The Lion City lives it up for shopaholics. Shopping is a central draw for tourists in Singapore as you get everything from luxury brands to local products at bargain prices. Whether on a shoestring or a scattergood, Singapore won’t disappoint you. You will find the cheapest but the best things to buy in Singapore’s market.
Interesting Fact to Know about Singapore
Though Singapore is known for having a relatively high cost of living, it has a highly competitive retail market, with many local and international players, which drives prices of shopping products down.
Why Shopping Products are Cheaper in Singapore than in India?
Singapore has a 7% GST on products. Still, tourists can claim a refund on certain purchases such as Electronics, Jewelry and watches, Perfumes and cosmetics, Clothing and accessories, and Local souvenirs, making prices more attractive.
There are multiple reasons why buying things are cheaper in Singapore than in India.
Singapore is a major business hub in Southeast Asia. Its strategic location, advanced logistics infrastructure, and efficient supply chain reduce shipping and logistics costs. Additionally, Singapore has a free trade agreement with many countries, resulting in low or no taxes on imported goods.
Apart from that, the Singapore government has strict consumer protection laws and regulations, which ensure fair pricing and transparency, benefiting local and foreign buyers. The government monitors prices and takes action against profiteering, ensuring fair pricing.
Tourists need to follow the below-mentioned steps to claim the GST and get a refund:
- Search for the logo that reads “Tax-Free Shopping” at shops.
- Request a GST refund form or eTRS (Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme) ticket from the store owner.
- Head to the GST refund desk at the airport or other spots set up for refunds with the form/ticket, passport, and items they bought.
List of Cheap Things to Buy in Singapore
Electronics
As you know, Singapore is renowned for its competitive electronics market. Compared to India, it has relatively low import charges and taxes on electronics. For tech lovers, electronic gadgets, laptops, and smartphones are more popular things to buy in Singapore than in India.
If you are planning a tech purchase, then the below-mentioned shopping centre will help you find the right gadgets at cheaper prices-
Harvey Norman is the ultimate retailer of electronics and home appliances, proffering sales and promotions in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. In Singapore, this flagship superstore is spread over 38,000 sq. feet and sells laptops, Apple MAC computers, iPhones, digital cameras, DVD players, washing machines, etc.
Sim Lim Square is Singapore’s largest six-story shopping centre for IT and electronics, with 200 electronics stores. It also has authorised dealer shops selling brands such as Sony, Canon, and JVC. From computer parts to USB appliances, printers to laptops, burnable discs to mega-sized PC screens, you can find popular things to buy in Singapore in this shopping centre.
Funan Mall is known for its tech and gadget stores. It has flagship stores of electronic brands like Sony, Samsung, and Dell, where you can get cheaper things to buy in Singapore than in India. It also has specialised zones for gaming, smart home solutions, and audio-visual equipment. The electronic stores under Funan Mall are:
- Challenger (an electronics chain that offers promotions and discounts, especially for members).
- Courts (offers a broad range of electronics and home appliances sales and clearance events).
- Best Denki (known for being a leading electronics and home appliances retailer).
- Harvey Norman
- Sony Store
- Samsung Experience Store
[Note: Online Stores such as Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10 often have good deals on electronics].
When searching for cheap things to buy in Singapore compared to India, you’ll find that Singapore has an eclectic selection of the latest gadgets, from smartphones and laptops to kitchen appliances and home entertainment systems. So, grab the unique things that you want to buy in Singapore.
Watches and Jewellery
If you are an aspirational purchaser looking for some shops to buy watches and jewellery in Singapore, then you are at the right place. This country is a nucleus for luxury watches and jewellery, which offers competitive pricing and a vast range of selections.
The best thing about buying jewellery in Singapore is that you do not need to pay a value-added tax (VAT). Also, while Singapore does have a Goods and Services Tax (GST), specific items like jewellery are often excused or have lower tax rates, which can further reduce costs. Isn’t it great? Jewellery brands such as Tiffany & Co., Swarovski, Mizuki, Love, Bonito, Goldheart, and Lee Hwa Jewellery are cheaper brands to buy in Singapore than India.
Many luxury watch and jewellery brands have regional headquarters or flagship stores in Singapore, which leads to better pricing and exclusive offers due to the high volume of business and competition in the city. Watch brands, including Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Orient, and Fossil, are good to buy in Singapore.
Some popular places to buy watches and jewellery in Singapore include:
- Mustafa Centre: Things to buy in Mustafa Singapore are Indian and Asian-style jewellery, including 22k gold. Also, affordable watch brands such as Fossil, Skagen, Seiko, and Citizen can be cheap to buy in Singapore.
Bugis Street: Affordable brands like Daniel Wellington, Fossil, and Skagen can be found in Bugis Street. You will also find costume and fashionable jewellery, affordable pieces, including statement and trendy items, and gold and silver jewellery at negotiable prices.
- Orchard Road (e.g., ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City): High-end brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and Cartier are readily available in Orchard Road. Fine jewellery such as Tiffany & Co., David Yurman, and Cartier are found here.
- Marina Bay Sands: The best things to buy in Marina Bay, Singapore, are high-end brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet and fine jewellery designer brands like Tiffany & Co., Graff, and Van Cleef & Arpels.
- Jewel Changi Airport: Travellers can shop duty-free for luxury brands like Rolex, Omega, and Breitling. Fine jewellery designers like Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Pandora, but prices may vary depending on their destination.
Charles & Keith Products
If you’re looking for affordable, fashionable, and trendy daily-use products with excellent quality at a reasonable price, then go for Charles and Keith products, especially bags and shoes!!! The reason is simple: Charles and Keith is a Singapore-based brand, and you can get it cheaper in Singapore than in India.
It is a fast-fashion brand, so you can gift it to your loved ones as a souvenir. Shoes, bags, and accessories from this Singaporean brand are indeed cheaper in their home country. Yes, they are actually cheaper in Singapore than in India. On most occasions, Charles and Keith’s shoes and bags are almost half the price of those sold in India.
Perfumes and Cosmetics
Singapore keeps import duties and tariffs low on luxury items, helping bring down the price of high-end brands like Chanel, Dior, and MAC. As a popular tourist spot, Singapore sees many retailers catering to international visitors who often want to buy luxury goods. Some shops offer tax-free shopping to tourists, making prices more appealing.
International brands sometimes adjust their pricing based on local market conditions. In a busy, competitive market like Singapore, brands might set prices lower to stay in the competition. Japanese and Korean brands, such as The Face Shop or Missha from South Korea, Shiseido, SK-II, Laneige, Innisfree, and Etude House, often use Singapore as a key market for regional distribution.
Also, many perfume and cosmetics brands are available at lower prices in Singapore’s duty-free stores at Changi Airport, making them more affordable for travellers. So, if you are a cognoscenti or a cosmoholic, then you must buy some cheap perfumes and cosmetics from Singapore.
Singaporean Souvenirs
Merlion souvenirs come first on the list of cheap souvenirs to buy in Singapore. They are Classic Choices for gifting to your loved ones. Singapore’s Merlion is an iconic symbol. It is a fictitious creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. You can buy cheap Merlion-themed souvenirs like keychains, fridge magnets, and miniature statues. You will find Merlion-themed souvenirs almost everywhere, but check out Merlion Park, Chinatown Street Market, Bugis Street Market, and Pagoda Streets to buy them.
Second, Orchid-themed Products. Orchids are Singapore’s national flower. You can buy orchid keychains, bookmarks, coasters, and even jewellery. Orchid Garden at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Souvenir Shops in Paragon or ION Orchard Mall are a few of the best places to buy cheap Orchid-themed souvenirs in Singapore.
To take away the taste of Singapore to your homeland, pre-packaged Singapore Sling mix is popular for those who want to recreate the cocktail at home. Popular Singaporean snacks include kaya (coconut jam), bakkwa (sweet dried meat), and local sweets like pineapple tarts. You can find these in supermarkets, specialty food shops, and airport shops. You will get everywhere in Specialty Food Shops, Supermarkets and even Chinatown Food Street.
Things to Remember Before Buying Cheap Things in Singapore and Save Extra
Bargain hunting is a very common practice in Singapore, as it is an exorbitant country. To buy things cheaply in Singapore, you must have some key things in mind.
Before buying items from Singapore, verify if the warranty, return and exchange are global or only valid in Singapore. Otherwise, if you need repairs or service, you might have to return to Singapore or handle international support.
Inspect Indian rules on importing electronics. If the item’s value surpasses a specific limit, you may need to pay import fees or taxes.
Visitors can reclaim GST (Goods and Services Tax) on purchases above a set amount, which can make buying their gadgets more cost-effective. Just ensure you obtain the required documents and grasp the refund steps.
Conclusion
While Singapore is often perceived as a luxury destination, it offers surprising value for certain items when compared to India. Notably, electronics, watches, jewellery, perfumes, and cosmetics can be found at competitive prices, often of superior quality. Additionally, local delicacies and souvenirs are affordable yet unique purchases.
However, Singapore’s cost of living is comparatively higher than in India. Therefore, while some items might be cheaper, the overall shopping experience and potential savings must be weighed against other factors such as accommodation, food, and transportation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Things to Buy in Singapore
1. What are the best things to buy in Singapore?
Singapore is renowned for its diverse shopping options. Some of the best things to buy include Electronics, Luxury Goods, and Local Arts and crafts.
2. What are some famous things to buy in Singapore?
Merlion Souvenirs, Singapore Sling Mix, Laksa Paste, Orchid-themed Products, Singaporean Snacks, Souvenir Keychains and Magnets are some of the most famous things to buy in Singapore.
3. Where can I find famous things to buy in Singapore?
For famous Singaporean items, visit Chinatown, Orchard Road, Little India, and Bugis Street.
4. What are the best things to buy in Singapore for Indian tourists who love Singaporean cuisine?
Singapore offers unique blends of ingredients that might be a refreshing change from your usual selection. So, if you enjoy Singaporean cuisine, consider buying these famous things, such as Spices and Sauces, Laksa Paste, and Tea Blends.
5. Where can Indian tourists find unique things to buy in Singapore?
Indian tourists can explore these areas for unique shopping experiences, such as Chinatown, Orchard Road, and Little India.