| Do you love to shop? Well, if you're traveling to | | | | As mentioned, there are sales throughout the |
| Singapore, shopping along the Orchard Road belt | | | | year in Singapore. One of these is the Chinese |
| and Suntec City is an event you must not miss. | | | | New Year sale around end January each year, |
| There are sales all round the year, especially | | | | along with the Great Singapore Sale (June and |
| during July (The Great Singapore Sale) and the | | | | July) and the Christmas sale (Dec). Be sure that |
| Christmas season. This article shows you some | | | | your shopping trip coincides with one of these |
| special tips for shopping on the island state. | | | | sales if you want the best bargains. |
| 1. Prices and Bargains | | | | 5. Deposits |
| Before you buy anything, make sure you check | | | | Some stores will accept an initial deposit and allow |
| and double-check the price. In the major shopping | | | | you to pay up the balance upon delivery. Make |
| malls (e.g. Takashimaya) - it's usually safe to | | | | sure you understand the exact terms and |
| assume that prices are fixed. However, if you're | | | | conditions of such arrangements before you sign |
| shopping in 'bargain' area like the Bugis Village flea | | | | on the dotted line. |
| market, Lucky Plaza, Little India, Chinatown or Sim | | | | 6. Goods and Services Tax (GST) |
| Lim Square, make sure you bargain and try to | | | | All goods and services in Singapore are subject to |
| bring down the prices. | | | | a 3% GST tax. Be sure you're aware of this |
| 2. Credit / Charge Cards | | | | when you're out shopping. Check the receipt to |
| Most major shopping centres and malls, along with | | | | ensure there is no over deduction. |
| restaurants, will accept credit cards and charge | | | | 7. Exchanges and Refunds |
| cards. However, be sure that you bring along a | | | | If you find that the stuff you bought is faulty |
| more acceptable kind of card like Visa or | | | | merchandise, you can bring back the original |
| Mastercard. I can't vouch for the wide acceptance | | | | receipt or proof-of-purchase and ask for an |
| of other cards like American Express or Diner's | | | | exchange or refund. But note that mostly only |
| Club. | | | | the bigger department stores will honor such a |
| 3. Money Changers | | | | policy. If you have fault goods from a small street |
| There are many money changers on the island. | | | | side vendor, then don't expect to be able to do |
| What I'd be careful with regarding money | | | | this. |
| changers is this - watch out and make sure they | | | | Conclusion |
| are licensed. In Little India and probably Chinatown, | | | | Well, I hope you've learnt a thing or two about |
| there tends to be many unlicensed changers who | | | | shopping in Singapore. Shopping in Singapore is a |
| may short-change you if you're not careful. To be | | | | great experience - there are tons of things to |
| safe, you can change money at a bank or the | | | | buy at great prices. But be aware of the special |
| hotel - but it will be more expensive. | | | | shopping tips above - and you'll be an even |
| 4. Sales | | | | happier shopper. Good luck and happy shopping! |