Things You Should Know When Shopping At Changi Airport

Yes, there may be a difference in the amount you pay when you shop at the airport, depending on whether you're departing or arriving.

1. Singaporeans and Permanent Residents enjoy GST-free shopping ONLY when they depart from Changi Airport, and NOT when they return. The only exception to that rule is for liquor (restricted to 1bottle of wine, 1bottle of liquor, and 1x six-pack beer per person) and all beauty products at the 18 Perfumes & Cosmetics stores run by Nuance-Watsons in Changi.

2. All travellers on incoming flights from MALAYSIA are NOT allowed to buy liquor at Changi Airport's duty-free stores. This is meant to prevent liquor trafficing due to the large number of incoming (and cheap) incoming flights from Malaysia.

3. Singaporeans do NOT enjoy GST savings at the DFS Galleria (at Scotts Road). The GST-free prices applies only to those with foreign passports (yes, that includes us PR's). Shoppers should complete a tax rebate form at the customer service counter on Level 4 (with their passports) before redeeming the 7% GST at tax rebate counters in Changi Airport (before departure).

4. Nuance-Watson offers pre-order services on duty-free fragrances and cosmetics, which may be collected at their central stores (in each terminal). In addition, you may choose to collect your pre-purchased items when you return to Singapore. To browse their products, visit http://www.nuancewatson.com.sg/ (with a min 3 working days in advance booking notice).

Extracted from Urban, 20th November 2009