What To Buy in Singapore

What To Buy in Singapore By Roni Shwartz This mini-guide will take you through nine things that are worth buying in Singapore. 1. Electronics and computer ware: Singapore's shops stock the latest, state-of-the-art electronic products, gadgets, computer, cellular phones, digital cameras and so on... Some of the stuff you will find here had not yet reached the rest of the world and while you will not find insanely low prices like in Bangkok, the variety in Singapore is by far better. In addition, there are more than a few IT shows that take place in Singapore every year, where you can fetch the best possible prices on electronics. 2. Watches: Great variety at relatively good prices. Singapore is also a good place to look for pre-owned watches of expensive brands, as more than a few shops across the city deal with them 3. Gold and other jewelries: Singapore is a good place to buy high-quality pieces of jewelry at reasonable prices. Gold, diamonds, pearls and precious gems all sit prominently in every jewelry store window, and the city's goldsmiths are known for their fine workmanship and creative designs, which means you can create your own unique pieces. 4. Expensive clothing and footwear: Thousands of shops across the metropolis specialize in international brands: From the more casual brands, to the world's most notable fashion designers. "Sale seasons" are a particular good time for you to get quality brands at competitive price (and if you like brand names, you can save heaps, buying in the right place at the right time). 5. Tailor-made suits: Singapore's tailors are renowned for their fine workmanship and quality garments. Suits, shirts, skirts and evening gowns can be created to suit the most elaborate or sedate of tastes and the prices are much lower than in the US, Europe or Japan. Tailor-made shoes are also popular. Please note: It is advisable to invest a bit of time in a short market research, as you can get some really nice pieces at a fraction of what they would have cost in Europe or the States. 6. Fabrics: There is a huge selection of Chinese, Asian and Western fabrics at very good prices. Fabrics can be purchased in Arab Street, while Indonesian 'Batik' cloth can be found mostly in Little India, as well as in Chinatown and Kampong Glam (Arab Street). 7. Arts, Crafts and Antiques: There is a stunning variety of crafts and antiques available in Singapore and the prices are normally quite good. The city sits on one of Asia's most prominent crossroads and is home to the continent's major ethnic groups, so it naturally developed into a huge bazaar where beautiful arts and crafts from four corners of Asia can be found and at a good price... Personal seals engraved in stone, Miniatures, Chinese Silk rugs, Oriental carpets, Rattan furniture, colorful Indian fabrics... you name it. Soft home furnishings are very popular in Singapore and make a lovely souvenir or gift. 8. Herbal medicines, Spices and exotic dried foods: These are abundant in the city's open-air markets and in small traditional shops, mainly around the ethnic quarters (although they can be found in more than a few modern shops). Take your time to familiarize yourself with all those exotic products... 9. Tea: Singapore is a great place to shop for quality Chinese tea and its paraphernalia, at reasonable prices. There are more than a few shops around Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar where you can find Knowing what to buy is just as important as knowing where to buy it... Our Singapore Shopping Guide will take you through the ins and outs of Shopping in Singapore, including specific details of the city's most popular shopping malls and markets, and you should also view and download our FREE Singapore travel eBooks, where you will find plenty of information about Asia's most cosmopolitan city, including a very detailed Singapore Shopping Guide. Roni Shwartz is a certified travel consultant and an expert to the cities of Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore. He writes for metropolasia.com - The ultimate online-guide for travel, dining and lifestyle in Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore.