How to Shop in Singapore
- 1). Be prepared to negotiate prices if you are shopping in places like Chinatown or Bugis Market, or in the small shops and street markets that sell tourist items, because the posted prices of most items are far more than you need to pay. Besides, haggling is sport to the shopkeepers in places like this. However, if you are in the more tony shopping areas like Orchard Road, Marina Square, Suntec City or Takashimaya, the price tags of the items reflect what you should pay. The only exception are the electronic stores in centers like Lucky or Far East Plazas, where you should offer about 75 percent of the price marked on most items.
- 2). Show caution when you are changing U.S. currency to Singapore dollars. Singapore issues licenses to bona fide money changers who meet certain standards. Go to one who is not certified and you are likely to be short-changed.
- 3). Time your trip during the midyear Great Singapore Sale, when you'll find things on sale everywhere. Best yet, try to be in Singapore during the early portion of the sale, because savvy buyers will tell you that it is then that the inventory is the highest and the prices are the lowest.
- 4). Be aware that every item for sale in Singapore is subject to a 7 percent goods and services tax. Check your sales receipts to be sure that you have not been charged a higher amount. Furthermore, if you spend more than 100 Singapore dollars, this tax will be refunded. Therefore, it's important that you keep every receipt that you receive. Go to the Global Refund Counter at the airport for the refund, or you can receive a check or a credit on your card account for the tax when you return home. When you're in Singapore, call +65 62256238 for more information.
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