Where Are the Best Places to Buy Electronics in Singapore
Here's the Top 5 Places to Buy Electronics in Singapore
Tech shopping is an obsession in highly wired Singapore, so it's no wonder that there are entire malls dedicated solely to electronics and high-tech toys.
Throw in an Asian mentality that can't be satisfied without a bargain, and you have one of the world's top destinations for electronics shopping.
Singapore's open economy means that you can find the newest Asian, US and European products all in one place. Better yet, you can claim back any Goods and Services Taxes at the airport before you leave.
Ready to go? Here's the top five spots in Singapore for an electronics spree.
(To see FULL list of best places to buy electronics in Singapore, click here.)
1. Naranjan Electronics *Newly Added
Naranjan Electronics
If you are looking to buy the cheapest mobile phones, smartphones and digital cameras in Singapore, then Naranjan Electronics in Little India is the place you need to checkout.
The reason they can be selling cheaper than Mustafa Singapore is baffling indeed. The only possible reason I could muster is these phones are probably "grey products" or parallel imported goods.
Likelihood is the warranty of these non-counterfeit products may not be recognized back in your home country. It's a risk you have to take for the cheap price.
Do not expect any customer service or helpful salesman explaining to you the intricacies of the mobile phone or camera you are holding.
Also, they do not entertain price negotiation nor should you try as you may get the "take it or leave it" treatment. Just remember that you are here for cheap phones, locate the model you want, TEST it on the spot, pay the cash and scoot out.
How to Score a Deal: Buying the cheap electronics here is already a bargain if you do not mind the warranty issue. Again, remember to test your product before leaving.
Address: 154 Racecourse Road (Little India) Singapore 218599
Telephone: +65 6392 2926
Nearest MRT train station: Farrer Park (NE8)
Opening hours: Opens daily but as it is family-owned sometimes it may be closed for any reason. It gets pretty crowded in the evenings though.
2. Mustafa Center
Mustafa Center - Mobile Phones Department
Mustafa Center is a landmark of Little India known for selling almost everything under the sun and staying open around the clock.
While Mustafa doesn't have the same range as Funan and Sim Lim Square, it does offer some great low-priced electronics especially in the area of mobile phones, digital cameras and watches.
How to Score a Deal: Do your homework first before shopping at Mustafa Center because while some electronics are significantly cheaper, other may not be. Prices are fixed here so you won't be able to haggle.
Address: 145 Syed Alwi Road Singapore 207704
Telephone: +65 6295 5885
Nearest MRT train station: Farrer Park (NE8)
Opening hours: It never sleeps!
3. Sim Lim Square IT Mall
Sim Lim Square
Photo Credit: flickr/italo&ana
With over six floors of electronics, Sim Lim Square should be a tech-lover's first destination. Need a cheaper iPad alternative or want a super-computer custom-built?
Consider it done. Take note, the better stores at Sim Lim are actually on the higher floors, so a good strategy is to start at the top and work your way down. Be warned though that some shop owners utilize hard sell tactics so don't be afraid to walk away.
How to Score a Deal: Never buy anything before scoping out all the prices from the competing stores. Then go back to the shop you like most and bargain for the lowest price and freebies.
Address: 1 Rochor Canal Road Singapore 188504
Telephone: +65 6338 3859
Nearest MRT train stations: Bugis (EW12) and Little India (NE7)
Opening hours: 10.30am - 9.00pm (Mon to Sun)
Electronics and IT Gadgets - Sample of the electronics stuff you can get in Singapore.
4. Funan DigiLife Mall
Funan DigiLife Mall
Photo Credit: flickr/geordieb
Wheeling and dealing isn't for everyone, so if you prefer a more relaxed, upmarket shopping experience, come to Funan DigiLife Mall instead.
Funan is a modern mall with spacious, well-designed stores showcasing the latest electronics. This is a good place to come if you want to test before you buy.
Gamers and anime-lovers should also head here as Funan is the mall with the most number of video game boutiques, toys and collectibles.
How to Score a Deal: Funan DigiLife Mall is considered more reputable than Sim Lim Square, but is not always known for its sales. The only time you will find bigger discounts is during the annual Great Singapore Sale in June.
Address: 109 North Bridge Road Singapore 179097
Telephone: +65 6336 8327
Nearest MRT train station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Opening hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm (Mon to Sun)
5. Parisilk
This small shophouse tucked away in Holland Village has quietly accumulated a reputation for being one of the best places to buy home appliances and electronics.
The staff here are well-known for being knowledgeable and helpful. Parisilk has become known as one of the best places in Singapore to buy a camera or video camera, but their audio equipment is also very popular.
How to Score a Deal: The sales person here are generally forthcoming with honest opinions and some persistent cajoling may land you great discounts.
Address: No 15A Lorong Liput (Holland Village) Singapore 277730
Telephone: +65 6466 6002
Nearest MRT train station: Holland Village (CC21)
Opening hours: 10.30am - 8.30pm (Mon to Sat), 11.00am - 6.00pm (Sun and Public Holidays)
6. IT Fairs
PC Show IT Fair
Photo Credit: flickr/teutoburg
If nothing but the best bargains will do for you, plan your trip around one of Singapore's major IT fairs like Comex, Sitex or PC Show.
Taking place a few times a year, they are held in huge convention halls where every IT store worth its salt shows up with attractive deals.
Be prepared though-as many as 200,000 people pass through the doors of the convention daily and it will take you a whole day to see everything on offer.
How to Score a Deal: For rock-bottom prices, come down on the last day hours before closing. Sellers are desperate to offload remaining goods and will throw big discounts or freebies at you.
You can time your visit to Singapore to coincide with these mega IT fairs so you can pickup some really good bargains. The IT fairs are generally held once every quarter:
1) IT Show - March
2) PC Show - June
3) Comex - September
4) Sitex - November
To confirm actual date of the IT fairs, check out the schedule at this website www.itfairsg.com
