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Sim Lim Square Tech Sales

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Composthp
Composthp
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Editor Pick

Sim Lim Square Tech Sales

  • July 1, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by marseilles from Metro Manila, Philippines
Sim Lim Square Tech Sales

You know what they say: when in Rome, do as the Romans ... so since we were in Singapore, we did what Singaporeans do and shopped as well. My husband's priority was to go gadget-shopping, so our first stop was Sim Lim Square.

For you to understand how much of a paradise Sim Lim Square is to gadget geeks, think of this: when preparing our day's itinerary, I had allotted two hours for this part of the trip, a generous thirty minutes more than my husband usually takes when he's gadget-shopping at home. Boy, was I mistaken about that. We ended up staying in Sim Lim for around 4 whole hours. My husband was giddy with excitement with the range of computers, gadgets, and electronics.

Sim Lim Square is not for the completely uninitiated though. I would suggest to shoppers to know their stuff about electronics, or at least do enough homework first, so that they know what questions to ask the salespersons.

It's also important to shop around and compare prices. They can vary dramatically from shop to shop, and haggling is definitely permitted here. There's also a Chinese superstition that a seller who makes a big sale early in the day will have good luck the rest of the day ... so sellers just might be a little more generous with discounts if you haggle with them when the shops have just opened.

Also, don't forget to factor in the tax refund "discount" (see my entry about this under "Experiences"), and to inquire about this when shopping.

Sim Lim opens at 10 AM, but many of the shops aren't open until 11 AM.

From journal Shopping and Eating in Singapore

Editor Pick

Sim Lim Square: Tech Alert 2!

  • December 19, 2005
  • Rated 2 of 5 by Composthp from Singapore, Singapore
Sim Lim Square used to be a seedy mall selling pirated VCDs, CD-Rom software, and overpriced electronic goods. Since it was revamped some years ago, it is now a place for serious IT buffs to purchase the latest toys and accessories. Do not be surprise if you feel as if you have stepped into a military zone: as part of service improvement, service providers greet all customers as madam and sir with military precision, which is quite amusing actually.

However, some shops are still known to overcharge tourists. The rule of shopping here is that the higher you go, the cheaper you pay for the same goods. In short, do your homework, know what you want, and most importantly, compare prices and bargain hard (have fun while you’re at it, too).

If you think you may have been overcharged, do not fret, you can seek recourse from CASE, a local consumer watchdog, or their Small Claims Tribunal court. They assist customers seeking compensation/reimbursements from unscrupulous retailers.

Go HERE for an updated list of shops blacklisted by CASE.

How to get there:
Take the MRT and alight at Bugis station. Exit towards--aiyah, just take a taxi there, lah.

For serious buyers of electronic goods, time your visits to coincide with the IT fairs held at least four times a year, usually in March, June, September, and November. These fairs not only introduce the latest range from various big players, but it is also an excellent place to grab the best deals in town. Not only will the products be sold at a discount (more discounts if you pay cash), but they come with an array of accessories that could cost another few hundred dollars. They have become regular annual events here, so much so that a survival guide has been written to instruct first timers to these fairs.

If cameras are what you seek, and you are unable to time your visit with the IT fairs, Cathay Photo is an established store that sells all things photographic at very affordable prices (and that is before you bargain). I bought all my cameras here. Photography fans and freaks are known to flock there every weekend just to play with the latest toys or for a little chit chat with the like-minded. If you are looking for antique or second-hand cameras, head out to Adelphi, opposite Funan. This mall is quieter and less crowded, as its shops cater mostly to serious audiophiles and photographers.

For the latest updates on prices here or the latest toys or gossip, click HERE or HERE.

From journal Singapore: That little dot on the map

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