@GND
Base model in SG = S$1348 (incl of GST @ 7%, i,e, $88)
http://store.apple.com/sg/buy-mac/macbook-air
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Goods and Services Tax Relief
...You can enjoy GST relief up to the following values of goods, excluding cigarettes, tobacco, liquors and petroleum products.
Period away from Singapore - Value of Goods
48 hours or more, S$600 - Less than 48 hours, S$150
Holders of a work permit, employment pass, student pass, dependent pass or long-term pass issued by the Singapore Government and crew members are NOT eligible for GST relief.
http://www.customs.gov.sg/leftNav/trav/ ... Relief.htm
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In town, S$1260+$88 = S1348
Bought at Changi after 48hrs or more away =
S$1260 +$0 GST in shop, but +(1260-600)*7% = $46 to ICA = $1306
Difference 3% less = $42
or
If you are away less than 48hrs, you save 0.75%, a whole $10!
That's if you are a tourist. But if you have any form of SGn non-citizen or non-PR residency, you get Big Fat Zero GST relief! Difference nil. I must say I found that quite surprising. All it would take is for ICA to stop you, inspect the computer, call the shop upstairs and read out the serial number. Oh and you can't 'accidentally discard' the receipt between shop and ICA, as without it you can't register the guarantee.
I'd start by looking down at the Funan Centre, especially at the end of a month when salesmen are trying to hit sales targets, and seeing if you get any worthwhile discount.
Hope that's some food for thought to the OP.