Your Essential need-to-know Guide
Money Matters
The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$). Money changing services can be found not only at the Singapore Changi Airport but also most shopping centres and hotels around the island. You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere (even in the most obscure bits) in Singapore, that accept most of the main credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
Weather
Singapore is known for its hot and humid weather, with little variation throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bear down pretty heavily on our tropical weather from November onwards, so be prepared for rain on a daily basis during this period.
Cell Phone Usage
Singapore’s international dialing code is +(65). While in Singapore and if you have international roaming service on your cell phone, you don’t have to press +(65) as it will automatically connect you to the local numbers here.
(No) Smoking
Besides air-conditioned areas such as shopping centres, restaurants, entertainment outlets and cinemas, smoking is also an offence on the SMRT (Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system), public buses, taxis and in lifts. Recently, the smoking ban has also been imposed on public eateries and within a five-metre radius from most building entrances, except for allocated smoking areas that are clearly marked with bright yellow paint. A maximum fine of S$1,000 may be imposed on first-time offenders.
Tax Refund Schemes
To enjoy tax-free shopping in Singapore, simply look out for retailers that display the “Tax Refund” logo on their shop front and spend SG100 in a single receipt to qualify.
About the tax refund schemes »
About the tax refund schemes »
Consumer Advisory
Most Singapore retailers have fair business practices, but there are a small number of shops and restaurants that might make your shopping experience less than ideal. Here are some smart shopping tips to ensure that your retail experience is a pleasant one.
1. Always do price comparisons to get the best deals
Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to abide by each product’s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask the retailer also if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies. Also note that purchases above SGD100 in a single receipt entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air. Please read the section on the GST Refund Scheme for more information.
2. Note that purchases made are usually finalIn Singapore, retailers generally enforce strict return, exchange or refund policies the moment payment is made. Always ask your retailer about their policies before making payment for your purchase.
3. Check receipts or invoices for accuracyDo remember to ask for a receipt of invoice whenever you make a purchase, and keep it for reference. Also check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required. Remember to check that gifts, when applicable, should be indicated as such.
4. Verify what your ‘international warranty’ coversInternational warranties are not standardised, and you should always ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure that both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer’s stamp and signature. In the case of electronic goods, note down the product’s serial number as well.
- Also note that there are no international warranties on the purchase of mobile phones.
- A “worldwide local warranty” means that 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 usually do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges.
5. Check before leaving the storeBefore making payment, make sure that you test the item you wish to purchase, and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are included in the package, and work as they should.
1. Always do price comparisons to get the best deals
Prices can vary widely between shops because distributors are not obliged to abide by each product’s Recommended Retail Price (RRP). Ask the retailer also if the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies. Also note that purchases above SGD100 in a single receipt entitle you to GST refunds if you leave Singapore by air. Please read the section on the GST Refund Scheme for more information.
2. Note that purchases made are usually finalIn Singapore, retailers generally enforce strict return, exchange or refund policies the moment payment is made. Always ask your retailer about their policies before making payment for your purchase.
3. Check receipts or invoices for accuracyDo remember to ask for a receipt of invoice whenever you make a purchase, and keep it for reference. Also check that prices and item descriptions are correct to ensure that you do not pay more than what is required. Remember to check that gifts, when applicable, should be indicated as such.
4. Verify what your ‘international warranty’ coversInternational warranties are not standardised, and you should always ask and verify that your warranty is valid in your home country. Ensure that both your invoice and warranty card bear your retailer’s stamp and signature. In the case of electronic goods, note down the product’s serial number as well.
- Also note that there are no international warranties on the purchase of mobile phones.
- A “worldwide local warranty” means that 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 usually do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges.
5. Check before leaving the storeBefore making payment, make sure that you test the item you wish to purchase, and take time to check that the promised accessories and peripherals are included in the package, and work as they should.
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