Is shopping cheaper in batam?

[bhauranya]

Hi guys

i have this million dollar idea of shopping in batam and i guess it could save me money.

i am going to batam this weekend and assuming that the prices of clothing, shoes and other stuff would be 50% of what they are in singapore. Correct me if am wrong.

I heard there is a shop factory there that has lot of branded stuff.

Has anyone shopped and compared rates of batam and singapore?

Do share your experiences of shopping in Batam?

Cheers!!

[JR8]

My experiences were, being in a Ralph Lauren outlet. I couldn't give a toss where I was, but if it is important for you to broadcast to other people what lable you are wearing, then it might be different and you'll be happy to pay 200-500% more than cost to have tat with a coolie made lable on it. If you're Asian, then it's probably good. The shop-girl remarked re: the polo with the union jack on, 'Oh, I thought Engrand was part of America'... well quite, ducky

My other recollection is the souvenir shops selling shark fins and swallows spit nests. Jeez, what kind of primitive arseholes buy this stuff?

And to think Batam is the sophisticated end... ...

[beppi]

Batam is the messy, dirty little cousin of Singapore.
While there exist some mediocre malls, and a few things are certainly cheaper than here, the variety is much less and you'll never be sure about authenticity or quality.
Also, you'd have to buy a lot to make the trip (incl. time, ferry ticket, US$25 visa and taxis) worthwhile.
Orchard Road is certainly easier.

[bhauranya]

@beppi

Yes you are right its better here.
The visa cost has also gone high now.

Cheers!!