Singapore, Singapore Hotels and City Guide

Singapore - Shopping

If there is one thing that Singaporeans like to do, it’s eat. Second on the list is shopping. Singapore has strong consumer protection laws, so you can feel confident shopping at the many malls and shops in the city. Singapore strives to be tourist-friendly and so levies low taxes and tariffs on imported products. You won’t find many bargain-basement prices, but you will find honest and reasonable ones.

One of the first stops for shoppers should be Orchard Road. This is an adventure in itself: you can find trendy boutiques, high-end department stores, salons, spas, and cafes. The air is always alive with festivals or fairs and the entertainment sidewalk performers. Indulge in Versace, Jimmy Choo, Prada, and Bollywood’s high fashion lines at Palais Renaissance or look through beautiful Asian antiques and lovely Persian, Pakistani, and Afghan carpets and wares at Tanglin Shopping Centre.

Visitors love shopping along the Singapore River in Riverside Point and Clarke Quay. Here you will find hundreds of shops selling attire, jewelry, pottery, home wares, and much more. Evenings are a special treat as you walk through the festive lights which reflect beautifully off the river. Visit Harbour Front’s malls or Holland Village for beautiful Asian crafts, as well as contemporary products. For those who love unearthing the perfect treasure, shopping in Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street will provide endless fascination and fun.

From standard mall fare to more unique finds, Singapore is a shopper’s paradise. And for those who would rather spend their days at the beach, many stores and shops offer extended hours. After a long day of lounging on gorgeous white sand or visiting attractions, shops are open until 10:00pm. Even smaller shops close relatively late at 7:00pm. Early birds should stop at a café for tea or coffee first because shops typically open at 10:00am.

Tax Refunds

Goods and services have a seven percent tax attached. If visitors spend more than S$100 from one vendor, the tax can be refunded. This refund is not available for residents of Singapore or those who have been employed in Singapore in the last year. When shopping, look for signs saying either “Tax Free Shopping” or “Premier Tax Free” and ask for a voucher. Attach your receipt or receipts.

When you get to the Changi Airport, show your voucher to Customs, where it will be validated when you show a passport, travel documents, and receipts. Claim your refund at the Global Refund or Premier Tax Free counter. You may receive your refund less handling fee as cash, transfer to your credit card, or airport shopping vouchers. Shops offering tax refund vouchers are affiliated with either Global Refund (+65.6225.6238) or Premier Tax Free (+65.6293.3811).  Shops not affiliated with either may offer their own tax refund voucher, but make sure to ask about any restrictions. To ensure you get your refund, check for the Global or Premier Tax Free logos.

Hotels in Singapore, Singapore