Buy gear in Singapore, possible ?

redcat · 02-03-2017, 12:36 AM

I'll have a trip to Singapore in April, do you guys have experience buying gear (either new or used) there ? how does the price compared to US, EU price ? any good address will be appreciated

And also, where should I go to shoot (some must-have location

) ?

Thanks in advance

Yamakasi · 02-03-2017, 01:57 AM - **5 Likes**

There are quite a few Singapore guys here in Pentax forum (including me)..

Generally, if you are looking at the new DFA lenses, US will be cheaper than in Singapore. Any lenses you have in mind? Maybe we can advise you on the price easier..

On the must shoot locations, I supposed most tourists in Singapore will be shooting the Marina Bay Sands, Garden by the Bay, Chinatown

The pentax community do organize gatherings once awhile so maybe you can join in one if the chance arise

Shooting the Central Business District (CBD) from Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands

Garden by the Bay

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Chinatown (note: the temple only light up at night on special occasions.)

redcat · 02-03-2017, 03:11 AM

Originally posted by Yamakasi

Generally, if you are looking at the new DFA lenses, US will be cheaper than in Singapore. Any lenses you have in mind? Maybe we can advise you on the price easier..

thanks a lot for your quick reply, I'm having the DA 15mm f4 controlling my mind

and another one is the Samyang 135mm f2

I don't mind used lens so any trust-worthy small local shop is fine too

Also thanks for the addresses, I'll check out those sites for sure !

---------- Post added 02-03-17 at 11:22 AM ----------

wow, those are some amazing photos, make me want to go to SG right now

Edgar_in_Indy · 02-03-2017, 05:57 AM - **1 Like**

I remember when the K-30 first came out, it was significantly less expensive to order it from the Singapore Pentax site and have it shipped to the US. There was a thread about it and quite a few people, including myself, ordered it before the Singapore site basically got a "cease and desist" type order from corporate and stopped shipping to the US.

**Mr. Ed** · 02-03-2017, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by Yamakasi

There are quite a few Singapore guys here in Pentax forum (including me)..

Generally, if you are looking at the new DFA lenses, US will be cheaper than in Singapore. Any lenses you have in mind? Maybe we can advise you on the price easier..

On the must shoot locations, I supposed most tourists in Singapore will be shooting the Marina Bay Sands, Garden by the Bay, Chinatown

The pentax community do organize gatherings once awhile so maybe you can join in one if the chance arise

Shooting the Central Business District (CBD) from Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands

Garden by the Bay

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Chinatown (note: the temple only light up at night on special occasions.)

Those are gorgeous!

redcat · 02-03-2017, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy

I remember when the K-30 first came out, it was significantly less expensive to order it from the Singapore Pentax site and have it shipped to the US. There was a thread about it and quite a few people, including myself, ordered it before the Singapore site basically got a "cease and desist" type order from corporate and stopped shipping to the US.

that might be the exchange rate ^^

p38arover · 02-03-2017, 10:47 PM

I'll try to find the name of the camera shop in Chinatown that ripped me off.

To be honest, I've found Australia to be cheaper (for a lot of stuff) than Singapore and Hong Kong.

tim60 · 02-04-2017, 12:26 AM

Originally posted by p38arover

I'll try to find the name of the camera shop in Chinatown that ripped me off.

To be honest, I've found Australia to be cheaper (for a lot of stuff) than Singapore and Hong Kong.

How things have changed. I remember when I was young and could not afford it that Singapore was the cheap place to buy stuff. Now the other way around. People from Singapore sometimes buy stuff in Australia because it is cheaper.

p38arover · 02-04-2017, 01:00 AM

I found my post on another forum:

Quote:

Don't go to Digitronics Synergy in Chinatown. Guess who made the mistake of doing so and got ripped off.

I wasn't the only one: Buying in Singapore? - Photo.net Digital Darkroom Forum

Re prices,on a recent trip to Hong Kong we priced a pair of Parrot Zik3 noise cancelling headphones at the HKG airport duty free. They were A$100 cheaper buying from an Australian (not duty free) store. We showed the store employee the ad on our iPad (we did a search on-line while at the airport) but the duty free store wouldn't/couldn't match the Aussie price.

Yamakasi · 02-04-2017, 06:08 AM

Originally posted by p38arover

I'll try to find the name of the camera shop in Chinatown that ripped me off.

To be honest, I've found Australia to be cheaper (for a lot of stuff) than Singapore and Hong Kong.

The camera shops in Chinatown are mainly tourist traps

I will avoid buying any electronics items in the area...other things are not so bad

---------- Post added 02-04-17 at 09:12 PM ----------

Originally posted by Mr. Ed

Those are gorgeous!

thank you

tim60 · 02-04-2017, 12:37 PM

Originally posted by p38arover

I found my post on another forum:

Re prices,on a recent trip to Hong Kong we priced a pair of Parrot Zik3 noise cancelling headphones at the HKG airport duty free. They were A$100 cheaper buying from an Australian (not duty free) store. We showed the store employee the ad on our iPad (we did a search on-line while at the airport) but the duty free store wouldn't/couldn't match the Aussie price.

I often feel as though the duty free shops in airports do not extract tax from buyers but instead either pocket the money as extra profit or the airports charge exorbitant rent, making the whole idea of duty free something of a scam. Also, there seem to be a few brands of DF shop internationally, so that it is a very uncompetitive field - also, very few airports have competing shops in the same product lines and only huge airports have more than one shop in each class of goods, probably selling different brands.

When I see those 'price match' claims by shops I often wonder why they do not just tell people: "go there and buy on the other shop's Ts&Cs", or if they really can sell at the price, why not be more competitive up front.

In the old HK airport I once saw a bottle shop that seemed not to have any bottle of alcohol containing beverage under about USD700, in the mid 90s. Clearly not seeking high volume of turnover from the average traveller.

**Schraubstock** · 02-07-2017, 08:11 AM

As a matter if interest, I visited the Yodabashi store in Tokyo this afternoon and had a look at the D FA 15-30 F2.8 ED SDM WR the price of which was ¥213,580.00 after deducting the tax free allowance. This calculates back to Aus.$2847.00 at the exchange rate I bought ¥ for. In Australia I can purchase this lens for Aus.$2,099.00.

I know the OP is going to Singapore but I guess what I am trying to point out is, these days it is important to do your research.

I stuck the lens onto my K-1 and took this in-store sample shot.

02-03-2017, 12:36 AM	#1
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939	Buy gear in Singapore, possible ? I'll have a trip to Singapore in April, do you guys have experience buying gear (either new or used) there ? how does the price compared to US, EU price ? any good address will be appreciated And also, where should I go to shoot (some must-have location ) ? Thanks in advance

02-03-2017, 03:11 AM	#3
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939 Original Poster	Originally posted by Yamakasi Generally, if you are looking at the new DFA lenses, US will be cheaper than in Singapore. Any lenses you have in mind? Maybe we can advise you on the price easier.. thanks a lot for your quick reply, I'm having the DA 15mm f4 controlling my mind and another one is the Samyang 135mm f2 I don't mind used lens so any trust-worthy small local shop is fine too Also thanks for the addresses, I'll check out those sites for sure ! ---------- Post added 02-03-17 at 11:22 AM ---------- wow, those are some amazing photos, make me want to go to SG right now Last edited by redcat; 02-03-2017 at 03:23 AM.

02-07-2017, 08:11 AM	#12
Schraubstock Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,386	As a matter if interest, I visited the Yodabashi store in Tokyo this afternoon and had a look at the D FA 15-30 F2.8 ED SDM WR the price of which was ¥213,580.00 after deducting the tax free allowance. This calculates back to Aus.$2847.00 at the exchange rate I bought ¥ for. In Australia I can purchase this lens for Aus.$2,099.00. I know the OP is going to Singapore but I guess what I am trying to point out is, these days it is important to do your research. I stuck the lens onto my K-1 and took this in-store sample shot. Last edited by Schraubstock; 04-03-2017 at 03:12 AM.

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02-03-2017, 01:57 AM - 5 Likes	#2
Yamakasi Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 73	There are quite a few Singapore guys here in Pentax forum (including me).. Generally, if you are looking at the new DFA lenses, US will be cheaper than in Singapore. Any lenses you have in mind? Maybe we can advise you on the price easier.. On the must shoot locations, I supposed most tourists in Singapore will be shooting the Marina Bay Sands, Garden by the Bay, Chinatown The pentax community do organize gatherings once awhile so maybe you can join in one if the chance arise Shooting the Central Business District (CBD) from Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands Garden by the Bay Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Chinatown (note: the temple only light up at night on special occasions.)

02-03-2017, 05:57 AM - 1 Like	#4
Edgar_in_Indy Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,685	I remember when the K-30 first came out, it was significantly less expensive to order it from the Singapore Pentax site and have it shipped to the US. There was a thread about it and quite a few people, including myself, ordered it before the Singapore site basically got a "cease and desist" type order from corporate and stopped shipping to the US.

02-03-2017, 04:58 PM	#5
Mr. Ed Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2014 Posts: 563	Originally posted by Yamakasi There are quite a few Singapore guys here in Pentax forum (including me).. Generally, if you are looking at the new DFA lenses, US will be cheaper than in Singapore. Any lenses you have in mind? Maybe we can advise you on the price easier.. On the must shoot locations, I supposed most tourists in Singapore will be shooting the Marina Bay Sands, Garden by the Bay, Chinatown The pentax community do organize gatherings once awhile so maybe you can join in one if the chance arise Shooting the Central Business District (CBD) from Marina Bay Sands Marina Bay Sands Garden by the Bay Buddha Tooth Relic Temple at Chinatown (note: the temple only light up at night on special occasions.) Those are gorgeous!

02-03-2017, 08:39 PM	#6
redcat Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Paris Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,939 Original Poster	Originally posted by Edgar_in_Indy I remember when the K-30 first came out, it was significantly less expensive to order it from the Singapore Pentax site and have it shipped to the US. There was a thread about it and quite a few people, including myself, ordered it before the Singapore site basically got a "cease and desist" type order from corporate and stopped shipping to the US. that might be the exchange rate ^^

02-03-2017, 10:47 PM	#7
p38arover Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,084	I'll try to find the name of the camera shop in Chinatown that ripped me off. To be honest, I've found Australia to be cheaper (for a lot of stuff) than Singapore and Hong Kong.

02-04-2017, 12:26 AM	#8
tim60 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 8,743	Originally posted by p38arover I'll try to find the name of the camera shop in Chinatown that ripped me off. To be honest, I've found Australia to be cheaper (for a lot of stuff) than Singapore and Hong Kong. How things have changed. I remember when I was young and could not afford it that Singapore was the cheap place to buy stuff. Now the other way around. People from Singapore sometimes buy stuff in Australia because it is cheaper.

02-04-2017, 01:00 AM	#9
p38arover Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Western Sydney, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,084	I found my post on another forum: Quote: Don't go to Digitronics Synergy in Chinatown. Guess who made the mistake of doing so and got ripped off. I wasn't the only one: Buying in Singapore? - Photo.net Digital Darkroom Forum Re prices,on a recent trip to Hong Kong we priced a pair of Parrot Zik3 noise cancelling headphones at the HKG airport duty free. They were A$100 cheaper buying from an Australian (not duty free) store. We showed the store employee the ad on our iPad (we did a search on-line while at the airport) but the duty free store wouldn't/couldn't match the Aussie price.

02-04-2017, 06:08 AM	#10
Yamakasi Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 73	Originally posted by p38arover I'll try to find the name of the camera shop in Chinatown that ripped me off. To be honest, I've found Australia to be cheaper (for a lot of stuff) than Singapore and Hong Kong. The camera shops in Chinatown are mainly tourist traps I will avoid buying any electronics items in the area...other things are not so bad ---------- Post added 02-04-17 at 09:12 PM ---------- Originally posted by Mr. Ed Those are gorgeous! thank you

02-04-2017, 12:37 PM	#11
tim60 Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 8,743	Originally posted by p38arover I found my post on another forum: Re prices,on a recent trip to Hong Kong we priced a pair of Parrot Zik3 noise cancelling headphones at the HKG airport duty free. They were A$100 cheaper buying from an Australian (not duty free) store. We showed the store employee the ad on our iPad (we did a search on-line while at the airport) but the duty free store wouldn't/couldn't match the Aussie price. I often feel as though the duty free shops in airports do not extract tax from buyers but instead either pocket the money as extra profit or the airports charge exorbitant rent, making the whole idea of duty free something of a scam. Also, there seem to be a few brands of DF shop internationally, so that it is a very uncompetitive field - also, very few airports have competing shops in the same product lines and only huge airports have more than one shop in each class of goods, probably selling different brands. When I see those 'price match' claims by shops I often wonder why they do not just tell people: "go there and buy on the other shop's Ts&Cs", or if they really can sell at the price, why not be more competitive up front. In the old HK airport I once saw a bottle shop that seemed not to have any bottle of alcohol containing beverage under about USD700, in the mid 90s. Clearly not seeking high volume of turnover from the average traveller.