Nur SofiaPacking for a trip can be troublesome and annoying especially when you need to make sure everything fits into that compact luggage. You try your best to get everything in travel-friendly sizes to minimise costs as well as space but let’s face it, not all stores sell these travel-friendly items at affordable prices.
This handy list can save you from having a mini panic attack when you realise you’re missing a travel adaptor or sunscreen lotion! There are several shops islandwide that sell cheap travel accessories and necessities. Remember to mark these places down and make them your go-to pit stops before your next flight out.
1. Mustafa Centre
Image credit: Fabio Achilli (left), factoids (right)
This shopping behemoth near Little India has it ALL. From luggages, electronics, toiletries and snacks housed under one roof, Mustafa has always been popular for its exhaustive list of goods sold at low rates. Open 24 hours daily, Mustafa also offers foreign exchange services allowing you to not only purchase your travel items but also get your foreign currency (read: kill two birds with one stone). Intrepid bargain-hunters are never disappointed here and you can be rest assured that your loots will be worth the journey.
Address: Mustafa Centre, 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704
2. Decathlon
Image credit: Decathlon
Originating from France, this giant European sports retailer carries over 85,000 sports-related products as well as nifty outdoor gear. Another plus point is the extensive range of swimwear that are priced very reasonably. Yes, we know how exorbitant those swimming costumes can get!
From sunglasses to durable backpacks, winter gear and comfy travel pillows, Decathlon does not fail to impress with its high quality goods that are equally cost-savvy. If your trip involves a lot of outdoor elements, you will be pleased to find handy items such as headlamps, sleeping bags, tents and large water bottles too. Make sure you grab a basket before you get lost in those aisles!
Address: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Rd, #02-03, Singapore 208539
*Multiple outlets islandwide
3. ValuDollar
Image credit: Street Directory
Expect lots of knick knacks here! ValuDollar sells imported products (from Malaysia, China, the Philippines, USA, etc.) as well as local products. Toiletries here are a steal with shampoo and soap brands being sold at attractive discounted rates. Even though the store layout is messy and the narrow aisles make it difficult to source for your goods, shopping at ValuDollar is absolutely worth it.
P.S. If you end up buying snacks while shopping for travel necessities, just be sure to check the expiry date as some of them have just one or two months of shelf life left.
Address: NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, #04-11, Singapore 556083
*Multiple outlets islandwide
4. Daiso
Image credit: CapitaLand
With its strong presence in Singapore courtesy of the numerous outlets scattered all around the heartlands, the Japanese wonderland of Daiso is no stranger to bargain-hunters. Knowing that Japanese products boast good quality and the fact that each item is priced at only S$2, Daiso makes for a great choice (and a perennial favourite) to buy your travel essentials! Go crazy with the storage containers and winter accessories that are exceptionally popular here.
Address: Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #05-01/02/03, Singapore 238839
*Multiple outlets islandwide
5. Venus Beauty
Image credit: Venus
Searching for travel-sized beauty products that will not burn a hole in your pocket? Venus Beauty has you covered (from head to toe) through a broad catalogue of products such as shampoo, hygiene products, skincare products and other important toiletries. The store also offers a plethora of options from professional brands that are in-demand to the good ol’ simple ones for those who do not wish to spend as much.
As opposed to Watsons and Guardian, prices here are usually slightly lower. You can expect to save a ton if you’re buying items in bulk!
Address: White Sands Mall, 1 Pasir Ris Central Street 3, #B1-11, Singapore 518457
*Multiple outlets islandwide
6. The Army Market
Image credit: UnTourist Singapore
This might not be a conventional pick for travel items but the Army Market makes for an apt choice to purchase cheap outdoor gear, hiking shoes, waterproof backpacks and a mish mash of other items such as sleeping bags and trekking sticks. Yes, you don’t just find army paraphernalia here!
The Army Market consists of over 70 small shops on the upper floor of Golden Mile Food Centre and you can take your time to have a browse. This flea market shopping concept almost guarantees you with solid bargains, one that you cannot get in an actual shopping mall.
Address: Golden Mile Food Centre, 505 Beach Road, #02-158, Singapore 199583
7. Miniso
Image credit: Miniso Singapore
You can think of Miniso as an amalgamation of Daiso and Muji. The store places an emphasis on its design philosophy yet their modern and minimalistic items maintain competitive prices. There is nothing mini about Miniso and this Japanese lifestyle store will certainly tempt you with its aesthetically-pleasing items.
Need a new passport cover or perhaps a pouch to store your travel accessories? Miniso can settle that easily for you. With a network of 27 outlets all around Singapore, you have no excuse to not make the trip down!
Address: Harbourfront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #02-15/16, Singapore 099253
* Multiple outlets islandwide
8. Watsons
Image credit: Watsons Singapore
Watsons is not the cheapest option in town but this health and beauty retailer sells really affordable travel-sized items near the check-out counters. With great deals, you can easily nab a mini shampoo, travel-size contact lens solution and a hand sanitizer for S$5. What a steal! On top of toiletries, you can get vitamins and medical supplies here. Make sure to look out for sales and stock up on the items that you might need for your next vacation.
Address: Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street, #02-27 to 33, Singapore 188021
*Multiple outlets islandwide
9. Mijyi
Image credit: City Square Mall
This is another one to add to your list of convenient Japanese stores. Though not as commonly found as Daiso and Miniso, Mijyi is a cost-savvy option where you can buy electronic gadgets (mini torchlights, portable chargers, headphones) and useful multi-storage containers to hold your tiny accessories and SIM cards. If you need a spare padlock for your duffel bags or carry-on luggages, you get easily get them here too. Nobody can resist a good bargain!
Address: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Rd, #B2-51/52, Singapore 208539
*Multiple outlets islandwide
10. Don Don Donki
Image credit: Don Don Donki
It is only apt to round up the list with another store that operates 24 hours throughout the year. Don Don Donki, a famous Japanese discount store chain, is located in the prime area of Orchard Central and boasts two levels along with a labyrinth of discounted items.
You can expect to find travel-sized necessities such as toothbrushes and toothpaste along with an array of makeup products. Also, if you need to replenish your first-aid pouch, you can purchase plasters and insect repellants here. Pay a visit and you’ll see why Don Don Donki has been consistently popular in Japan!
Address: 181 Orchard Road, B1 & B2, Orchard Central, Singapore 238896
BONUS: Uniqlo
Image credit: Uniqlo Singapore
Uniqlo may not have the cheapest apparel but their HEATTECH wear has been very popular all thanks to the wallet-friendly prices. If you desperately need good innerwear for winter that will not cost a bomb, plan a trip down to Uniqlo for affordable winter clothes. From leggings to turtle-neck tops, you can stay extra warm in colder climates overseas.
Address: Parkway Parade, #B1-155/155D, 80 Marine Parade Road, Singapore 449269
*Multiple outlets islandwide
Next time you start packing for your next vacation, pull out this handy list and source for your travel essentials easily without having to crack your head on where you should buy them. If you are pressed for time, go for the 24-hour options! You’re well on your way to that budget-friendly trip now.
