Your insider guide to shopping at Changi Airport

If you think Changi Airport is but a place for flights, think again — one of the largest ‘shopping malls’ in Singapore, Changi houses more than 400 retail outlets and 140 dining options. Beyond the wide array of retail and dining options, you can also enjoy complimentary services, huge savings and exclusive deals. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your Changi shopping experience before your flight.

1. Let the shopping begin even before stepping foot in the airport

Log on to iShopChangi.com with your Changi Rewards account and earn points with every purchase

You don’t have to wait till you’re in the airport to shop. If you prefer shopping in the comfort of your own home, go on a spree at iShopChangi. From 30 days prior, up to 18 hours before your flight, you can shop your heart out for all kinds of products from over 500 brands. Just make sure to check-in early enough to collect your purchases from the convenient collection points located in all terminals. 

2. Set aside an hour for your beauty needs and a free makeover!

Get all your beauty and skincare essentials at The Shilla Duty Free

The Shilla Duty Free is every girl’s dream come true as it allows you to indulge the beauty queen in you with a range of global brands. Did you know that many items are up to 40 per cent cheaper than those in the city? If you want to try a different look or just not sure which makeup look you will rock, book an appointment with Dior for a complimentary flash makeover — 20 minutes is all you need. During the session, the Dior professionals will also assess your skin to share makeup tips that suit your skin tone and type so you know exactly which beauty products to get. 

3. Sip on samples before choosing your ‘poison’

Discover the whiskey that ‘speaks’ to you at The Whiskey House

If you’re yet to discover your perfect tipple or are eager to savour new flavours before your next alcohol purchase, take a complimentary swig at various bars within the DFS Wines & Spirits Duplex in T2 and T3, or head to the DFS Wines & Spirits Store at T4 for a ‘walk-through’ experience encompassing cocktail mixing and guided tasting.

At The Whiskey House in T2 and T4, you can enjoy complimentary tasting of over 100 whiskies from across the globe. Over at the House of Hennessy in the same terminal, a virtual reality adventure will bring you through the seven chapters of tasting notes of Hennessy XO, complemented with serving and tasting rituals of the iconic Cognac. If you prefer wine, head to the Wine Reserve, also in T2 for a taste test of their exclusive wines before taking your pick from over 350 different wines from the world’s top vineyards.

Cocktail lovers — trot down to the Long Bar by Raffles at T3 to try its signature Singapore Sling for free. Did you know that the Singapore sling was first concocted in Raffles Hotel in 1915 and the original recipe is only available today at Raffles Hotel and the Long Bar by Raffles?

4. Keep a look out for exclusive and limited-edition bottles

The limited-edition Johnnie Walker Willow features local icons, and is perfect as a gift or collectible

Not many are aware that there are exclusive and limited-edition collections available at DFS all year round, like the Johnnie Walker Willow Singapore Series, featuring some of the nation’s most iconic sights illustrated by homegrown artist Dawn Ng. There’s also the Hennessy V.S.O.P 200^th Anniversary limited-edition bottle and gift box that pays tribute to its heritage by reimagining the original bottle from 1818. You can keep track of all the exclusives and specials on iShopChangi.com. 

5. Arrive early to get your travel essentials

Irvin’s salted egg fish skin is available in T2 and T3's transit area

There are many reasons to check-in early, from collecting Changi Recommends Wifi Routers to overseas attraction tickets you’ve purchased online, to queuing for snacks to enjoy on your holiday, or even just as a gift for your friends overseas. Did you know that Singapore’s favourite Irvin’s salted egg fish skin is available in the transit areas of the airport? Enjoy them at GST-free prices for your overseas trips!

6. Keep an eye on shopping promotions and clock points on your Changi Rewards card

Shop with Changi Rewards to enjoy exclusive benefits and privileges

Beyond the tax and duty-free savings you get at the airport, you can save more if you take advantage of the numerous shopping promotions all year round. From monthly specials on iShopChangi.com to Mastercard privileges, to retail campaigns during a limited time, it’s possible to indulge without the guilt.

It's Always Happy Hour at Changi Airport. So, for those departing from Changi from now till 31 October 2018, you can fill up this form to enjoy special discounts when you shop online or at the airport.

Bonus: If you sign up to use the Changi Rewards card, you can also enjoy benefits like exchanging points for rebates and KrisFlyer miles, free parking, 1-for-1 dining deals islandwide and complimentary global airport lounge access. Don't worry about having to bring your card each time you travel, as the iChangi app (downloadable from Apple Store and Google Play) lets you earn points all the same with an e-Card.

With these tips in mind, the next time you fly, keep your ears to the ground and eyes peeled to enjoy a world of retail options at great prices so you can save as you spend.