In Singapore, shopping is an experience in itself.
Singapore offers you everything under the sun-apparel, electronic items,
computer software, antiques...the list goes on.
You can start your shopping adventure along Orchard Road. A multitude
of shops and department stores await you, just a stone's throw from each
other. Choose to walk along the tree-lined boulevard or take the Mass
Rapid Transit to the three stations (Orchard, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut
MRT stations) covering the entire length of Orchard Road. Air-conditioned
underpasses and covered walkways link most of the shopping complexes and
department stores, making your shopping experience pleasant, convenient
and hassle-free. Whatever you're buying, look out for the Singapore Gold
Circle seal at the stores. It's an assurance of quality and reliability.
Ethnic areas - Little India, Chinatown and Arab Street - offer local bric-a-brac
items and a different shopping experience and may be worth checking out
as well. |
| Gift
Ideas |
You may like to consider below list for buying a souvenir or gift from
Singapore to your friends or family.
- Coffee-table books on Singapore
- Paintings and prints by local/regional artists
- Local antiquities/memorabilia
- Chinese silk or Malay batik cloth
- Ethnic/locally designed jewellery
- Specially packed spices/curry powder
- Specially packed local tidbits like pineapple tarts
- Gold plated orchids
- Reproductions of museum artifacts
- Chinese linen table runners or embroidered table cloths
- Silk kites to fly or hang on the wall
- Raffles Hotel souvenir items
- Dried Chinese herbs
- Electronic items
- Computers, accessories and software
- Locally designed fashion apparel |
| Where
to shop |
| |
Central Shopping Belt
Singapore's Central Shopping Belt extending from Tanglin Road all the
way down Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road to Marina Bay has been tagged
Fifth Avenue, Regent Street, Champs-Elysees, Via Veneto and Ginza for
good reason.
This is where world-class shopping abounds. A day spent browsing and buying
turns into an unforgettable experience as theme designer boutiques, local
and international department stores, speciality shops and bargain counters
compete with outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants for your attention.
City & Fringe Shopping
Great shopping in Singapore isn't confined to just Orchard Road and its
surroundings. Quality goods at prices that won't burn a hole in your pocket
can be found in lots of places around the city centre. The Riverside area
by River Valley Road is home to both some of the newest as well as the
oldest shops in Singapore. Look in the heart of the financial district
around Raffles Place and Shenton Way where the office crowd throngs the
shops for a surprising variety of goodies.
Suburban Shopping
If you're prepared to venture further afield, you can combine shopping
with a little off-the-beaten track sightseeing as well. In fact, you'll
discover some of the best bargains where most Singaporeans live, eat and
shop - out in the heartlands of Singapore.
These suburban shopping centres offer a surprisingly comprehensive range
of items from branded to electronic goods at prices to delight the value-conscious
and determined bargain hunter. Business hours vary from shop to shop but
as a general guide, most shops are open from 11am to 9pm.
Town centres in the larger estates of Tampines and Bishan are easily accessible
by MRT. Shopping at these bustling town centres is a fascinating experience,
providing insight into the local lifestyle and a chance to mingle with
Singaporeans at their most comfortable. You also reap another benefit
- the opportunity to tuck in "local style" at the numerous food
centres and informal coffee shops.
Shopping Hours
You needn't keep a sharp eye on your watch when you're shopping in Singapore.
A good many stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 10:00 am
to about 9:00 pm, or even 10:00 pm. Our island also enjoys the reputation
of being one of the safest places to be in, so provided basic precautions
are taken, you can have peace of mind to shop and walk around well into
the night.
Shop Tax Free
A 3% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied in Singapore. The minimum
purchase amount to qualify for a refund ranges between SGD 300 and SGD
500. Under the Global Refund GST refund scheme, when you spend a minimum
of SGD 100 at any single store displaying the "TAX FREE SHOPPING"
logo, you will receive a Global Refund Cheque.
A minimum of SGD 300 in total value of Global Refund Cheques is needed
to qualify for a GST refund. The cheques can be accumulated from different
shops, for e.g. three Global Refund Cheques of SGD 100 each issued by
three different participating shops.
To apply for a tax refund under the Global Refund scheme, you must follow
the following four simple steps :
1. Spend a minimum of SGD 300 at a single participating shop or SGD 100
at different participating shops to accumulate a total purchase of SGD
300
2. Present your passport to the retailer to obtain a completed Global
Refund Cheque
3. Get the cheques validated by Customs at Changi Airport Terminal 1 or
2 as proof of export. The goods purchased along with the receipts must
be presented to the Customs for verification.
4. Claim the GST refunds in cash at the Global Refund counters at the
airport. Credit card or bank cheque refunds are also available. A small
handling fee will be deducted from the GST amount. More details may be
obtained from the Global Refund counters located at both terminals of
the Changi Airport
Brochures on the Global Refund services are available at the airport,
selected hotels and shopping centres.
Global Refund may be contacted at :
Robinson Road Post Office P.O. Box 639 Singapore 901239
Tel : (65) 225 6238
Fax : (65) 225 5773 |
| Prices
and Bargains |
| |
The local newspapers will give you
a fair idea of prices to expect. The next best thing to do would be a
quick price comparison within the shopping mall. You're bound to find
the same item sold in several outlets within the complex.
There's no need to worry about whether you're getting the best bargain
in department stores. All items come with price tags and fixed prices
are the rule. Many small retailers also practise price tagging but are
often flexible when approached for a discount on the goods. Ask the retailer
for his "best price" and then counter-offer with realistic prices
until both of you reach a mutual agreement. |
| Credit/Charge
Cards |
| Almost all stores accept major international
credit and charge cards. Should you come across a shop insisting on adding
a surcharge, do contact the local office of the card company so that corrective
action can be taken. |
| Money
Matters |
Banks throughout Singapore generally
open at 9:30 am and close at 3:30 pm Mondays to Fridays, and 9:30 am to
11:30 am on Saturdays for transactions of travellers' cheques and other
financial matters. For convenience, ATM machines are open round-the-clock.
Keep a look-out for these machines displaying Plus and Cirrus signs at
all banks and most shopping centres. |
| Money
Changers |
| Apart from the convenience of exchanging
money at all banks and hotels, money can also be exchanged wherever the
sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. You can't miss them
as there are usually a few in almost every shopping complex. |
| Receipts
and Return Policies |
All department stores and smaller
retail shops provide either cash slips or receipts upon purchase. Feel
free to ask should they omit giving you one and be sure that details shown
on the receipt are accurate.
Most larger shops and department stores will exchange goods if they are
returned undamaged, or returned in the same condition as when sold. However,
returns are accepted only within a specified number of days (usually three)
from the purchase date, and upon presentation of a receipt. Smaller shops
may not be so accommodating, so always check goods carefully before purchasing.
You may also want to check out the shop's return policy before making
a purchase.
If you're undecided about a purchase in a department store and would like
a bit of time to consider, just ask the sales assistant to put it aside
for you. The item can usually be reserved for a maximum of three days.
|
| Warranty |
| |
Check that the guarantee card for
your purchase bears the correct brand name and model number and is endorsed
with the shop's stamp. International guarantees can be obtained for many
goods, usually for a 12-month period. However, you may have to ask for
them and the price may be raised slightly. Some guarantees have limitations,
and though international, may not always be applicable world-wide.
Most shops will comply with your requests for guarantee statements, but
if one is not forthcoming, it may be best to simply shop elsewhere. |
| Delivery |
Many larger stores will oblige by
shipping purchases to your home. To ensure that there is no miscommunication,
do ask individual retailers for details and get written confirmation of
your instructions. It would be to your advantage for your purchase to
be covered for damage in transit and loss by buying an All Risk insurance
which the shop can arrange for you. Also, contact your national diplomatic
representative to check the latest customs regulations of your country.
If you are sending purchases home by post, check with the Singapore Post
for information on requirements and regulations for air and sea delivery.
Post offices are generally open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekdays, and
8:30 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays while certain branches have extended opening
hours. Some hotels provide a parcel wrapping service. |
| Permits |
| All weapons (even swords and kris
bought as souvenirs) must be accompanied by export permits issued by the
Singapore Arms and Explosives Branch at 391, New Bridge Road, #02-701,
Police Cantonment Complex, Singapore 088762, Tel: (65) 557 5822. Singapore
and many other countries place restrictions on items from endangered species
such as ivory and skins. If in doubt, check with your national diplomatic
representative whether a permit is required before you bring an item into
your home country. |
