Places for Cheap Shopping in Singapore

What's Cheap in Singapore Shopping 2024: Insider Tips and Recommendations

As someone who has lived in Singapore all my life, I can tell you that there are plenty of cheap shopping options that won't break the bank. From bustling street markets to air-conditioned malls, there's something for everyone. In this article, I'll highlight some of the best places to find cheap deals in Singapore.

One of the first places to check out is Bugis Street, a vibrant outdoor market that's popular with tourists and locals alike. Here, you'll find rows of stalls selling everything from clothes and accessories to souvenirs and electronics. The prices are generally quite affordable, and you can often haggle for an even better deal. Plus, the atmosphere is lively and energetic, making it a fun place to spend an afternoon.

If you prefer a more air-conditioned shopping experience, head to Lucky Plaza or Far East Plaza in orchard, two malls that are known for their affordable prices. Both offer a mix of international and local brands, as well as a variety of food options. Keep in mind that these malls can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, so it's best to go during off-peak hours if possible.

Here are some of our top picks on:

Budget-Friendly Shopping Areas

As someone who loves shopping in Singapore, I know how expensive it can get. However, there are still plenty of budget-friendly shopping areas that offer great deals and bargains. Here are some of my top picks:

Bugis Street

Bugis Street is a must-visit shopping destination for anyone looking for affordable fashion finds. With over 800 stalls selling everything from clothes to accessories, this street market is a treasure trove of bargains. You can find trendy tops, dresses, and accessories for as low as SGD 5. Don't forget to haggle for an even better deal!

Mustafa Centre

Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping mall that offers a wide range of products at affordable prices. From electronics to groceries to fashion, you can find almost anything here. The best part? Prices are often cheaper than other shopping malls in Singapore. If you're looking for a good deal on souvenirs, Mustafa Centre also has a great selection.

Far East Plaza

Far East Plaza is a popular shopping mall among locals and tourists alike. While it's not as budget-friendly as Bugis Street or Mustafa Centre, it still offers great deals on fashion and accessories. You can find trendy clothes and accessories at prices that won't break the bank. Plus, there are plenty of food options in the mall, so you can refuel after a long day of shopping.

Overall, these three shopping areas are great options for anyone looking for budget-friendly shopping in Singapore. Whether you're a tourist or a local, you're sure to find some great deals here.

Read also: Brands that are cheaper in Singapore

Affordable Fashion Outlets

As a savvy shopper, I know that finding affordable fashion outlets in Singapore can be a challenge. However, after exploring the city, I discovered a few hidden gems that offer trendy clothes at reasonable prices. Here are my top picks:

Haji Lane

Haji Lane is a vibrant and colourful street that is home to several independent boutiques. This charming area is a must-visit for anyone looking for unique and affordable fashion items. Some of my favourite stores include Mondays Off, which sells stylish yet affordable clothes for women, and Soon Lee, which offers a range of chic and trendy clothing for both men and women.

Lucky Plaza

Located in the heart of Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza is a bustling shopping mall that caters to budget-conscious shoppers. Here, you can find a wide range of affordable fashion outlets, including shops that sell trendy clothes, accessories, and shoes. Some of my favourite stores in Lucky Plaza include Platinum Fashion, which offers a range of stylish clothes for women, and Zara Outlet, which sells high-quality clothes at discounted prices.

City Plaza

City Plaza is a hidden gem located in the heart of Geylang. This shopping mall is home to several affordable fashion outlets, including shops that sell trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories. Some of my favourite stores in City Plaza include The Closet Lover, which offers a range of stylish clothes for women, and The Editor's Market, which sells a variety of trendy clothes and accessories for both men and women.

Overall, Singapore is a great place to find affordable fashion outlets. Whether you're looking for trendy clothes, shoes, or accessories, these three areas are sure to have something that fits your style and budget.

Discount Electronics and Gadgets

Sim Lim Square

When it comes to buying electronics and gadgets in Singapore, one of the best places to find great deals is Sim Lim Square. This mall is home to more than 100 electronics stores, selling everything from laptops and smartphones to cameras and gaming consoles.

At Sim Lim Square, you can find a wide range of products at competitive prices. Many of the stores offer discounts on their products, especially if you are paying in cash. Some stores also offer bundle deals, where you can get a discount if you buy multiple items.

It's important to note that while Sim Lim Square is a great place to find deals, you should be careful when making purchases. Some stores have been known to engage in unethical practices, such as overcharging or selling counterfeit products. Always do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.

Funan Mall

Another great place to find discount electronics and gadgets in Singapore is Funan Mall. This mall is home to a variety of tech stores, including big brands like Apple and Samsung, as well as smaller independent stores.

At Funan Mall, you can find a range of products at competitive prices. Many of the stores offer discounts and promotions, especially during major shopping events like the Great Singapore Sale.

In addition to electronics and gadgets, Funan Mall also has a range of other tech-related products, such as smart home devices and accessories. If you're looking for the latest tech products at a great price, Funan Mall is definitely worth checking out.

Cheap Souvenirs and Gifts

As a frequent shopper in Singapore, I have discovered some great spots to find affordable souvenirs and gifts. If you're looking for unique items to take home without breaking the bank, here are two places you should visit:

Chinatown Street Market

Chinatown Street Market is a bustling marketplace that offers a wide variety of souvenirs and gifts at bargain prices. From traditional Chinese handicrafts to quirky trinkets, you'll find something for everyone here. Some popular items include Chinese fans, silk scarves, chopsticks, and tea sets. Be sure to bargain with the vendors to get the best deals!

Little India Arcade

If you want to explore a different cultural area, head to Little India Arcade. Here, you'll find a range of Indian souvenirs and gifts, such as colourful textiles, incense, jewellery, and spices. The prices are reasonable, and you can even watch artisans at work creating beautiful handicrafts.

Overall, both Chinatown Street Market and Little India Arcade are great places to find cheap souvenirs and gifts in Singapore. Just remember to be respectful of the vendors and their goods, and don't be afraid to bargain for a better price.

Inexpensive Local Food Markets

When it comes to affordable food in Singapore, local food markets are the way to go. These markets offer an array of delicious and cheap food options that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here are two local food markets that you should check out:

Tekka Centre

Located in Little India, Tekka Centre is a bustling market that is famous for its fresh produce and affordable food. You can find a variety of local dishes such as roti prata, nasi biryani, and fish head curry. The food is cooked fresh on the spot, and you can watch the chefs in action. The prices are reasonable, and you can get a filling meal for under $5.

Aside from food, Tekka Centre also has a wet market that sells fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables. You can find exotic fruits and spices that are unique to Singapore. It's a great place to shop for groceries and experience the local culture.

Chinatown Complex

Chinatown Complex is one of the largest hawker centres in Singapore, and it's a food lover's paradise. You can find a wide range of local dishes such as chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow. The prices are affordable, and you can get a satisfying meal for under $5.

Aside from food, Chinatown Complex also has a wet market that sells fresh produce, meat, and seafood. It's a great place to shop for groceries and experience the local culture.

In conclusion, local food markets are a great way to experience affordable and delicious food in Singapore. Tekka Centre and Chinatown Complex are just two of the many options available. Be sure to check them out on your next visit to Singapore.

Learn more: Popular Hawker Centres in Singapore for Cheap and Delicious Food

Value Bookstores and Stationery Shops

As a book lover and stationery enthusiast, I have found that Singapore has some great options for cheap books and unique stationery items. Here are two places that I highly recommend:

Bras Basah Complex

Bras Basah Complex is a multi-level shopping centre that offers a wide range of bookstores and stationery shops. This place is a paradise for book lovers and students, as it has everything from textbooks to fiction novels, and from pens to art supplies. The prices here are very reasonable, and you can often find discounts on popular titles.

One of my favourite bookstores in Bras Basah Complex is Basheer Graphic Books. This store has an extensive collection of design and art books, and the prices are much lower than what you would find at other bookstores. Another great store is Woods in the Books, which has a fantastic selection of children's books and graphic novels.

Popular Bookstore

Popular Bookstore is a chain of bookstores that has locations all over Singapore. This store is a great option for those looking for affordable books and stationery items. Popular Bookstore has a wide selection of books in both English and Chinese, and they often have promotions and discounts on popular titles.

In addition to books, Popular Bookstore also has a great selection of stationery items. They have everything from pens and pencils to notebooks and planners. The prices here are very reasonable, and you can often find unique items that you wouldn't find at other stores.

Overall, if you're looking for cheap books and stationery items in Singapore, Bras Basah Complex and Popular Bookstore are great places to start. With their wide selection of items and affordable prices, you're sure to find something that you love.

Economical Beauty and Wellness Products

Watsons

When it comes to finding affordable beauty and wellness products in Singapore, Watsons is a great place to start. This popular chain of stores offers a wide range of products at reasonable prices, including skincare, hair care, and makeup.

One of the best things about shopping at Watsons is that they often have promotions and discounts, so you can save even more money on your favourite products. They also carry a range of house brand products that offer quality at a lower price point.

Some of the popular brands available at Watsons include Neutrogena, L'Oreal, and Maybelline, among others. Whether you're looking for a new moisturizer, shampoo, or lipstick, you're sure to find something that fits your budget at Watsons.

Guardian Pharmacy

Another great option for affordable beauty and wellness products in Singapore is Guardian Pharmacy. Like Watsons, Guardian offers a wide range of products at reasonable prices, including skincare, hair care, and makeup.

Guardian also carries a range of house brand products, which can be a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. They also offer promotions and discounts on a regular basis, so be sure to keep an eye out for these deals.

Some of the popular brands available at Guardian include Olay, Pantene, and Revlon, among others. Whether you're looking for a new face wash, conditioner, or mascara, Guardian stores in Singapore has you covered.

Affordable Home and Living Items

As someone who loves a good bargain, I have found that Singapore has plenty of options for affordable home and living items. Here are a couple of my go-to spots:

IKEA

It's no secret that IKEA is a great place to find affordable furniture and home decor. The Swedish brand has multiple locations throughout Singapore, making it easy to access their wide selection of products. From bed frames to kitchenware, IKEA has everything you need to furnish your home without breaking the bank.

One of my favourite things about shopping at IKEA stores is their flat-pack furniture. Not only is it affordable, but it's also easy to transport and assemble. Plus, their minimalist designs are perfect for those who prefer a more modern look.

Daiso

Daiso is a Japanese dollar store that has become a popular shopping destination in Singapore. While not everything in the store costs just one dollar, most items are still incredibly affordable. You can find everything from kitchen gadgets to cleaning supplies to stationary at Daiso stores.

One thing to note is that the quality of some items may not be as high as what you would find at a more expensive store. However, I have found that many of their products are still durable and functional.

Overall, if you're looking to furnish your home or stock up on household items without spending a fortune, IKEA and Daiso are two great options to check out in Singapore.

Back to blog