{"id":45443,"date":"2022-12-15T16:04:16","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T08:04:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/?p=45443"},"modified":"2026-03-05T18:16:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-05T10:16:48","slug":"get-your-big-ticket-items-before-the-gst-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/blog\/get-your-big-ticket-items-before-the-gst-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Have you heard? Singapore’s GST is increasing from 7% to 8% in 2023! It’s time to purchase those big ticket items before the GST hike makes them all the more pricier. Here’s a guide on everything to do with the GST changes plus some inspiration on what to buy before time runs out! <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Just received some government payouts in your bank account? Those are probably from the Assurance Package or GST Vouchers issued by the Ministry of Finance to cushion the upcoming increase in GST. In case you didn’t know, Singapore\u2019s Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be raised from 7% to 8% from 1 January 2023 and again from 8% to 9% from 1 January 2024. Read on for everything about why it’s increasing and some big ticket items to purchase before the GST hike! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udc9c Stay Up To Date:<\/strong>
\u2013 <\/a>11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit<\/a>
\u2013 <\/a>YouTrip\u2019s Guide To Japanese Konbinis<\/a>
\u2013 YouTrip\u2019s Guide To Luxury Shopping In Paris 2022<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Are The GST Hikes Imposed?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Image credits: IRAS<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It was first announced in 2018\u2019s Budget that Singapore\u2019s GST will have to increase sometime from 2021 to 2025. However, due to the consequences of the pandemic, the increment has been delayed to 2023 and 2024. The reasons given for raising the GST are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. To cope with rising healthcare costs for Singapore\u2019s ageing population, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. To provide affordable and quality preschool education<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. To beef up different types of security, from terrorism to cyber-attacks, to safeguard the country.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    1% might not sound like much, but the little things add up. Especially<\/em> when your purchases are expensive big-ticket items, that 1% can sting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    What To Take Note Of With The GST increase?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Another GST change that not everyone may be aware of is that it will also apply to low-value goods purchased from abroad and shipped to Singapore by air or post. This means that all your online purchases are also subjected to tax. The GST exemption for low-value goods with a value of less than S$400 will end on 31 December 2022<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Image credits: IRAS<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    The government argues that without this implementation, local firms will lose out to foreign shops and providers because it will “help to level the playing field for local businesses to compete effectively.” Additionally, all non-digital services, including those from outside, will now be subject to GST. This includes, for instance, learning courses from overseas educational institutions, internet counselling, and telemedicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Things in Singapore will become more and more expensive with inflation starting to take hold. Time\u2019s running out before the impending changes kick in! So we’ve rounded up some items you may want to purchase internationally online now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    What to buy before Singapore\u2019s GST rises:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Sneakers From StockX<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: StockX<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    If you\u2019re still thinking about whether you wanna cop that new pair of Nike Dunk Lows, just do it! Sneakers are probably the most comfortable and stylish footwear arsenal one can have in their wardrobe. Sometimes the sneakers you want are snapped up so quickly, the only way to get them would be by buying from resellers. But buying from resellers on eBay or Carousell comes with worries of getting swindled with fakes. StockX<\/a> is one of the slightly more reputable sources to get resale sneakers from as they have a dedicated team to help check the authenticity of each shoe. So if you\u2019re looking to get those exclusive kicks for the new year, perhaps now\u2019s the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price: <\/strong>From SGD $274<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%:<\/strong>  $295.92     |     GST Increase 9%:<\/strong>  $298.66<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike: Get yours at <\/em>StockX<\/strong><\/em><\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    2. Beauty & Make-Up From Nordstorm Or Beauty Bay<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: Beauty Bay<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Sometimes, Sephora is just not enough. There are so many new and existing make-up and skincare products that are hyped, especially with the popularity of Tiktok. But unfortunately, some of them are hard to get locally. If you want to try them out for yourself, the only option is to get them overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nordstrom<\/a> and Beauty Bay<\/a> are great online stores that carry beauty brands you can\u2019t usually find in Singapore like ILIA, Freck, Murad, or N\u00e9cessaire. Together, they have more than 300 brands with over 10,000 products ranging from skincare, hair, nails, and fragrance to cosmetics \u2014  you\u2019re bound to find something you want! Ready, set, glow and get your beauty haul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price: <\/strong>From SGD $10 \u2013 $7,239.84<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase: <\/strong>8% $10.80 \u2013 $7,819.03      |   GST Increase 9%:<\/strong> $10.90 \u2013 $7,891.43<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    11 Tried-And-Tested Cafes And Restaurants In Phuket To Visit: Gets yours at Beauty Bay<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    3. Luxury Fashion From Luisaviaroma, Mr Porter, & FarFetch<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits:<\/em> Mr Porter<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Luisaviaroma<\/a>, Mr Porter<\/a>, and Farfetch<\/a> are notable multi-label luxury brand stores that carry more than 600 brands from across the world. Think top-tier designers like Acne Studios, Gucci, Chlo\u00e9, Fear of God, Alexander McQueen, Maison Margiela, Thom Browne, and many other sartorial elites. These retailers are known for giving runway-ready fashion and limited-edition accessories that will instantly upgrade your wardrobe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price:<\/strong> From SGD $30 \u2013 $12,530<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%: <\/strong>$32.40 \u2013 $13,532.40      |     GST Increase 9%:<\/strong> $32.70 \u2013 $13,657.70<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike:<\/em><\/em><\/span> Get yours at Farfetch<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    4. Luxury Watches From Chrono24<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits:<\/em> Chrono24<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    One of the most exciting moments of the year might be when you get a bonus at work. Even more fun is choosing what to spend the money on. Of course, there are countless possibilities, but a good watch might be one of the best choices. A watch doesn\u2019t only reflect the perfect treat you deserve, but it can also act as an investment against inflation. Chrono24<\/a> offers a wide range of new and pre-owned luxury watches for your selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price: <\/strong>From USD1,500 (USD1,605 after tax)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%: <\/strong> USD 1,620      |     GST Increase 9%:<\/strong> USD 1,635<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike:<\/em><\/em><\/span> Find out more about Chrono24<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    5.<\/strong> Supplements From iHerb<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: iHerb Facebook<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    iHerb<\/a> is a US-based online one-stop-shop providing everything wellbeing-related \u2014 including herbal remedies, aromatherapy, beauty products, protein mixes, healthy food, and baby bottles. iHerb also has free shipping to Singapore for orders over S$20. When shopping on iHerb, remember to make use of our 5% cashback on YouTrip Perks<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price:<\/strong> From SGD $3.84 \u2013 $85.34<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%:<\/strong>  $4.14 \u2013 $92.17     |     GST Increase 9%:<\/strong>  $4.19 \u2013 $93.02<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike:<\/em><\/em><\/span> Get yours at iHerb<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    6. Digital Tools From Adobe Creative Suite<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: Adobe<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    For the majority of the creatives out there, the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite<\/a> is pretty much a must-have. Adobe is home to all the tools you need for all types of creative work, including video, UI\/UX, social media, and photography and graphic design. Some popular Abobe applications you might have heard of are Lightroom, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro. While the annual subscriptions are often heftier, they are still cheaper per month. Perhaps it’s time to renew your subscription soon with the annual payment plan before the extra 1% charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price: <\/strong>From SGD $789.27\/year (incl GST)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%: <\/strong>$796.65 | GST Increase 9%:<\/strong> $804.02<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike:<\/em> Get yours at Adobe Creative Cloud Suite<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    7. VPN<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: <\/em>Surfshark<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    If we don\u2019t do illegal stuff, we don\u2019t need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) right? Well, not really. In general, a VPN helps hide your online activity by encrypting your connection and hiding your IP location. On public wifi networks (like that Starbucks cafe you connected to for remote work), malicious actors like hackers can easily monitor your network activity and steal your personal information like credit card or bank account details. Slightly less malicious actors like corporations or advertisers like to track your online behaviour for things like data collection. Even being in Incognito mode does not shield you from the prying eyes of your Internet Service Provider. Hence, a VPN not only provides security from these people, but it also gives you data privacy, anonymity, and the ability to bypass geo-blocking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Popular VPN providers like NordVPN<\/a>, Surfshark<\/a>, and ExpressVPN<\/a> offer annual subscriptions instead of monthly payments, which will eventually be cheaper when you calculate it based on the cost per month. Getting a subscription within this year can help you save on that extra 1%! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price:<\/strong> From SGD $ 94.35\/ year (incl GST)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%:<\/strong> $101.90     |      GST Increase 9%:<\/strong> $102.84<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike: Get yours at NordVPN<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    8. Activewear From Lululemon<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: Lululemon<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    We know you\u2019ve been looking at that pair of Align leggings for the longest time. It\u2019s probably time to check out soon. Lululemon<\/a> is the cult-loved active-wear brand and understandably so. They are comfortable, durable, flattering, and pass the squat test. With a variety of colours and fits, you\u2019ll be spoilt for choices. Some might argue that lulu is overpriced but if you don\u2019t get it soon, it\u2019ll definitely be even more overpriced. Don\u2019t worry about shipping and returns \u2014 they’re free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price:<\/strong> From 880 HKD <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%:<\/strong> 950.40 HKD      |      GST Increase 9%:<\/strong>  959.20 HKD<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike:<\/em> Get yours at Lululemon<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    9. Furniture, Decor, & Appliances From Taobao<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: Taobao<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Many financially-savvy Singaporean homeowners source their home decor and furniture from Taobao<\/a>. Taobao<\/a> is a Chinese marketplace that offers innumerable products from food to furniture. Many have taken a liking to their home decorations and appliances for their modern looks and acceptable price tag. From TV consoles to upholstery cleaners, there\u2019s pretty much something for every imaginable household need. Taobao might be a little daunting to use at first but once you get the hang of it, with this Ultimate Taobao Shopping Guide<\/a>, you\u2019ll never want to leave. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Price:<\/strong> From SGD $5.80 – $604.40<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GST Increase 8%: <\/strong>$6.26 \u2013 $652.75      |      GST Increase 9%: <\/strong> $6.32 \u2013 $658.80<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Get Your Big Ticket Items Before The GST Hike:<\/em><\/em> Get yours at Taobao<\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Happy Shopping!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    Image credits: IRAS <\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    In case you\u2019re still confused, here\u2019s an infographic to sum up the GST changes for both digital and non-digital goods. Have fun and shop wisely! And while you’re splurging away before the GST hike commences, remember to use your YouTrip card to cash in on our sweet wholesale exchange rates<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As Singapore\u2019s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you need a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5><\/strong> to get FREE S$5 <\/strong>in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks<\/a> page for exclusive offers and promotions \u2014 we promise you won\u2019t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram<\/a> (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here<\/a> or down below.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad<\/a>? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! \ud83d\udc9c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stay safe and happy eating! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Your new excuse to spend ~<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":93,"featured_media":45467,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8119,623],"tags":[26126,39547,39565,26137,39519],"class_list":["post-45443","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides-tips","category-lifestyle","tag-fashion-beauty","tag-gst","tag-gst-hike","tag-home-decor","tag-shopping"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45443","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/93"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=45443"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/45443\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/45467"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=45443"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=45443"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.you.co\/sg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=45443"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}