South East Asian Trips

Singapore is a very popular shopping destination in the South-East Asian region. The country has some best set up shopping malls, local markets, exhibition cum sales centers, consumer electronics and computer hardware hubs and software markets. The tourists can purchase the best quality at a very affordable price. To facilitate trade and investment in the country the government has taken favorable steps to boosts shopping environment. Before diving in to the shopping spree, it is advisable that the visitors have some vital shopping tips and guidance. These shopping tips will help visitors enhance their shopping experience in Singapore and make it a pleasant one.

Shopping Hours

Almost all major malls, shopping complexes, department stores and even local markets open daily from 10 O' clock in the morning up to 10 or even 11 O' clock in the evening. The only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day is Mustafa Centre in Little India. Singapore is one of the very few countries in the world where it is safe out even late at night.

The widely accepted currency in Singapore is Singapore Dollar. Banks in Singapore generally operate from 09.30 am 03.30 pm, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 09.30 am to 11.30 am on Saturdays. Visitors may approach the banks for encashment of travelers' cheques and other financial matters. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centers for the convenience of the visitors. These ATMs are open round the clock. You may exchange your currency at all banks, hotels, tour operators and wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.

Credit Cards / Charge Cards

Almost all department stores, shopping complexes, malls, specialty stores accept all major international credit cards and charge cards. For any additional surcharges and extra costs insisted upon the customer by the shop, you may contact the local office of the credit or charge card company so that the best corrective action can be taken.

Prices and Bargains

For prices and bargains, you may refer to the local news parers that extensively covers valuable information regarding major sales, and promotions going on around the city. All big stores and shopping stores have their price tags attached to the products. However, many small shops and retailers go flexible with bargaining.

Useful Shopping Tips and Advice

Always compare prices in advance to avail the best deals.

The voltage in Singapore is 220 to 240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second, so buy such products that match your home voltage. The same must be taken care of for mobile phones bandwidths and formats for audio and visual equipment.

Get the equipment tested before you leave the shop and check the product properly also ensure that the promised accessories and peripherals you have paid for are there inside the box.

Ensure if the warranty you are being offered is valid in your home country and check out for limitations and restrictions as an international warranty is not always standard. Make sure the warranty card and invoice carries the correct serial number and it must be properly endorsed by the retailer.

Always ask for receipts and preserve them for further use. Make sure the all the relevant information has been mentioned on the receipts.

You must check for out for the details of the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). You may be eligible for a refund either directly from the retailer or at the airport. Ask the retailer for a GST refund form and verify the same for yourself. For this, all details, such as dealers signature and stamp must be correct and properly mentioned in the receipt.

Singapore is a city which embraces the moder advancements and socio-cultural development. Though Singapore has a rich traditional heritage, at the same time the country walks shoulder to shoulder with the modern world. Tourists love to buy a variety of things while they are in Singapore. Shopping in Singapore is pleasant experience. You can find a number of world-class shopping complexes in Singapore. Different parts of the country have big shopping complexes that cater to a variety of demands of people.

Some Famous Shopping Malls in Singapore Ngee Ann City - Located on the posh Orchard Road, the Ngee Ann City, also known as Takashimaya is a store house of some of major brands available in the city. The mall has the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia named, Kinokuniya.

Suntec City Mall - Located in the vicinity of the Marina Centre, Suntec City Mall is the largest shopping center in Singapore. Some most famous brands that the mall includes are Esprit, Hush Puppies and Ashworth.

Tanglin Shopping Center - Tanglin Shopping Center offers a very distinct shopping experience to the customers with Antiques, arts and jewelry.

Sim Lim Square - Sim Lim Square is a place where you can buy various electronics and IT products. This shopping mall in Singapore is located on the Rochor Canal Road.

Delfi Orchard - Delfi Orchard is the place for those shoppers who wish to buy the most elegant Bridal gowns, most fashionable accessories and many more similar items.

Marina Square Shopping Mall - One of the largest shopping malls in the city, the marina Square Shopping Mall definitely offers great opportunity to the shoppers.

Far East Plaza - Selling an array of street fashion products available in both apparel and accessories, Far East Plaza is a place to be for all visitors coming to Singapore.

Chinatown Plaza - A sojourn of the Shopping malls in Singapore is incomplete without visiting the Chinatown area that hoses some of the best shops in the region.

O.G. Albert Shopping Mall - Located in the Bugis District, the O.G. Albert is the place to be in for all household items ranging from toys to cosmetics and from delectable food to fashion products.

Mustafa Center - The Mustafa center is one of the most prominent Shopping malls in Singapore famous for selling Low priced items. Catering to the shoppers 24 hours in the day, the center attracts both the locals as well as the tourists alike.