lemiA “salad bowl” rather than a melting pot of cultures, Singapore is a diverse city-state known as one of the world’s top destinations
Pay Less, Shop More
Singapore
The shopping centers that dot Singapore are a haven to hardcore shopaholics. After all, there’s nothing like scoring a cute top or a cool pair of sneakers without burning a hole in your wallet! While luxury and designer brands can be found everywhere, the city also has something special for the budget-conscious shopper. Lucky for you, we've narrowed down some of the best places where affordable alternatives take the spotlight. Get ready to look all hot and trendy minus the massive credit card bill!
Locals and tourists strapped for time and shopping money head over to Mustafa Centre for toiletries, emergency souvenirs, and everything in between. Get something for the entire family here—a magnet for uncle, a picture frame for auntie, a Merlion figurine for the nieces and nephews, or a Tiger Balm ointment for yourself to soothe your aching joints after exploring the city. Prices stick around SGD2 (USD1.50) to SGD20 (USD14.89) for the small items. Come with a list, but try to stick with it because it’s easy to overspend with all the choices! The mall is about half an hour away from the airport, so you’ll still need to carve out some time to drop by. Any time will work, as Mustafa Centre is open 24-hours.
- +65 6295 5855
145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore
- https://www.mustafa.com.sg/
Wedged among the luxury malls along Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza is a reliable spot for the frugal shopper. The shopping center keeps up with what’s hot in ready-to-wear fashion, so swap out the big brand names with looks-for-less that are just as trendy! Sweeten up your scent with perfume, perk up with a little makeup, or indulge in sweet treats. Meanwhile, the boys are let in on the fashion craze with great deals on t-shirts. You’ll never know what something as small as SGD3 (USD2.30) will get you! Bring the prices even lower with a little haggling; some stalls accept a bit of bargaining.
- +65 6235 3294
304 Orchard Road, Singapore
- http://www.luckyplaza.com.sg/
A little cash goes a long way in the bustling Street Market of Chinatown. Here, Lucky Cats wave to passersby while cute trinkets hang on display. You might want to purchase everything you like right then and there, but canvass the area first for the best prices. Chinatown is more than a marketplace; it is a cultural center to a sizable part of Singapore’s population that emigrated from mainland China. Visit a Chinese medicine hall, stop for a sip at a tea house, and find an abundance of antiques and Chinese handicrafts—like calligraphy, lanterns, and silk.
- +65 6534 8942
Pagoda Street, Singapore
- https://www.chinatown.sg/
Bugis Street is the city’s go-to spot for affordable buys. It can be overwhelming at first, as the street has 600 or so shops that are always thick with excited buyers. The best strategy is to take a deep breath and look around before purchasing anything. Note what you want to spend your hard-earned cash on, then shorten your list over a snack at one of the street’s food stalls. Tourists come for souvenirs while locals scour for the best deals on electronics. Here, you’ll easily score a pair of jeans or three watches for about SGD 10 (USD 7.50)! Fans of Korean fashion and cosmetics should head straight to K.Street on the second floor.
- +65 6338 9513
3 New Bugis Street, Singapore
- http://www.bugisstreet.com.sg
The pretty party continues at Far East Plaza where fashion and beauty take the spotlight! Dainty ladies shop vintage and retro, while the fashion-forward buy trendy—there is ample space in Far East Plaza for both! Keep an eye out for daily sales that mark down 15- to 30-dollar price tags to SGD10 or lower. Indulge in a little pampering while you’re here! Go for a nail spa session as they are very affordable at Far East Plaza. Walk right in without a reservation and you’re good to go!
- +65 6734 2325
14 Scotts Road, #06-00, Singapore
- http://www.fareastplaza.com.sg
At *SCAPE Underground, you’ll find clothes hand-picked by the youth, for the youth, or the young-at-heart. Majority of its shop owners are stylish 20-somethings themselves. All the trendy looks go for about a fraction of what they’d cost across the street at Orchard Road’s many global brands. Fancier threads, like a blouse, don’t go above SGD20 (USD15). Pimp out your phone with a new case or reinvent your entire look. Whatever age you are, *SCAPE Underground reminds us it’s nice to be “young.” Indeed, this is where the cool kids shop!
- +65 6521 6565
2 Orchard Link, Singapore
- https://www.scape.sg/
IMM Outlet Mall offers discounts all year round (as high as 80%) on the biggest labels in the world! There are 90 brands with outlet stores here, while 220 more hold regular retail shops. Say hello to your friends Kate Spade and Michael Kors, and score some kicks at Nike, adidas, and Converse. The deal is as sweet as it gets, so don’t skimp out on good quality!
- +65 6665 8288
2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore
- https://www.capitaland.com/sg/malls/imm/en.html
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At Anchorpoint Shopping Mall, the sale continues! Enjoy a laid-back atmosphere while on the hunt for bargains, as the mall attracts fewer crowds. Nab a cute top at Cotton On for as low as SGD (USD3.75) or get a new pair of shoes from Charles & Keith for just SGD15 (USD11.24)! Remember to keep an eye out for other factory outlets here such as Pedro, Giordano, G2000, Billabong, and TYPO.
- +65 6475 2257
370 Alexandra Road, Singapore
- http://www.anchorpoint.com.sg/
Dominate your sport with brand-new gear from Queensway Shopping Centre. Beginners picking up a sport for the first time will love it here, as Queensway provides an array of options and price points to match your budget. It’s been called “Singapore’s Sports Mall” in the past, and for good reason! Check out each store for the best deals. Branch out and wear styles from a few seasons ago, as you buy a pair of Nike sneakers under SGD100 (USD75).
1 Queensway, Singapore
- https://www.queenswayshoppingcentre.sg/
At City Plaza, it’s all about throwing it back. Find vintage toys, cameras, and games to make any collector’s heart swell with glee! Go thrift shopping for pre-loved outfits at Refash, PEONY Collection, or Whitefiction where each piece goes for around SGD5 to SGD15 on average. Some shops at City Plaza also offer discounts if you buy more than 12 pieces. Stock up on your staple outfit piece like a no-fail white shirt or resell to your friends. That way, you’re making back what you’ve been spending!
810 Geylang Road, Singapore
- https://www.cityplaza.sg/
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