Singapore Transit: Leaving the Airport to Shop

by Ramchand
(California, USA)

Hi, I am travelling from San Fransisco to Hyderabad (India). My transit time in Singapore is 8 hours.

I would like to buy some Sony products in Singapore. Can I go out of the airport and buy them in Singapore? What is the procedure to be followed and is any extra payment needed to take it to India? Is there any tax to be paid? ~~Answer as soon as possible.~~

Thanks.

Ramchand

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Singapore Transit: Leaving the Airport to Shop

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Jul 31, 2009

Singapore Stopover Shopping: Some Things to Note
by: Gabriel Tan

Visa Requirement

To leave the Singapore Airport and enter Singapore city to shop, you should:

1. be visa-exempted to enter Singapore,

OR

2. have a visa to enter Singapore,

OR

3. qualify for a Visa Free Transit Facility (VFTF).

If you hold a US passport, you may leave the airport and shop in the city without a Singapore visa.

If you hold an Indian passport and have a still-valid entry facility to the US, you qualify for an on-arrival VFTF and you may enter Singapore without a visa for up to 96 hours.

If you hold an Indian passport only, you need to get a visa from the nearest Singapore Embassy.

Obviously, all other required travel documents must be in your possession.

More about Singapore visa, VFTF and other Singapore entry requirements.

Taxes: GST and Refund

Goods and Services Tax, where applicable, is imposed at the point of purchase in Singapore.

If you buy from shops participating in the GST Refund Scheme, you may claim GST refund as a bona fide tourist.

If you don't want to fill up GST refund forms, go through the claim procedures, etc, you may buy a limited range of Sony products from the duty-free shops at Singapore Airport. These duty-free shops are located within the restricted Transit Mall of the airport.

Taxes at India Airport?

To find out if taxes are imposed on new goods brought into India, contact the tax/customs department at Hyderabad Airport.

Sep 17, 2009

VFTF
by: Sen

Hi

I have used two times VFTF. It is really cool.

As I have a B1 Visa USA, I was given VFTF for 4 days.. which is enough to stay in Singapore to shop.

Regards

Sen

www.uniquelysingapore.com or google VFTF

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