Singapore Souvenirs on a Budget
So you have some friends from overseas, and they want to bring a little bit of Singapore back home. Bring them to these five budget markets where not only can they find cool souvenirs at wholesale prices, the can still even bargain the prices.
- Lucky Plaza
Great items you can buy at Lucky Plaza include perfumes, sunglasses, cosmetics, phone accessories, and sweets. It’s located at Orchard shopping district so even foreigners should have no problem finding it. Here, not only is bargaining acceptable, it’s practically expected so it’s the best place to try out one’s bargaining skills, especially for beginners. Items at Lucky Plaza start from $3.00. Like most establishments in the area, it is open from 10AM to 10PM.
- Mustafa Centre
Unique to other souvenir markets, Mustafa Centre has a fixed price policy, so you really have to pay what’s on the price tag. But don’t be discouraged because it’s also the one place in Singapore that offers the cheapest souvenirs and items, including snow globes, Merlion figurines, lighters, fridge magnets, teas, and the popular Tiger Balm ointment and the Eagle Brand medicated oil. Prices here are as low as $2.00.
- Peninsula Plaza
For those who want to combine their souvenir shopping with sightseeing, Peninsula Plaza is the place to go. It is located in one of the country’s older districts, the City Hall area, and so is surrounded by various attractions, such as the Esplanade Theatre, Asian Civilisations Museum, and the Parliament House. Items you can get here include ashtrays, shopping bags, fridge magnets, pens, and lighters.
- Bugis Street
Tireless shoppers would love Bugis Street. As the biggest and the most active shopping area on the island, Bugis Street has lots to offer. There are literally tons of RTW items here, including dresses, shoes, handbags, watches, shirts and fashion accessories. Of course, there are also more typical souvenir items like cigarette boxes and fridge magnets. Open hours are from 10AM to 10PM.
- Chinatown
This wouldn’t be a decent budget shopping list if we don’t include Chinatown. If you’re looking for more special souvenirs like Chinese tea, traditional clothes, antiques and herbal medicines, then this is the place to go. A point to remember when shopping at Chinatown: do some legwork and buy at shops farther into the market as prices are usually lower here.
