Continued disrupted travel has led to consumers taking their money where they can’t physically go — overseas! Find out how else this new normal has altered the way you shop online, plus discover where others have gone to splash their cash!
In just a year, starting from July 2020, YouTrip, Singapore’s leading multi-currency wallet has registered an 84% year-on-year increase in overseas online shopping by Singaporean users! This reflects a greater appetite for goods from foreign retailers by locals, something that has boosted Singapore’s thriving e-commerce market — now well on its way to reaching US$8 billion in just four more years.
With that many transactions going on, we were curious — where were YouTroopers shopping at, how much were they spending and how frequently? Thus, we did a survey and here’s how it turned out!
YouTrip Survey Results 2021
YouTrip’s survey showed that 3 in 5 local consumers purchased from overseas shopping sites at least once a month, and half spent an average of S$51-S$150 per transaction.
Of course, we weren’t surprised that the top retailers for online shopping hailed from China and the US — Taobao, Amazon and Alibaba.com, with 67% of consumers listing clothing apparel and footwear as their top ‘shopped at’ category. This was followed by consumer electronics (33%), furniture (33%) and household goods (33%), which are popular choices as people began working from home more frequently.
To combat the travel deprivation, many Singaporeans found themselves turning to exercise to get their dose of dopamine. And this pursuit of a healthier lifestyle could be seen from their spending behaviour. Cycling-related transactions recorded more than two times in transaction volume as cyclists, new and seasoned to the sport, visited international specialist bike shops such as Evans Cycles to pick up their gear. YouTrip users also frequented two trusted health supplement retailers, iHerb and Chemist Warehouse, to get their dose of nutrition.
Singapore’s Top 10 Overseas Online Shopping Sites As Observed In YouTrip Survey 2021
1. Taobao
2. Amazon
3. Alibaba.com
4. iHerb
5. eBay
6. Weverse Shop
7. Lululemon HK
8. ASOS
9. Evans Cycle
10. Chemist Warehouse
1. Taobao
Currency to pay in: CNY
What to buy: Clothing, home and living goods, pet necessities — anything can be found on Taobao, even a temporary boyfriend.
2. Amazon
Currency to pay in: USD
What to buy: Other than groceries, Amazon has become a household name for a bunch of other reasons. Namely, their electronics, household goods, books, closet staples and of course great dupes!
3. Alibaba.com
Currency to pay in: USD
What to buy: As the biggest wholesale marketplace, Alibaba has a thousand suppliers for everything you might need. Most buy tempered glass, portable chargers, wireless earphones and phone accessories here!
4. iHerb
Currency to pay in: USD
What to buy: Clean and green, just like its logo, iHerb is the place to be for all things health and wellness. They’ve got diet-friendly snacks, supplements for muscle growth, sleep aids, and other must-haves for the kitchen.
5. eBay
Currency to pay in: USD
What to buy: Whether you’re looking for personalised gifts, vintage clothing, prized memorabilia or even automotive parts — eBay’s the place to be to find a great deal.
6. Weverse Shop
Currency to pay in: USD
What to buy: If you’re a huge KPOP fan, you’ve probably heard of Weverse shop. Here, you’ll find a wide range of merchandise that you can shop all through an easy-to-use app!
7. Lululemon HK
Currency to pay in: HKD
What to buy: Luxe and lusted over by yoga enthusiasts far and wide, lululemon is iconic for their high-quality and great fitting sportswear. They’ve also got great pieces that can bring you from the office to the gym, or from the gym to a coffee date.
8. ASOS
Currency to pay in: GBP
What to buy: It’s probably safe to say that you’ll definitely be on trend if you shop on ASOS. Not only do they have an eco-conscious range, but they also make sure to be extra inclusive in their clothing — with separate lines for plus sizes and petite guys and gals.
9. Evans Cycle
Currency to pay in: GBP
What to buy: Wanna be a pro-biker? Join the club. This is UK’s leading specialist bike shop — so you’ll be able to find anything you might possibly need on your cycling journey. From electric bikes to mountain bikes, Evans’ got it.
10. Chemist Warehouse
Currency to pay in: AUD
What to buy: Touted as Australia’s cheapest online pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse makes daily necessities affordable for everyone. This includes vitamins, prescriptions and, of course, perfumes.
Overseas Online Shopping World At Your Fingertips
Will things change once borders reopen? According to co-founder and CEO of YouTrip Caecilia Chu — not likely. “We’re expecting this overseas spending behaviour to persist when travel resumes, as echoed by 9 in 10 of our users who have indicated their preference to continue shopping from foreign retailers after borders reopen.”
This is especially exciting for us here at YouTrip, “as we double down on our innovation and expand our e-commerce offerings to offer consumers a convenient, reliable payment experience with the best exchange rates.”
So if you decide to shop at any one of those sites, remember to check out with your YouTrip Card and make full use of our attractive Wholesale Exchange Rates!
If you still haven’t gotten your free YouTrip card, use our special promo code <BLOG5> to sign up and receive a free S$5 in your account! Stay on top of things by joining our Telegram Channel (@YouTripSG) or subscribing to our free weekly newsletter here or down below!
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The Ultimate Overseas Online Shopping Compilation Guide
YouTrip Referral Programme: Get $5 Every Time You Refer A Friend