Many people would see Singapore as a safe and secure land as compared to some other countries. There are a lot of effort put in by the various government boards to ensure this. STB is being put under the spotlight recently on the Sim Lim Square case. Well, mainly the CASE.
Personally, I know that STB actually hires mystery shoppers to go to certain places, restaurants, to see if they are in "compliance" with their guidelines. If yes, they get a little decal that they can paste on their doors that says something like "tourists friendly". These shops, they are able to provide good service and also, introduce tourists to SG. Like if you ask, "Are there any places of interests around here?" They should be able to recommend a place or two. While I appreciate and support STB for making SG a better place for tourists. Somehow, they are only interested in the shops in Orchard etc. When promoting these places, they should also look at places that are well-known for conning people... Singaporeans know that. Tourists.. I don't think they do..
I just did a Google search on "cheapest place to get electronics in Singapore". The second link provided was an article from TIME. Sim Lim Square was recommended. "10% - 20% cheaper than other commercial outlets". Sounds attractive isn't it? That's the power of internet. The third link also mentioned Sim Lim Square. I would say anybody (at least 80%) who is computer literate would google about the places that they are visiting. Personally, I do that every single time I travel. So if I intend to buy something, this is what I would do also.
Now. It's not the first time that Sim Lim Square is having this kind of press coverage for the first time. Tourists seldom get these information unless they really drill in deep and do their research. Still. How can you prevent it if people lay traps on purpose? The owner of Mobile Air has no conscious in my opinion! This guy con people of their money spend it happily!
Since the respective government bodies are not doing anything, here comes the heros of social media! Voices of the public unite on facebook. There are LOTS of coverage on this case. A lot of the netizens pitied the Vietnam tourist. There's even a donation drive to send him a new iphone. Now it's at 6K plus already! I'm impressed! SGag and SMRT (feedback) was one of the few who came up with creative ideas to shame this Joven Chua (Owner of Mobile Air). His ex-employee uploaded a video of their conning in action. Proof to put him behind bars. As much as I know, the shop is now close. I think they do not want any attention for the moment. But I really hope the police are doing something about it.
Avoid buying electronics at Lucky Plaza also.
In my opinion, a lot of the stuff are overpriced in shops and malls in Singapore. You need to go to the right places if you want to buy anything.
Food: If you are a tourists, the best place for food would definitely be our hawker centres! They are cheap and delicious. You can fully experience the weather of Singapore because none of our hawker centres have air con. LOL! If you want to try Crabs, go to Melban Seafood. I think the prices are reasonable and the crabs are fresh and the chefs are superb. Plus they don't con people!
Necessities: While Wastons and Guardians are available in most of the shopping malls, they are still a tad more expensive for most of their stuff. Compare prices with Daiso (our favourite $2) shop. You might be able to find what you want at a fraction of the price. Watsons is usually cheaper if you get in bulk. Like buy 2 get 1 free. But if you are a tourists, I don't think you need 3 bottles of 1Lt shampoo.. Lol!
Alternatively, you can go to the Sundry stores at the neighbourhoods. It's still within walking distance to the MRT station. Experience the heartlands! There's one sundry store that I often visit in Yishun. The same sanitary pad I buy is $3.20 there. Watsons sells them 2 for $11.45!! And that's a PROMOTION PRICE! Lol! Therefore, I always recommend my friends to go to get the pads at this shop.
Places of Interest: Singapore have a few of these interesting places to go. Usually food and drinks are super expensive at these places. So I would recommend you to bring your own bottled water. You can just get at the supermarket. It would be less than a buck for a bottle of mineral water. In those places, you will be charged like $3-$5, so don't be shocked. Also, SG's tap water is 100% safe to drink. Water coolers are available in SG Zoo I think. You can just refill if you bottle is empty. And there, save $3 again. lol!
Also, you can get cheaper deals online. So buy the tickets of the places of interests online before visiting. Plan first. I haven't been to all of the places of interest but I've been to a few.
SG Zoo/ Jurong Bird Park: Iconic place of SG. Go. Long walk. Go in comfortable shoes. Prepare water, cap/ umbrella, tissue paper/ handkerchief/ wet tissue, insect repellant/medicine for mosquito bites. Camera! There are scheduled animals shows. So go early.
Night safari: Quite interesting also. prepare similar stuff as above. minus Cap perhaps?
Universal Studios: Buy express pass if you are taking the rides. It's expensive but you will not regret it. Travel light. Some rides you cannot even bring your DSLR camera. So it's just you and your locker key. Water! Vitamin water is like $5 inside! Try the mummy ride and transformer ride.
Shopping: Go to Orchard. There's a lot of shopping centres. Or cultural places like Little India and Chinatown. I haven't really been to Little India so I don't have much to say. Mustafa shopping centre is 24 hours. So if you are still kicking at midnight, can try.
Go to the Casinos for a visit. It's free for tourists. Do not Gamble! Lol! If you want to go to the heartlands, you can go Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Bedok, Tampines. Those places are typical of SG. Lots of places to shop. Try the food in the coffee shops and hawker centres.
For souvenirs, don't bother buying those "I love Singapore" stuff. Just get some bah kwa (BBQ Pork), can get in Airport. P.S. Fragrance bah kwa not nice in my opinion. But I got friends who like it. -.- Taste SG. lol! Bring back the used Ez Link Card ( The one without any value). Or Kaya from any yakun outlets. Taste nice, looks presentable too. Chiffon cake from Bangawang solo is also one of the souvenirs that people like to buy. But might be a tad difficult to bring back and keep.
Most of the souvenirs you can find in Chinatown is Made in China anyway. Lol!
Try our more and more confusing MRT. There are stations that I didnt know about! lol! Was shocked when i took train the other day. But it can bring you to almost anywhere in Singapore. Most of the shopping malls.
You can still visit places like Sim Lim Square. Just try not to buy anything. Go to the authorised resellers. Read through any "contract" carefully if presented. If something is too cheap, chances are, they are too good to be true.
The reason of my post is to want people who read this to feel safe to come to SG. All my posts are on how I see SG as a Singaporean. That's why I wish to say something about this issue on Sim Lim Square. My humble opinion. No offense intended.
