Singaporeans and Permanent Residents enjoy tax-free shopping only when they depart from Changi airport and not when they return.
This is true for the most part. Singaporeans and PRs who leave the country for any destination are exempted from the 7 per cent GST at all of Changi’s shops in the departure halls. On their return, however, they save on GST only for liquor (restricted to one bottle of wine, one bottle of liquor and a six-pack of beer per person) and all beauty products at the 18 Perfumes & Cosmetics stores run by Nuance-Watson in Changi airport’s four terminals.
All travellers on incoming flights from Malaysia are not allowed to buy liquor at Changi airport’s duty-free stores.
A spokesman for DFS Singapore says this is to prevent liquor trafficking due to the large number of incoming flights from Malaysia.
Singaporeans do not enjoy GST savings at the DFS Galleria Singapore at 25 Scotts Road.
The GST-free prices apply only to those who hold foreign passports (including Permanent Residents). Shoppers should complete a tax rebate form at the customer service counter on Level 4 with their passports. They can then redeem the 7 per cent GST at the tax rebate counters in Changi airport when they depart.
Travellers via Changi airport can enjoy a pre-order service on duty-free fragrances and cosmetics.
Nuance-Watson offers a service that lets you order in advance any beauty items from its Perfumes & Cosmetics chain in Changi.
Visit www.nuancewatson.com.sg to browse the products and view comparisons with downtown prices.
Call the 24-hour hotline on 9735-3107 or e-mail [email protected] three working days in advance with details of your flight departure time and terminal.
The items will be ready for collection at the central store of the respective terminal.
You can also choose to collect the items only when you return.
Just ask the staff at any Perfumes & Cosmetics store to have your purchases transferred to the central store at your arrival terminal.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DUBAI
Must-buy: Luxury goods Dubai is not touted as a haven for luxury goods for nothing as the airport is filled with high-end labels such as Givenchy, Paul Smith, Hugo Boss and Salvatore Ferragamo. Prices here are about 15 per cent cheaper than in the town district.
For instance, a Hugo Boss leather jacket there costs US$680 (S$920), which is less than half the $2,100 you would have to pay for the same jacket at the Changi airport store. T-shirts from brands like Paul Smith go for US$43 while the same tee sells for $140 at downtown boutiques in Singapore.
Savings on fragrances are also substantial – Dolce & Gabanna’s He/She perfume is going for US$56.70 (S$76.95) in Dubai airport compared to $102 here (or $77 at Changi). A bottle of Clinique Happy perfume costs US$43 (S$64) compared to $150 here (or $84.50 at Changi).
Check out: Dubai Duty Free, Concourse
This duty-free haven has received more than 150 industry awards for its sterling service and wide variety of stores.
The 17,716 sq ft shoppers’ paradise offers a wide range of luxury merchandise including jewellery, electronics, cosmetics and luxury goods at attractive prices.
NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TOKYO
Must-buy: Japanese fashion labels Most travellers stock up on Japanese snacks such as konnyaku jelly and seaweed crackers but shoppers should also check out the Japanese fashion labels.
Uniqlo (Level 4 Central Building, Terminal 1), for one, stocks a wide selection of basic pieces such as jackets, cardigans and its ever popular denim jeans.
The prices are generally about 5 per cent cheaper than the items sold in Singapore. A pair of skinny jeans for women, for instance, is going for 4,183 yen (S$65) at Narita while the same pair costs $70 here.
As with all Uniqlo stores, it also offers on-the-spot pants alteration services and you can collect your altered pieces in 20 minutes.
Bikini brand San-Ai Mizugirakuen (Level 4 Central Building, Terminal 1), which is popular with Japanese celebrities, is not available in Singapore.
The label offers pretty swimwear designs in candy hues and floral motifs.
Prices start from $30.
Check out: Samantha Thavasa, Level 3 Main Building, Terminal 2
This Japanese handbag label is now a household name in Japan after stars like Beyonce Knowles and Takuya Kimura starred in its advertising campaigns.
Paris Hilton and Victoria Beckham have also designed collections for the brand.
Its latest range of handbags and small leather goods sports the season’s hottest trends – studs and quilting.
A Disney collection rendered in metallic leather and decorated with Disney character charms is also available.
The label has expanded to 236 standalone boutiques, including its first overseas boutique in New York City which opened in late 2006, since its 1994 debut.
Prices at Narita range from 3,675 yen for a bag charm to 36,750 yen for a leather handbag.
HEATHROW AIRPORT, LONDON
Must-buy: British fashion and lifestyle brands
Shoe-philes will adore Kurt Geiger (Terminal 5, after security), a retailer of luxury shoes and accessories which stocks brands such as Jimmy Choo, French Connection and DKNY. A pair of French Connection wedges cost £60 (S$138) at the store but retail for $190 here.
Those looking for luxury sunglasses should head to David Klulow (Satellite Terminal 5B, after security). The eyewear chain offers a range of exclusive designer brands at tax-free prices.
Look out for labels including Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Prada and Tom Ford. The sunglasses are about 10 per cent cheaper than those sold here.
For instance, a pair of Dior sunnies cost $430 here but you can get them for £164 or about $50 less at Heathrow.
If you cannot wait for your prescription glasses, you can collect them on the return journey or arrange to have them sent to your home.
Check out: Terminal 5
Heathrow’s newest terminal opened in March last year at an estimated cost of £4.3 billion.
It is home to big English names including the swish Harrods (pictured) department store.
The 11,000 sq ft store is the brand’s first standalone outside its hallowed halls in posh Knightsbridge to stock clothes and other fashion items.
Although most of the items sold here can be found at the Knightsbridge store, you save on the 5 per cent sales tax.
Heathrow also houses several British fashion labels not available here, such as Cath Kidston. Founded in 1993, the brand is famous for its vintage-inspired prints adorning everything from fashion and accessories to homeware.
After all that shopping, check in at Plane Food, the first airport-based restaurant by top British chef Gordon Ramsay.
INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SEOUL
Must-buy: Korean beauty products Stock up on Korean make-up brands such as Laneige, The Face Shop and Etude House as prices are generally about 50 per cent cheaper than in Singapore.
A tube of moisturiser at The Face Shop can cost $40 here but the same tube is $18 at Incheon Airport.
A stick of lipstick and a two-way foundation cake from Laneige cost $25 and $40 respectively here but cost only $17 and $30 at Incheon Airport.
The Shilla Duty Free outlet (at section 3F at the Concourse near gate 27) is a beauty haven that is open 24 hours.
Check out: Korean Cultural Experience, Duty-Free Arcade, Level 3 Passenger Terminal, near Gate 31
When you tire of shopping, check out this Korean cultural museum and craft bar.
The museum was renovated in June last year and showcases an updated collection of relics that span 5,000 years, including costumes from the Chosun Dynasty, Buddhist artefacts, Korean alphabet exhibits and traditional drums and flutes.
The craft bar features Korean ceramics, brightly coloured traditional costumes and finely crafted accessories.
While the exhibits are not for sale, they sure make for great eye candy.
The museum is open from 7am to 10pm daily, while the craft bar is open 24 hours daily.
Admission is free.
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HONG KONG
Must-buy: Luxury goods With the likes of Hermes, Chanel, Agnes b, Jimmy Choo, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Loewe – all in the public area – going for about 20 per cent less than the prices here, there is no reason not to shop till you drop.
For instance, a canvas monogram belt from Loewe (Level 6 Departures West Hall, Terminal 1) costs HK$839 (S$150) compared to $200 here.
A canvas shoulder bag from Marc Jacobs (Level 6 Departures Hall, Terminal 1) costs HK$3,076, which works out to be about $50 cheaper.
Check out: David Yurman, Level 6 Departures East Hall, Terminal 1 Luxury jeweller David Yurman is not available in Singapore, so fashionistas who want a piece by the iconic American designer can visit one of his two Hong Kong boutiques at the airport after clearing security checks.
The other store is in IFC Mall.
The brand is famous for its oversized statement pieces decorated with precious stones and is a firm favourite with trend-savvy stars such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller.
Prices of his iconic sterling silver cable bracelets with gemstones start from HK$4,107.
JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, NEW YORK
Must-buy: Jewellery and trinkets Trinkets and pretty bling are aplenty at the JFK airport, which has stores such as Swarovski, Ultra Diamonds and Silver Collection in Terminal 4’s public area.
The prices at Swarovski may be close to those found here, but look out for the store’s monthly promotions when accessories cost 10 per cent less than those sold here.
The jewellery from Ultra Diamonds and Silver Collection will not put a dent in your wallet either. Prices start from US$240 (S$360) for a diamond bracelet.
Also check out The Metropolitan Museum of Art store in Terminal 4 for artworks such as paintings and sculptures. Prices start from US$200.
Check out: Xpress Spa Kiosk, Arrival Hall, Terminal 1
There are manicures, massages, facials and other pampering spa services aplenty here to banish any travel blues.
Xpress Spa Kiosk, for instance, offers everything from facials to body massages for tired travellers who have just landed. Prices start from US$38 for a facial.
Departing passengers looking for a quick manicure or pedicure can head to 10 Minute Manicure at Gate 2, Terminal 3. An express manicure starts from US$15.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
