Convert SGD to foreign currencies and vice versa using prevailing indicative rates.
USD – US Dollar
EUR – Euro
GBP – British Pound
AUD – Australian Dollar
JPY – Japanese Yen (per 100)
MYR – Malaysian Ringgit
CNY – Chinese Renminbi
HKD – Hong Kong Dollar
THB – Thai Baht (per 100)
I want to BUY Foreign Currency (SGD to Foreign)
I want to SELL Foreign Currency (Foreign to SGD)
Whether you are planning a holiday, paying for overseas tuition, or managing business expenses, understanding how United Overseas Bank (UOB) calculates exchange rates is crucial for getting the best value. This guide explains the mechanics of the "Bank Buy" and "Bank Sell" rates and how to use our UOB Exchange Rate Calculator effectively.
How to Use This Calculator
This tool mimics the logic used by UOB and other major Singapore banks when converting funds. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Select Currency: Choose the foreign currency you wish to transact in (e.g., USD, JPY, MYR).
Transaction Type:
Select "I want to BUY Foreign Currency" if you have SGD and want foreign cash (e.g., for travel).
Select "I want to SELL Foreign Currency" if you have foreign cash and want to convert it back to SGD.
Amount: Enter the amount of currency you currently hold that you wish to convert.
Exchange Rate: The calculator pre-fills an indicative rate based on typical market averages. Always check the live UOB board rate or Mighty FX rate and update this field for precision.
Bank Buy vs. Bank Sell: What is the Difference?
One of the most confusing aspects of currency exchange is the terminology. Banks quote rates from their perspective, not yours.
Term
Perspective
When it Applies
Bank Sells (OD Sell / TT Sell)
The Bank is selling foreign currency to you.
You are converting SGD to Foreign Currency.
Bank Buys (OD Buy / TT Buy)
The Bank is buying foreign currency from you.
You are converting Foreign Currency to SGD.
Unit Sizes (Per 1 vs Per 100)
Most currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) are quoted per 1 unit. However, weaker currencies relative to the Singapore Dollar, such as the Japanese Yen (JPY), Thai Baht (THB), and sometimes the South Korean Won (KRW), are quoted per 100 units. This calculator automatically adjusts for currencies typically quoted in 100-unit lots to prevent calculation errors.
UOB Mighty FX vs. Counter Rates
UOB offers different rates depending on how you transact:
Cash Rates: Used when you physically exchange notes at a branch. These typically have a wider spread (higher cost) due to the logistics of handling physical cash.
TT (Telegraphic Transfer) Rates: Used for international wire transfers.
Mighty FX: UOB's multi-currency account allows you to convert and hold currencies online. Mighty FX rates are generally more competitive and closer to the interbank market rate than physical cash rates.
Factors Influencing Exchange Rates
Exchange rates fluctuate based on several macroeconomic factors:
Interest Rates: Higher interest rates in a country tend to strengthen its currency.
Inflation: Lower inflation generally leads to a rising currency value.
Economic Performance: Strong GDP growth and employment data boost investor confidence in the SGD or foreign currencies.
Geopolitical Stability: Currencies like the USD and SGD are often seen as "safe havens" during times of uncertainty.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only. The rates provided are indicative examples. Please consult UOB's official website or visit a branch for live, executable exchange rates.
// Indicative data for simulation (Not live API)
// Format: { Currency: { unit: 1 or 100, sell: (Bank Sells to User), buy: (Bank Buys from User) } }
// Rates are SGD per Unit
var currencyData = {
"USD": { unit: 1, sell: 1.3650, buy: 1.3350 },
"EUR": { unit: 1, sell: 1.4850, buy: 1.4550 },
"GBP": { unit: 1, sell: 1.7450, buy: 1.7050 },
"AUD": { unit: 1, sell: 0.9150, buy: 0.8850 },
"JPY": { unit: 100, sell: 0.9550, buy: 0.9250 }, // Per 100 JPY
"MYR": { unit: 1, sell: 0.3050, buy: 0.2850 }, // Note: Market fluctuates, usually around 0.29-0.30
"CNY": { unit: 1, sell: 0.1950, buy: 0.1850 },
"HKD": { unit: 1, sell: 0.1780, buy: 0.1710 },
"THB": { unit: 100, sell: 4.1000, buy: 3.8000 } // Per 100 THB
};
function updateExchangeRateDetails() {
var currency = document.getElementById("currencySelect").value;
var type = document.getElementById("transactionType").value;
var data = currencyData[currency];
// Update labels based on direction
var amountLabel = document.getElementById("amountLabel");
if (type === "buy") {
// SGD -> Foreign
amountLabel.innerText = "Amount to Convert (SGD)";
// Pre-fill rate (Bank Sells)
document.getElementById("customRate").value = data.sell.toFixed(4);
} else {
// Foreign -> SGD
amountLabel.innerText = "Amount to Convert (" + currency + ")";
// Pre-fill rate (Bank Buys)
document.getElementById("customRate").value = data.buy.toFixed(4);
}
// Update Rate Unit Label
var unitLabel = document.getElementById("rateUnitLabel");
if (data.unit === 100) {
unitLabel.innerText = "SGD per 100 " + currency;
} else {
unitLabel.innerText = "SGD per 1 " + currency;
}
}
function calculateUOBExchange() {
var amount = parseFloat(document.getElementById("convertAmount").value);
var rate = parseFloat(document.getElementById("customRate").value);
var currency = document.getElementById("currencySelect").value;
var type = document.getElementById("transactionType").value;
var data = currencyData[currency];
var unitSize = data.unit; // 1 or 100
// Validation
if (isNaN(amount) || amount <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid amount greater than 0.");
return;
}
if (isNaN(rate) || rate <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid exchange rate.");
return;
}
var result = 0;
var summary = "";
// Logic:
// Rate is always SGD per [Unit] Foreign.
if (type === "buy") {
// User has SGD, buying Foreign.
// Formula: (SGD Amount / Rate) * UnitSize
// Example JPY: (1000 SGD / 0.95 Rate) * 100 = 105,263 JPY
result = (amount / rate) * unitSize;
summary = "You convert " + amount.toFixed(2) + " SGD at a rate of " + rate.toFixed(4) + " (Bank Sells).";
// Format result based on currency (JPY usually no decimals)
var displayResult = (currency === "JPY") ? Math.floor(result).toLocaleString() : result.toFixed(2).toLocaleString();
document.getElementById("finalResult").innerHTML = displayResult + " " + currency;
} else {
// User has Foreign, buying SGD (Bank Buys).
// Formula: (Foreign Amount / UnitSize) * Rate
// Example JPY: (10000 JPY / 100) * 0.92 Rate = 92 SGD
result = (amount / unitSize) * rate;
summary = "You convert " + amount.toLocaleString() + " " + currency + " at a rate of " + rate.toFixed(4) + " (Bank Buys).";
document.getElementById("finalResult").innerHTML = result.toFixed(2).toLocaleString() + " SGD";
}
document.getElementById("conversionSummary").innerHTML = summary;
document.getElementById("resultContainer").style.display = "block";
}
// Initialize on load
window.onload = function() {
updateExchangeRateDetails();
};