Buying geeky stuff!

Here's a quick list of places I use that sell good stuff at good prices. Things change in Singapore quite quickly.

1. batteries
- Mustafa for AA and AAA like Duracell (basement electronics section)
- Kim Chew, basement B1-46 of Sim Lim Tower for a wide selection

2. mobile phones
- price them up in Mustafa and Naranjan trading at 158 Racecourse Road. Last time I bought Naranjan was cheaper. No warranty though as these are often gray imports.

3. computer bits and pieces
- Video Pro in Sim Lim Square on 4th floor near the lifts has been a reliable place for me over four/five years. Other people have their own favourites such as Bell.
- South Asia computer centre in Funan on 3rd floor has good stuff and prices are quite competitive.
- Challenger upstairs in Funan is a last resort place for me. Usually more expensive.

4. electrical lighting
- back to Sim Lim Tower, to Sinter on 3rd floor, unit #03-05. Great selection for mains lighting bulbs and fittings

5. consumer electronics like iPods and cameras
- Parisilk in Holland Village are good folks, but probably they are not the cheapest. They always quote without gst so add 7% when pricing up. It should definitely be cheaper than Best Denki in the main shopping malls.


General advice: avoid ground floor of malls Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza and Sim Lim places. These are usually more expensive, and often have "dodgier" sales staff and I've had prices misquoted before. Always check your change carefully at these places: if you give a large note for a small purchase, count the 10sgd notes you get back carefully... I've been ripped off at least twice when I first moved here ;)