Enjoy duty-free and tax-free shopping? Here’s a hack to avoid GST while shopping in Singapore and enjoy some savings!
We all love shopping for duty-free items at the airport, don’t we? Cosmetics, fragrances, electronics, alcohol – all that we can splurge on without paying GST. But did you know that you can also shop GST-free without being confined to the airport’s departure and arrival halls?
Here’s how you can achieve this GST-free shopping hack:
Note: You need to have an upcoming flight ticket to qualify.
1. Sign Up for a Free OneChangi ID Account
With a OneChangi ID, you’ll be able to shop on iShopChangi, where everything is duty and tax-free 30 days before your flight. For example, if you’re looking to buy an Innisfree Jeju Orchid Enriched Essence 50ml, this is how they compare:

Retail | iShopChangi | |
Innisfree Jeju Orchid Enriched Essence 50ml | SGD $48 | SGD $35.90 |
2. Enjoy a Hands-free Holiday
When you meet the minimum purchase of SGD $380 on iShopChangi, you’ll be entitled to a free local delivery right to your doorstep. There’s no need to lug your GST-free haul to your holiday destination.
What if I don’t meet the minimum SGD $380?
If you aren’t unable to hit the minimum amount, you can collect your purchase directly from the iShopChangi Collection Centres within transit at the departure or arrival halls.
How can I meet the minimum SGD $380?
1. Instead of buying single items, you can shop for travel-exclusive sets that offer more bang for your buck. For example, a set of 2 x Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serums is SGD $145 (SGD $72.50 per bottle) compared to a single bottle retailing at SGD $115 in town.
2. Alternatively, pool your purchase with family and friends to meet the minimum spend. It’s hard to say no to GST-free shopping!
Some products like Apple AirPods and Pandora bracelets are not available for delivery, so do take note of the delivery exclusion for some brands and items.
3. Utilise Extra Perks Online
- Seasonal Sale – On top of the 7% tax-free savings, iShopChangi runs occasional flash sales so you can score even cheaper prices.
- Travel Exclusive Products – You get access to exclusive products that’s not even available on the brand’s website, but only on iShopChangi (eg. Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum Triple Set).
- Terminal Exclusive Products – Some products are only available at certain terminals when you want to buy them physically, but it’s fair game on iShopChangi – anyone can get their hands on them (eg. La Roche-Posay in Terminal 4).
- Earn Reward Points – You earn Changi Rewards points for every successful transaction and these points can be converted to e-vouchers to offset your online purchases or redeemed for other premiums. You’ll also move up the membership tier as you spend more so you get to clock points faster.
Ok, so how much am I really saving?
Retail | iShopChangi | |
Tom Ford Beauty Satin Matte Lip | SGD $76 | SGD $64.90 |
Lancome Tonique Confort Toner 400ml | SGD $80 | SGD $67 |
La Mer The Hand Treatment 100ml | SGD $185 | SGD $129.80 |
Yves Saint Laurent La Nuit De L’Homme EDT 100ml | SGD $159 | SGD $131.90 |
SGD $500 | SGD $393.60 |
Prices accurate to 22 May 2019, 16:30 (GMT +8)
For a usual SGD $500 retail, you could save a whopping SGD $106.40 when you get them from iShopChangi instead. That’s already waaay more than a 7% tax saving. Don’t forget you’re earning Changi Rewards points too.
Bonus: GST-free Even When You’re Not Flying ✈️
When you’ve successfully registered for a OneChangi ID, your integrated Changi Rewards will allow you to enjoy the same GST-free shopping experience (and earn points) at the public areas in all terminals – even when you’re not flying.
Just present your Changi Rewards e-card on the iChangi app when making the purchase and you’ll enjoy the 7% savings.
Double Bonus: Promo Codes for Discounts 🎉
Click through promo code to shop and enter code during checkout!
- YOUTRIP10 – First time shoppers enjoy 10% off (no min. spend, discount capped at SGD $20)
- YOUTRIP7 – Repeat shoppers enjoy 7% off (min. spend SGD $100, discount capped at SGD $30)
Promo code is valid for one-time use until 30 Nov 2019, is non-exchangeable, and cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions, offers, eVouchers etc. Not valid with selected products/brands, including Changi Airport Gift Cards and all products retailed by iStudio. Promo code is considered redeemed even if customer cancels the order. Promotion is only for bona fide outbound, inbound and transit passengers travelling through or arriving in Singapore Changi Airport. Changi Airport Group (S) Pte Ltd reserves the right to vary the terms and conditions herein at any time at its absolute discretion without notice.
Read: How I Paid Only S$36 For a S$90 Cart
Read: Overseas Shopping Sites You Didn’t Know You Could Save
Read: How to Buy From Taobao: Step-by-Step Shopping Guide 2019
Read: 7 Best Holiday Booking Hacks to Score Best Deals
Read: How to Avoid DCC in 2019: SGD vs Local Currency
Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!
