an account. Some banks also require a proof of address.

ATMs

ATMs abound in Singapore, most of which accept international cards. ATM fees at local banks tend to cost less than their international counterparts.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted, though expats should be advised that international cards tend to incur high transaction costs.

Taxes in Singapore

All expats working in Singapore are liable to pay income tax, though the specifics will depend on their tax residency status.

Expats are considered tax residents in Singapore if their period of stay is longer than 183 days in a year, or if they have Singapore Permanent Residency (SPR). Non-residents are taxed at either a flat rate of 15 percent or at the same rate as a tax resident in their position would be taxed – whichever is higher. Residents are taxed progressively between zero and 22 percent based on their income bracket and are eligible to apply for various tax reliefs. More information on the specifics of tax residency can be found of the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore website.