Things to Buy in Singapore

ANTIQUES

Antiques from all over Asia can be found in the shopping areas at Tanglin Road, Orchard Road and Cuppage Road and at several hotel arcades. Chinese antiques predominate, chiefly porcelain, ceramics, jade, bronze items and scrolls. Even Tang and Qing dynasty ceramic pieces may be found. Thai ceramics dating back to the 13th and 15th century are another favourite with collectors. Brass lamps, bronze statuettes, inlaid jewellery boxes are some of the Indian antiques available. Indonesian, Vietnamese and Burmese antiques may be bought here as well.



CARPETS

Quality hand-knotted carpets, durries and rugs from the Middle East, China, Afghanistan, Turkey, India and Pakistan are available here in Singapore. Orchard is among the many locations where this enormous range of carpets can be viewed and bought.



COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES

Dior, Channel, Yves, St. Laurent, Lanvin, Lancome, Cacharel, all of the famous brand names are to be found in Singapore's department stores and at the airport duty free complexes.



ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC GOODS

An enormous range of calculators, shaves, fans, hair-dryers, audio-visual equipment, irons, kettles and other household appliances are sold at duty free prices at the various complexes and stores located on Orchard Road, North Bridge Road. Raffles Place and Sim Lim Square.
Funan Centre along North Bridge Road and the Riverwalk Gallery are recognised sources of personal computers and computer software. Camera equipment is available at stores in North Bridge Road, High Street, Middle Road, Bras Basah Road, Orchard Road, Raffles Place and Scotts Road. Major brands such as Nikon, Cannon, and Pentax as well as professional cameras such as Leicas andHerselblads are on sale for reasonable prices. Having procurred the price list from an agent, one can shop around for the best price.



FABRICS

Countless shops in the Tanglin Shopping Centre, Scotts Shopping Centre, Lucky Plaza and the Chinese emporiums offer both plain and printed Chinese silks by the yard or made into the latest ready to wear fashions. Indian silks and other textiles from the region can be found in Arab Street at reasonable prices. The unique colour and design of batik make it a popular buy. Imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, it is sold in lengths, or made into clothing, napkins, table cloths and many other items. The best place to buy batik is at Arab street, Geylang Serai and the Malay village.



FOOTWEAR

Footwear is an excellent buy in Singapore, from top European designer shoes to the latest in sport shoes. Orchard Road sells designer wear by the likes of Rodolfo Valentine, Bally, Giorgio Armani, and Gucci. Bargain shoes, sandals slippers and sneakers can be bought in and around Chinatown and Little India.



JEWELLERY

Exceptional gem bargains can be found in Singapore, not only in such native stones as rubies, sapphires, zircons, garnets and turquiose, but also in imported ones brought here for cutting and setting. Singapore's jeweller have a justifiable reputation for creation of fine jewellery in distinctive settings ranging from high fashion to traditional ethnic. Different shops specialise in gold, silver, precious or semi-precious gems.The Pidemco Centre on South Bridge Road is home to Singapore's Jeweller's. Traditional Indian jewellery is available along Serangoon Road.



LEATHER GOODS

Handbags, shoes, belts and other accessories made from crocodile, snake and lizard skins are sold in department stores and shopping complexes throughout the city.



SPORTS/RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT

Major shopping complexes have at least one well equipped sports store. For Scuba gear, visit Dive Asia, Sealand Sports in Lucky Plaza or specialist shops at Peace Centre. Windsurfers could try the East Coast Sailing Centre, 1210 East Coast Parkway. Water skiers are catered for at Aqua & Leisure Sports in Marina Square and Golfers at the Far East Plaza and Plaza Singapore.



SOUVENIRS

Souvenirs of Singapore can be found all over from T-shirts to local handicrafts.
Gold, dipped orchids (Singapore's National flower) are a popular buy. Gold billion coins stamped with lion motifs make a valuable gift. Fine pewter ware, mugs, vases and pictures can be bought at the Royal Selangor showroom at 32, Pandan Road. The Singaporean Handicraft Centre at Chinatown Point must be visited for a wider selection of Singaporean souvenirs.



TOYS/GAMES

Most stores in Singapore have huge sections devoted solely to toys of every imaginable variety. Some specialist toy shops are located in the Orchard Road shopping belt, Forum Galleria and Wisema Atria housing two of the most popular shops.



WEARING APPAREL

Custom Tailoring: The pleasure of owning a custom made suit or dress is not a privilege reserved for the very rich in Singapore. There are thousands of establishments, small and large that can produce almost anything you want in a matter of days and at prices fairly reasonable prices. Although found throughout Singapore, the tailor shops along Coleman Street, Selegie Road, North Bridge Road, Orchard Road and Tanglin Road are perhaps the best known.

Ready to wear: Clothing is a booming industry in Singapore. Men's clothing imported from the world's fashion houses, can be obtained from department stores and shopping complexes in and around Orchard, Scolts and Tanglin Roads. For women's fashion, Singapore offers the latest from around the world, with famous names such as Channel, Claiborne and Gucci.
However, Singapore made versions are moderately priced with the local designers able to match foreign standards. These are available at many outlets throughout the city, a number of which are located at Park Mall.



WATCHES

Timepieces such as Kaleidoscopic Swiss watches, collector's Role watches as well as elaborate wall clocks and practical radio clocks can be picked up at excellent prices' here in Singapore.