Singapore Hotels & Malaysia Hotels
About Singapore Malaysia

THE CURENCY 2

Notes are issued in denominations of S$l, S$2, S$5, S$10, S$50, S$100, S$500, and S$1,000. Notes vary in size and color from denomination to denomination. Coins are issued in denominations of S14, 55(, S10¢, S20¢, S504, and the fat, gold-colored S$1. Singapore has an interchangeability agreement with Brunei, so the Brunei dollar is accepted as equal to the Singapore dollar.
Singapore's currency weathered the Southeast Asian economic crisis in 1997 rather successfully, so if you were hoping for a more favorable exchange rate, you're looking in the wrong place; the Sing dollar has decreased in value only slightly from precrisis rates. At the time of this writing, exchange rates on the Singapore dollar were as follows: US$1 = S$1.7G, C$1 = S$1.12, £1 = S$2.80, A$1 = S$.99, NZ$1 = S87¢. The exchange rate used throughout this book is US$1 = S$1.75, to use an average figure, but before you begin budgeting your trip, I suggest you obtain the latest conversions so you don't suffer any shocks at the last minute. A neat and easy customizable currency conversion program can be found on the Internet through.

While hotels and banks will perform currency exchanges, you'll get a better rate at any one of the many money changers that can be found in all the shopping malls and major shopping districts (look for the certificate of government authorization). Many shops are also authorized to change money, and will display signs to that effect. Money changers usually give you the official going rate for the day, and sometimes the difference in rate between hotels and money changers can be as much as US84 to the dollar. Last, while some hotels and shops may accept your foreign currency as payment, they will always calculate the exchange rate in their favor.
It's a good idea to exchange at least some money-just enough to cover airport incidentals and transportation to your hotel-before you leave home, so you can avoid the less-favorable rates you'll get at airport currency exchange desks. Check with you local American Express or Thomas Cook office or your bank. American Express cardholders can order foreign currency over the phone at Z 800/807-G233.It's best to exchange currency or traveler's checks at a bank, not a currency exchange, hotel, or shop.
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