With Chinese New Year just around the corner, Singaporeans are gearing up for one of the most cherished traditions: giving and receiving ang baos (red packets). This symbolic gesture represents good luck, blessings, and prosperity. But each year brings the familiar question: What are the ang bao market rates for 2025, and how much should you pack?
In this guide, we’ll break down the considerations for deciding ang bao amounts, offer insights into the latest trends in Singapore, and ensure you’re packing the right amount without overdoing it—or underwhelming your recipients! If you’re looking for a financial boost to keep up with festive expenses, Lendela can help you explore affordable loan options to tide through the season stress-free.
Understanding Ang Bao Etiquette in Singapore
Ang baos are more than just monetary gifts; they carry cultural significance. Here's what to remember:
Symbolism over value: The gesture of giving is more important than the amount inside. Even small sums carry meaning when given with sincerity.
Avoid odd numbers: In Chinese culture, odd numbers symbolise inauspicious events, so stick to even numbers like $8 or $10.
Crisp notes: Fresh-looking notes symbolise respect and effort. In recent years, local banks in Singapore such as DBS Bank have embraced sustainability by offering notes that are fit as new for as an eco-friendly alternative to freshly printed ones. These are high-quality, recirculated notes that look nearly as good as new, helping to reduce environmental impact.
Banks in Singapore offer pre-ordering services for new or Fit notes. For DBS, OCBC, and UOB, you’ll need to make an online reservation beforehand. Walk-ins are only available for individuals aged 60 and above or those with disabilities.
Refer to this list from MAS to find out if note exchanges are available. Although most banks on the list allow walk-ins, it’s a good idea to visit their website or call ahead to confirm stock availability.
Who should you give Ang Baos to?
Giving ang baos is a cherished tradition in Singapore, symbolising blessings, prosperity, and goodwill. However, it can sometimes be unclear who exactly you should prepare red packets for. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this important practice:
Grandparents: It’s a common practice in Singapore to show respect, gratitude, and love for the elders who have nurtured and guided the family over the years.
Parents: It’s customary to give ang baos to your parents and in-laws as a sign of respect and gratitude for their care and guidance.
Siblings: If they are unmarried, giving them an ang bao is a thoughtful gesture to spread joy.
Extended family
Nieces and Nephews: Children of your siblings or cousins typically receive ang baos. This is a way of sharing blessings with the younger generation.
Cousins: It’s common to give ang baos to unmarried cousins, depending on your family’s tradition.
Children of friends and colleagues
Close friends’ children: If you’re visiting a close friend’s home, prepare a red packet for their kids as a gesture of goodwill.
Colleagues’ children: If they bring their kids to gatherings or if you’re attending an office-related celebration, a small token ang bao is polite.
Helpers and service staff
Domestic helpers: Giving your helper an ang bao is a way to thank them for their hard work and support throughout the year.
Service workers (e.g. Security guards, cleaners): A small ang bao for those who serve your community is a thoughtful gesture of appreciation.
Special cases
Elderly relatives: Even if they are married, some families give ang baos to elderly relatives to show care and respect.
Neighbors or acquaintances: While less common, giving a small ang bao to those who play a part in your daily life can spread festive cheer.
2025 Ang Bao market rates in Singapore
While there’s no strict rule, ang bao rates generally depend on the relationship with the recipient. Here’s a quick reference table to guide you on how much to pack based on the recipient and your relationship with them. These ranges are based on common practices in Singapore for Chinese New Year.
Recipient | Suggested Amount (SGD) | Notes |
Parents/Grandparents | $88–$288 | Higher amounts are customary to show respect and gratitude. |
Siblings | $28–$88 | Adjust based on closeness and family traditions. |
Nieces and Nephews | $10–$28 | Typically smaller amounts for extended family members. |
Cousins | $10–$28 | For younger cousins or if it's part of family tradition. |
Close Friends’ Kids | $8–$28 | Show generosity, especially for close friends’ children. |
Colleagues’ Kids | $6–$12 | A token amount to show goodwill. |
Domestic Helpers | $10–$80 | A meaningful way to thank them for their year-long support. |
Service Workers (e.g. Security Guards) | $6–$10 | A small gesture to appreciate their hard work during the festive season. |
How to decide the Ang Bao amount?
Relationship matters: Closer relationships generally warrant higher amounts.
Financial comfort: Give within your means—generosity is a gesture, not a competition.
Cultural norms: Stick to even numbers and auspicious amounts like $8 for prosperity.
Tip: If you have a long list of recipients, planning your budget ahead can make the process stress-free. While you should always consider affordability when budgeting for ang baos, always know what your loan options are if you are looking for temporary financial relief through a loan. Combine tradition with practicality by considering sustainable practices, like using “almost new” notes or digital ang baos for a modern and eco-friendly approach.
Factors to consider when deciding your Ang Bao budget
Relationship: Closer relationships typically mean larger amounts.
Financial situation: Always give within your means. It’s the thought that counts.
Market rates: Keep tabs on general trends—many Singaporeans now follow online forums and social media for updates on the “expected” rates.
Number of recipients: Large families mean more red packets, so plan accordingly!
Tips to ace your Ang Bao game in 2025
Start early: Visit the bank for new notes ahead of the festive rush.
Track your budget: Use a spreadsheet or a mobile app to allocate your ang bao expenses.
Personalise it: Add a handwritten note or stickers to make the gesture even more thoughtful.
Don’t stress about judgments: Ultimately, ang baos are about spreading joy and blessings, not competition. Lendela can match you with the right personal loan to manage your festive spending responsibly.
Giving ang baos is about spreading joy and blessings, not about the exact amount you pack. While market rates for 2025 can guide you, always give what you can afford and consider your financial situation. It’s natural to want to give more, and that’s a beautiful sentiment, but the true value lies in the thought and care behind the gesture.
As Singapore moves towards greener celebrations, incorporating sustainable practices like using almost new “fit-for-gifting” notes or digital ang baos is a meaningful way to honor tradition while protecting the environment.
Here’s wishing you a prosperous, joyful, and eco-friendly Chinese New Year 2025!
FAQs about Ang Bao giving in Singapore
Q: Can I pack odd numbers like $7 or $9?
A: No, stick to even numbers or auspicious amounts like $8 (symbolising wealth).
Q: What’s the minimum I should give to avoid looking stingy?
A: For acquaintances or colleagues’ kids, $6–$8 is considered acceptable.
Q: Are there digital alternatives for ang baos in 2025?
A: Yes! Platforms like PayNow and DBS QR Gift have made cashless ang bao giving easier, especially among tech-savvy Singaporeans.