A guide to a super cheap day in JB
The phrase "bang for your buck" has never been more appropriate now that the Malaysian ringgit is at the lowest it has ever been in two decades.
As of Aug 17, S$1 will get you RM2.91.
We offer a handy little guide on how you can spend a whole day in Johor Baru at a bargain.
Before you go off on a spending spree, do note that you would have to pay GST for goods valued more than $150 if you are away for less than 48 hours.
You will be exempted from tax if the goods are valued under $150.
If you are away for more than two days, you are exempt from GST for goods valued up to $600.
1. Cafe-hopping
Hopping from cafe to cafe has possibly overtaken shopping as the past time of choice for young Singaporeans.
After all, no self-respecting Instagram feed is complete without a shot of a cafe with hipster decor and interesting latte art.
The only problem? Brunch food and artisanal coffee is so unreasonably overpriced here.
In Singapore, it is possible for an average brunch meal, with a drink, to cost about $30.
However, in JB, your bank account won't be crying out for help.
At JB cafe Faculty of Caffeine, a 'Generous Breakfast' which comprises scrambled eggs, toast, mushrooms, bacon and tomatoes cost RM16.50 ($5.60).
That is almost unheard of here and even cheaper than some fast food value meals.
Meanwhile, a latte costs RM8.50 (S$2.91).
Basically, your meal would cost S$8.51.
WHERE: FACULTY OF CAFFEINE
ADDRESS: 106, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Baru, 80000 Johor Baru,
2. Essentials
You may also want to ditch your local supermarket and go grocery shopping in JB instead.
Some of the more popular supermarkets in JB include Tesco and Giant.
A bottle of shampoo costs RM12.90 (S$4.43) at Tesco, while that same bottle costs $7.65 here.
Additionally, a loaf of bread costs RM3.40 (S$1.16), while it costs $2.40 here in Singapore.
WHERE: KSL City, Tebrau City, Aeon Big Hypermarket at Sutera Mall
3. Shopping
These days, the only cheap fashionable outlets are fast fashion brands like H&M and Forever 21.
However, there is a whole world waiting to be discovered in Johor Baru with brands such as Padini and Vincci.
These are uber chic brands and it is almost guaranteed that you won't run into another person wearing the same dress.
The clothes are much more suited to the weather - and instead of following fads, they are sophisticated and classy.
For example, the pair of shoes below costs just RM109 (S$37.45).
WHERE: City Square Mall
4. Seafood
Fresh seafood is notoriously cheap in JB, and the weakening rate is only going to make our tummies happier.
One restaurant that is popular among Singaporeans is Restoran Todak Seafood, a 30-minute taxi ride (about RM40) away from the Causeway.
About 3.5kg worth of crabs can cost about RM230 (S$79). This is about half of what it would cost here in Singapore.
WHERE: No. 1, Orang Asli, Telok Jawa, Masai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
5. Electronics
Even electronics like Apple products are cheaper across the Causeway.
A check on Singapore's Apple site showed the iPad 2 selling for at least $688, while the same product costs RM1,695 ($581.35) in Malaysia.
6. Beach getaway
And finally, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a city, Desaru might just be the place for you.
It's known for its pretty, relatively unspoiled beach and it's accessible via ferry from Changi Ferry Terminal for just S$38 for a return ticket.
One night at a beach resort cause RM236 (S$81) for one night, which is very reasonable.
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