Going to Singapore, anything good to buy there?
What to buy in Singapore?
acinod on 07/06/2014 - 20:31
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H&M and a wife.
Not much, everything is expensive there. Though I would recommend:
- Kaya Coconut jam (a jam paste for bread) from Ya Kun
- DFS alcohol
- Branded makeup and cosmetics from the airport (MAC is so much cheaper)
- Sephora (makeup haven)
- Clothing brands we can't get in Sydney: H&M, Uniqlo, Abercrombie & Fitch, Forever 21
Exchange all your foreign currency in Singapore, particularly in Chinatown.
Or even Little India for FX change.
I'd only caveat the makeup based on my girlfriend's experience- we compared certain brands (e.g. benefit) and found some of them to be cheaper in Sydney Duty Free. Like most things, there's no blanket everything is cheaper so try to do your research beforehand if you are trying to maximise your bargaining.
On another note, if you use certain brands of contact solution/etc, they're cheaper in Singapore, but even cheaper in JB if you make the trek.
Agree on DFS alcohol. Get to the airport early, then spend an hour or so sampling top shelf liquor (e.g. 15 or 20 year old scotches and cognacs) for free, then buy whatever suits your budget (though the top shelf stuff is far better bang for buck, considering it's usually less than half Aussie price, and you only get three standard bottles).
OP here.
Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to the OzBargain community in answering my question. I started this exact same thread in 5 other forums and they all had less than 2 replies (and some were even quite spiteful and unhelpful).
I guess I'll be spending all my money on food which is something I love! One question: I have an ANZ travel card with money in USD from my previous trip to the US. Is it wise to use this to withdraw money in Singapore since most places will only accept cash?
Thanks!
28 degrees card. they accept credit card almost everywhere ….. it's singaporean "pride" to have credit card ……. or used to……
Most establishments accept card except for food courts/hawker centers.
But no, the FX will be very disappointing, 28 degs or similar is your best bet.
Can I use my ANZ travel card? I have a bit of USD on it which I need to use up anyways.
If I go with 28 degrees, what would I do with the existing USD in my ANZ travel card?
Just go there and enjoy the lack of graffiti/litter and that disgusting chewing gum
Just a followup to note, duty free in SIN (at least when it comes to alcohol) gets delivered to the gate, rather than you taking your goodies at the time of purchase, so there's a cutoff prior to flight after which you're unable to purchase.
you have to check out sentosa island!
Garretts Popcorn is amazing! Caramel and Cheese are the bomb!
Very interesting thread. Last time I went to Singapore was 13 years ago — a one week trip for work. Didn't get to see much and definitely don't miss the humid weather there. Ended up only buying a Handspring Visor (remember these?!) for a friend and didn't even know whether I got a good price.
However from the thread so far it seems that gadgets and electronics are no longer that cheap in Singapore? I thought retail would be quite competitive there. With kiasu-mentality wouldn't people fight hard to get the best price? Is there actually a website similar to OzBargain there where Singaporeans work together to find the best price? Someone mentioned Singapore-Promotions.com before but it seems to be just aggregating group buy sites + catalogues?
Back then electronics would've been cheap. I bought a palm Tungsten E, a Sony minidisc reorder (pre Net-MD days) and a CD walkman all for at least 30% cheaper than what I could find in Australia at the time.
If you will be using public transport, consider getting a tourist pass.
These cost $10 for 1 day, $16 for 2 days and $20 for 3 days.
Prices are in Singapore dollars, currently worth $0.8528 AUD.Get on any train or public bus without finding change in local money.
You have to pay a $10 deposit on the card but you can get that back.
Cards are available at certain MRT stations listed on the web site.
A return trip from Changi Airport to Orchard normally costs $3.50.
A taxi ride to the zoo and back costs about $80 but you can use the pass to Khatib station and then get a taxi from there for about $12 each way.
Just be aware taxi fares go up after (I think) 8pm by 35% and 50% from midnight. Most MRT lines also close around midnight.
Yep, taxis at night have a lot of surcharges but if during the day, a taxi is a pretty cheap way to get around if there's multiple people travelling. Otherwise, just use MRT but you will need to make a deposit to get the card.
pretty sure taxis go up during peak hour……i know the trip back to the airport was more expensive than getting there and that was around easter.
If you like donuts try anything from J. Co or Chewy Junior. Bestest cakes and donuts I have ever had!
CD's from HMV assuming they are still about.They might even have a lot of stuff there that you can't get except as a special import here.
i found everything expensive in Singapore shopping wise (except Daiso). i was lucky enough to find a clearance sale or two which actually had items cheaper than OZ but they where just Caselogic items etc.
but the food is the big bonus - just eat ! and eat ! and go on the street luge @ Sentosa.http://thewonglist.blogspot.com.au/2011/12/which-is-real-kat…
http://www.yelp.com.au/biz/328-katong-laksa-singapore-3
I have actually detoured from KL for a Laksa .
Go the Chilli Crab, Beehoon or BBQ Stringray. Always a favourite out at East Coast Park.
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You need to try Bengawan Solo cookies, absolutely mouth-watering. Some luxury items are cheaper there, for example I got an Omega watch when I went there last year. Saved $1500 compared to the retail price here in Australia, but definitely do your research before you buy.