Essential tips on getting freebies in Singapore

Everyone fancies a bargain, but mention that it is free and everyone loves it even more! Those who do not believe in a free lunch can now eat their words because it is possible to get things for free in Singapore without any conditions attached. Let me introduce you to some tips on where and how to score some giveaways, all without even touching your wallet.


Food

• Go search out food festivals and fairs. These food vendors usually put out a lot of bite-sized samples for all to try. Famous ones include the Singapore Food Festival held once a year in the month of July at various locations including the Takashimaya Square and Plaza Singapura.
  
• Food courts. These stand alone stalls usually provide some samples of their food as well. But the variety cannot be compared with the food festivals. These food enclaves can be found at all major food courts.

Stationery

• Road shows and other promotional events always come equipped with goodie bags packed with freebies to be given to the passersby. Pens, bookmarks, notebooks and many others. However, recent events have seen a decreasing trend in giving out free items.
  
• Free pencils are given out at Ikea. However I do want to caution that they are very small!

Haircuts

• There are renowned hair salons every month that require hair models for their hair stylists and apprentices to exercise their skills or experiment with new styles. As scary as it might sound, most people come out of this experience satisfied and addicted for more of such deals.

Fitness and Beauty

• Most spas and fitness centres offer a free trial of their services with no strings attached. Choose from a range of the many manicures, pedicures, facials and slimming treats at these centres. Make a call first to make an appointment with them.

          -> Yogaffinity - Tel: 6223 8254
          -> Beijing 101 Hair Consultants - Tel: 65588 101
          -> Slim Fit (Ngee Ann City Tower A)
               391A, Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower A
               #08-01/02
               Singapore 238873
               Tel: 6235 6897
          
               Slim Fit (OUB Centre)
               1 Raffles Place, OUB Centre
               #03-01A/02
               Singapore 048616
               Tel: 6737 6398

          -> Beauti Instinct – 6733 9149
              and many more…
Entertainment

• Go to all the countless art exhibitions and plays around Singapore . Check the respective museum websites for more information on the different times and locations.
  
• Check out the bands that play at the Esplanade Waterfront, Concourse and outdoor theatres on weekends, and during special music seasons. Many acts have been hosted at these locales, ranging from indie rock bands to theatre groups.
  
• Visit large music and movie stores for some free screening of their items. It is possible to watch an entire movie if you are willing to stand for the entire duration of the show.

Ladies Night

• Girls just want to have fun! Ladies are in luck as there are abundant clubs in Singapore that feature ladies’ nights which offer free entry for women only, and some even extend their generosity to include free drinks.

Internet

• Being in a country with cutting edge technology sure has its benefits. If you own a laptop, there are many cafes in Singapore that offer free wireless surfing, and power points for unlimited free internet usage. However, do invest in a coffee to avoid dirty stares from the staff.

-> Some popular spots include the McDonald’s, Starbucks and Café Galilee outlets sprinkled throughout our island.
Bus Tours
- Free shuttle buses can help you save on some transportation costs!
->  If you are a travellor in Singapore , count your lucky stars as the Singapore Tourism Board has arranged for you to be pampered with a free two hour city tour that offers you a choice between a Sentosa Island tour or a bumboat experience.
-> Hop on for a free weekend ride to the IKEA store from 6 MRT stations from now til 30 November 2006 (weekends and public holidays only.) Do arrive before departure time to board the buses. The participating MRT stations are Ang Mo Kio, Boon Lay, Seng Kang, Tampines, Yishun and Woodlands.
-> There are daily shuttle services that bring Turf City patrons to and from Ang Mo Kio and Clementi MRT station, and the Toa Payoh Bus Interchange.
-> Being some distance from the Jurong East train station, IMM the famous furniture mall has also engaged the shuttle bus service for its patrons from Jurong East, Boon Lay and Clementi stations.
-> Free trolley bus services decked in cheery yellow colours are provided by the Marina Square Mall to fetch its shoppers to and from the City Hall MRT station.
Do check the individual websites for more information on the bus schedules and pick up points.
Living in Singapore is expensive, but sometimes all it takes is a closer look at all the little nooks and crannies of this island to appreciate the occasional treasures that are given to those who seek.