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Singapore Shopping |
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Singapore is a very popular shopping destination in the South-East Asian region. The country has some best set up shopping malls, local markets, exhibition cum sales centers, consumer electronics and computer hardware hubs and software markets. The tourists can purchase the best quality at a very affordable price. To facilitate trade and investment in the country the government has taken favorable
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steps to boosts shopping environment. Before diving in to the shopping spree, it is advisable that the visitors have some vital shopping tips and guidance. These shopping tips will help visitors enhance their shopping experience in Singapore and make it a pleasant one.
Shopping Hours
Almost all major malls, shopping complexes, department stores and even
local markets open daily from 10 O' clock in the morning up to 10 or even 11 O' clock in the evening. The only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day is Mustafa Centre in Little India. Singapore is one of the very few countries in the world where it is safe out even late at night.
Money
The widely accepted currency in Singapore is Singapore Dollar. Banks in Singapore generally operate from 09.30 am 03.30 pm, from Mondays to Fridays, and from 09.30 am to 11.30 am on Saturdays. Visitors may approach the banks for encashment of travelers’ cheques and other financial matters. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are conveniently located at banks and most shopping centers for the convenience of the visitors. These ATMs are open round the clock. You may exchange your currency at all banks, hotels, tour operators and wherever the sign "Licensed Money Changer" is displayed.
Credit Cards / Charge Cards
Almost all department stores, shopping complexes, malls, specialty stores accept all major international credit cards and charge cards. For any additional surcharges and extra costs insisted upon the customer by the shop, you may contact the local office of the credit or charge card company so that the best corrective action can be taken.
Prices and Bargains
For prices and bargains, you may refer to the local news parers that extensively covers valuable information regarding major sales, and promotions going on around the city. All big stores and shopping stores have their price tags attached to the products. However, many small shops and retailers go flexible with bargaining.
Useful Shopping Tips and Advice
- Always compare prices in advance to avail the best deals.
- The voltage in Singapore is 220 to 240 volts AC, 50 cycles per second, so buy such products that match your home voltage. The same must be taken care of for mobile phones bandwidths and formats for audio and visual equipment.
- Get the equipment tested before you leave the shop and check the product properly also ensure that the promised accessories and peripherals you have paid for are there inside the box.
- Ensure if the warranty you are being offered is valid in your home country and check out for limitations and restrictions as an international warranty is not always standard. Make sure the warranty card and invoice carries the correct serial number and it must be properly endorsed by the retailer.
- Always ask for receipts and preserve them for further use. Make sure the all the relevant information has been mentioned on the receipts.
- You must check for out for the details of the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). You may be eligible for a refund either directly from the retailer or at the airport. Ask the retailer for a GST refund form and verify the same for yourself. For this, all details, such as dealers signature and stamp must be correct and properly mentioned in the receipt.
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