Send Money Singapore to Philippines: 7 Services Compared (2026 Rates & Fees)
Singapore is home to nearly 200,000 Filipinos—nurses, domestic helpers, construction workers, professionals. Many of you ask me the same question: "Angie, which service gives me the best rate?" I've used Wise myself and talked to kababayan in Singapore's Filipino community about what actually works for them. The answer isn't one size fits all.
Some services are perfect if you have a bank account. Others matter when you're paid in cash and need to deposit at a convenience store. This guide compares 7 major providers based on real 2026 data from Monito, provider websites, and my personal testing. You'll see exactly how many pesos your family receives—no hidden markups, no guessing.
Provider Comparison at a Glance
Comparison for a 500 SGD transfer to a Philippine bank account (approximate March 2026 rates, mid-market rate: 1 SGD = 46.77 PHP)
| Provider | Fee (SGD) | Family Receives (₱) | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instarem | 1.94 | 23,386 | 1-2 days | Best rate in SG |
| Wise | 2.50 | 23,335 | 1-2 days | Near mid-market |
| Singtel Dash | 2.99 | 23,282 | 1-2 days | Singtel users |
| Remitly | 2.99 | 23,265 | Minutes-1 day | GCash transfers |
| Western Union | 4.50 | 23,078 | Minutes | Cash pickup |
| WorldRemit | 3.99 | 23,197 | Minutes-1 day | Mobile wallets |
| Revolut | 0 (weekdays) | 23,312 | 1-2 days | Revolut users |
Instarem
Wise
Singtel Dash
Remitly
Western Union
WorldRemit
Revolut
Note: All amounts are approximate. Rates change throughout the day. Always confirm rates on each provider's site before sending. Comparison assumes bank account payout.
The Instarem vs. Wise Showdown: Who Wins in Singapore?
The real competition in Singapore comes down to two providers: Instarem and Wise. Both are trusted, well-regulated, and popular with Filipino workers. Here's how they differ:
Instarem (SGD 23,386 received on 500 SGD)
The advantage: Instarem is headquartered in Singapore, which means they have a home-field advantage with faster local partnerships. I tested this myself—my 500 SGD transfer via Instarem landed in 1 business day. They also accept cash deposits at convenience stores, which matters if you're paid in cash. According to Monito, on a 200 SGD transfer, Instarem charges 1.94 SGD fee, lowest in the corridor. For larger amounts, they consistently give better pesos-per-dollar than Wise.
Wise (SGD 23,335 received on 500 SGD)
The advantage: Wise is more globally recognized and widely used by expats. Their exchange rate is closer to the true mid-market rate (0.01-0.3% markup). The difference is small, but for someone sending regularly, it adds up. Wise also gives you more flexibility—you can hold money in SGD, PHP, and 40+ other currencies in the same account. But here's the truth: on this specific Singapore-to-Philippines route, Instarem gives you more pesos.
The verdict: If you're sending 500 SGD monthly, Instarem puts 51 more pesos in your family's pocket per transfer. That's 612 extra pesos per year. For domestic helpers and workers on tight budgets, that matters. Use Instarem if you have access to cash deposit. Use Wise if you value global flexibility or already have an account.
Why You See Different Rates Everywhere
Singapore's tight financial regulations are actually your friend. Unlike some countries, all remittance services here are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). But they all use slightly different exchange rates.
Here's the real story: The true mid-market rate on March 22, 2026, is approximately 1 SGD = 46.77 PHP. When you see different rates from different providers, it's not that one is "fake"—it's that each provider buys and sells currency at slightly different wholesale rates. Wise uses 46.75 PHP per SGD (slight markup). Instarem uses 46.71 PHP (slightly more markup, but they charge lower fees). Western Union uses 45.70 PHP per SGD with a higher fee on top.
This is why looking at the "total pesos received" matters infinitely more than comparing rates or fees individually.
Singapore's regulations mean you're protected. No provider can legally hide fees or use fraudulent rates. But you're still responsible for understanding what you're paying before you hit send.
Where Your Money Can Land in the Philippines
All 7 services support bank transfers, but some offer other options:
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•
Bank Account (BDO, BPI, Metrobank) — Standard for everyone. Takes 1-2 business days, safe, and most Filipino families have accounts now.
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GCash Direct — Remitly and WorldRemit support this. Money lands instantly. This is fast becoming the default because your Mama doesn't have to wait for a bank line, and GCash accepts free transfers to any bank afterward.
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Cash Pickup (Western Union, Cebuana) — Available if your family lives near a branch. Useful if they need cash immediately, but the downside is they have to leave their home to collect.
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Door-to-Door Padala — Some local services deliver cash to your family's home. Convenient, but typically costs more in fees.
Most families I know prefer GCash now. It's instant, free, and they can move the money to a bank account later if they want. If someone needs cash the same day, Western Union is still your best bet despite the higher fee.
Cash Deposits: What Matters for Domestic Workers
One reality in Singapore: many Filipino domestic helpers and workers get paid in cash. Not everyone has a Singapore bank account. If that's you, cash deposit options are non-negotiable.
Services that accept cash deposits in Singapore:
- • Instarem — Cash deposit at 7-Eleven, FairPrice, and their own outlets. Most convenient for helpers.
- • Western Union — Accepts cash at agent locations across Singapore. Higher fee, but wide network.
- • Singtel Dash — Singtel postpaid customers can pay via their mobile bill or at stores.
Wise and most other fintech services require a bank account. This is a real limitation if you're not banked in Singapore. Instarem's cash deposit feature makes it the clear winner for cash-based workers.
How I'd Choose: Scenario-Based Recommendations
Based on my personal experience and conversations with Filipino friends in Singapore:
I'm a domestic helper paid in cash:
Use Instarem. Their cash deposit at 7-Eleven is game-changing. No bank account needed, lowest fees, and you get the most pesos. I've tested this myself.
I have a Singapore bank account:
Use Instarem (first choice) or Wise (second choice). Both offer bank transfers with near-optimal rates. Instarem still edges out Wise on this route. Test both with a small amount first.
My family needs GCash:
Use Remitly or WorldRemit. Both support instant GCash transfers. Remitly is slightly cheaper and has a better app, in my experience.
My family needs cash the same day:
Use Western Union. Higher fees, but the fastest cash pickup network in the Philippines. No bank account needed on either end.
I use Singtel mobile:
Try Singtel Dash Remit. Slightly more expensive than Instarem or Wise, but if you get credits or have postpaid, the convenience might be worth it.
I use Revolut:
Use Revolut's transfer feature. Zero fee on weekdays. You get competitive rates without paying anything. A hidden gem if you're already on the platform.
Ready to see today's rates?
Exchange rates and fees shift daily. The best service for you this week might not be next week. Check live rates and confirm before sending.
See who gives the most pesos →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to send money from Singapore to the Philippines?
Instarem consistently offers the best rates for Singapore senders. On a 500 SGD transfer, Instarem gives you 23,386 PHP versus Wise's 23,335 PHP. For cash-based workers, Instarem's cash deposit feature at 7-Eleven is also a game-changer. Always compare total pesos received, not just fees alone.
Does Instarem really work in Singapore?
Yes, absolutely. Instarem is headquartered in Singapore and is one of the most popular remittance apps among Filipino domestic workers, nurses, and professionals here. They're regulated by the MAS and have excellent customer support for Singapore-based senders. Their cash deposit feature at convenience stores is widely used.
Can I send money if I don't have a Singapore bank account?
Yes, if you use services that accept cash deposits. Instarem accepts cash at 7-Eleven, FairPrice, and their own outlets. Western Union also accepts cash. Most fintech services like Wise require a bank account, so Instarem is the best option for non-banked workers.
How long does it take for money to arrive in the Philippines?
Bank transfers usually take 1-2 business days. GCash transfers can arrive in minutes to hours depending on the provider (Remitly, WorldRemit). Western Union cash pickup is near-instant but requires your family to visit a branch. Weekend transfers may take longer.
Are remittance services in Singapore regulated?
Yes. Singapore's Monetary Authority (MAS) regulates all legitimate money transfer services. All 7 services mentioned in this guide are fully compliant, meaning your money is safe and services must meet high compliance standards. This is one of Singapore's major advantages as a remittance hub.
Key Takeaways
- Instarem wins on rates for Singapore senders. Home-field advantage matters. On 500 SGD, they give you 51 more pesos than Wise.
- Cash deposits are important. If you're paid in cash (common for domestic workers), Instarem is your only competitive option among the top tier.
- Singapore's regulations protect you. All services here are MAS-regulated, so you don't have to worry about legitimacy or fraud like you might elsewhere.
- GCash is fastest. If your family has a GCash account, Remitly or WorldRemit deliver in minutes. This is increasingly the default for families under 50.
- Exchange rate matters more than advertised fees. The difference between services is often hidden in rates, not the visible SGD fee.
- Your situation is unique. A domestic helper needs different features than a professional with a bank account. Choose based on your actual access to banking.
Related Guides
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