Nestled in the corner of Bugis is Sim Lim Square, one of the few strata malls left in Singapore. In its heyday back in the 90s, the mall was the one-stop spot for all electronics, ranging from computer parts to mobile phones.
Fast forward to today, and it has gained a bit of a dodgy reputation – stories of scams, pirated CDs, and services with hidden fees have made many wary of the place. That’s why our guide to Sim Lim Square is here to help you navigate this tech maze – we’ve got the lowdown on making your visit hassle-free, and maybe even a little fun.
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Image credit: @superhiro.psd via Instagram
Many locals often confuse Sim Lim Square with Sim Lim Tower. The latter is located near Jalan Besar MRT Station, and it’s recognisable by its multicoloured facade. This spot mainly houses stores selling electrical and mechanical parts, such as light bulbs and radio components.
Meanwhile, the stores in Sim Lim Square sell electronic components for computers, cameras, and phones. So, 2 very different places, each with its own tech niche.
Sim Lim Square is located along Rochor Canal Road, and it’s accessible via 2 MRT stations.
Take the train to Rochor MRT Station and exit via Exit A – you’ll see Sim Lim Square, a zebra crossing away. Alternatively, Easties who want to skip the Downtown Line loop can choose to alight at Jalan Besar MRT Station and walk 5 minutes to Sim Lim Square.
Those taking the bus, board services 23, 48, 57, 67, 170, 851, 960, and 980, and alight at Rochor MRT Station.
Before building a custom PC, you’ll need to know what you’ll use it for. Whether it’s a gaming PC or one for photo and video editing, the specifications are what make the PC a perfect fit for you.
When visiting Sim Lim Square, you’re playing a difficult game of scavenger hunt – finding the items with the best value for money. Most stores sell the same items at different prices, so use this guide as a cheat sheet for recommended stores.
Easily known for being the cheapest store for PC components in Sim Lim Square, Tradepac (#05-18) is not for the newbies – it’s for the bargain hunters. The staff are knowledgeable and efficient, but don’t expect much hand-holding – first-time builders might find the experience a bit overwhelming.
While Tradepac has an online website, many customers recommend shopping at the physical store as it’s known for selling at lower prices when you purchase multiple components. If your entire build costs around $3,300, you might score a small 2% to 3% discount. Ultimately, discounts aren’t guaranteed and are up to the store owner’s discretion.
Note that sometimes, the component you’re looking for may not be in stock. You can drop them a message beforehand to check availability. They might take a day or two to reply, but it saves you from making a wasted trip.
Tradepac review: “Tradepac has been a fixture in Sim Lim Square for about 2 decades, and I had a smooth transaction with really competitive pricing thanks to the helpful staff. There may be some language barriers during online messaging, so you’ll need some patience or discuss with them in person.”
– Wei Chou Han via Google Maps
The prices at Dynacore (#05-73/76/77) are a close second to Tradepac. The store sells the ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero with the Intel Core Ultra 7 265KF – a CPU and motherboard bundle – for $1,799, while TradePac sells the same bundle for $1,463. Prices may be slightly higher here, but it’s one of the most trusted stores in Sim Lim Square for PC builds.
The technicians are known for their exceptional service, which includes building your PC within 2 to 3 hours and avoiding bad practices, such as hard-selling higher-end components or swapping parts during the assembly. They also provide an individual component warranty on top of the build warranty, and are generally open to bargaining if you choose to purchase multiple parts. But Dynacore is known to get quite busy in the afternoon, so come in before lunch.
Dynacore review: “Just had my PC built at Dynacore after getting recommended by a friend. The price quoted was great, and the process and building were quick and smooth.”
– Ian Fang via Google Maps
If you’re not sure what RAM or GPU is, visit PC Themes (#04-15) for a “beginner-friendly” PC build experience. Known for their friendly and helpful staff, they patiently run through the different components and recommend affordable options without upselling.
Their good customer service is worth the slightly higher prices. To put it into perspective, PC Themes sells the ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC Edition graphics card at $799, while Dynacore sells it for $719.
And if you’re worried about having to build the PC yourself, they also provide an assembly service (from $40) to bring your dream PC to life. However, do note that the 1-for-1 exchange warranty is only valid for a week after purchase.
PC Themes review: “One of the best and most reputable shops in Sim Lim Square. Offers a decent price and good after-sales service. Look for them if you are buying parts or building a new PC!”
– Ewen via Google Maps
Returning customers of Fuwell (#04-63) have noted it as a no-hassle, no-frills service for PC builds. The staff members are friendly and give recommendations and alternatives if what you’re looking for isn’t available. They will also assist with the return merchandise authorisation and liaise with the supplier if your parts are still under warranty.
You can get an ASUS mainboard with an Intel Gen 15 CPU, which starts from $562, or an MSI mainboard with an Intel Gen 14 CPU, which would set you back anywhere between $339 and $1,021. Most of the time, the prices are non-negotiable, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t try your luck.
Fuwell review: “I recently bought a PC from Fuwell. The staff were quick and responsive to queries for quotes, and they also went the extra mile to collect parts that I wanted for my build. I collected the PC the following day.”
– Aaron Guan via Google Maps
There are floors and floors of repair stores that do the same thing: change your screen protector, replace your battery, or sell secondhand phones. Here are some specialised and highly recommended ones by Sim Lim Square shoppers.
Recently moved from the 6th floor to the 1st floor, GW Mobile (#01-49) services brands from Apple and Samsung to Nokia and Huawei, and includes a 90-day warranty for all services. Aside from their repair services, they also buy and sell phones and tablets. You can purchase a brand-new iPhone 15 (from $959) or a pre-owned one from $759.
Their most unique offering is the mobile phone rental service. After paying the refundable security deposit – which varies by phone model – you’ll get to rent an iPhone for as low as $4/day.
GW Mobile review: “An amazing shop with a large variety of secondhand phones is available for resale. Their prices are the cheapest compared to all other shops.”
– Sheratzy via Google Maps
GJ Tech (#02-77) is known for its professional technicians who not only repair your device, but also break down what went wrong and how you can avoid it in the future. While repairs are done in-store, many customers noted that GJ Tech provides a follow-up check on the devices without an additional service charge.
They also sell a variety of secondhand devices, such as a pre-loved iPad Air 2 (from $99) or a secondhand Oppo R17 ($128) – some even come with a 6-month warranty.
GJ Tech review: “It was a good experience here with mobile repair. The prices were reasonable and the technician was good at explaining the faults in the mobile phone – it’s a recommended shop.”
– K B via Google Maps
If you’ve lost old family photos on your laptop, Oriental Trading Hub (#04-44A) is the store to visit – they specialise in PC and laptop repair and data recovery. Whether it’s a hardware or software issue, the technicians can repair or recommend a laptop data recovery service. A quotation will only be given after a 20 to 30-minute diagnosis.
Known for quick turnaround times, some PC repairs can even be completed within the day. If you’re unsure, drop Oriental Trading Hub a line for a quick quotation before heading down to Sim Lim Square.
Oriental Trading Hub review: “I approached Oriental Trading Hub for a hard drive data recovery. I was impressed that no deposit was required upfront and they’d diagnose before quoting a price only if the data was recoverable.”
– Shahid Zafar via Google Maps
Macwin Technology (#04-49) specialises in repairing Apple products, including replacing an iPhone rear camera (from $35) and MacBook battery (from $150), and even offers a free diagnosis before repairs.
Some services, such as replacing an iPhone LCD screen, take no more than 30 minutes, but complicated repairs for laptops can take up to a week. Alternatively, opt for the delivery of your repaired devices if you aren’t available to collect them.
Depending on the type of repair, their warranty ranges from 1 to 6 months.
Macwin Technology review: “Proficient and great service by the technician. He was efficient and knowledgeable and solved my MacBook screen issue within half an hour.”
– Jason H via Google Maps
If you enjoy the creamy or clacky sounds of a keyboard, visit Xtreme Solution (#02-21) – one of the many mechanical keyboard shops in Singapore with an array of aesthetic options from $64. Those who are unsure where to start, don’t worry – the store also carries prebuilt mechanical keyboards, keycaps, and switches for you to try.
And if none of the prebuilt keyboards tickle your fancy, you can always pick up parts to build your own mechanical keyboard.
Xtreme Solution review: “The staff was very patient and took the time to explain the differences between various models, their features, and how they would suit my needs. I highly recommend speaking with him if you need advice on peripherals!
– Daniel Tan via Google Maps
Plastering the walls of Orient Electronics (#04-56) is a wide selection of phone cases (from $15) and accessories. Aside from the many iPhone cases, this family-owned business offers less common phone cases and screen protectors (from $8) for devices such as the Google Pixel Fold and the Sony Xperia.
Skip Bugis Street and bookmark this spot if you’re ever in need of an emergency phone case or screen protector when you’re in the area.
Orient Electronics review: “I can always count on Orient Electronics to have a wide selection of decent-quality cases for most phones. This is a family business, and they obviously take pride in their shop.”
– H W via Google Maps
Tucked away in a quiet corner of B1 is G&E Gaming (#B1-01). This gaming store sells game disks for any modern console, from the Xbox to the PS5. Recently, the owner also brought in the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 ($750), with games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom ($89) and Donkey Kong Bananza ($89). If you want to try something new, don’t hesitate to ask the owner for recommendations.
G&E Gaming review: “They had been in the gaming scene for decades. The boss is very knowledgeable, and the pricing at his shop is very competitive.”
– Elvis Kua via Google Maps
For those who miss the days of playing Pokémon on their Game Boy, relive your childhood and buy refurbished old-school consoles at Retronutz (#04-52). The owner himself is a gaming enthusiast of 8-bit games, and this store is almost his personal museum – some items are not for sale and only for display.
While the prices are on the more expensive side, Retronutz stocks every and any old-school games and consoles in working condition for collectors and gamers. From a Game Boy Color (from $298.90) to a brand new PS2 (from $298), the condition of the selection the store offers cannot be found anywhere else.
Retronutz review: “Don’t come to this store looking for a PS5 or a Nintendo Switch. If you come here, it’s to buy unique collectible pieces in perfect condition. In short, a retro gem in Singapore!”
– Javier Sanz via Google Maps
In case you didn’t know, there’s been a long-time food feud at Sim Lim Square for the title of “best salted egg chicken rice”. The 2 contenders: 3 Meals a Day (#02-01) and Taste Good (#02-04/06) – both priced at $7.
The tea between both eateries is a case where business partners fell out, and one started 3 Meals a Day just a few units away from Taste Good. The fact is, Taste Good is the “original Sim Lim salted egg,” but many of the original staff and chefs have moved to 3 Meals a Day.
Which is best? We aren’t food aficionados like Eatbook, so we’ll let you crown the winner.
Opened by a Thai-Singaporean couple, Huaikhwang Chicken Broth Noodle (#02-08) specialises in the unsung style of Bangkok chicken noodle soup. The Signature Chicken Drumstick Noodle ($7.50) is served with Thai rice noodles in a dark and flavourful chicken broth. It isn’t as popular as dishes like basil pork or green curry, but that’s only because you can’t find this dish in every Thai restaurant.
Don’t be fooled by Broadway Food Centre’s (B1-08/26) appearance. Even though it’s a food court located in the basement, there are gems to be found. Co Ba Quan serves up authentic and affordable Vietnamese cuisine – enjoy a Fresh Spring Roll ($6.90/3 pieces) or the Seafood Noodles ($9.90).
While the prices from 17 Turkish Doner Kebab are on the pricier side compared to other stalls, you’ll find delicious and tender Turkish dishes here. Tuck into a hearty Lamb Shank with Mandi Rice ($14.90) or a Kebab Roll (from $7), and end off with a plate of Kunefe ($10).
Sure, Sim Lim Square is best known for selling electronic components and laptop repairs – but these days, there are other reasons why you’ll find more Singaporeans visiting the mall. From a blind box shop and one that specialises in leather goods, these tenants have set up unique non-techy stores to rejuvenate the mall for new shoppers.
For audiophiles or those obsessed with crisp audio quality when listening to music or podcasts, visit Zeppelin & Co (#02-78) – an audio cafe – for a wide curated selection of in-ear monitors, headphones, and amplifiers. If you’re not sure where to start, the expert staff members are knowledgeable and will be able to provide recommendations based on what you listen to.
Picture yourself enjoying a cappuccino ($6) with a slice of cake (from $7) while you’re comparing a handful of accessories. Whether you’re a male K-pop fan listening to BTS on the Final Audio E1000 earpiece ($39) or a polymath jazz musician enjoying some Miles Davis on the Focal Bathys headphones ($1,099), I’m not joking when I say “there’s something for everyone.”
There’s always somewhere to buy blind boxes in Singapore, even in Sim Lim Square. Visit Happibox (#02-11) to bring home the cute dinos from Fujiyama ($18.90), the popular Mofusand Hippers ($29.90), or the cat-inspired Meow Oden ($13.90).
For collectors, the designer toys are on another level – and price point. Miss Bliss by Atom Toys ($150) will be a great addition to your current collection, or consider the 2025 edition of Jiangshi Acolyte ($180) by Daniel Yu, a Singaporean sculptor, to #SupportLocal.
The Love Witch (#02-28) is one of the more unusual stores in Sim Lim Square, offering tarot readings, spells, and rituals. There are options for a career spell (from $500) to help with a promotion in your job or a karma spell ($777) to fall on those who’ve wronged you.
You can even bring the witchcraft home with you by purchasing products such as a Charge White Sage Stick ($14) for energy cleansing and an Evil Eye Protection Pendant ($75). Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, this is an interesting spot to experience something different.
Nestled among the PC shops on the 4th floor is LederFirma (#04-62), which sells a wide range of leather products from wallets to bags. You’ll probably catch a whiff of that rich leather scent that fills the corridor before you even spot the store.
Shop items such as a clutch bag ($25) to a duffle bag ($220) – all reasonably priced for leather goods. They also offer a custom belt service with prices varying by material, design, and length.
There are 2 parts of bargaining: attitude and knowledge. For attitude, smile, and be friendly – but also confident. Avoid wearing any branded clothes or accessories that might suggest you have money, and just ask, “Best price?” or “Got cheaper?”
For knowledge, you need to know what you’re looking for. This will save you the hassle of getting recommendations that you might not be confident in. Look for the updated price list of multiple stores before heading down, and note that most store owners would only accept bargaining if you’re purchasing a whole PC or at least various components from their store. Any discount from the original price is a win.
A lot can happen behind closed doors. Always check the component before the technicians assemble your device, and make sure it’s not a cheaper alternative. Choose to stay in the store to observe the technicians at work if it’s a simple phone repair job that might take no more than 30 minutes.
Laptops and PCs may take a few days; you can request a double-check of your device before the technicians reassemble it. Although some stores are more affordable than others, the workmanship can vary. It’s always a good idea to read up on reviews or ask for recommendations before committing.
Sim Lim Square opens at 10am, but most units open after 11am. We recommend coming after 11.30am. This would give you time to send your devices for servicing before lunch, and hopefully, the repairs will be done before dinner.
E-commerce platforms simplify the shopping experience for consumers, but they’re also the death of brick-and-mortar stores in Sim Lim Square. There is still a fair share of sketchy and shady businesses, but now you can support those that keep Sim Lim Square standing.
For other local mall guides:
Photography by Hui Wen Chan.
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