***Under Construction***.
Currency
Between 2010-2012, the value of 1 USD has fluctuated between 1.2-1.3 SGD. Meaning for every USD dollar changed you can $1.2-1.3 SGD back. For the most up to date currency rates for your country you can use xe.com
Money changers are available in most shopping centres as well as hotels and the aiport. Of course, hotels usually charge a premium rate as well as the airports. For the best value it is recommended to note the airport / hotel rates, then use the local money changers as a comparison who would the vast majority of the time provide a better rate.
You can also access the automated teller machines (ATMs) located everywhere that accept major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express but these are subject to their respective premium rates as well.
Traveler Tips
For stores where price tags aren’t displayed, make sure to make at least 2-3 price comparisons before purchasing to ensure you aren’t getting ripped off. Opportunists who see you’re a tourist may try to rip you off just because they can. Hell in some areas like Lucky Plazza, certain stores have even tried to rip locals like me off, with a store selling something at $25 and the other at just $10.
Check your product and make sure the receipt tallies.
Before making payment, make sure you ask for a demo or test them yourself as you are not likely to be coming back to Singapore again that soon. For this reason you should also ensure that the promised accessories or bonus gifts are included in the package and work as they should. Before you leave, make sure you have a recepit and ensure the it matches the items you bought. You would also need to hold on to them for GST refunds.
Verify your ‘international warranty’ – International warranties are not standardised, and you need to ask if the warranty is valid in your home country, otherwise its a useless warranty. Ensure your invoice and warranty card bears your retailer’s stamp and signature.
Also note that there are no international warranties on the purchase of mobile phones. The term “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 and it can be very misleading if you do not know the true definition. Parallel imported items have no warranty, and retailers usually do not entertain returns, refunds or exchanges.
Tax Refund Schemes
All tourist can get a refund on the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on your purchases. You usually need to spend SGD100 or more to qualify. If in doubt just ask the retailer. Note that sometimes you will be required to produce your purchases as proof at the custom inspection counter.
For cash payments: Complete and sign the refund forms issued by retaillers. Be sure to ask them if they support GST refunds before your purchase, the vast majoirty do. Go slightly earlier to Changi Aiport and look for the Customs Inspection Counter with your receipt and GST forms to have them stamped and approved. Proceed to the Central Refund Counter to collect your refunds in cash. 7% is $70 for every $1,000 spent and its certaintly an amount worth collecting if you’re buying products in Singapore.
For credit card payments: You can refunds via the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS). Charge all your purchases to one credit card, which will be used as a Token. This Token will allow you to easily retrieve all your purchasing history made on your credit card during your stay in Singapore, when you apply for GST refunds at the eTRS self-help kiosks @ Changi Airport. Some retailers may not be on the eTRS and you might be issued with paper refund forms instead and when that happens follow the cash payment method as described above.
A full guide can be found here: http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page04.aspx?id=10834
Visa, Customs, Legal Regulations
The vast majority of foreigners do not require any entry visas and are given social visit passes up to 30 days upon their arrival. To be sure its best to check with local consular office first.
If you would like to intend to stay for more than 30 days, you may apply to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) upon your arrival. The standard travel rules apply such as having a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and proof of a return or transit ticket and the necessary entry visas/permits for those countries. If you lose your passport make a police report immediately and approach your respective embassy in Singapore to apply for a replacement travel document.
Foreign Embassies
Australia (25 Napier Road) – (65) 6836 4100
USA (27 Napier Road) – (65) 6476 9100
UK (100 Tanglin Road) – 6424 4200
Germany (50 Raffles Place) – (65) 6533 6002
A full listing can be found here: www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-in/Singapore
Emergency Hotlines
Police – 999
Ambulance / Fire Brigade – 995
Directions
http://www.onemap.sg – Find where you want to go and how to get there.
www.streetdirectory.com – Most useful for addresses and phone numbers of your intended locations, and even provides several route options to your destination.
