Luxury Shopping Guides

Luxury shopping in Singapore: what to expect

Luxury shopping in Singapore is easy and comfortable. Most major fashion houses, watchmakers and jewellers have boutiques here. They sit in air-conditioned malls linked to MRT stations, so the heat is not a problem. Staff speak English, and many speak other languages too. Prices are clearly marked and include GST, which visitors can often claim back.

Where to shop for luxury

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is Singapore's main shopping street, with several luxury malls. ION Orchard, above Orchard MRT station, has many flagship boutiques. Paragon and Ngee Ann City, home to the Takashimaya department store, also carry big names. For a break, Din Tai Fung (Paragon) is a Taiwanese restaurant in the area. Paradise Dynasty (ION) serves Chinese food. See our Orchard Road topic for more.

Marina Bay

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is the other big luxury hub. Flagship stores line its walkways, and Louis Vuitton has a store in a glass pavilion on the water. The mall sits at the foot of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, next to Bayfront MRT station. For dinner nearby, Waku Ghin is a Japanese restaurant and CUT by Wolfgang Puck is a steakhouse, both in the Marina Bay area. See our Marina Bay topic.

Hotel arcades

Raffles Hotel Singapore has an arcade of boutiques and a gift shop that is popular with visitors. It is a short walk from City Hall MRT station. Can't decide where to base yourself? Read Marina Bay vs Orchard: Where Should You Stay?

Watches and jewellery

Singapore is a popular place to buy watches. Brand boutiques and specialist watch shops sit in ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Buy from an authorised dealer to get the official warranty. Ask for the warranty card, and check that the serial number matches the watch.

For gold, visit the jewellery shops of Little India, along Serangoon Road, or in Chinatown. Many sell 22-karat and 24-karat gold. Pieces are often priced by weight at the day's gold rate, plus a charge for the work. Mustafa Centre also has a large gold section. Always ask for a receipt that shows the weight and purity.

How to plan a luxury shopping day

• Book ahead. Some boutiques offer private appointments. Ask the store before your trip.
• Expect queues for popular brands. Some boutiques limit entry at busy times. Go on a weekday, soon after opening.
• Ask about stock. Popular bags and watches may be sold out or on a waiting list. Contact the store in advance.
• Dress comfortably. Malls have no dress code. Smart-casual clothes suit Fine Dining restaurants afterwards.
• Bring your passport. You need it to claim a tax refund at the till.

For a full luxury trip, browse 5-Star Luxury hotels and our Luxury Travel topic.

Tax refunds on luxury purchases

Visitors can claim back GST on eligible goods through the Tourist Refund Scheme. Ask for a tax refund when you pay and show your passport. At Changi Airport, use the self-service tax refund kiosks before you fly. Keep high-value items in your hand luggage, as officers may ask to see them. Read GST Refund at Changi Airport: Step-by-Step Guide and the Tax-Free Shopping topic.

Also check your home country's customs allowance. You may owe duty on expensive goods when you arrive home.

FAQs about luxury shopping in Singapore

Is luxury shopping cheaper in Singapore?

Not always. Prices are often similar to other big Asian cities. A GST refund helps, but compare with prices at home and check exchange rates.

Which are the main luxury malls in Singapore?

ION Orchard and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands are the two main hubs. Paragon and Ngee Ann City on Orchard Road are also worth a visit.

Can I claim a tax refund on a luxury watch?

Yes, if the store is in the Tourist Refund Scheme and you meet the conditions. You must leave Singapore by air with the watch.

Do luxury boutiques in Singapore have queues?

Some popular brands do at busy times, especially at weekends. Weekdays are usually quieter.