Shopping in Singapore

Alongside ‘eating’,  shopping is considered the national past time on the island. Ranging from hi-tech wares to designer wear, there is something for everyone. Browsing around local markets and shophouses in the ethnic enclaves to the glitzy portals of Orchard Road, the experiences are wide, varied and even intriguing.

For most visitors, Orchard Road is a must-visit on the itinerary. Packed with modern malls and hotels, this stretch is transformed into a dazzling display of lights and festive embellishments at Christmas time when all buildings join in the annual festive light-up. Fabulous knick knacks and other memorable finds are also found in Chinatown, Arab Street, Little India and the suburban areas like Holland Village, Katong and Tampines. Unlike most Western countries, shopping hours usually start from late morning to 9.30 pm or 10 pm at night and these can extend to as late as midnight during festive season.

The mid-year Great Singapore Sale is a much looked-forward to time when prices come down heftily in all precincts. Even during non-sale times, visitors will do well to bargain, particularly, in electronic stores found at Lucky Plaza, Sim Lim Square or Far East Plaza. A general rule of thumb for haggling is to begin about 25% -30% below that being offered.  Do make it a point to compare prices at various shops. For convenience, most stores accept credit and charge cards.

Goods and Services Tax Visitors who spend more than S$100 in a single receipt are entitled to  their 7% GST (Goods & Services Tax) refund if they leave Singapore by air under two central refund agencies - Global Refund Singapore Pte Ltd and Premier Tax Free (Singapore) Pte Ltd. Terms and conditions apply.

Orchard Road Shopping

Similar to London’s Oxford Street or Hong Kong’s Tshimshatsui, this bustling boulevard got its name after the nutmeg and pepper plantations that once lined it in the 1800s. Flanked on both sides by local and international department stores, tiny boutiques, offices, spas, beauty salons, hotels, entertainment spots, restaurants, and cafes, one could spend a whole day trawling the stretch. (Read more...)

Chinatown Shopping

With the Chinese forming over 75% of the population, one can expect Chinatown to be a prominent landmark that evolved from the time of the first immigrants in the 19th century.  Today, it is a vivid and energetic gazetted conservation precinct bounded by these major roads -  Eu Tong Sen St, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road. (Read more...)

Clarke Quay & Riverside Shopping

Since its early days, the Singapore River has played a significant role in the history of the island.  From the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, the River established itself as a thriving centre for trading, commercial and financial activities.
(Read more...)

Marina Bay Shopping

Located in the Central South district, Marina Bay was artificially created through land development in the 1970s. Today, the area is known commercially for its hotels, offices, entertainment and shopping centres. Singapore’s first F1 race was held in the scenic backdrop by the Bay in 2008. (Read more...)

Harbourfront Precinct Shopping

Located in the South of Singapore, this fairly recent business and lifestyle precinct enjoys a strategic location facing the island of Sentosa. This is the home to HabourFront Centre, Sentosa, Mt Faber, the Singapore Cruise Centre and the St James Power Station, a converted clubbing hub. (Read more...)

Little India Shopping

Little India is one of Singapore’s most colourful districts. A vibrant commercial centre for the Indian community spreading out along Serangoon Rd, occupied by the descendants of the Indians who arrived in Singapore in the mid 1800’s, the colour, smiles and smells are all authentically Indian and authentically warm. (Read more...)

Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat Shopping

Located east of the central area of Singapore, Geylang Serai has been the centre of the Malay community since the mid-19th century. ‘Geylang’ means ‘mill or factory’ named after the many processing plants in the old days. Today, one can browse around the markets and shops there selling wares catering to the needs of the Muslim community. (Read more...)

Kampong Glam, Arab Street & Bugis Street Shopping

The original home of the Malay aristocracy during the time of Sir Stamford Raffles, Kampong Glam, named after a tree, is the Malay-Muslim enclave established centuries ago.  Attracting traders and immigrants from Malaysia, Indonesia, India and the Middle East in those days, the area has grown into a rich cultural and flourishing hub. (Read more...)

Holland Village

Holland Village and the nearby Holland Road, Holland Avenue, Holland Close and Holland Drive, got its name from Hugh Holland in 1907, an early resident in Singapore who was an architect and an amateur actor.  
Over the years, it has evolved into what has been dubbed the “bohemian enclave” of Singapore. (Read more...)

North Bridge Road & Stamford Road

Positioned north of the Singapore River, North Bridge Road was constructed between 1833 and 1835 by Indian convict labor. The route was plied by trolley buses in the past and now features several prominent landmarks including the National Library and St Andrew’s Cathedral. (Read more...)

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