It is a world-known fact that living in Singapore is expensive. Even though there are many ways to save money every day, you might want to consider buying items from outside Singapore to save a lot more. Check out a few things you can buy from these places near Singapore and save substantially.
1. Medicine – India
India is known for its cheap and easily available generic medicines globally. A box of antibiotics (12 doses) costs around S$22 in Singapore and only around S$4 in India! That’s a massive difference. So, if you are travelling to India and are sure of what medication you use, buying it in bulk would be a wise thing to do.
Also, alternative options such as Homeopathy and Ayurvedic medicines are also available easily across the country but do your research on these first. And while you are in the country, don’t forget to get a haircut as the cheapest ones for men cost under S$1, and even those at a good salon will cost you only around S$6. That is super cheap! Wow!
2. Clothes – Thailand
Bangkok is the global hub of shopping. It is no surprise that the latest fashion – clothes, shoes, and bags – are available at dirt-cheap prices and in abundance. Malls such as MBK, Platinum and CentralWorld, and weekend markets like Chatuchak have fashionable t-shirts selling for under S$5 each.
Most of these malls have over thousands of shops selling clothes, bags, and shoes at wholesale prices. However, trial rooms are unavailable at these shops so make sure you know what you are buying. Don’t forget to bargain well. Also, wear comfortable footwear as you will get tired and don’t be shocked if you find yourself crawling out of a mall after a long day. Just head to the nearest spa and get a heavenly foot massage.
Make sure you use your DBS Altitude Visa Signature Card and get 3 miles per S$1 spent on online hotel and flight bookings, such as singaporeair.com, airbnb.com.sg, qatarairways.com, and more. Check out other air miles cards here.
3. Branded fashion – Indonesia
If you love high-end brands but find them unaffordable sans sales, here is some good news. Head to Bandung in Indonesia and shop till you drop. Around 25 branded factory outlets await you. May it be famous brands like GAP, Nike, Esprit or high-end brands like DKNY and Gucci, you will find them all at attractive prices here.
Some great quality baby clothes and bedspreads are up for grabs too. The country’s weak currency only makes the deal sweeter. Bandung is easily accessible with direct AirAsia flights from Singapore And when you are paying with your credit card, don’t forget to always pay in local currency to avoid the dynamic currency conversion fees charged for the ‘convenience’ of having an instant currency conversion.
Don’t forget to use your Citi Rewards Card for 10x Rewards on shopping expenses from stores that sell clothes, bags and shoes.
4. Glasses – China
If you are yearning to flaunt a fancy pair of eyewear but don’t feel like spending around S$300 to get one, here is a solution. Visit Panjiayuan Glasses City in Beijing. It is a heaven for people looking to get quick, fashionable prescribed glasses. Located at Chaoyang district, this place is easily accessible through subways and taxis.
Home to almost 200 shops which are open from 9am-6pm, this is the largest variety of eyewear you would have ever seen. It is good to carry a prescription translated in Chinese if your Mandarin isn’t fluent.
Don’t worry if you don’t have one – they can instantly check your eyes there or use your current glasses to decide the power. Make sure you bargain well and read up shop reviews before you go. Be prepared to get the frame of your dreams for almost quarter of the price back home.
5. Electronics – Dubai
They have the tallest building in the world, the top seven-star hotel, never-ending malls, amazing nightlife, and cheap electronics! You can buy massive LEDs, latest mobile phones, and envious speakers at steal-worthy rates in this lavish city. But we are not talking about the shops in malls. Visit Dubai during GITEX, an annual consumer computer and electronics trade show, exhibition, and conference held at the Dubai World Trade Centre twice a year.
Apart from getting electronics at cheap prices, you will also be amazed at the technologies and innovations on display there. From robots to 3D printers and Internet of Things to virtual reality, they have it all. It is literally like stepping into the future! You can find the best deals as the exhibition nears its end. Catch GITEX from October 8-11, 2017 this year.
What else do you like to buy from abroad when you travel? Let us know your tips on Facebook.
Here are a few other posts on shopping that you might enjoy:
8 Things You Should Always Buy Used to Save Money
10 Smart Shopping Tips for the Great Singapore Sale This Year
20 Wasteful Things That Parents Spend on for Their Kids
How to Save Money on Electronics and Gadgets in Singapore
5 Social Enterprises to Shop at and Feel Good
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