SHOPPING SINGAPORE

Singapore is a shoppers’ paradise and well recognized as one of the best shopping capitals of Southeast Asia. Shopping is one of the favorite activities of Singaporeans. Doing shopping here is a pleasure: shopping malls are well and comfortably planned and constructed, shops hold sales and promotions, the selection of products is incredible, the customer service is at the highest level. You may find good offers to buy bags, shoes and summer knitwear as well as the latest electronic devices and all kinds of electronics in general.

Most of the supermarkets, shopping malls and smaller shops are open daily from 10:00 to 21:00, some of them up to 22:00 (Mustafa Center is the only shopping mall in Singapore which operates 24/7 and it is located near Little India district).

The main shopping area in Singapore is, of course - Orchard Road. This is where a high concentration of shopping malls and boutiques as well as restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and entertainment centers is located.

Paragon Shopping Centre 

One of the most famous shopping malls in Singapore, located on Orchard Road Street. The mall represents such brands as Prada, Gucci, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, Tod's, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, ETRO, Jean Paul Gaultier, Valentino, Ralph Lauren. After hours of shopping here you can satisfy your hunger at one of the many restaurants.

Address: 290 Orchard Road (MRT Orchard)

Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:30

Takashimaya Shopping Centre 

In Takashimaya you can find all the most expensive brands. There are boutiques of such brands as Cristian Dior, Fendi, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Coach, TOD'S, Burberry, etc.

Address: 391 Orchard Road (MRT Orchard)

Opening hours: 10:00 - 21:30

Palais Renaissance Shopping Centre 

Shopping mall with luxurious interior where you can find prestigious brands. It is also one of the best stores where it is recommended to buy expensive watches and jewelry.

Address: 390 Orchard Road (MRT Orchard)

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 20:00

Suntec City Mall 

This is one of the largest shopping malls in Singapore with area of 83.850 square meters. Suntec City Mall is divided into four thematic areas - Galleria, Tropics, Entertainment Centre and fountain terrace. In special stores of Galleria in addition to well-known brands you may find the products that are presented by Singaporean manufacturers. There is the famous Fountain of Wealth near the shopping mall.

Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard (MRT City Hall)

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00

VivoCity Shopping Centre 

Big shopping and entertainment center with distinctive design. VivoCity is very suitable for both locals and tourists. It consists of many boutiques that are mainly represented by affordable mid-priced brands. Many cafes, restaurants and a cinema will compliment your shopping experience.

Address: 1 Harbour Front Walk (MRT Harbour Front)

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Raffles City Shopping Centre 

Raffles City complex was designed by a famous interior designer I.M. Pei. There are two hotels, a variety of restaurants, the Congress Center and large shopping center. Here you can find many casual clothes brands which are focused on everyday life use as well as sports clothing, watches, jewelry, sunglasses and famous branded stores.

Address: 252 North Bridge Road (MRT City Hall)

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Sim Lim Square 

It is the largest electronics and IT center in Singapore. If there is no price tag on the item, it is usually quoted a little higher by the seller giving you room to bargain. Be bold to ask for at least 25% chiaper and spare some time to compare and research.

Address: Rochor Canal Road (MRT Bugis)

Opening Hours: 10:30 - 21:00 daily

Funan

Another paradise for IT and electronics geeks. This is where you can find an abundance of video/audio and computer technologies! You will be simply dazzled from plasma screens, laptops, monitors, mobile phones, cameras, digital cameras and other electronics - 7 floors are packed to full capacity for you to enjoy the latest electronic inventions of the human race!

Address: 109, North Bridge Road, Singapore 179097 (5 minutes’ walk from City Hall MRT)

Opening Hours: 10:30 - 22:00 daily

Useful shopping tips 

Prices

Prices in branded shops are usually fixed, in others you can ask for discounts and see whether bargain is appropriate in each particular store.

Information on sale /discounts 

Sales in Singapore are arranged almost all of the time, but the largest of them run from late May to mid-July and end of the year during Christmas and New Year festivities. During these days you can get items at substantial discounts.

Forms of payment 

Most of the stores accept international credit cards or cash but only in local currency - the Singapore dollar (S$). 

Cash 

For travelers' checks encashment and other financial issues kindly contact the banks or Money Changer Bureau in the city. Banks usually open from 09:30 to 15:30 or 16:00 from Monday to Friday and from 09:30 to 11:30 on Saturdays. ATMs can be found everywhere for your convenience, some of them close at night, others operate 24/7.

Гарантия 

Проверьте, чтобы в гарантийном талоне на купленный Вами товар были внесены правильные сведения о товаре и был поставлен штамп магазина. Международные гарантии на многие товары действуют, как правило, в течение 12 месяцев со дня покупки, но на некоторые товары, продаваемые по низким ценам, гарантийные талоны зачастую не выдаются. Для определенных международных гарантий установлены ограничения, и такие гарантии могут оказаться недействительными в тех или иных странах. В большинстве магазинов Вам выдадут гарантийный талон по Вашему требованию, в противном случае лучше купить такой же товар в другом магазине. 

Store receipts & Return Policy

All supermarkets, department stores and small shops are issuing a cash receipt or a check when you buy the goods. 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 from the date of purchase and upon presentation of the original receipt. Smaller shops may not be so accommodating, so before you purchase anything it is always better to check carefully the quality of the product and read the return policy of the store. If you are unsure whether to buy a product in a department store and would like to have a bit more time to think just ask the sales associate to keep the item for you. Such kind of product reservation usually lasts maximum of three days and is up to a store keeper’s discretion.

Warranty

Make sure that your purchase warranty certificate contains the correct details of the product and store stamp. International warranty for many goods usually lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase, but some of the products sold at lower prices are often having local guarantee or not provided with warranty certificates at all. There are some restrictions for certain international warranties, and they may not apply in certain countries. In most of the stores you will be given a warranty upon your request, otherwise it is better to buy the same item at another store.

Tax Refund

Foreign citizens can return Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7% at the airport upon presentation of a correct receipt. Attention: You should ask sales associate to provide you with a receipt for Tax Refund, sometimes you can go to Customer service, where you will be issued the receipt. Refund is made at the airport only with presentation of this GST Refunt Reciept. Prior to flight registration approach the Global Refund counter, submit completed receipts and your passport, your documents will be stamped. After registration, in the area of ​​Duty Free, find the rack Global Refund, show your receipts to the seals and get your money in any currency. Money may be given in cash and transfer to the card.

Export permit

The export of all weapons (including souvenir swords and kris) requires the special permit, which is given by 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. In case of doubt, before export back home such kind of products, check with your national diplomatic representative whether you need a special permit.

Souvenirs you can bring from Singapore

You can bring with you from Singapore drawings and prints of local artists, not rare antiquities sold in general shops, Chinese silk and Malaysian batik, local and national ornaments and jewelry, specially packaged ground spices and curry powder. We suggest you to purchase gold plated orchids and art pieces made of semi-precious stones. These will make a perfect gifts of long lasting memory of your trip to the Merlion City.

Places to buy souvenirs with symbols of Singapore

• Airport Changi / Duty Free Zone;

• Chinatown / MRT Chinatown;

• Little India / MRT Little India;

• Mustafa Center, 145 Syed Alwi Rd. /MRT Little India

• Arabic Neighborhood Kampong Glam / MRT Bugis and Lavender.