Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Guide In Singapore

The temptation to turn on the Jingle Bell Rock or the Polar Express movie is approaching its peak level! Despite it being the 24th of December, I am sure that some of you have yet to purchase a set of Yuletide gifts. Your time is running out and your meeting your family soon. What must you do to get all your presents sorted out for the party?

Firstly, throw the online shopping option out of the window. The shipping period will never come in time no matter how much you click the “express” option.

Alas! There is still work to be done. Consider these shopping spots while you begin your search.

#1: THE POPULAR ONE

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of shopping? Well, Orchard Road of course. Its world-class array of malls has gained popularity among tourists and locals alike. Hit up the retail havens such as ION Orchard and Paragon to explore international brands (of different price scales) such as Editor’s Market, Mango, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. Nonetheless, almost everything can be found in TANGS.

Score great deals in footwear, cosmetics, clothing, and other items as you stroll around Orchard Road.

#2: THE HIP ONE

If you want to take Instagrammable photos while you continue your last-minute shopping, head down to Haji Lane or Bugis Street. These places attract shoppers and tourists on a daily basis. These two venues may be in close proximity with each other but, they offer contrasting shopping experiences. Haji Lane has an array of vintage or artisanal items that highlight one’s craftsmanship. While, Bugis Street is well-loved for its extremely low prices and Korean-centric stores. Both venues offer trendy and timeless pieces that will delight your fashionista friend or family member.

Get the best prices by strolling around Haji Lane or Bugis Street before committing to a final purchase.

#3: THE ALL-NIGHTER

From traditional Indian clothing to brightly-colored accessories, you can make your way to Little India to shop in a lively cultural part of Singapore. Visit Mustafa Centre for Christmastime gifts varying from children’s toys to sporting goods. What’s more? This massive store is open for 24 hours. Thus, you may literally shop until you drop.

Do indulge in a cultural immersion while you shop around.

#4: THE BIG ONE

What better way to spend your last-minute shopping ordeal than by visiting the city’s largest shopping mall – the VivoCity. VivoCity houses the cheap Japanese outlet Daiso where you can spend as little as S$2 for a stocking stuffer. Furthermore, there are other glistening brands such as Sephora and Pandora. Who can say no to a set of jewels and makeup?

If you have your little ones with you, you may let them have fun at the open-air playground on the second level or splash around in the water-based Sky Park on the third level while you shop around.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With a countless array of shopping malls and indie outlets, Singapore offers the perfect spot for your last-minute Yuletide shopping. Good luck!

Source: Visit Singapore

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How To Carry Foreign Currency When Traveling

Armed with a debit card and a stack of American dollars, my significant other and I went on a vacation recently. We needed to unwind as we take a step back from the hustle and bustle of the city.

One thing is for sure! It was a good idea for us to research on how to carry foreign currency in a country we have not been before. Consider the following methods to safely convert your money to foreign currency while traveling.

#1: CREDIT CARD

Credit cards are best used for significant purchases such as hotel reservations, car rentals, and airline tickets. Credit card purchases are usually exchanged at the interbank exchange rate, which leans towards your advantage. What’s more? There are credit cards that rub off their rewards such as added travel insurance or airport lounge access.

The only downside with carrying mere credit card is that some restaurants or stores do not accept credit card transactions. While there are advantages in carrying a credit card, keep in mind the charges that can add up quickly as you return home.

#2: DEBIT CARD OR ATM

Arguably the most convenient and cheapest way to get local cash is to swipe your debit card through the ATMs. You will reap the same interbank exchange rate when you make cash withdrawals through your ATM or debit card as you do when you make a credit card purchase. Spend directly from your bank account with your Visa or MasterCard debit card when you go overseas. Simply ensure that you are aware of the in tree international transaction fees that come with it.

The downside to using your debit card is its foreign ATM use and currency conversion fees. Research on this.

#3: CASH

For immediate purchases that you must consume within the first 24 hours, it is a good idea to carry an ample amount of foreign currency. Before you leave Singapore, remember to exchange your SGD to foreign currency to handle expenses such as taking a cab or buying a meal. Use your cash until you can find the nearest ATM.

It goes without saying that you would not get the greatest conversion rate from your home country. However, it provides a cushion for your immediate expenses and prevents you from being stranded. If you are traveling to a major international airport or a well-known city, you probably do not need to hoard cash as ATMs are of access.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

A WORD FOR SAFE KEEPING

When you are traveling or living overseas, it is entirely impossible that you will not need to spend money in the local currency. Whether you are paying for your essentials or sending money back home, there are several ways to secure your funds.

Research is your best-friend! Know where to get or how to convert your funds while you travel. Bring a small amount of foreign currency abroad unless you can guarantee that the conversion rate is favorable to you.

Nonetheless, you may carry your local currency along with your plastic cards as you cross different countries. Convert your local currency periodically when needed.

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Surefire Ways To Sell Your Items On Instagram

Whether Snapchat agrees or not, Instagram reigns supreme when it comes to engaging its audience. These days, many Singaporeans refer to Instagram as their catalogue of all things travel or lifestyle-related.

Consider the following tips to help you figure out how to sell your items on Instagram with or without its pesky algorithm.

POST THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES CONTENT WITH STORIES

Over 200 million people use Instagram stories on a daily basis. More than one-third of this number view stories for business purposes. Instagram stories last for 24 hours, and they do not show the comments or likes publicly. This means that you can post as many stories as you want to feature a spotlight product or a flash sale.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Use text, drawing tools, stickers, and GIFs to bring your brand’s creativity to life.

SELL YOUR ITEMS THRU HASHTAGS

As an Instagram user, you are probably aware of the importance of hashtags. Hashtags are important to brands as these tags direct the specific consumers. Branded hashtags represent the majority of big brands such as #BMW or #Prada.

The most used hashtags come from these well-known brands. You may either use their power to your advantage by using related hashtags or use hashtags exclusive to your brand.

USE INSTAGRAM ADS TO REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

Instagram provides a variety of targeting options through its Instagram Ads feature. You can choose specific targets that will suit your business’ needs. With promotion, you can choose how much you will spend, where your ads will be seen, and how long you want to run them.

Simply set up your business profile account and click the “promote” button. Instagram ads are critical to the marketing strategies of any business.

HOST INSTAGRAM-ONLY PROMOTIONS

With Instagram, you may host an Instagram-only promotion for your followers. They can click the link in your bio to join. To amp up your promotion, you may consider establishing partnerships with Instagram Influencers within the area such as Melissa Koh.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Instagram influencers continue to be popular given that sponsorships have nearly replaced digital ads these days. The personal recommendations that they add boost the brand’s image. The personal touch makes it easier for consumers to imagine themselves while using your products.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Attractive Advantages Of Selling Online

Have you ever had one of those days when you simply want to quit? Becoming your own boss does not sound bad. Sometimes, selling online is better than having a job.

THE FLEXIBILITY OF TIME

A full-time job in the offices comes with a fixed schedule and you have no other choice. You can either work a 9 to 5 job or a rotating schedule in the course of Monday to Saturday. Your manager has the control over your work schedule.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In contrast, having an online business allows you to take full control over your work schedule. If you are not a morning person, you may sleep more and start your operations by 10 am. The same can be said when you have to attend a family event. You can turn things around to work in your favor.

THE INDEPENDENCE OF WORK

One of the worst feelings that an employee can experience is being micromanaged. It is annoying to be always told what to do. A mistrusting boss checking up on your decisions can be demoralizing too. Skip these scenarios by becoming your own boss.

Starting your own business online requires you to embrace the responsibility of making huge decisions on your own. You are independent by choice. It can be overwhelming at first, but you can get used to it.

THE POWER OF CREATION

There is no limit to the number of products or the category of products that you can sell. You can tap as many people as you want too! This means that a new product can create a new income stream for you.

It is up to you to market these products. You can choose to market thru videos, audio files, social media ads and more.

THE POSSIBILITY OF PASSIVE INCOME

Setting up your own online business allows you to earn money differently. Your efforts put into product creation and marketing determine how much your can earn. This puts you in charge of your own finances.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Moreover, you can automate your business to earn money while you sleep. Passive income can be acquired thru global audience and other creative ways.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Online Business Ideas You Can Do Now Without Quitting Your Job

Halt! Do not make rash decisions when you are emotional or over-fatigued. You can follow your passion or showcase your talents without quitting your job. Simply create an online business wherein you can earn money on the side. Consider the following business ideas.

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

One of the easiest ways to earn money online is by selling your images. If you have a knack for photography, round up your best pictures and sell your brand. Upload your designs on photo-sharing websites such as CafePress or Zazzle. If an individual or a company gets attracted with your design, it can be printed on a product or used for a marketing material.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Who knows? Your unique design can be displayed on posters, calendars, book covers, bags, shirts, or hats. Do not limit yourself to posting filtered snaps on your Instagram feed!

BE A SOCIAL MEDIA CONSULTANT

We live in a world where digital consumption is fast and pervasive. As a social media consultant, it is your job to use ideal tactics to place the company in the right direction. This includes implementing posting schedules and creating target-specific content. You must have the knowledge of SEO tools and the latest trends.

Running the website, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts for smaller businesses is something you can do on the side.

BE A PROFESSIONAL FREELANCER

Maximize your spare time by becoming a professional freelancer. Websites such as Upwork or Freelance Zone allow you to apply for almost any task such as writing content, data entry, and programming. These websites allow businesses to get the additional help that they need on certain projects.

Increase your chances of earning money by providing different services in accordance with your skills and interests.

OFFER BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

Aside from being a full-time supervisor for a grocery, my uncle provides his bookkeeping services. Clients will typically come to our home to discuss their businesses. If you want to work from home and are great with numbers, consider this.

You may offer services such as creating financial statements or invoices. Invoicing tools such as Sighted and payment tools such as Due are available online to ease your load.

TRANSLATE VARIED DOCUMENTS

When I was working in a yoga studio, I came across and fitness instructor who translates documents from Italian to English. She does this for a fairly good price. It is one of the most profitable freelancing jobs in the industry. Your proficiency in a language or two is sought after in Singapore.

Advertise your services online in websites such as Craigslist and Gumtree.

BE A RESUME WRITER

It does not matter which industry you came from, you will not be there without an efficient resume or C.V. Some people pay very good money to have their personal statements on paper.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Transform your gifts with words to gold by writing job documents for a daily rate or a “per page” rate.

Sources: 1 & 2

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