Every year, it seemed to be a trend in Singapore to withdraw new note to put inside red packets to give away. The act of giving new notes seemed to be symbolic with many.

As a lazy person who doesn’t really care about this tradition, I have always been using my leftovers from the wedding and withdrawing some money from the ATM to supplement my red packets. I feel that the important thing in the red packet is the monetary benefit rather than the cosmetic appearance. People will probably take the money from the red packet and collate them together.

This year, I happened upon the ATM that had little queue. Hence, I decided to try to withdraw the $600 package

The “Fit notes” booth
The notes don’t look “fit”

The notes look like they are from a normal ATM machine as they are folded and stained. 🫣🫣🫣 I was expecting the notes to be in slightly better condition. Lol.

“New notes” booth

I decided to try the new notes booth since there is no queue after seeing the poor conditions of my $10 and $50.

In a wayyyy better condition

I withdrew $100 worth of $2 note. The condition is significantly much better. I could see why people prefer to get new notes. It’s not like there is an extra cost. It just takes a bit more effort.

Cash is replenished at 6-7pm everyday during the selected period.

You could wait for 6-7 pm everyday to withdraw to ensure that you do not waste time queueing for the new notes, but the queue is definitely longer.

Free red packet from POSB
Paylah red packet

POSB also gave paylah red packet. You can load these with money and people can scan the QR with their paylah to withdraw money. Looks interesting. I am not sure if I will try though.

Regardless whether they are new notes, old note or Digital notes, they are all my money

On a side note, MAS says printing new notes causes extra carbon footprint but they themselves have sold commemorative notes and coins to celebrate various events. So they should not act noble during this period.