Singaporeans love shopping overseas: Here are the best places to shop

It's not news that Singapore's national past time is well, shopping. Just take a look at how many malls there are here in Singapore.

And it's practically in our DNA to smell a bargain from a mile away.

Of course, it's no surprise that Singaporeans' love for shopping extends to their holidays too.

In a recent survey by insurance company AIG, 36 per cent of people here go on holiday mainly to shop.

In a statement released on Thursday (Nov 19), AIG said that 56 per cent of respondents they desired shopping holidays the most.

AIG Singapore's head of travel Anita Tan said: "Singaporeans spent an average of $336 a day on shopping holidays."

She added: "Singaporeans are taking their love for shopping overseas, flocking to destinations such as Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan in search of a bargain."

And for those travelling during the upcoming holiday season, this list below shows the popular shopping districts in some of the more popular cities known for its shopping.

1. Hong Kong

Sogo

Well known as one of Hong Kong's premium shopping districts, Singaporeans would feel well at home at Causeway Bay. It is lined with malls and shops. 

And it's got a little something for everyone.

Shoppers looking for big and high-end brands should head to the iconic Sogo, a Japanese department store.

They house big names like Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Burberry, and Chanel among others.

Fashion Walk

 

 

Hip, fashionable shoppers will fall in love with the aptly-named Fashion Walk, which is in the Causeway Bay district. It has various independent fashion retailers setting up shops along the complex rows of streets.

 

 

Clothes at Fashion Walk can be wallet-friendly too and they have chic Asian-inspired fashion as well as stylish European brands.

Island Beverly Center

 

 

​For cheap finds, this will be the best place to go. This four-storey mall houses local, Korean and Japanese fashion as well as cosmetics. If you're up to experiment with local trends, this is the place to go.

Although be warned: You can't try on the clothes but the clothes are usually pretty cheap anyway so it's worth it.

2. Bangkok, Thailand

Platinum Fashion Mall

 

Ah, the Southeast Asian Holy Grail for shoppers. This behemoth of a shopping mall houses almost thousands of different stalls with most specialising in bulk sales. So it would be better to take some friends along to get a good discount!

This mall sells practically everything - from women's fashion to cosmetics to men's leather goods. Everything you need can be found at Platinum. So don't be surprised if you go in early but exit the mall after the sun sets. 

Art Box Bangkok

 

 

If you're looking for something a little more cooler, and more... hipster than the mainstream Platinum Fahsion Mall, Art Box would be your next best bet.

It is essentially a night market - except that stalls are housed within these very Instagrammable containers.

Apart from hip fashion finds that are mostly from local designers and entrepreneurs, you can also find cool food trucks. 

Talad Rot Fai

 

 

A popular weekend night market, shoppers will also find many great deals here. If you're a fan of vintage, kitschy items and cool bars, you will definitely like it here.

3. Taipei, Taiwan

Wufenpu

 

 

​This market is undoubtedly the best place for the cheapest clothes in Taipei. And you can exercise your haggling skills as well!

There are more than a thousand shops selling a wide range of products like clothes, bags, shoes and accessories. And the prices here won't make your wallet shrivel with fear.

A bonus? The fashion here is trendy and creative as well!

​Taipei 101 mall

 

 

But if you're into more high-end brand names, Taipei 101 mall would be the best place to go. The iconic skyscraper houses five whole floors that are loaded with top international brand stores and boutiques.

4. Japan

Shinjuku

 

 

​This famous district is known for its wealth of places to shop at as well as its fantastic restaurants. This area has something for everyone from major electronic stores to high-end brands.

Shibuya

​In Shibuya, there is the famous Shibuya 109 mall, which is basically 10 whole floors of hip, Japanese fashion if you're into that. Mostly for the young, the mall houses different fashion trends and themes from punk to sweet chic.

 

 

5. New York City

Woodbury Premium outlets

 

 

If you have time to get out of the city and are looking for good deals, Woodbury Premium Outlets should be a must-do in your itinerary.

These outlet stores carry different brands from the hip and trendy active wear brand Lululemon to the high-end Michael Kors - all at a fraction of the price.

​Flea markets

 

 

And if the above is too mainstream for you, you'd be better off at the various flea markets that dot the city.

Check out the famous Brooklyn Flea market that has cool, hipster apparel accessories as well as vintage, pre-loved items. And if that's not enough, the food options will definitely keep you happy.