Last-Minute Guide to Getting CNY Notes for 2025 in Singapore: Snake Year Edition

With Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025 just days away on January 29, many Singaporeans are scrambling to get their last-minute CNY notes 2025. Whether you’re filling red packets or looking for alternatives, this guide will help you secure CNY new notes 2025 from major banks like DBS, POSB, UOB, OCBC, and more—before it’s too late!


Quick Tips for Last-Minute CNY Notes 2025

If you’re pressed for time, here’s what you can do:

  1. Check ATMs: DBS and POSB’s pop-up ATMs are your best bet for quick access to new notes.
  2. Visit Smaller Branches: Smaller or less crowded locations may still have stock available.
  3. Be Flexible: Accept mixed denominations if preferred ones are unavailable.
  4. Explore Alternatives: Use digital red packets (e-hongbao) via banking apps for convenience.

Where to Get Last-Minute New Notes 2025

1. DBS / POSB CNY Notes 2025

Pop-Up ATMs

  • Starting 14 January 2025, 57 pop-up ATMs and 15 pop-up ATMs for Fit notes are available across Singapore for convenient withdrawals.
  • Withdrawal Period:
    • 14 Jan to 27 Jan 2025: 10 AM to 10 PM
    • 28 Jan 2025: 10 AM to 1 PM
  • Available Denominations:
    • S$100: S$2 in 50 pieces
    • S$300: S$10 in 30 pieces
    • S$500: S$50 in 10 pieces
    • S$600: S$10 in 20 pieces and S$50 in 8 pieces
  • Customers are limited to three withdrawals (new or Fit notes) throughout the campaign period using their DBS/POSB bank card.

Digital Gifting Options
Skip the queues and embrace sustainable gifting with DBS/POSB QR Ang Bao or eGift! Send physical QR red packets or digital ones via eGift with festive customization.

For more details, visit Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 | DBS Singapore


2. UOB CNY Notes

Designated ATMs
From 14 January to 27 January 2025, UOB has designated 17 New Notes ATMs and 4 Fit-for-Gifting Notes ATMs for withdrawals.

  • New Notes: Crisp, fresh notes ideal for Lunar New Year gifting.
  • Fit-for-Gifting Notes: Clean and high-quality recycled notes, perfect for eco-conscious celebrations.

Before visiting an ATM, you can check the availability of denominations through UOB’s online guide, updated hourly from 10 AM to 7 PM. Limited quantities are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details, visit UOB Lunar New Year New Notes ATM | UOB Singapore

Digital Gifting with e-Hongbaos via PayNow
Simplify your festive gifting with UOB TMRW:

  1. Instant Transfers: Send an e-Hongbao using the recipient’s mobile number or NRIC/FIN via PayNow.
  2. Personalized Festive Touch: Choose from exclusive Lunar New Year festive backgrounds, including Captain Mickey and Friends designs, and add a custom greeting message.


3. OCBC CNY Notes

Withdraw from Selected ATMs
From 14 to 27 January 2025, you can withdraw up to S$1,800 worth of New or Fit-for-Gifting notes (Fit notes) from 13 selected ATMs islandwide.

Withdrawal Methods:

  1. OCBC ATM/Debit/Credit Card: Use your card (excluding corporate or Baby Bonus cards) and its PIN. Ensure your credit card is linked to an OCBC current or savings account.
  2. QR Withdrawal via OCBC App:
    • Select “Scan & Pay” on the OCBC app and scan the ATM’s QR code.
    • Note: QR withdrawals are capped at S$1,000 per day.

Important Notes for ATM Withdrawals

  • Choose from 4 popular note denomination bundles.
  • Each customer is allowed one bundle per withdrawal and up to 2 withdrawals (card and app combined) during the campaign period.
  • Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and note supplies may vary.
  • Check the estimated note availability online before heading to an ATM. Updates occur at regular intervals but may not reflect real-time status.
  • For more details, visit Chinese New Year Notes Exchange 2025 | OCBC Singapore

Digital Red Packets
Celebrate sustainably with e-Ang Baos via the OCBC Pay Anyone app:

  • Travel light without worrying about carrying enough cash.
  • Send auspicious amounts instantly to loved ones anytime, anywhere.
  • Reduce single-use red packets for a more eco-conscious celebration.

Make sure to update to the latest version of the OCBC app to enjoy these features.


4. Maybank CNY Notes

Walk-In Exchange of New Notes
From 14 January to 27 January 2025, Maybank Singapore branches (excluding MSpace@Maybank Orchard) will facilitate walk-in exchanges for CNY new notes, subject to availability.

  • New S$2 and S$10 notes are reserved for:
    • Elderly customers aged 60 and above.
    • Customers with disabilities.
  • Other customers can exchange:
    • New S$5 and S$50 notes.
    • Fit S$2 and S$10 notes (clean notes suitable for gifting).

To avoid disappointment, it’s strongly recommended to pre-book via Maybank2u Online Banking.

Limited Walk-Ins
If you’re unable to secure a pre-booking, arrive early at a Maybank branch for a chance to exchange notes. Be prepared to accept mixed denominations, especially for $10 and $50 notes.

Digital Gifting with e-Angbaos
Surprise your loved ones this Lunar New Year with an e-Angbao using the Maybank2u SG (Lite) app:

  • Skip the hassle of physical notes.
  • Send personalized e-Angbaos quickly and conveniently.

For more details, visit Reserve your Fortune Bundle for Lunar New Year online


5. Standard Chartered CNY Notes

Branch Walk-Ins
Walk-ins are available from 14 January to 28 January 2025, offering fit-for-gifting notes (clean, high-quality notes suitable for festive giving) without prior reservation. Availability is limited, so it’s best to visit early or call ahead to check stock.

Digital Gifting Options
Missed out on new notes? Consider sending personalized e-Angbaos to your loved ones through PayNow via SC Mobile. This sustainable and hassle-free alternative allows you to share your festive blessings digitally.

For more details, visit LNY New Notes Reservation – Standard Chartered Singapore


6. HSBC CNY Notes

Lunar New Year Notes Exchange Service
The HSBC Lunar New Year notes exchange service runs from 14 January to 27 January 2025, while stocks last. Note the operating hours and exchange limits for new notes:

Counter Operating Hours

  • Monday to Friday: 9.30 AM to 3.30 PM
  • Saturday: 9.30 AM to 12.00 PM

New Notes Exchange Limits

Denomination Personal Banking Premier Premier Elite/Private Banking
$2 $200 $1,000 $1,000
$5 $500 $2,000 $2,000
$10 $500 $2,000 $5,000
$50 $1,000 $10,000 $20,000

Bulk Cash Deposits/Exchange Fee Updates
Changes to fees for bulk cash deposits/exchanges will take effect from 20 January 2025:

  • Current Fee: First 300 pieces free; SGD 2.50 for every subsequent 100 pieces (or part thereof).
  • New Fee (from 20 January 2025): Free for the first SGD 20,000; SGD 10 for every subsequent SGD 10,000 (or part thereof).

Plan your visits early and consider HSBC’s digital services for a smooth experience this Lunar New Year! For more details, visit Important Notices | Help and Support Center – HSBC SG


Digital Red Packets: A Last-Minute Alternative

If physical notes are unavailable, embrace technology with e-hongbao!

  • DBS PayLah!: Simple, secure, and festive.
  • OCBC Pay Anyone: Send digital red packets with personalized messages.
  • UOB Mighty: Conveniently send festive blessings to loved ones.

Conclusion

With Chinese New Year just days away, finding last-minute CNY notes 2025 can be tricky but not impossible. Plan your visits to ATMs or branches strategically, or switch to e-hongbao for a modern and eco-friendly way to celebrate. Wishing you a prosperous Snake Year ahead!

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