Anyone who denies this Reports that Singapore is the most expensive city in the world (“Got street food, huh?”) obviously doesn’t drink much beer.
Because Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in the world to enjoy a pint of beer, thanks to our astronomical alcohol taxes. A chart compiled by Deutsche Bank places us at the top when it comes to the price of a pint of beer in a pub, surpassed only by Oslo.
So do we have to choose between abstinence and financial solvency? Here are some tips for enjoying (relatively) cheap beer.
Drink in Kopitiams, Hawker Centres and Food Courts
Kopitiams, hawker centres and food courts are the cheapest ways to eat out in Singapore, so thank goodness for Tiger Beer, ladies.
There’s a reason why so many uncles spend all their time drinking their persimmons at street markets. A large bottle of beer to share costs about $6-7 in a typical street market. You usually can’t even get a small 33ml bottle at a bar for that price.
Your surroundings may be anything but posh, but that also means you can party in the Singaporean uniform of shorts and flip-flops.
Buy duty free
Singaporeans are among the world’s most frequent travelersand the The average Singaporean has made 5.2 trips abroad in the last 12 months.
This means you have plenty of reasons to stock up on duty-free alcohol as you pass through Changi Airport. You can buy one litre of spirits, one litre of wine and one litre of beer, two litres of wine and one litre of beer OR one litre of wine and two litres of beer. If you drink/entertain frequently, you should max out.
Buy in supermarkets
Not going abroad but still need some cheap beer to contribute to your friends’ get-together? Then you’ll have to turn to the local supermarkets. Beer prices are surprisingly affordable, especially if you buy large bottles or large multi-can packs, and definitely much, much cheaper than 7-Eleven.
Buy online or in liquor stores
If you’re looking for a craft beer that will make your party extra special, check out liquor stores both online and offline.
Attempt Craftbeer.sg for a unique brew or alcohol if you want to save some money on your beer when purchasing a keg or large case.
Find out about happy hours and find relatively cheap bars
Although drinking in a proper bar, no matter how modest, will always be more expensive than in a kopitiam or where you bring your own drinks, some bars are cheaper than others.
We have done the work for you and compiled several lists of affordable water bars in Singapore. Here are 8 CBD bars with happy hour offers for stressed office workers And 17 Happy Hour Deals That Go Beyond 9pm.
Brew your own beer
Whether brewing your own beer actually saves money is debatable in cities where beer is relatively cheap, but in Singapore, where beer prices can induce heart attacks, the potential savings are huge.
There are numerous retailers of beer brewing kits in Singapore, including Subscribe, Homebrewed Koop And Beer can LahTip: If you want to save money, you can buy used materials on eBay or carousel.
Your first few batches might taste weird at best, like sewage at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll always be able to convince your friends not to go to the bar and come over.
Do you have any tips on how to get cheap beer? Tell us in the comments!
Photo credits: Business Insider
The post “How to find cheap beer in Singapore” first appeared on the MoneySmart blog.
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