20 Cheap Things to Buy in Singapore than India

Key Takeaways: Local brands such as Charles & Keith, Beyond The Vines, TWG Tea, RISIS, and Bengawan Solo offer authentic Singaporean products.  Changi Airport is one of the best places for last-minute shopping. To buy cheap things in Singapore, visit the Mustafa Centre. Tourists can claim 9% GST refund on eligible purchases at the airport.

Singapore has everything from luxury brands to unique local souvenirs and interesting food products. It doesn’t matter how many days you plan in Singapore, you will end up on shopping streets almost every day. 

Most Singapore itineraries highlight attractions such as Marina Bay Sands and Sentosa Island, but they miss out on the fact that shopping can take a lot of time if not planned well. 

This blog clearly states the best things to buy in Singapore and where to buy them. So, you don’t have to worry about whether or not the thing you buy is worth taking home.

List of Cheap Things to Buy in Singapore

From locally made food and wellness products to luxury fashion and jewellery, there is something for every traveller and every budget. You will find some of the cheapest things to buy in Singapore, and on the same street, you will end up in a premium store. 

This section provides a list of the 20 best things to buy in Singapore, along with shopping places. 

1. Electronics

• Approx. Cost: 100 – 4,000 SGD (7,458 – 2,98,343 INR) (from branded headphones to laptops).
• Places to Buy: Sim Lim Square, Funan Mall, Challenger, and Harvey Norman.

To buy MacBooks, Pro-series iPhones, gaming laptops, and cameras at a lower cost, Singapore is the place for it, especially with a GST refund.

Before making a purchase, confirm whether the product comes with an international warranty, especially for laptops, cameras, and smartphones. If you’re planning to buy an Apple device, purchasing from an official Apple Store lets you claim a tourist GST refund.

2. Skincare and Cosmetics

• Approx. Cost: Drugstore skincare: 15 SGD (1,118 INR), Korean and Japanese skincare: 100 SGD (7,458 INR).
• Places to Buy: Watsons and Guardian, Sephora, and Changi Airport’s duty-free stores

For budget beauty shopping, head to Mustafa Centre in Little India, where you can find discounts on popular products such as Bioderma, Neutrogena and Garnier. 

There are some popular brands to look for, including Laneige, Innisfree, Etude House, The Face Shop, Missha, Shiseido, Biore, and Bio-Essence.

Watsons and Guardian are excellent for everyday skincare, sunscreens, sheet masks, and Korean beauty products. This place has frequent promotions and offers.

If you’re looking for premium brands, Sephora has everything from K-Beauty favourites to international labels such as Rare Beauty, Fenty Beauty, and Huda Beauty. Changi Airport’s duty-free stores are also worth visiting if you are looking for brands such as Chanel, Dior, Shiseido, SK-II, and Estee Lauder.

3. Perfumes

• Approx. Cost: Orchid-inspired perfumes:100 SGD (7,458 INR). Perfume oils and attars: 50 SGD (3,729 INR).
• Places to Buy: Changi Airport’s duty-free, Singapore Memories, and Jamal Kazura Aromatics.

If you are a perfume collector, then Singapore is a good place to buy at lower prices. Whether you are looking for a premium perfume or a unique Singapore souvenir, there are options across every budget.

Choose Changi Airport’s duty-free stores for well-known international fragrances. If you want something unique to Singapore, look for orchid-inspired perfumes. 

The orchid is Singapore’s national flower, and local brands such as Singapore Memories create fragrances using native orchid varieties. These orchid perfumes are one of the best souvenirs to buy in Singapore.

You can also make custom perfume oils and alcohol-free attars in shops such as Jamal Kazura Aromatics.

4. Luxury Watches

• Approx. Cost: Budget watches: 150 SGD (11,187 INR). Luxury watches: 3,000 SGD (2,23,757 INR).
• Places to Buy: Jewel Changi Airport, The Bencoolen, and Mustafa Centre.

Singapore is one of Asia’s major watch-trading hubs. From basic Japanese automatic watches to luxury Swiss products, the city has a great selection and competitive pricing.

If you are looking for luxury watches, Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands have Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Breitling stores. Even at the Jewel Changi Airport, there are several brands available in the duty-free stores.

To buy watches at a cheaper rate in Singapore, visit The Bencoolen, which is a favourite spot for watch enthusiasts. Mustafa Centre also has one of Singapore’s largest watch sections. If you are looking for trendy watches, Bugis Street is the place for you. 

5. Alcohol and Duty-Free Liquor

• Approx. Cost: Tiger Beer: 4 SGD (298 INR).
• Places to Buy: Changi Airport stores and Cellarbration. 

If you are flying through Singapore from any country, Changi Airport is one of the best places to buy duty-free alcohol. From premium whisky, wine, and champagne to one of the best Singaporean souvenirs, like the Singapore Sling cocktail mixes, are available. 

When you buy alcohol, it is important to understand the country’s customs rules. Most international travellers are eligible for a limited duty-free alcohol allowance of up to 2 litres. 

For the best alcohol selection of wines and beer, Changi Airport Duty Free stores remain the best place to shop.

Note: Singapore also has strict alcohol consumption laws. Don’t drink alcohol in public places, as it is prohibited between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM. If you violate these rules, you need to pay a fine.

6. Handbags and Designer Bags

• Approx. Cost: Charles & Keith bags: 100 SGD (7,458 INR).
• Places to Buy: Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands.

Singapore is a good place to shop for handbags because you get access to both popular local brands and international luxury brands. 

One of the most popular brands among travellers is Charles & Keith. It is a Singapore-founded fashion known for stylish handbags, wallets, shoes, and accessories. 

Another local favourite brand is Beyond The Vines. The brand releases exclusive colours and limited collections, making them a unique thing to buy in Singapore.

If you are interested in luxury shopping, Singapore has boutiques for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Prada, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Coach, and Michael Kors. Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands are the main areas to buy them.

7. Gold Jewellery

• Approx. Cost: One gram: 182 SGD (13,574 INR).
• Places to Buy: Little India, Orchard Road, and Chinatown.

When Indians go for vacation in Singapore, it also includes buying gold at a cheaper price than in India. The Mustafa Centre in Little India is one of the most popular places to shop for gold. The jewellery section has a large collection of gold necklaces, bangles, earrings, rings, and a bridal collection. 

For contemporary jewellery, local brands such as Goldheart and Lee Hwa Jewellery have diamond jewellery, gold collections, and gemstone pieces in modern designs. Before purchasing, always ask for a detailed invoice showing the gold purity.

8. Sneakers and Sports Shoes

• Approx. Cost: 80 – 200 SGD (5,966 – 14,917 INR).
• Places to Buy: IMM Outlet Mall, Mustafa Centre, ION Orchard, and Ngee Ann City.

Singapore is a good place to buy sneakers if you are looking for discounts, exclusive releases, or sports shoes from global brands. 

At IMM Outlet Mall, you can get great discounts. This is Singapore’s largest outlet with Nike, Adidas, Puma, and other sportswear brands. 

Another popular option is the Mustafa Centre in Little India. The footwear section here ranges from sports shoes from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, and Reebok. While you may not always find the latest launches at Little India, older models are often available at lower prices.

If you are looking for the latest collections, limited-edition releases, or premium sneaker lines, visit places on Orchard Road like ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City.

9. TWG Tea and Premium Tea Blends

• Approx. Cost: 15 – 45 SGD (1,118 – 3,356 INR).
• Places to Buy: TWG Tea Store and Chinatown. 

Tea is one of the common souvenirs to buy from Singapore. TWG Tea is the country’s most recognised premium tea brand. Some of the brand’s bestselling products include Singapore Breakfast Tea, 1837 Black Tea, Silver Moon Tea, and a range of limited-edition products for every season. 

You can visit TWG Tea boutiques across Singapore, including Marina Bay Sands, ION Orchard, and other major shopping malls. 

If you want to try traditional Chinese tea over modern luxury blends, Chinatown is worth visiting for unique, flavourful tea. You will find classic Chinese teas, including oolong, pu-erh, jasmine, and locally blended varieties.

10. Chocolates and Sweet Treats

• Approx. Cost: 10 – 30 SGD ( 745 – 2,237 INR).
• Places to Buy: Mustafa Centre, Chinatown, Little India, and Clarke Quay.

Singapore is a great place to buy chocolates, especially if you like imported brands and unique local flavours that are difficult to find in India.

Mustafa Centre in Little India offers an excellent collection of chocolates, biscuits, candies, and imported snacks from around the world. You can find everything from premium European chocolates and Nutella products.

For Singaporean treats, Durian chocolates are the best to buy. Another unusual option is Bak Kwa chocolate, which blends chocolate with sweet and smoky barbecue pork snack. Singapore Sling chocolates are another favourite among tourists. 

11. Local Snacks

• Approx. Cost: 10 – 25 SGD (745 – 1,864 INR).
• Places to Buy: Bengawan Solo, Ya Kun and Killiney, Bee Cheng Hiang, and  Lim Chee Guan.

You have the best chips like F.EAST Hainanese Chicken Rice Potato Chips for a savoury ginger-chicken crunch. You can also get Aroma Black Summer Truffle Chips for an ultra-rich, gourmet umami flavour.

Another popular one is the Pandan Chiffon Cake. It is made with pandan leaves and coconut milk. Bengawan Solo is one of the places to buy cakes.

Then you have the salted egg snacks, which have become one of Singapore’s biggest food trends in recent years. 

12. Kaya Jam

• Approx. Cost: 6 – 15 SGD (447 – 1,118 INR).
• Places to Buy: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Killiney Kopitiam branches, and supermarkets. 

Kaya jam is made with coconut milk, sugar, eggs, and pandan leaves, and the traditional kaya takes hours of slow cooking. So, most people prefer to buy ready-made jars.

You will find the jam on Singapore’s breakfast tables, and it has been a staple in local kopitiams (coffee shops) for more than a century. Since authentic kaya is rarely available outside Singapore and Malaysia, it is one of the most unique local souvenirs to buy in Singapore. 

Popular brands include Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Killiney Kopitiam, both of which have been serving traditional kaya toast for decades. 

13. Orchid Jewellery

• Approx. Cost: RISIS gold-plated orchid pieces: 200+ SGD (14,917 INR).
• Place to Buy: RISIS boutiques.

Orchid jewellery is one of the most distinctive souvenirs you can buy in Singapore because the orchid is the country’s national flower. Unlike generic jewellery found anywhere, orchid-inspired pieces have a strong connection to Singapore’s identity.

The most famous name in this category is RISIS. It is a Singapore-based brand known for transforming real orchids into jewellery. Each flower is carefully preserved and coated with layers of metal before being finished in pure 24-carat gold.

You can choose from pendants, earrings, brooches, bracelets, and decorative accessories. 

If your budget is lower, there are many stores that sell orchid-themed jewellery made from silver, enamel and crystals.

14. Singapore Kopi

• Approx. Cost: 10 – 20 SGD (745 – 1,491 INR).
• Places to Buy: Nanyang Kopi, Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory, and Yong Seng Coffee.

Singapore Kopi is strong, dark, and traditionally roasted with butter or margarine. It is deeply connected to the city’s century-old kopitiam culture. You can buy packaged kopi blends and drip coffee packs to give to your coffee-loving friends back home. 

Popular options include traditional kopi powder from local brands. If you want to recreate the classic Singapore breakfast experience at home, all you need is kopi, kaya jam and toast.

15. Peranakan Ceramics and Porcelain

• Approx. Cost: 70 – 160 SGD (5,221 – 11,933 INR).
• Places to Buy: Chinatown and Tong Mern Sern Antiques.

Singaporean Peranakan Ceramics are recognisable for their vibrant colours, intricate floral patterns, and phoenix motifs. These handcrafted pieces have the rich heritage of the Peranakan community, whose traditions are a mix of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences.

From colourful serving bowls and tea sets to decorative plates and tile coasters, these ceramics will add colour to any home.

For the best selection, visit the neighbourhood of Katong along East Coast Road, where many stores showcase traditional Peranakan designs. You can also browse shops in Chinatown for both contemporary and antique pieces. Tong Mern Sern Antiques is a good place to look for rare collectable porcelain and antiques.

16. Singapore Spice Mixes and Local Seasonings

• Approx. Cost: 3 – 15 SGD (223 – 1,118 INR).
• Places to Buy: The Tekka Centre, Mustafa Centre, and department stores.

Singapore has multicultural food with a wide range of spice mixes, cooking pastes, and seasonings that allow you to recreate famous local dishes at home. 

From Peranakan laksa and Hainanese chicken rice to Bak Kut Teh and satay, these ready-to-use mixes are the best buy from Singapore to taste the cuisine even back in India. 

Some of the popular options include Laksa Paste, Hainanese Chicken Rice seasoning and Bak Kut Teh spice. Brands like Prima Taste and Song Fa are particularly popular for authentic local flavours.

17. Singapore Sling Mixes

• Approx. Cost: 10 – 80 SGD (745 – 5,966 INR).
• Places to Buy: Speciality Liquor Stores and Changi Airport Duty Free Store.

The Singapore Sling was originally created at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel in the early 1900s. This is a fruity gin-based cocktail that has become Singapore’s national drink and one of the world’s most recognised cocktails.

You can choose from bottled Sling syrups, ready-to-drink cocktail bottles, premium cocktail gift boxes, and even Singapore Sling chocolates. 

Since the drink was invented in Singapore and is difficult to find in the same authentic form elsewhere, it makes it a special item to buy in Singapore.

18. Bak Kwa (Barbecued Pork Jerky)

• Approx. Cost: 25 – 52 SGD (1,864 – 3,878 INR).
• Places to Buy: Bee Cheng Hiang, Lim Chee Guan, and Century Bakkwa.

Bak Kwa is made from thin slices of pork marinated in soy sauce, sugar, spices, and seasonings, then grilled over high heat. It has a smoky flavour combined with a sweet and savoury taste.

The snack has a cultural significance within the Chinese community and is particularly popular during Lunar New Year celebrations, where it is often exchanged as a gift symbolising prosperity, abundance, and good fortune. 

Traditional Bak Kwa is available in several styles. You can get them in grilled slices or thicker premium cuts with a softer texture. The well-known brands to buy from are Bee Cheng Hiang and Lim Chee Guan.

19. Tiger Balm and Traditional Wellness Products

• Approx. Cost: 3 – 15 SGD (223 – 1,118 INR).
• Places to Buy: Supermarkets and pharmacies.

Tiger Balm is one of Singapore’s most famous wellness products, and almost every house in India has one.

This traditional herbal remedy is used for relieving muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, cold symptoms, motion sickness, and insect bites. One of the biggest advantages of buying Tiger Balm in Singapore is the price. The products are considerably cheaper than in many Western countries, where the same items often cost more. 

There are also other variants such as gels, creams, roll-ons, medicated oils, pain-relief sprays, hot and cold patches, and lotions. 

20. Pandan Chiffon Cake

• Approx. Cost: 5 – 15 SGD (372 – 1,118 INR).
• Places to Buy: Bengawan Solo, The Pine Garden, and local bakeries.

Pandan Chiffon Cake is one of Singapore’s most loved desserts. It is made with pandan juice, coconut milk, eggs, and flour. The cake is known for its light green colour, soft, sponge-like texture, and aroma.

The dessert has strong roots in Peranakan cuisine, where pandan leaves have been used for generations to add natural sweetness and fragrance to cakes, desserts, and beverages. 

Unlike richer cakes, Pandan Chiffon Cake is light and airy. Many Singaporeans consider it a comfort food. 

Customs Rules and Shopping Tips in Singapore

Before filling your suitcase with souvenirs and luxury purchases, keep these important shopping and customs guidelines in mind:

• GST Refund: Tourists can claim a refund on Singapore’s GST for eligible purchases. For this always carry your passport while shopping, as they ask you before billing. 
• Use the eTRS System: Most retailers use the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS), which allows you to process refunds before departure.
• Duty-Free Allowance: Indian travellers returning from Singapore have a duty-free baggage allowance of up to 75,000 INR.
• Alcohol Regulations: You can carry up to 2 litres of alcohol. 
• Authorised Retailers: Ensure products come with international warranties.
• Receipts: Customs officers may request proof of purchase for expensive goods, especially luxury items and electronics.
• Explore Local Markets: Beyond malls, traditional markets and Hawker Centres give you authentic food products.
• Pack Food Items Properly: Vacuum-sealed snacks, tea, spices, and packaged foods are less likely to cause customs issues.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for luxury watches, premium skincare, designer handbags, local snacks, or unique Singaporean souvenirs, the country has it all. 

Some items are cheaper to buy in Singapore, while others cost the same as in India. With GST refunds of up to 9%, you can make great savings. 

So, when you are planning your Singapore trip, contact Dimaak Tours. We will help you plan a good shopping itinerary along with accommodation booking and flights. We make sure you experience everything in Singapore, from nightlife and street food to temples. 

FAQs on Things to Buy in Singapore

1. What are the best things to buy in Singapore?

Some of the most popular things to buy in Singapore include electronics, luxury watches, TWG Tea, Kaya Jam, Tiger Balm, skincare products, designer handbags, and gold jewellery.

2. Is shopping cheaper in Singapore than in India?

Yes, only certain products are cheaper in Singapore than in India, such as luxury watches, electronics, gold, designer goods, and local brands. Though some items cost the same as in Indian rupees, like chocolates, snacks, and alcohol, after claiming GST at the airport, which is 9%, your cost reduces.

The important thing is that you cannot claim GST on products purchased from local markets. Only certain items billed with your passport will be considered for the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) transaction.

3. What are some special Singaporean things to buy?

Singapore is famous for TWG Tea, Tiger Balm, orchid jewellery, Kaya Jam, Bak Kwa, and duty-free shopping at Changi Airport.

4. Where is the best place to shop in Singapore?

Orchard Road, Marina Bay Sands, Jewel Changi Airport, Mustafa Centre, Bugis Street, Chinatown, and IMM Outlet Mall are among the best shopping destinations in the country.