Singapore and tourism

Singapore and tourism

Singapore's economy has benefited substantially from tourism. Millions of tourists, mainly from Indonesia, visit Singapore annually. But Singaporeans do not seem to be fully aware of this fact. Some of them are not particularly honest to foreign tourists.

Earlier this month my husband and I visited Singapore for the `Singapore Great Sale' campaign. I had some unpleasant experiences during my visit to the country.

* I bought a bottle of perfume (White Linen Estee Lauder) at Takashimaya shop, Orchard Road, at the cost of S$75. But the same article only costs $61 at Changi Airport, plus a small gift. The Singapore Great Sale campaign is not entirely true.

* My husband and I registered for two tours at a small counter in the Hotel Excelsior. The young female official offered us the cost of the tours for $148 and I paid right away. But later I found that the correct price is only $136. The official had made some scribbles on the bill sheet so that I could not read it clearly and could not ask for an explanation on the matter, because the lady did not show up for the next three days.

* Even when we had our breakfast I was cheated. I had my breakfast at a restaurant which is painted green near the Singapore Design Center. On the first day I paid $7, while on the second day it cost me $5 for the same menu. There must be something wrong with the cashier.

The money does not really matter to me, but I feel I have been cheated. It is this dishonesty that has caused inconvenience to me. I believe many Indonesian tourists visiting Singapore have had similar experiences.

F. FAUZIA

Depok, West Java