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Camera shopping in Singapore
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Will be passing through Singapore and was thinking of treating myself to a new camera (Nikon D90/300). Has anyone got any advice on good stores, pricing etc.
Any advice greatly appreciated
C
watch for the warrenty………..sometimes it may not be good in your country………..do some checking before you buy……….good luck
Hi,
I’ve been there quite a number of times. Singapore is essentially a ‘shopping city’ – so you should get a good deal. Its a first world country unlike its neighbours. Food is dirt cheap – beer very expensive.
There are two malls which specialise in IT and electronic goods. Perhaps more since i’ve been last there.
Sim Lim Square
Peninsula PlazaMy advice is know exactly the best price you can get the product here or in UK.
Even though they are retail outlets here – there is no fixed price – and very often no price displayed.. so you can haggle…and start at a low base when you do. Sales tax will then be added. I thinks its about 7%. Once you spend certain amount you can get a refund at the airport when you depart. Any retail outlet will tell you this figure – and they must fill out a form for you. The tax refund office is in the airport.
some cowboy/chancer operators in here – but all legal. Singpore police take no crap.
http://www.iras.gov.sg/irasHome/page.aspx?id=1780
When you arrive at the airport – go check out the vast shopping areas there. You can then decide if the best deal awaits you on departure. This airport is perhaps the most amazing in the world.
Tips on places to see
Boat Quay at night. lots of high rise business buildings and quay side bars..including Molly malones.
Dine in ‘little India’ – best curries outside Delhi
Night Safari
Muddy Murphys under the Orchard Hotel
‘Chimes’ a converted convent of bars and restaurants. –
the underground metrohope this helps.
bren
ps – DO not bring in duty free cigarettes.
Singapore is a great place to buy a camera! I love it there!
If you’re into Wildlife don’t miss Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – http://www.sbwr.org.sg/” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
Bring a macro lens and 300mm+ to Sungei Buloh if you have it.
Check out – http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/index.php” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
A photography forum from Singapore – it’s quite an active forum and they have price lists of gear which are useful. Also you can get a list of recommended camera shops there.
Also check http://www.cathayphoto.com.sg/” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
You can email them for quotes which they will honour for up to a month. At least they did something like that when I was there in 2006.
They’re great to deal with. They’re not in Sim Lim Square, might be Peninsula Plaza, can’t recall exactly. But easy to find from with the underground and they’re near another shop called Alan Photo I think.
Get ready to deal with some serious *ssh*les if you try haggling with some people. A guy in Sim Lim Square got really annoyed with me after I tried haggling with him after he gave me an terrible quote for some rechargeable batteries.
I don’t think Nikon offer warranties outside the country in which the camera is sold. All lenses have international warranties but cameras are another matter. Just something important to bear in mind.
Hope that’s all of some use.
Alan
p.s. I’d second Brendan’s recommendation to check the prices of gear in the UK or here – I’d bring a list with me even. And don’t forget about the VAT when you get home – factor it into your calculations so you don’t feel to stung if you do get caught out.
Thanks for the replies,and good advice. Only there for two days so have to spend my time, and money, wisely.
Am returning to Ireland for a holiday so don’t expect to have to pay VAT, anyone know how they factor this? would we not have to be able to prove that our gear is not new every time we pass through an airport. Might be a different story arriving back in New Zealand, but at that stage the camera will be “used”!!
Sean
If it was me returning abroad with some ‘new’ expensive gear – i’d have plenty of images on it – and pre-post the box and manuals.
I can’t imagine anyone going to customs and asking how much they owe on VAT.
bren
Do beware of the VAT bit. If you are a full time photographer and registered as business. You will not need to pay VAT. Also, you can carry the camera with the provided shoulder strap of course :) and have the box in your suitcase which should be able to avoid customs.
Folks,
Its best not to talk about how to avoid paying customs in a forum open to the public.
Avoidance is not something we support on the site.I’m sure you understand.
Thanks
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