Singapore Travel Guide

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Shopping

The vast range of available goods and competitive prices have led to Singapore rightly being known as a shopper’s paradise. Special purchases include Balinese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian and Malay antiques; batiks; cameras; Chinese, Indian and Persian carpets; imported or tailored clothing; jewelry and shoes, briefcases, handbags and wallets. Silks, perfumes, silverware and wigs are other favorite buys.

The herding of shop owners from Chinatown into multi-story complexes lost some of the exciting shopping atmosphere, although these huge centers do provide an air-conditioned environment. Orchard Road is the main shopping street, although many of the large hotel complexes, such as Marina Square, have shopping centers attached.

Although most outlets operate Western-style fixed pricing, bargains can still be made in some places but generally only after good research and shrewd negotiating. Electrical equipment of all types can be bought at Sungei Road, but caution is advised as there are many imitation products around. For more information on shopping in Singapore, see the Singapore Shopping brochure published by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-2100, Sat 1000-2200. The Mustafa Center in Little India is open 24-hours.

Note: A 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services purchased from taxable retailers. Tourists whose purchases total S$100 or more from a single retailer participating in the Tourist Refund Scheme are eligible for a refund of the GST paid on goods not consumed in Singapore. Refunds may be received at the airport, prior to departure flights.

Currency

Singapore Dollar (SGD; symbol S$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of S$10,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of S$1, and 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The currency of Brunei is also legal tender; 1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar.

US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Yen and Pounds Sterling are also accepted at many major shopping centers in Singapore.

Currency Exchange

Foreign currencies, traveler's checks and checks can be changed at most banks and licensed money changers; however, some do not offer this service on Saturday.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread.

Travelers Checks

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Pounds Sterling. A passport is required when cashing traveler's checks.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local or foreign currency is limited to S$30,000.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 1000-1500, Sat 0930-1300 (some are open until 1500). Branches of certain major banks on Orchard Road open Sun 0930-1500.

Exchange Rate