If you want the shopping in Singapore, you need to make in June. Every year, May-June, many shops and malls offer a discount up to 70% of their goods because of Great Singapore Sale (ESG). If you are a Shopaholic, you can not miss the opportunity to meet the commodity prices to negotiate.
Now, Before you start shopping in Singapore, there are a few tips I share with you in this article:
1. All goods and services in Singapore are subject to GST (Good and Services Tax). As of April 2009, the GST is 7%. This means that for every goods and service in Singapore, there will be an additional 7% charges on top of the retail price. So check your receipt to make sure that the charges are correct.
2. Change money at licensed money changers. In Singapore, you can find lots of money changers in malls and along the street. Before you change money at any shop, make sure that the changers are licensed. If not, you might get short-changed. Also, you should compare the exchange rates between a few shops as each of them offers different rates.
3. Ask for the price. If you are shopping in shopping malls like Suntec City, Takashimaya and Wisma, the price tags are usually fixed. But, if you are shopping in flea markets or places like Bugis Junction and Chinatown, make sure that you check the price before buying. You should also try to bargain with the sellers and get a lower rate for the goods.
4. Bring more credit cards. Almost all shopping centres and shops here accept credit cards. Bring along a few types of credit cards like MasterCard, VISA and Diners.
5. Plan to come to Singapore between May to June. As mentioned earlier on, GSS is held during this period and you will not want to miss it. If you are not available during this period, you can come during early Jan & Feb (Chinese New Year sale) or end of the year (Christmas sale).
Other than shopping in Singapore, the nightlife here is also very active. Places like Clark Quay, Boat Quay, Zouk, and St James PowerStation are great to chill out and have a few drinks. So, you do not need to worry about getting bored at night anymore.
Hope that with this article, you have a better idea on what you can do in this beautiful country. So go and plan your trip now. See you around in Singapore!
