Knowledge and information on local practices and general cultural characteristics of the people of Singapore will come in handy as you pursue your shopping on the island. Expect a grand time whetting your shopping appetite and just go ahead and enjoy your very pleasant shopping experience. As in all foreign countries that you will go to, it is best to consult your hotel concierge for any inquiries you might have. The Singapore Visitor Centre will also always be ready to assist you upon your arrival and all throughout your stay.
Shopping Hours
The general business hours of shopping malls in Singapore are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays. Some stores keep shorter hours on Sundays. Many shops such as Suntec City and Funan the IT Mall do not open before 11 a.m. Almost all malls remain open until 10 p.m. on holidays. Smaller shops conduct business from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays to Saturdays. Almost all these, however, are closed on Sundays. Arab Street is closed on Sundays.
On Saturdays, retail shopping stores and Food & Beverage outlets on Orchard Road are open till 11 p.m. Participating malls in this late night shopping spree are Paragon, Tangs Orchard, and Wisma Atria. Mustafa Centre in Little India is the only department store in Singapore that is open 24 hours a day, everyday. Late night shopping in Singapore is safe as the country is known for its general peace and order and promotion of safety in the streets.
Moving Around in Underpasses and on Covered Walkways
Underpasses and covered walkways dot the shopping districts of Singapore, linking one shopping complex to another. This is one of the ultimate conveniences for shoppers on the island. These shelters protect against the oftentimes sweltering tropical sun, as well as sudden thunderstorms that are not unusual in the tropics especially during the monsoon months of November and December. A brilliant example are the underpasses from Orchard Road MRT Station that can lead shoppers to as many as six different shopping centers.
Prices and Bargaining
Items are price-tagged and prices are fixed in almost all departments stores in shopping malls. These stores have seasonal sales, especially the month-long Great Singapore Sale where prices are marked down, sometimes up to 75%. Many small retailers also have price tags but can be amenable for discounts. Buying more than one item from a single retailer can, at times, afford you a discount at places that are open for discounting.
In smaller shops and most especially with street vendors, goods are usually not price-tagged, signaling the possibility for bargaining. An idea of the value of what you are buying is usually the first step in bargaining. You can gauge the typical bargaining level with comparison shopping. Bargain at half the price that is originally offered. If you do not get the item at this slashed down cost, try bargaining at 30% to 40% off.
Cash and Credit Cards
You can exchange currency at all banks, hotels, and licensed Money Changers. Travelers’ cheques can easily be availed of at the hundreds of banks in Singapore. Banks are generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays, the general banking hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are found at all banks and in most shopping centers. ATMs are a 24-hour convenience.
Almost all stores accept major international credit and charge cards. Report to the local office of the card company any business establishment that insists on adding a surcharge. Corrective action will be taken right away.
