| Consumer Advisory 1. Always compare prices to get the best deals Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to follow each product’s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask your retailer if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies; note that purchases above S$100 (in a single receipt) entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air. 2. Be aware that purchases made are usually final Once payment is made, retailers generally enforce strict return, exchange or refund policies. To play safe, always ask your retailer about those policies before you make payment. 3. Check receipts/invoices for accuracy Ask for a receipt or invoice whenever you buy anything. Keep them for reference. Check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required; gifts, where applicable, should be indicated as such. 4. Verify what your “international warranty” covers International warranties are not standardized. Ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer’s stamp and signature; in the case of electronic goods, note the product’s serial number as well. • There are no international warranties for mobile phones. • A “worldwide local warranty” means the warranty is available only in the country of purchase; “worldwide” here refers to the availability of the product, not the warranty. • Parallel imported items have no warranty, and retailers do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges. 5. Check before leaving the store Before you make payment, ask to test the item you wish to buy and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are in the package and work like they should. |
| Shopping Hours |
| A good number of department stores and some smaller shops are open daily from 1000 hrs to about 2100 hrs, or even 2200 hrs. Singapore is one of the few countries in the world it is reasonably safe out in the streets even late at night. As long as basic precautions are taken, you can shop in peace. Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday! |
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| Prices and Bargains |
| The local newspapers are usually a good bet on the most current sales and promotions. You may wish to take time to browse and compare prices before purchasing. In department stores, all items price-tagged and prices are fixed. Many small retailers also practise price tagging but are often flexible when approached for a discount. Ask the retailer for his "best price" and then counter-offer with realistic prices until both of you reach an agreement. |
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| Credit/Charge Cards Almost all stores accept major international credit and charge cards. Should you come across a shop insisting on adding a surcharge, do contact the local office of the card company so that corrective action can be taken. |
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| Money For travellers’ cheques and other financial matters, approach the banks which generally operate from 0930 hrs to 1530 hrs, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 0930 hrs to 1130 hrs on Saturdays. For greater convenience, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centres and are open round-the-clock. Keep a lookout for these machines displaying Plus and Cirrus signs. You can exchange currency at all banks, hotels, and wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed. |
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| Receipts and Return Policies All department stores and smaller retail shops provide either cash slips or receipts upon purchase. Feel free to ask for one if this step is omitted and be sure that details shown on the receipt are accurate. Larger shops and department stores will exchange goods if they are returned in good, original condition. However, returns are usually accepted only within a specified number of days (usually three) from the purchase date, and upon presentation of the receipt. Smaller shops may not be so accommodating, so always check goods carefully as well as the shop’s return policy before making a purchase. If you're undecided about a purchase in a department store and would like to take some time to consider, just ask the sales assistant to put it aside for you. Items can usually be reserved for a maximum of three days. |
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| Singapore Service Star: Service You Can Trust. Whether you're shopping or dining, service makes all the difference to your experience. That's why the Singapore Tourism Board has developed the Singapore Service Star - an accreditation scheme that recognises and promotes establishments that deliver good service. So the next time you spot an outlet bearing the Singapore Service Star decal, you can confidently enter its door knowing it's service you can trust. For a list of accredited merchants, please visit: www.servicestar.com.sg. |  |  |
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 | | CaseTrust CaseTrust is an accreditation programme, developed by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), which recognises good business practices among store-based and web-based business establishments. Visit www.case.org.sg for a list of CaseTrust members. |
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| Goods and Services Tax (GST) A 7% GST is levied in Singapore. Under the Tourist Refund Scheme, tourists who buy goods in Singapore from participating retailers can claim a refund of the GST paid if the goods are brought out of Singapore via Changi International Airport or Seletar Airport within 2 months from the date of purchase. GST refunds are not applicable for land and cruise departures. For more details on the conditions and refund procedures on the scheme, please refer to this website. Eligible tourists who satisfy the conditions of the scheme will be entitled to receive GST refunds from the retailers or a central refund agency. Currently, there are 2 central refund agencies. They are Global Refund Singapore Pte Ltd and Premier Tax Free (Singapore) Pte Ltd. |
| Global Refund GST Scheme Under the Global Refund GST Scheme, visit any store that displays the “TAX FREE SHOPPING” logo and follow these simple steps:
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| Global Refund's Cash Refund Network For more information, log on to www.globalrefund.com or contact Global Refund, Tel: + 65 62256238, email: taxfree.sg@globalrefund.com. |
| Premier Tax Free GST Scheme Since November 2003 Premier Tax Free has been endorsed by the Singapore Tourism Board to provide a GST Refund service in Singapore. Under the Premier Tax Free GST Scheme, visit any store that displays the "PREMIER TAX FREE" logo and follow these simple steps:- Ask for your Premier refund when you spend only SGD 100 at a single participating shop. There is no need to accumulate vouchers to a value over SGD 300 as before. The shop gives the tourist a Premier Tax Free export declaration form which indicates: description of goods, price paid including tax, refund amount. | |  |
For more information, log on to www.premiertaxfree.com or contact Premier Tax Free, 371 Beach Road, Singapore 199597, 24-hour Hotline: 1800 829 3733. |
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| Warranty Check that the warranty card for your purchase bears the correct details of the product purchased and is endorsed with the retailer's stamp. International warranties can be obtained for many goods, usually for a 12-month period, but some products are not accompanied by warranties and these are usually sold at a lower price. Some international warranties have limitations, and may not be applicable to certain countries. Most shops will comply with your requests for guarantee statements, but if one is not forthcoming, it may be best to simply shop elsewhere. |
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| Delivery Many larger stores offer international shipping. To ensure timely delivery, do request for a written confirmation of your instructions. It is preferable to cover your purchase for damage in transit and loss by buying an All Risk insurance which the shop can arrange for you. Also, contact your national diplomatic representative to check the latest customs regulations of your country. If you are sending purchases home by post, check with the Singapore Post for information on requirements and regulations for air and sea delivery. Post offices are generally open from 0830 hrs to 1700 hrs on weekdays, and 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs on Saturdays while certain branches have extended opening hours. Some hotels provide a parcel wrapping service. |
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| Export Permits All weapons (even swords and kris bought as souvenirs) must be accompanied by export permits issued by the Singapore Arms and Explosives Branch at 391, New Bridge Road, #02-701, Police Cantonment Complex, Singapore 088762, Tel: (65) 6557 5822. Singapore and many other countries place restrictions on items from endangered species such as ivory and skins. If in doubt, check with your national diplomatic representative whether a permit is required before you bring an item into your home country. |
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| Convenient Underpasses and Covered Walkways In the tropics, sudden thunderstorms are not unusual, especially during the monsoon months of November and December. Singapore is well equipped with underpasses and covered walkways that link one shopping complex to another to protect against such weather conditions. From Orchard Road MRT Station, for instance, underpasses alone can lead shoppers to as many as six different shopping centres! |
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| More Tips If you are having clothes tailor-made, establish a clear understanding about payment. It is wise to just leave a deposit when ordering, with full payment following only after you have inspected the completed garment for workmanship and fit. |
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