If you’re checking the exchange rate for 1 singapore dollar to inr today, you’re probably seeing a number right around 70.30.
It’s been a wild ride. Just a few weeks ago, at the start of January 2026, the rate was hovering closer to 69.86. Then, it nudged up, dipped, and now it’s basically playing tag with that 70-rupee mark.
Honestly, if you're an NRI sending money home or a student prepping for a semester at NUS, that single rupee difference feels like a lot. When you're moving ten grand, it is a lot.
The Reality of 1 singapore dollar to inr Right Now
Let’s get the numbers out of the way first. As of mid-January 2026, the Singapore Dollar (SGD) is holding steady against the Indian Rupee (INR). We aren't seeing the massive swings of 2024 anymore, but there’s a distinct "new normal" setting in.
Why 70?
Basically, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been a bit more relaxed about a weaker rupee lately. They used to jump in and defend the currency like a hawk, but with India’s inflation sitting at a record low—we're talking 0.71% recently—they aren't scared of "imported inflation" from a weak rupee. They actually want the rupee a little lower to help Indian exporters compete with places like Vietnam or Thailand.
What happened last week?
If you looked at the charts on January 11, you might have panicked. The rate took a weird dive down to 69.11.
Market jitters.
👉 See also: To Whom It May Concern: Why This Old Phrase Still Works (And When It Doesn't)
But it bounced back almost instantly. Since then, it’s been a slow grind upward. For most of this month, the daily range has stayed between 69.90 and 70.35. If you're looking for the "perfect" time to send money, waiting for it to hit 71 might be a gamble you lose, as 70.40 seems to be a sticky resistance point right now.
Why the Singapore Dollar is Winning the Tug-of-War
Singapore’s economy is basically a giant sponge for global stability. Even when things get weird with global trade, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) keeps a tight leash on the SGD.
They don't use interest rates to control the economy like most countries. Instead, they manage the exchange rate itself.
Right now, Singapore is benefiting from being the "safe harbor" in Asia. While other regional currencies are sweating over US tariffs—which are still a massive topic of conversation this year—Singapore has managed to keep its export base diversified enough to stay afloat.
India, on the other hand, is in a transition phase. GDP growth is still high (around 8.2% in late 2025), but the rupee is being intentionally allowed to soften.
It’s a strategic choice.
If the rupee stays at 70 per SGD, Indian software and generic drugs become cheaper for the rest of the world to buy. It’s a classic move to boost the "Make in India" initiative, even if it hurts your wallet when you're visiting the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
✨ Don't miss: The Stock Market Since Trump: What Most People Get Wrong
Should You Transfer Money Today or Wait?
Kinda depends on your urgency.
If you're paying a mortgage in Mumbai or Bangalore, the current rate of 1 singapore dollar to inr at 70.30 is actually historically quite good. If you look back at 2023 or early 2024, we were nowhere near these levels.
But here’s the thing most people get wrong: they wait for the "peak."
Currency markets are messy. Analysts from banks like DBS and ING are currently suggesting that while the rupee has room to appreciate eventually, the immediate outlook for 2026 is a "gentle decline" for many Asian currencies against the US dollar, which often drags the SGD-INR pair along for the ride.
Factors to watch:
- US-India Trade Deals: There’s a lot of chatter about a new trade agreement that could lower tariffs. If that happens, the Rupee could strengthen, making your SGD worth less in India.
- The 8th Pay Commission: This is expected to pump more money into the Indian economy, potentially driving up consumption and changing how the RBI views the rupee.
- Singapore's Inflation: If Singapore sees a spike in core inflation (projected to be around 0.5% to 1.5% this year), the MAS might let the SGD appreciate further to keep prices down.
What Experts Are Saying (The Nuanced Version)
Radhika Rao from DBS has been pointing out that India’s macro stability is actually very solid. We have high foreign exchange reserves and a manageable fiscal deficit.
So why isn't the rupee stronger?
It’s the "yield spread." The RBI has cut interest rates (the repo rate) by about 125 basis points over the last year. When India cuts rates and Singapore stays steady, the "carry trade"—where investors park money where it earns the most interest—shifts. This naturally puts downward pressure on the rupee.
🔗 Read more: Target Town Hall Live: What Really Happens Behind the Scenes
Basically, you're seeing a tug-of-war between India's strong growth and its "cheap money" policy.
Actionable Tips for Better Exchange Rates
Stop using your local bank’s "standard" rate. Just don't.
Banks often hide a 2% or 3% markup in the spread. If the mid-market rate is 70.30, they might offer you 68.50. On a $5,000 transfer, you're literally handing the bank 150 bucks for no reason.
- Use specialized fintech apps. Services like Wise, Revolut, or even some of the newer UPI-integrated cross-border apps often give you the mid-market rate with a transparent fee.
- Watch the opening bell. The SGD-INR rate often shows the most volatility in the first hour of the Singapore market opening (9:00 AM SGT). If you see a favorable spike, grab it.
- Set Rate Alerts. Don't stare at the chart all day. Use an app to ping you when the rate hits your target (say, 70.50).
- Consider the "Forward" Rate. if you're a business owner, you can sometimes lock in a rate for a future date. This is risky but helps with budgeting if you’re terrified the rupee might suddenly jump back to 65.
The 2026 Outlook for 1 singapore dollar to inr
The consensus among the big research houses—MUFG, JP Morgan, and ING—is that the rupee might stay "fragile" for the first half of 2026.
We aren't expecting a crash. But we aren't expecting a massive recovery either.
The Singapore Dollar is likely to remain one of the strongest currencies in the region because of its massive current account surplus and its role as a global financial hub. Unless India sees a massive influx of foreign equity investment (which has been slow lately due to high stock market valuations), the SGD will likely stay in the 69-71 INR range for the foreseeable future.
Practical Next Steps
Check the live interbank rate right now to see how far it has moved from the 70.30 mark. If the rate is currently above 70.20 and you have a scheduled transfer, it's a statistically strong time to execute. If you’re not in a rush, set an alert for 70.60, but be prepared to wait; the current resistance level at 70.45 has been hard to break for three weeks straight.
For those managing business accounts, double-check your remittance provider's "spread." If they are charging more than 0.5% over the mid-market rate, it's time to switch providers before your next major transaction.