Despite Singapore generally being hailed as a shopping paradise presently only very few shops offer ready made large sizes for expatriates. The frustration of never fitting into anything if one needs a size beyond 8 US (UK 12, Continental 38) added to the vast offer of delicious food and dishes (which you can never resist) results into a full-grown culture shock experience within a few weeks time.

The Asian size LARGE unfortunately corresponds to US size 6 - 8! Designer shops are aware of the problem but still have only a few large size offers, which sell out fast.

Really Fashionable swim wear, lingerie especially non-padded bras are practically non-existent except expatriate imported very hard to find special offers sold on appointment only or offered at Christmas Bazaars.

Expatriate ladies, try shorts and T-Shirts from the men's department!

For all those fortunate to fit into Asian sizes we recommend the following Shopping Centers and Hotel shopping arcades:

All sort of food is available in Singapore with reasonable prices for local items and sometimes hefty charges on imported food you may be craving for very soon. Adjust to local food as soon as possible as you can save a lot of money. Meat is much safer than in Europe, as pork and beef imports from a number of countries are banned due to CFJ and FMD.

Wet market visits are a must to get the real feel of Asia and you will enjoy the fruits and vegetables on offer before you start cooking. Visit the same stands if possible and get to know the vendors. They will certainly give you better prices and goods once they know you are a regular customer. Wet market shopping should take place early in the morning when goods are fresh and it is still cool.

With specialist Provisioner supplying all your groceries to your home if you wish life can be very comfortable and shopping cuts down to what you need to choose for yourself. Daily supplies are perfectly delivered to your doorstep the same or following day of your order. It will take some time until your provisioner is used to your needs. Provisioners also shop at specialty shops or pick up the food you have ordered yourself by phone or fax.

Bills are paid at the end of each month. Be careful when food delivered to your home in your absence has been outside the fridge waiting at the concierge for you to come back. Food does spoil very quickly in the tropics.

View location of Food Chain Stores and Supermarkets here >>>

Before you settle with a provisioner ask which shops they go to and if they include wet markets on their list. Some supermarkets also deliver such as Carrefour, Cold Storage, NTUC FairPrice online. Food Caterers look under Party Services.

Supermarkets are well stocked and supply is mainly imported from the region, the UK, Australia, Europe and the US. You will almost always find what you are used to buy in your home country but for a price. Some supermarkets have special areas targeting expatriates living nearby and we list gourmet shops with more choices in our food section.

View below the location and phone number of Singapore's leading supermarkets and food chains.

Crosscom (Moll)
CrossCom - Your Posture Engineer
#02-22/31 Forum the Shopping Mall
Tel: 68362456
#03-023/023A Suntec City Mall
(Happy Kidz)
Tel: 63388535

Suncoast Sitra (Australian)
37 Tannery Lane

#01-04 Tannery House
Tel: 6747 9718
wwww.sitraholdings.com

Novelty Furniture Industries
1 Lock Gilman Road
Gilman Village
Tel: 6338 2488

Abitex Designs
#01-17 City Warehouse
Tel: 6 745 7711
#01-18 Park Mall
Tel: 6 337 9533

Style Handicraft & Framing Services
Johore Bharu
http://www.geocities.com/eframing/

Lim's Arts and Crafts
#02-01 Holland Road Shopping Centre
Tel: 6 467 4725