Singapore Tip: Get YouTrip for Cashless Payments Overseas
- Rick
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
YouTrip is a prepaid debit card service based in Singapore that has became very popular among Singapore travellers in recent years. With ability to store funds in multiple currencies in one e-wallet on app, and powered by Mastercard, YouTrip is especially useful for travel use and works like a credit card. A key benefit of YouTrip is its better exchange rate over banks and money changers.
Physical Card, Virtual Card & E-Wallet
YouTrip's app provides an e-wallet for managing funds, including top-ups, currency conversions and tracking of transactions. A virtual card, powered by Mastercard, can be activated and added to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for contactless payments. It can also be used for online purchases or topping-up other e-wallets via Mastercard.
YouTrip's physical card, also powered by Mastercard, is optional but it allows cash withdrawals of local currencies at overseas ATMs, which cannot be done using the virtual card. The physical card is also handy for payments via tap-to-pay in situations where using NFC-enabled mobile device, or other payment apps, are not possible (device runs out of battery, poor Internet connectivity, app issues, system outages, etc). Usage of the physical card can be locked via the app when the card is not in use.
Note that YouTrip's physical / virtual card and e-wallet are linked, not separate entities like some other payment apps. The e-wallet manages the availability of multi-currency funds that both the physical and virtual cards can use.
Debit-Only
As a debit-only service, the e-wallet needs to be topped up (or "prepaid" with some funds) before cashless payments can be made via the cards. Top-up the e-wallet with adequate amount for a trip or for payments over a short period. If the card detail is compromised, the maximum loss will only be the balance amount in the e-wallet.
Unlike credit cards, there is no cash advance / overdraft feature. And there is no worries of large sums of money, exceeding the balance in the e-wallet, being charged to YouTrip fraudulently.
How to Apply & Use
Note that YouTrip is applicable for Singapore residents, including foreigners residing in Singapore with Foreign Identification Number (FIN).
Download "YouTrip" from authorised app stores. Setup an account with a mobile number and email, and verify identity via SingPass or upload identification documents.
Top-up e-wallet with SGD fund through PayNow QR, linked bank account, Visa / Mastercard credit / debit cards, Apple Pay / Google Pay.
Exchange to applicable currencies any time at rates determined by YouTrip.
Make payments via the physical card or virtual card.
Multi-Currencies
YouTrip is able to store funds in different currencies in the e-wallet. The supported currencies are SGD (default), MYR, HKD, JPY, EUR, USD, AUD, THB, GBP, CHF, NZD and SEK (as of 1st October 2025).
Topping up of the e-wallet is in SGD only. Use the "Exchange" function to convert from SGD to other supported currencies or between any of the currencies. Any of the funds can also be transferred to other YouTrip users without going through currency conversions.
The minimum amount to exchange to another currency is S$100. Users will be able to "lock in" the exchanged amount and it will automatically be deducted when payments are made in that currency. When paying in any currencies not in the above list, the amount will be converted at time of payment to SGD or any available funds as determined by YouTrip.
Cash Withdrawal via Overseas ATM
Withdrawing cash from an ATM will require YouTrip's physical card. Setup a card PIN for withdrawing cash in local currencies via overseas ATMs that support Mastercard. Note that some ATMs may charge a transaction fee per use.
If there are available funds stored in the e-wallet in the same currency to withdraw, no currency conversion will be conducted. If the currency to withdraw does not have sufficient funds or is not one of the supported wallet-currencies, a conversion will be performed using YouTrip's exchange rate and the equivalent-amount deducted from the SGD fund or any other funds that have balances.
Up to S$400-equivalent in foreign currencies can be withdrawn from ATMs per calendar month without being charged the 2% transaction fee by YouTrip.
Withdrawal of Funds
Based on YouTrip's withdrawal policy, only funds that are transferred into the e-wallet via PayNow or linked bank account can be withdrawn. The withdrawal amount will be transferred back to a bank account via PayNow or linked bank account.
Security
Like any credit / debit cards, YouTrip's card details may be compromised by theft or fraud. So, use the physical card at trustworthy establishments and not to allow it to leave your sight. Top-up the e-wallet with small manageable amounts when required.
Instead of using the details of the physical card to make online purchases, use the virtual card instead — compromised virtual card can be cancelled and replaced with a new one almost instantly. Lock the physical card via YouTrip app when not using it — and remember to unlock it before use.
—
Note that the features stated above may change over time. Do refer to YouTrip's official website for up-to-date information.
More info:
Read also:
Comments