Singapore Shopping Tips by ahcoln

Bugis Parco Shopping Mall

Straits-Chinese facades, Peranakan tiles, shuttered windows all lent an air of nostalgia and a refreshing mix to this modern shopping centre. Featuring Singapore's first air-conditioned shopping streets, PARCO offers more than 165 specialty shops of fun, food and fashion. Here, you can find almost anything - Seiyu, one of Japan's leading retailers, manages a four-level departmental store, a supermarket, foodcourt and a host of specialty shops.

Address: 230 Victoria Street #04-01 Bugis Junction Towers

Directions: Alight at MRT Bugis Station

Theme: Department Store

Shop Tax Free In Singapore

A 4% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied in Singapore. The minimum purchase amount to qualify for a refund ranges between SGD 300 and SGD 500. Under the Global Refund GST refund scheme, when you spend a minimum of SGD 100 at any single store displaying the "TAX FREE SHOPPING" logo, you will receive a Global Refund Cheque.

To apply for a tax refund under the Global Refund scheme, you must follow the following four simple steps:-

1. Spend a minimum of SGD 300 at a single participating shop or SGD 100 at different participating shops to accumulate a total purchase of SGD 300

2. Present your passport to the retailer to obtain a completed Global Refund Cheque

3. Get the cheques validated by Customs at Changi Airport Terminal 1 or 2 as proof of export. The goods purchased along with the receipts must be presented to the Customs for verification.

4. Claim the GST refunds in cash at the Global Refund counters at the airport. Credit card or bank cheque refunds are also available. A small handling fee will be deducted from the GST amount. More details may be obtained from the Global Refund counters located at both terminals of the Changi Airport.

Brochures on the Global Refund services are available at the airport, selected hotels and shopping centres.

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. Establishments belonging to the CaseTrust programme have been assessed on their business policies, service personnel, communication system, and other criteria prescribed by the CaseTrust Management Committee. Upon satisfying the criteria, members can display the CaseTrust certificate and logo on their premises or website.

Theme: Other

Chinatown Bargain Shop

Experience the sights and sounds of Chinatown. Here, bargains abound from beautifully-embroidered kimonos, gold jewellery and T-shirts to pottery and traditional crafts at delightfully hard-to-believe prices. Look here for everything from electrical and electronic goods, luggage and textiles to bargain-priced clothes and cosmetics. A wide selection of local crafts are available at the Singapore Handicraft Centre in Chinatown Point

Directions: Exit Chinatown station of Singapore MRT station.

Theme: Discount Store

Orchard shopping belt

Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures in Singapore. Among the shopping belt in Singapore, Orchard is a must go for shopping addict. Many shopping malls are located at Orchard, Tangling and Scott Road. Day spent browsing and buying turns into an unforgettable experience as theme designer boutiques, local and international department stores, speciality shops and bargain counters compete with outdoor cafes and gourmet restaurants.

Directions: Exit from Orchard or Sommerset Station of MRT train system.

Theme: Department Store