Where to spend your Singdollar amid Trump's tariff drama

Down Under, or places such as Norway and Brazil, may offer more bang for your buck

- Cheong Poh Kwan

US President Donald Trump's tariff policies have sparked fears over trade disruptions, but for travel-hungry Singaporeans, there may be a silver lining.

The Singapore dollar has strengthened against the currencies of several popular destinations since the April 2 announcement, although the Monetary Authority of Singapore is believed to be leaning towards slowing the pace of the Singdollar's appreciation amid concerns over a global economic slowdown.

Here is a look at where your Singdollar now stretches further, and where it, unfortunately, does not.

DOWN UNDER

If you are after more bang for your buck, head to Australia or New Zealand.

On April 9, S$1 would have got you around AU$1.21, a 2.7 per cent jump since April 2, and NZ$1.32, up 1.9 per cent over the same period, according to Trading Economics data.

Currency analysts have said the two currencies are vulnerable to an escalation in global trade tensions, as their values are closely tied to commodities demand, which typically falls during an economic slowdown, particularly in China, the largest trading partner for both countries.

Some Singaporeans have already taken advantage of the favourable exchange rates ahead of the upcoming long weekends and June school holiday travel period, said Mr Kelvin Lam, chief operating officer of multi-currency mobile wallet YouTrip.

The number of YouTrip users buying Australian dollars surged fivefold between April 3 and 8, with the conversion volume up by more than 300 per cent, he said.

The conversion of Singdollar to the kiwi dollar also picked up, he added.