| Before hitting the stores, do equip yourself with information on local practices and conditions. The shopping tips provided below will help make your shopping experience in Singapore a pleasant one. It is also a good idea to check with your hotel concierge or visit any Singapore Visitor Centre for assistance, upon arrival. |
A good number of department stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 1000 hrs to about 2100 hrs, or even 2200 hrs. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world it is reasonably safe out in the streets even late at night. As long as basic precautions are taken, you can shop in peace.
Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday!
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The local newspapers are usually a good bet on the most current sales and promotions. You may 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. |
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. |
For travellers’ cheques and other financial matters, approach the banks which generally operate from 0930 hrs to 1530 hrs, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs on Saturdays. For greater convenience, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centres and 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. |
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All department stores and smaller retail shops provide either cash slips or receipts upon purchase. Feel free to ask for one if this step is omitted 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 usually 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 as well as the shop’s return policy before making a purchase.
If you're undecided about a purchase in a department store and would like to take some time to consider, just ask the sales assistant to put it aside for you. Items can usually be reserved for a maximum of three days.
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A 7% GST is levied in Singapore.
Under the Tourist Refund Scheme, tourists who buy goods in Singapore from participating retailers can claim a refund of the GST paid if the goods are brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport within 2 months from the date of purchase. GST refunds are not applicable for land and cruise departures.
For more details on the conditions and refund procedures on the scheme, please refer to this website.
Eligible tourists who satisfy the conditions of the scheme will be entitled to receive GST refunds from the retailers or a central refund agency. Currently, there are 2 central refund agencies. They are Global Refund Singapore Pte Ltd and Premier Tax Free (Singapore) Pte Ltd.
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Under the Global Refund GST Scheme, visit any store that displays the “TAX FREE SHOPPING” logo and follow these simple steps:
- Spend a minimum of SGD 100 at any Global Refund affiliated retailer.
- Present your passport to the retailer to obtain a completed Global Refund Cheque.
- Get the Cheques validated at the Singapore Customs counter at Singapore 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.
- 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.
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Since November 2003 Premier Tax Free has been endorsed by the Singapore Tourism Board to provide a GST Refund service in Singapore.
Under the Premier Tax Free GST Scheme, visit any store that displays the "PREMIER TAX FREE" logo and follow these simple steps:-
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- Ask for your Premier refund when you spend only SGD 100 at a single participating shop. There is no need to accumulate vouchers to a value over SGD 300 as before.
- The shop gives the tourist a Premier Tax Free export declaration form which indicates: description of goods, price paid including tax, refund amount.
- Have your Premier Voucher validated by Customs at Changi Airport Terminal 1 or 2 or Seletar Airport as proof of export. Your goods purchased, along with your receipts, must be presented for verification.
- Claim your Premier GST refund in the form of cash, credit card, bank cheques at the Premier Tax Free counters in the airport next to Customs. A small handling fee will be deducted from the GST amount due to you. No additional service charge is applied to credit card refunds.
Retailers that are not affiliates of the Premier Tax Free scheme may 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.
For more information, log on to www.premiertaxfree.com or contact Premier Tax Free, 371 Beach Road, Singapore 199597, 24-hour Hotline: 1800 829 3733.
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Check that the warranty card for your purchase bears the correct details of the product purchased and is endorsed with the retailer's stamp. International warranties can be obtained for many goods, usually for a 12-month period, but some products are not accompanied by warranties and these are usually sold at a lower price. Some international warranties have limitations, and may not be applicable to certain countries.
Most shops will comply with your requests for guarantee statements, but if one is not forthcoming, it may be best to simply shop elsewhere.
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Many larger stores offer international shipping. To ensure timely delivery, do request for a written confirmation of your instructions. It is preferable to cover your purchase for damage in transit and loss by buying an All Risk insurance which the shop can arrange for you. Also, contact your national diplomatic representative to check the latest customs regulations of your country.
If you are sending purchases home by post, check with the Singapore Post for information on requirements and regulations for air and sea delivery. Post offices are generally open from 0830 hrs to 1700 hrs on weekdays, and 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs on Saturdays while certain branches have extended opening hours. Some hotels provide a parcel wrapping service.
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All weapons (even swords and kris bought as souvenirs) must be accompanied by export permits issued by the Singapore Arms and Explosives Branch at 391, New Bridge Road, #02-701, Police Cantonment Complex, Singapore 088762, Tel: (65) 6557 5822. Singapore and many other countries place restrictions on items from endangered species such as ivory and skins. If in doubt, check with your national diplomatic representative whether a permit is required before you bring an item into your home country.
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CaseTrust is an accreditation programme, developed by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), which recognises good business practices among store-based and web-based business establishments.
Visit www.case.org.sg for a list of CaseTrust members.
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QJS is a mark of trust for the Singapore jewellery industry. It is developed by the Singapore Jewellers Association, with the support of the Singapore Tourism Board and SPRING Singapore. QJS sets the benchmarks for the jewellery industry and also associates its members with a brand that represents a prestigious hallmark of service quality and reliability. When buying jewellery, look out for the QJS decals at certified jewellers around Singapore.
Visit www.qjs.org.sg for a list of certified jewellers, or call the QJS Hotline at +65 6352 9909.
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As in other countries, be wary of touts with offers of free shopping tours, special discounts or pirated goods. Visitors who encounter unfair retailer practices can contact the Singapore Tourism Board at Tel: 1800 736 2000 (toll-free in Singapore), Fax: +65 6734 9035, or email feedback@stb.gov.sg. If visitors wish to receive some form of redress within 24 hours (depending on the complexity of the claim), you can also lodge your claim directly with the Small Claims Tribunals (SCT) at
1 Havelock Square
1st Square, Subordinate Courts
Singapore 059724
Operation hours
Mon - Fri 0830 hrs to 1730 hrs (lunch 1300 hrs to 1400 hrs)
Sat 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs
Filing Times
Mon - Fri 0900 hrs to 1200 hrs, 1400 to 1630 hrs
Sat 0900 hrs to 1300 hrs
Website: http//www.smallclaims.gov.sg
An administrative fee of SGD 10 is payable to the SCT.
Alternatively, you may lodge a claim against the retailer with the E@DR Centre of the Subordinate courts. The E@DR Centre offers a free on-line dispute resolution service. The mediation of the dispute will be conducted via email, which allows you to proceed with your visit without any or with minimum interference to your schedule, as your physical presence is not required. You may also file a claim with the Centre using email anytime during your travel or after you have returned home.
All claims filed with the Centre are confidential. Both parties to the dispute must have an email account and must consent to the matter being e-mediated by the Centre. For more information on the services of the Centre, please visit their website at: http://www.e-adr.gov.sg.
Click here to view list of errant retailers.
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In the tropics, sudden thunderstorms are not unusual, especially during the monsoon months of November and December. Singapore is well equipped with underpasses and covered walkways that link one shopping complex to another to protect against such weather conditions. From Orchard Road MRT Station, for instance, underpasses alone can lead shoppers to as many as six different shopping centres!
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If you are having clothes tailor-made, establish a clear understanding about payment. It is wise to just leave a deposit when ordering, with full payment following only after you have inspected the completed garment for workmanship and fit.
Click below to print a copy of Your Guide to Electronics and IT Shopping. |
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