Shopping just became even more affordable in Singapore

Until 30 September 2006, tourists claiming their Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund will have the option of redeeming the amount in the form of shopping vouchers under a pilot programme launched by Global Refund, leading provider of financial services, and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Under the Downtown Shopping Voucher Programme, tourists can redeem their shopping vouchers at 39 participating stores (listed below) along Orchard Road, to offset further purchases made at these retailers. As an added bonus, the shopping vouchers will allow tourists to claim an additional 10 per cent in their GST refund amount.

Mr Kevin Leong, Regional Director Oceania, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said, “The introduction of the Downtown Shopping Voucher Programme is in line with the STB’s continual efforts to offer value-added initiatives to travellers visiting the Lion City, and with the Downtown Shopping Voucher Programme, tourists will be rewarded with more value the more they shop.”

Tourists need to spend only a minimum of S$100 at shops that display the ‘Tax Free Shopping’ sign. They can then claim their GST refund in the form of Downtown Shopping Vouchers at the mobile Singapore Visitors Centre located in front of Ngee Ann City. To facilitate the claim, tourist shoppers would have to produce their passport, purchase receipt, completed Global Refund cheque issued by the retailer and credit card (VISA/ MasterCard only) at the counter.

The vouchers are then redeemable at the following stores along Orchard Road:• Jewellery – Aspial, Flower Diamond Boutique, Lee Hwa Jewellery, Richard Hung Jewellers and Royal Diamond Industries.

• Watches – Watch Palace and Watches of Switzerland.

• IT – Aik Seng Photo, Jim Col Enterprise and Ngen Seng Pte Ltd.

• Department Store – Tangs, Marks & Spencer and Robinsons.

• Fashion – BCBGMaxAzria, FCUK, Island Shop, Paul & Joe and Tang & Co.

• Others – Optics 2000, Signature Gallery, Tangs Studio, Timberland, U.R.S & inc and Versace.

The Downtown Shopping Voucher Programme is an extension of Global Refund’s tax-refund services where visitors can claim their GST Refund in the form of Airport Shopping Vouchers, cash, bank cheque or by direct credit to their credit card at the airport. Alternatively,visitors may also claim their refund solely in the form of instant cash at four downtown cash refund counters in Centrepoint, Funan, Sim Lim Square and Wisma Atria.

For further information, please contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888.