Shopping and Living in Singapore
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following items can be imported into Singapore duty-free (people aged 18 and over):
1 liter of spirits and 1 liter of wine and 1 liter of beer or
2 liters of wine and 1 liter of beer or
1 liter of wine and 2 liters of beer.
Import tax has to be paid for alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content higher than 0.5%.
Import tax is levied on all tobacco products.
Other goods / gifts and groceries up to a total value of S $ 600 if the stay is longer than 48 hours (persons under 18 years of age: S $ 100); (S $ 150 for stays of up to 48 hours (people under 18: S $ 50).
The possession of narcotics is punishable by long terms of imprisonment, including the death penalty.
Import restrictions
Strict import regulations apply to all medicines, but especially to those that have a calming or stimulating effect. We strongly recommend that you bring a doctor’s certificate and instructions for use with information on the chemical composition (in English).
Import regulations
All cigarettes imported must be cleared through customs on entry. There are no allowances. The customs document should always be carried with you for controls, otherwise you may be fined. In Singapore, a country located in Asia according to computergees, you are not allowed to buy cigarettes without a customs stamp.
Prohibited imports
Chewing gum (one package for personal use is allowed), weapons, ammunition, bulletproof clothing, handcuffs, toy weapons, products made from protected plant and animal species, pornographic products.
SHOP
Annotation
7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) apply to most of the products and services of taxable retailers. If the retailer takes part in the Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS), you can claim this tax back when you leave the airport. The prerequisite for a refund is that the purchase has a minimum value of S $ 100 (up to three receipts from a retailer per day are accepted), the goods must not have been consumed in whole or in part in Singapore and the passport must be presented when shopping. The eTRS ticket, passport, receipt, purchased goods and the credit card used for payment must be presented for a refund. Further information is available from customs in Singapore (Internet: www.customs.gov.sg).
Overview
The wide range of goods and the unrivaled low prices have made Singapore internationally known as a shopping paradise. Popular souvenirs include Chinese, Indian, Malay, Balinese, and Filipino antiques, batiks, photographic equipment, Chinese, Indian, and Persian rugs, imported and bespoke clothing, jewelry, silks, perfumes, silverware, and wigs.
Orchard Road is the city’s main commercial and shopping street. Numerous hotel complexes, such as Marina Square, also have their own shopping centers. All kinds of electronic devices are for sale on Sungei Road, but beware of the excellent counterfeits. Also in the Funan Digitalife Mall and in Sim Lim Squareyou can find a wide range of electronic devices. The merger of many shopkeepers in the Chinese district to form multi-storey shopping complexes has lost some of the original atmosphere, but the huge centers offer an air-conditioned environment. Contrary to all prejudices, you can also find shopping opportunities in Singapore outside of the big shopping centers. The boutiques on Haji Lane, which mainly attract young and fashion-conscious customers, offer a unique shopping experience.
Bargains can be found at the flea market on Sungei Road, especially on the weekends. The market is popularly known as “Thieves’ Market”, even if stolen goods have not been sold here for a long time. Although many shops offer their goods at fixed prices, after thorough research and skillful negotiation you can find one or the other bargain here. Haggling is a must at the Sungei Road flea market.
The Tourist Office’s Singapore Shopping brochure has more information.
Opening hours
Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m., e.g. Sometimes longer. Many shops also open on Sundays, especially in tourist areas. The Mustafa Center in Little India is open 24/7.
Annotation
7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) apply to most of the products and services of taxable retailers. If the retailer takes part in the Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS), you can claim this tax back when you leave the airport. The prerequisite for a refund is that the purchase has a minimum value of S $ 100 (up to three receipts from a retailer per day are accepted), the goods must not have been consumed in whole or in part in Singapore and the passport must be presented when shopping. The eTRS ticket, passport, receipt, purchased goods and the credit card used for payment must be presented for a refund. Further information is available from customs in Singapore (Internet: www.customs.gov.sg).
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There are all kinds of accommodations available, from budget herbegen to luxury hotels. Advance booking is recommended. 4% tax and 10% service charge are added to all invoices. More information from the Tourism Board (see addresses) or the Singapore Hotel Association, 260 Tanjong Pagar Road, 04-01 / 03, Singapore 088542. Tel: (065) 65 13 02 33, (Internet: http: //www.sha.org.sg /).
Categories: The hotels classified as hotels of international standard (International Standard) offer the most modern equipment and the highest level of comfort (including swimming pools and air conditioning).
Other accommodation options
There are over 12 hostel accommodations and 1 official YMCA hostel.
