Singapore shopping - Shopping centre guide in Singapore

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 neighborhood shop, pick up a quaint item or two as you stroll through colorful ethnic districts, discover favorite buys of the droves who flock to our modern malls or be enthralled by the splendor of whole shopping "cities" selling everything under the sun.

Singapore isn't hailed as a shopper's paradise for no reason. Shopping is seriously regarded as second to eating as a national pastime for most Singaporeans. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the island has an outstanding range of products that are available in shopping malls, department stores, boutiques and bargain stores. So, whether you intend to splurge or save, there are labels and stores to satisfy shoppers of every discernible taste, inclination and budget. For an alternative shopping experience, do make time for a trip down to Singapore's ethnic districts - Arab Street, Chinatown and Little India.

Most shopping centers and shops are open daily from 10am to 9pm. However, there are some shops that close at 10pm. Singapore is also one of the safest cities in the world, so staying out late should pose no security problems if the usual precautions are taken.

Avid shoppers would particularly love the annual, nationwide Great Singapore Sale, which usually falls between May to June. It has become a legendary annual event for both Singaporeans and visitors alike. Wide ranges of goods, including designer products, are marked down to present a mighty shopping extravaganza. The bargains are genuine and definitely value-for-money.

Popular Shopping Areas

:: Orchard Road
You haven't shopped in Singapore if you haven't been to Orchard Road. This world famous stretch is the favorite shopping belt in the city. Whatever your budget, you can almost always find something you want. Most shopping centers will have an anchor tenant (usually a major department store) and other smaller retailers. Gems for the picking range from designer labels, to mid-range goods, to budget items. Some popular department stores to check out are: Marks & Spencer, Robinsons, Tangs, Ngee Ann City, Wisma, Centrepoint, Scotts, Plaza Singapura.

Getting there: You can take the MRT to any of these three stations within the Orchard Road belt--Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut.

:: Bugis Street

From alleyways to sailors' haunts, Bugis Road has transformed to become a highly urbanized and sophisticated area. Stores have been restored, and new shopping complexes and office tower blocks have been erected, thus making it possibly one of the best known places in Singapore. Although highly modernized, efforts have been made to ensure the area's Old World charms are not taken away. Small shops line the streets selling everything from electronic items to clothes. With the addition of Bugis Junction, a trendy mall, you will definitely enjoy the fascinating mix of old and new cultures blended together.

:: Chinatown

For all things Chinese, Chinatown is probably your best bet -- from traditional herbs to textiles to decorative items and antiques. Try the Tanjong Pagar area for traditional teashops, clog and kite makers, painted masks, waxed paper umbrellas, lacquerware from China, handicrafts and artifacts from all over Asia. Then wander over to Smith Street, Trengganu Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street where the streets are at their narrowest and you'll find some of the best bargains.

The bigger shopping complexes here, such as Chinatown Point, Yue Hwa, People's Park Complex and Chinatown Complex, are good sources for Chinese products and also offer bargains galore in their extensive ranges of more conventional products. Look here for everything from electrical and electronic goods, luggage and textiles to bargain-priced clothes and cosmetics. A wide selection of local crafts is available at the Singapore Handicraft Centre in Chinatown Point.

:: Little India

Little India is the best place to buy almost anything that is Indian. Handicrafts, Kashmir silk, peacock feathers and flower garlands are examples of some of the things available in Little India. Good buys include beautiful saris (traditional Indian woman's dress), muslin, brassware, cooking utensils and India-designed jewelry. Pop-art posters of Hindu gods and Indian movie stars are available for purchase. You can also choose to visit Serangoon Plaza, an emporium cum department store, which is located at the other end of Serangoon Road.

:: Kampong Glam & Arab Street
The little streets in this area form the historical focal point of Muslim life in Singapore. Nothing beats the surroundings for bazaar-style shopping with true ethnic character. Here you can browse in hole-in-the-wall shops, haggle to your heart's content and come away with the most delightful purchases at bargain prices. The most visible items for sale are the baskets and other cane, straw, rattan and pandan leaf goods spilling onto the pavements - from baby cradles to floor mats, hanging chairs to serving trays. These shops also stock interesting camel skin bags, cloisonné boxes and sewing kits.

:: Suburban Shopping

If you're prepared to venture further afar, you can combine shopping with a little off-the-beaten track sightseeing as well. In fact, you'll discover some of the best bargains out in the heartlands of Singapore, where most Singaporeans live, eat and shop.

These suburban shopping centers offer a surprisingly comprehensive range of items from branded to electronic goods at prices to delight the value-conscious and determined bargain hunters. Business hours vary from shop to shop, but as a general guide most shops are open from 11am to 9pm.

Town centers in the larger estates of Tampines and Bishan are easily accessible by MRT. Shopping at these bustling town centers is a fascinating experience, providing insight into the local lifestyle and a chance to mingle with Singaporeans at their utmost comfort. You also reap another benefit - the opportunity to tuck in "local style" at the numerous food centers and informal coffee shops. And if you are lucky, you might even chance upon a pasar malam (night market) where you will find an eclectic range of products at value-for-money prices.

Shop Tax Free

Shopping in Singapore comes with a low 5% sales tax (called Goods & Services Tax or GST for short). However, we have even better news for you as with purchases of SGD 300 or more, you can receive a refund of the GST paid on your goods under the Global Refund GST refund scheme. Here's how:

Brochures on the Global Refund services are available at Changi Airport, selected hotels and shopping centers.

Global Refund may be contacted at:
Robinson Road Post Office
P.O. Box 639
Singapore 901239
Tel: (65) 6-225-6238
Fax: (65) 6-225-5773

Great Singapore Sale

The GreatSingapore Sale, held in June, has become a much anticipated annual event on the calendar for both locals and visitors. This is when Singapore turns into one big shopping carnival with stores marking down prices drastically. Even designer goods may be discounted up to 80%.

The Great Singapore Sale, happening May 24 to July 7, 2002, starts with a huge bang in a burst of activity on Orchard Road, followed by the best bargains from electronic goods and electrical appliances to fashion and food. Adding to the festive atmosphere are lucky draws with cash and gift prizes in celebration of the total shopping experience that Singapore offers in terms of price, variety, quality and ambience.

For more information, visit www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg

(c) Provided by Tourism Authority of Singapore