Duty Free Shopping at Changi Airport

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the main transfer hubs for people travelling to and from Australia, New Zealand and other parts of Asia. If you find yourself in a long stop-over you’ll discover that Changi is one of the best airports to spend time waiting for your flight. Coming second in 2012’s World Airport Awards, Changi provides a level of comfort not seen in many airports around the world and its sheer size can provide hours of duty free shopping pleasure.

  

If you’re in the market for luxury goods but don’t want to pay full price then this is a perfect opportunity to stock up. Boutiques at Changi include: Alfred Dunhill, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Bvlgari, Cartier, Coach, Emporio Armani, Fashion Avenue, Gucci, Hermes, Hugo Boss, La Perla, Longchamp, MCM, Miu Miu, Montblanc, Paul & Shark, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, Shanghai Tang, The Fashion Gallery, Tod's and Tommy Hilfiger. If you want some fine jewellery to go with your new outfit you can check out Aspial, Goldheart, Lee Hwa Diamond Boutique, Luvenus, Pandora, SK Jewellery and Tiffany & Co. After that, don’t forget to buy a new watch from either DFS Watches, Gassan Watches, Ice-Watch, o.d.m, Omega Boutique, Rolex or Swatch. Finally for your fragrance and make-up needs you can go to Kiehl's, M.A.C. or Nuance Watson.

Of course the place to go for the biggest range of perfumes and aftershaves is DFS as they carry every brand you can think of. DFS is also the place for duty free liquor and cigarettes. The tax on alcohol in Singapore is quite high so the duty free liquor available at Changi Airport is a great deal for anyone on their way in to the country. However be aware that cigarettes are not able to be brought in duty free. You can buy them but if you bring them in to Singapore you have to declare them and pay the tax on the spot. Failure to declare them and pay the tax will result in a large fine.

       

Electronics are also readily available at duty free prices at Changi with an emphasis on cameras and music players. Just look for the big sign saying Cameras Electronics. Other stores include FOTOPRO and i-sound.   

Sometimes the best way to get through a plane trip is by stocking up on snacks and candy. Luckily Changi Airport has got you covered.  Head over to the following stores Bee Cheng Hiang,           Bengawan Solo, Candy Empire, Chocolates.Candy.Delicatessen, Cocoa & Co, Durian Mpire, Godiva, Kedai Kue Kue, Kim Joo Guan, M&M's World, So Chocolate, The Cocoa Trees and Umeya.

Of course now you might need some new luggage to carry all your purchases. Luckily the following stores can help: Delsey, Flight 001, Samsonite, TUMI and The Planet Traveller.

No matter if you’re coming in or leaving Singapore, or if you have a stop-over, you’ll find plenty to do and buy at Singapore’s Changi Airport.

Visitors.SG

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Shopping and Tax Advantages for Tourists in Singapore

Singapore is famous for its amazing range of shopping options, but did you know tourists can claim back the 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST) once you leave the country? Most large retailers and chain stores in Singapore participate in the Tourist Refund Scheme; just look for a blue sign saying either "Tax Free Shopping" or "Premier Tax Free". As the minimum spend is $100, you should always confirm with the retailer that they are participating in the scheme, just to be on the safe side.

Not all goods and services purchased are eligible for a GST refund. Goods partly or wholly consumed in Singapore, items purchased for business or commercial use, goods exported by freight, accommodation, car rental, entertainment and tour charges are all ineligible for a GST refund.

The first step to getting your GST refund is to claim the Electronic Tourist Refund Scheme (eTRS) ticket or a paper refund form from the cashier during your purchase. Make sure you have your passport with you as you will need this as proof of eligibility.

Make sure you keep the ticket or form safe as you will need them at the time of departure.
When arriving at Changi Airport for your departure, make sure you claim your refund before you check in for your flight as you may need to present the items you purchased to the customs officer. If you have an eTRS ticket you can claim your refund at the eTRS self-service kiosk. Keep in mind that even with the self-service option, you still might need to show your goods and the original receipt / invoice. This can be done at the Customs Inspection Counter. If you have a paper refund form, you can just head straight to the Customs Inspection Counter to have your claim approved. Once you receive your customs stamp you can check your luggage in along with the purchased goods.

Customs Inspection Counters and eTRS kiosks are available in all terminals of Changi Airport.

Once you have your customs stamp and have checked in your luggage, proceed through immigration and head to either the Global Blue Refund or Premier Tax Free counter. The one specific to your needs can be found in the documents you received from either the kiosk or the Customs Inspection Counter. Keep in mind that for credit card refunds, the credit card receiving the refund must be the same card that was used for the original purchase. Make sure you are familiar with all the differences between the two systems. In some cases a retailer may operate a refund scheme of their own. In this case please use the airport postbox to mail in the endorsed refund form. In these cases you may have to pay a small handling fee.

The retail experience in Singapore is something every dedicated shopper must experience at least once in their life, especially during the annual Great Singapore Sale. Tips like this can help you save money and make your time in Singapore more pleasurable.

visitors.sg