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Where to Shop
Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore.
Part of the fun is the excellent buys and great variety
of shops all over the island. Delight in a bargain at a
little neighbourhood shop, pick up a quaint item or two
as you stroll through colourful ethnic quarters, discover
favourite buys of the droves who flock to our modern malls
or be enthralled by the splendour of whole shopping "cities"
selling everything under the sun.
Many top hotels also have an attached shopping arcade with
fine boutiques specialising in designer fashion, accessories,
jewellery and watches.
And designer brands from the fashion runways of the world
can be affordable - if you know where to look. Find them
at the growing number of discount shops around the city.
The magic is affordable in Singapore.
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. |
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Shopping
Tips
Before hitting the stores, equip yourself with information
on local practices and conditions. Make notes of the shopping
tips provided below and check with your hotel concierge
or visit any Singapore Visitor Centre for assistance, upon
arrival.
Shopping Hour
A good number of department stores and some smaller shops
are open daily from 10am to about 9pm, or even 10pm. Singapore
is one of the few countries in the world where you feel
safe staying out in the streets till late at night. As long
as basic precautions are taken, you can have peace of mind
to shop and walk around.
Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store
in Singapore that is open 24 hours, everyday!
Prices
and Bargains
The local newspapers will give you a fair idea of prices
to expect and information on current sales and promotions.
You might also wish to take time to browse and compare prices
before purchasing
In department stores, all items price-tagged and prices
are fixed. Many small retailers also practise price tagging
but are often flexible when approached for a discount. Ask
the retailer for his "best price" and then counter-offer
with realistic prices until both of you reach an 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
Banks throughout Singapore generally operate from 9.30am
to 3.30pm, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 9.30am to 11.30am
on Saturdays for travellers' cheques transactions of and
other financial matters. For greater convenience, Automated
Teller Machines (ATMs) that are conveniently located at
banks and most shopping centres are open round-the-clock.
Keep a lookout for these machines displaying Plus and Cirrus
signs.
You can exchange currency at all banks, hotels, and wherever
the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.
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.
Larger shops and department stores will exchange goods if
they are returned in good, original condition. However,
returns are accepted only within a specified number of days
(usually three) from the purchase date, and upon presentation
of the 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.
Goods
and Services Tax (GST)
Global Refund GST Scheme
A 5% GST is levied in Singapore. As
a foreign visitor, you are entitled to claim back
the GST that you pay on your purchases when you take
them home. GST refund is not applicable for land and
cruise departures.,
Under the Global Refund GST Scheme, visit any store
that displays the "TAX FREE SHOPPING" logo and follow
these simple steps: - |
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1. Spend a minimum of SGD 100 at any Global Refund affiliated
retailer.
2. Present your passport to the retailer to obtain a completed
Global Refund Cheque.
3. Get the Cheques validated at the Singapore Customs counter
at Changi Airport Terminal 1 or 2 as proof of export. The
goods purchased, along with the receipts and Global Refund
Cheques must be presented for verification.
4. Claim your GST refund in the form of cash, credit card,
bank cheques or Airport Shopping Vouchers at Global Refund
counters in the airport. A small handling fee will be deducted
from the GST amount due to you.
Global
Refund's Cash Refund Network:
Singapore Changi Airport - after Immigration
check-in area
Terminal 1 & 2, 24 hours daily
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Downtown Cash Refund Centres (DCR) - at Customer Service
or Information Counter:
- Funan The IT Mall (Level 2), 11am - 8pm daily
- Centrepoint (Level 1), 11am - 9pm daily
- Sim Lim Square (Level 1), 11am - 8pm daily
- Wisma Atria (Level 1), Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm, Sun
& Public Holiday: 12pm - 8pm
You may also visit any Downtown Cash Refund Centre to claim
your GST refund immediately after shopping. Downtown Cash
Refunds are provided in Singapore currency and are limited
to a maximum of SGD500 per tourist. Tourists are required
to produce their Visa or Mastercard credit card with 6-months
validity in order to use the service. They must also obtain
Customs endorsement on the Global Refund Cheque within 2
months from the date of issue, before departing by air travel.
For more information on the Global Refund GST Scheme, please
visit
www.globalrefund.com or email:
taxfree@sg.globalrefund.com or call the 24-hour hotline:
+ 65 6225 6238.
Retailers that are not affiliates of the Global Refund scheme/Premier
Tax Free scheme administer their own GST refund schemes.
You are advised to check with these retailers on the minimum
purchase amount to qualify for GST refund, as it varies
from retailer to retailer. |
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