Singapore is ranked among Asia's finest shopping destinations, and some tourists head to Lion City purely to explore its retail landscapes. Singapore is lined with iconic malls and sky-piercing department stores, and shopping in this country is not just reserved for the rich but also for budget shoppers, thanks to its many local markets and bazaars. Whether you are visiting the island on business or on holiday, here are some tips to help you shop like a local in sunny Singapore.

Little India - Photo by Singapore Stock Photoson Unsplash

Often compared to New York's 5th Avenue or Bond Street in London, Orchard Road is Singapore's most prestigious shopping district. Although shopping at these shopping centres and malls may only be feasible for affluent locals, residents and expats alike enjoy the pastime of window shopping. Singapore is considered the perfect retail hub for purchasing branded goods from the world's leading fashion labels, and those based at Hotel 81 Lavender or any other hotel near Bugis will find the plush confines of ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City some of the most luxurious spaces in the city. Shopaholics with a penchant for the finer things in life also shouldn't miss Orchard Central, The Centrepoint and Plaza Singapura.

Little India is one of the most popular retail destinations for Singaporeans, and a trip to the Lion City would not be complete without a shopping spree in Little India. Budget travellers will find every consumer item known to man on the streets and shopping centres of this Indian community stronghold in Singapore. The Mustafa Centre is perhaps the most legendary shopping venue in Little India as this massive compound has entire floors dedicated to retailing one product range. Affordable and always crowded, 24 hours are not enough to cover this giant shopping complex in its entirety. The street-side markets and kiosks in Little India are also great for bagging souvenirs, clothing and accessories while locales such as Sim Lim Square, City Square Mall and the Tekka Food Centre are other points of interest for shoppers.

While Singapore may not have any floating markets like those found in Bangkok, the country's wet markets are perhaps the next best thing. Occupying pride of place inside the Chinatown Complex, Singapore's wet market is home to more than 400 kiosks and stalls. Wet markets are considered fantastic places to shop for local food items, groceries and fresh produce, and the local treats available at these stalls also make the trip well worth the effort. The Geylang Serai Wet Market, which is located in the heart of Singapore's Malay community heartland, is equally vibrant and diverse although most expats and tourists head to this part of the island to wine and dine and stock up on spices and veggies.

When it comes to the finest souvenirs Singapore has to offer, shoppers need not look any further than Pagoda Street in Chinatown. Pagoda Street is a one-stop-shop for a wide variety of art, crafts and antiques, and the stalls lining this bustling street are renowned for the charming trinkets, vintage products and Indian-style accessories on sale. Tourists who would rather take Singaporean delicacies and food items as souvenirs and keepsakes, however, must head down to Haji Lane where local treats and sweets are widely available in coffee houses, bakeries and restaurants.

Unless you are shopping in a high-end mall, bargaining and haggling down the price of items is a common practice during Singaporean shopping sprees. It is important to maintain your composure and always be polite when negotiating the price of a product and use the walking away tactic only when necessary. Treat the exercise a