Singapore has long been an irresistible magnet for many a visitor, mainly because of its vast selection of air-conditioned shopping malls. Retail therapy is constantly promoted, whether for shopaholic locals or for tourists, especially during the Great Singapore Sale (www.greatsingaporesale.com.sg) from late May to July. During this time, most stores have amazing bargains, sometimes 70% off, and grabbing them is almost a national obsession.

Orchard Road is the central retail district and is lined on both sides with shopping malls ranging from designer clothes retailers to watches, electronics and compute equipment. The streets is currently undergoing a huge makeover, with four large new retail developments under construction, including the flagship (www.ionorchard.com), set to open in late 2009.

Ngee Ann City is the most famous mall of all, with more than 100 speciality stores, including Kinokinuya, Asia's largest book store, in addition to its flagship Japanese superstore, Takashimaya. On the top floors of The Heeren Shops, Annex is a collection of market stalls selling vintage fashion and quirky accessories. Below is a huge HMV, the largest music store in the city.

Centrepoint, in the middle of Orchard Road, is home to Robinsons, Singapore's oldest and award-winning department store. Delfi Orchard has Waterford crystal and Wedgewood china, and Orchard Towers has Thai silk, antiques and leather among its small shops. Wisma Atria and Wheelock Place also have an excellent selection of brands, cafes and restaurants. At the top of Orchard Road, where it meets Tanglin Road, the Tanglin Shopping Centre hoards some of Asia's finest statues, carpets and antique furniture.

Bugis Junction, whose dark alleyways were once the haunt of Singapore's transvestite community, is now a glass-covered air-conditioned street known as Parco, incorporating shop-houses, modern outlets and a huge Japanese department store. The night market at Bugis Village, opposite Parco, still has the charm of its past years. Though extremely narrow and easy to miss, Haji Lane in Kampong Glam has become one of Singapore's hottest realms for young fashion designers.

Raffles City, at City Hall, contains the noted Chinese Embroidery House, and opposite are exclusive boutiques at Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade.

Near Singapore's financial district is Chinatown, cultural hub of the Chinese migrants and a colourful web of streets and alleys with a wealth of artefacts, jewellery, clothes, food and medicines behind traditional Chinese shop-house fronts. Tanjong Pagar is filled with traditional teashops, Chinese lacquerware, kites and Asian handicrafts.

Pagoda Street market and Trengganu Street are best for souvenirs, gifts and bargains, and stylish and cheap Chinese clothes. The junction of Cross Street, New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Seng Street has modern shopping arcades including department store Yue Hwa Chinese Products, Chinatown Point housing the Singapore Handicraft Centre, and People's Park Complex. You can find everything from electrical goods to textiles here.

Little India, on and around Serangoon Road, is a treasure trove of sumptuous textiles, as well as spices, jewellery, handicrafts and cheap Indian CDs. The Mustafa Centre, a three-storey emporium open 24 hours, sells mainly electrical goods at fixed prices and offers excellent deals, although it is worth checking the warranty. The Tekka Centre (also known as KK Market) is the busy wet market with fish, fowl, flowers and more.

Singaporeans love Sim Lim Square (Bugis) for discount electronic goods; six levels stacked with cameras, computer equipment, pirate CDs, hi-fi and video equipment. Again, visitors should check for a valid warranty and not be tempted by pushy sales staff. Funan Centre (City Hall) has dozens of computer shops on each floor at competitive prices. The warehouses on Dempsey Road sell Chinese antiques, original and reproduction furniture, 

One of the best flea markets is at Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road, every Sunday 1000-1800. The flea market outside Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, is mainly for fashion and is open the first and third Saturday of every month 1700-2300.

The suburbs are making their mark on the shopping scene, offering a different flavour to the main retail areas. Holland Village has a bohemian air, with antiques, Asian arts and vintage clothes shops among glam wine bars and restaurants. Laid-back Changi Village seems far from the frenetic air of the city, with bargains in everyday clothes and household goods.

Most stores are open daily from 1000-2100/2200, although boutiques close earlier. All prices include a 7% Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is refundable at Changi Airport's Premier Tax Free (www.premiertaxfree.com) or Global Refund Centre (www.globalrefund.com), on individual purchases over S$100, or on S$300 made up of several items with a minimum value of S$100. Shoppers need to look out for the Tax-Free Shopping logo, complete the Global Refund Shopping cheque or Premier Tax Free voucher and present it with their goods. Money is refunded either as cash or Changi Airport Shopping Vouchers (where 10% will be added), or by direct transfer to a credit card or bankers cheque. All items, whether taken as check-in or hand-luggage, require customs validation forms.