How Does ATMs & Cash Work in Singapore?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Asia
1The Quick Answer
ATMs from DBS, OCBC, UOB, and POSB are widespread, but contactless payments and e-wallets are accepted almost everywhere in Singapore.
2What You Need to Know
Singapore is a highly cashless society with PayWave contactless card acceptance near-universal at shops, restaurants, and transport. Digital payment apps such as GrabPay, PayNow, and DBS PayLah are widely used by locals. However, hawker centres and some traditional local food stalls still prefer or require cash, and NETS (local debit network) is sometimes the only card option at hawker centre payment kiosks. ATMs from Singapore's major banks — DBS, POSB, OCBC, and UOB — are found in all MRT stations, malls, and convenience stores.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Keep SGD 20–50 in cash for hawker centres and small local stalls that may not accept cards
- 2Use a Wise or Revolut card to withdraw cash at Singapore ATMs and avoid foreign exchange fees
- 3POSB and DBS ATMs are the most common — look for them in every MRT station and 7-Eleven
How does this compare?
ATMs & Cash rules in nearby and similar countries:
Japan is heavily cash-based — always carry yen. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs are the most reliable for foreign cards.
Thai ATMs charge a 220 baht fee per foreign card withdrawal — minimise withdrawals, carry cash for markets and temples, and always choose to be charged in Thai baht.
Use ATMs from major banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, or AXIS — they reliably accept foreign cards, and always carry cash as many small vendors and rural areas are cash-only.
Traveling to Singapore?
You might also need:
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
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SafetyWing Travel Insurance
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Airalo eSIM
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