Your best buys in the city are electronics, jewellery, fashion clothing and Asian artefacts. Remember that when buying electronics it is worth insisting on a one-year international warranty and making sure the specifications of the item comply with those of your home country.
As Singapore is a major transport hub, you may be here in transit and thus able to take advantage of duty free shopping. Changi Airport is one of the world's greatest airports and has outstanding shopping facilities, with electrical and computer items especially discounted.
The Great Singapore Sale is held from the end of May until July each year. The city's main stores and malls slash an incredible up to 70% off the prices of even the best labelled goods. It's an excellent time for shoppers to be in the city, although the stores are always crowded so be prepared to fight for the best bargains.
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary tremendously. Malls and supermarkets are typically open between 08h00 and 21h00, while markets frequently operate from 05h00 to as late as 24h00. Banks and other shops 09h30-15h30 Mon-Fri; 09h30-13h00 Sat.
Tax Refund
All goods, purchases and services are subjected to a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST). For visitors, GST can be refunded for purchases above SGD300, so long as the goods are bought in the same shop or shops belonging to a retail chain participating in the Tax-Free Shopping Refund Scheme. If this total is achieved through combining several receipts, each contributory receipt must total SGD100 or more. (Look for the Tax-free Shopping logo in the window).
To obtain the refund, you should complete the Claims Forms at the particular shops, and present these forms together with the goods to customs for inspection when departing Singapore. In Changi International airport, after customs inspection you may proceed to Refund counter for your cash or credit card refund.
