9 best places for shopping in Singapore

Singapore isn’t just a shopping destination, it’s a sensory overload of retail therapy. Picture gleaming mega-malls rubbing shoulders with labyrinthine street markets, all crammed into a city-state smaller than Mumbai.

For Indian travellers, the allure is undeniable: hunt for Gucci bags under crystal chandeliers one hour, then haggle for jasmine garlands and stainless-steel pots the next, all while catching snippets of Tamil and Hindi in the air. It’s Little India with a side of luxury, minus the chaos of Delhi traffic.

But before you max out your credit card on Orchard Road, here’s a curated list of Singapore’s top shopping places in Singapore, plus subtle tips to keep your trip stress-free. 

1. Orchard Road: The Glamour Mile 

What to Buy: Luxury fashion, electronics, designer beauty 

Singapore’s iconic shopping strip stretches 2.2 km, housing over 20 malls like ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City. Think Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Apple Stores glowing brighter than Marina Bay Sands’ light show. 

Indian Traveller Perk: Look for stores like Global Desi and Fabindia in Plaza Singapura for ethnic wear fixes. 

Pro Tip: End-of-season sales (June & December) offer up to 70% off. 

2. Mustafa Centre: The 24/7 Bargain Wonderland 

What to Buy: Gold jewellery, spices, gadgets, ₹100 snacks 

This sprawling Little India complex is a rite of passage for Indian tourists. Haggle for 22k gold jewellery, stock up on Kurkure and Maggi, or grab a last-minute travel adaptor, all at midnight. 

Pro Tip: Crowds are intense. Keep belongings secure, consider a policy covering lost wallets or phones. 

3. Bugis Street Market: Budget Fashion Heaven 

What to Buy: S$5 sunglasses, S$10 dresses, quirky souvenirs 

Once infamous for its pirated DVDs, Bugis Street now dazzles with 600+ stalls selling everything from floral co-ords to K-pop merch. Perfect for teens or those craving Insta-worthy outfits without the designer price tag, making it one of the best shopping places in Singapore.

Pro Tip: This is a place to sharpen your haggling skill, start at 40% of the quoted price. 

4. Little India: A Taste of Home (With AC) 

What to Buy: Silk saris, temple offerings, stainless steel utensils 

Tekka Centre and Serangoon Road are hubs for Kanjeevaram silks, jasmine garlands, and kitchenware. Pop into Mustafa’s rival, Sri Murugan Stores, for ayurvedic oils and Tamil DVDs. 

Pro Tip: Many shops ship to India, ideal for wedding shopping. 

5. VivoCity: Family-Friendly Retail Therapy 

What to Buy: Kids’ apparel, toys, beauty products 

Singapore’s largest mall has a rooftop pool, a Sentosa Island view, and stores like Mothercare and Toys “R” Us. Uniqlo and Zara here stock collections often unavailable in India. 

Pro Tip: Check if your insurance covers trip interruptions, kids + shopping meltdowns are inevitable. 

6. Chinatown Street Markets: Souvenirs & Spices 

What to Buy: Chinese teas, silk cheongsams, bakkwa (jerky) 

Pagoda Street’s stalls sell everything from faux-jade Buddhas to Singapore-themed fridge magnets. For authentic Peranakan culture, visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre. 

Pro Tip: Sample chilli crab-flavoured KitKats, covered by “unusual purchases” in some policies. 

7. Sim Lim Square: Tech Geek’s Playground 

What to Buy: Cameras, headphones, gaming gear 

Skip the marked-up airport electronics. Sim Lim’s 6 floors offer gadgets at competitive prices, just avoid pushy dealers on Level 1.

Pro Tip: Opt for policies with gadget coverage for accidental drops or theft. 

8. Jewel Changi Airport: Last-Minute Luxury 

What to Buy: TWG tea, Charles & Keith bags, premium chocolates 

Even if you’re in transit, Changi’s retail marvel dazzles. The 40m Rain Vortex waterfall is Instagram gold, while duty-free prices on brands like Estée Lauder beat Indian airports.

Pro Tip: Some plans reimburse delays over 6 hours, shop guilt-free. 

9. Haji Lane: Quirky Boutiques & Hipster Vibes 

What to Buy: Vintage clothes, handmade jewellery, indie art 

This narrow alley in Kampong Glam oozes bohemian charm. Support local designers at Soon Lee or snap up batik-print totes. 

Insider Scoop: Cafés here serve halal-certified biryani, a win for Indian palates. 

Beyond the obvious hotspots, Singapore hides pockets of retail magic for the curious. Tiong Bahru’s indie boutiques peddle minimalist ceramics and hand-stitched leather goods, while Kampong Gelam’s Arab Street lures with Persian carpets and bespoke perfumes.

For tech enthusiasts, Funan Mall’s VR zones let you “test-drive” gadgets, ideal for justifying that splurge on noise-cancelling headphones.

Pro Tip: Pair your spree with a practical safety net. Opt for travel insurance that covers misplaced shopping hauls or sudden cancellations, ensuring a sprained ankle or delayed flight doesn’t derail your plans. After all, even paradise has its pitfalls.

Shopping Smart: 5 Tips for Indian Travellers 

1. Tax Refunds: Spend over S$100 (₹6,200) in a single receipt? Claim 7% GST refund at Changi’s eKiosks. 

2. Bargaining: Acceptable in street markets (Bugis, Chinatown), not malls. 

3. Carry Passport Copies: Some stores offer tourist discounts. 

4. Avoid Weekends: Orchard Road and Mustafa get overwhelmingly crowded. 

5. Secure Your Buys: Ensure your travel insurance covers lost luggage, high-value items, and trip cancellations. 

Ways to Shop for Peace of Mind: Travel Insurance Tips

Singapore may be safe, but mishaps happen: lost bags, delayed flights, or unexpected medical bills. A robust travel insurance plan ensures you’re not stuck paying ₹5 lakh for a sprained ankle at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

Look for: 

- Medical Coverage: At least S$200,000 (₹1.2 crore) for emergencies. 

- Baggage Protection: For delayed/lost luggage (common on budget airlines). 

- Trip Flexibility: Coverage if you need to cancel last-minute due to family emergencies. 

Policies with 24/7 helplines and cashless hospital networks add ease, critical when navigating foreign healthcare. 

To Sum Up

From haggling in Little India to swiping cards on Orchard Road, Singapore caters to every shopping whim. Pair your retail spree with foresight, because nothing ruins a holiday faster than realising your new Rolex isn’t covered for monsoons or muggings.

Now, go forth and shop (wisely!).