I SAVED UP TO 65% AT WATSONS JUST BY CROSSING THE BORDER
- WeiTai Ho
- Jun 8, 2018
- 4 min read
Truth be told, I'm quite aunty for a quarter century old man. At least once every quarterly, I'll head over to Johor Bahru just to stockpile all my essential items and hoard them back and occasionally, I'll invite my friends who are equally aunty to join me on my spree. One of my fondest memory such trips was flipping through piles and piles of Victoria's Secret panty that were on sale with a girl-friend then eventually peeling a panty off the mannequin because that was the only one left.
Recently, I made a trip there and although I always knew things were cheaper, I didn't know exactly how much cheaper it is compared to Singapore. So this time, I made an effort to keep the receipts from JB and compared the prices of the exact same items from the exact same stores in Singapore. AND. THIS. WILL. SHOOK. YOU.
Disclaimer:
You are about to get up close and personal to knowing me through the products that I use and good lord don't judge me.
Prices are converted from the exchange rate of S$1 = RM2.95 which was observed from the money changer at JB
Prices here are the normal retail price without any special discounts (think: GSS, Hari Raya Sale etc)
Malaysian Prices here includes 6% GST that was only revised after 1st June
#1 Biore Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++
Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 16
Watsons Malaysia: RM 28.50 = S$9.66
Savings: S$6.34 or 40%
#2 Telfast Antihistamine (10 pills)
I have a terrible nose that keeps dripping and sneezing in haze/dust filled environment so I have a habit of carrying some pills around. And no, you won't die from eating them, it works the same and looks the same. You just have to ask from the pharmacist on duty, it's not like Singapore where you can get it off the shelves. So, if you're intending to get any kind of medication, be sure to visit an outlet with a pharmacist just to be safe, otherwise you won't be able to find it at all.
Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 10.90
Watsons Malaysia: RM 11.30 = S$3.83
Savings: S$7.07 or 65%
#3 L'OREAL Elseve Smooth Intense Shampoo and Conditioner 450ML
I've been using it for years after my hairstylist told me L'OREAL's hair products don't have contain silicon unlike others and absence of it will make my hair feel softer and smoother. I find that to be true thus far. Just a note, it's damn hard to find conditioners there for some reason, so good luck if you're intending to go there to buy.
Shampoo Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 9.90
Watsons Malaysia: RM 21.50 = S$7.29
Savings: S$2.61 or 26%
Conditioner Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 11.90
Watsons Malaysia: RM 15.25 = S$5.17
Savings: S$6.73 or 57%
#4 Dr Mist Spray 75ML
This is something new to me. It's like deodorant except without the disgusting cheap fragrance smell that mixes with the smell of your cologne. So it's a fragrant-less deodorant to spray at your armpit. This should be what deodorant is supposed to be to begin with.
Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 8.30
Watsons Malaysia: RM 12.30 = S$4.17
Savings: S$4.13 or 50%
#5 Durex Invisible Extra Thin Extra Sensitive 10's
Having safe sex is cheaper in Malaysia too.
Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 24.50
Watsons Malaysia: RM 37.70 = S$12.78
Savings: S$11.72 or 48%
#6 Durex Play Massage 2in1 200ML
Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 18.45
Watsons Malaysia: RM 26.90 = S$9.12
Savings: S$9.33 or 51%
#7 Bausch + Lomb BioTrue Multipurpose Solution Twin Pack (300ML X 2)
When I first started wearing contacts, other solutions just didn't work, they try out way too fast for my liking and it's uncomfortable as hell. This contact lens solution is on the pricey side and thus my hesitation to buy it initially but since using it, it provided me with long lasting moisture and I never bothered using any other solution.
Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 32
Watsons Malaysia: RM 52.80 = S$17.90
Savings: S$14.10 or 44%
#8 Gatsby Styling Wax (Mat type) 80g
Retail Price:
Watsons Singapore: S$ 8.80
Watsons Malaysia: RM 12.30 = S$4.10
Savings: S$4.63 or 53%
Looking at these, shopping in JB for essential items are definitely worth it because for most of the items I bought, I have around 50% savings. Which is mad insane so hell yes to more stockpiling from Malaysia. If you're intending to go in, my recommendation is to go in anytime from Tuesdays to Thursdays, get in anytime from 11am to 1pm and get out after dinner at around 9pm for the most pleasant experience. Buy train tickets online if you wanna escape from the bus jam though at those timings, the jams are alright. It would be a good way to spend your leave from office.
If you don't wanna take leave from office and die die wanna go in on public holiday or weekends, good luck to you, happy waiting and queuing and most likely you won't get the things you want because many aunties go there just to sweep items off shelves. No wonder some of them don't like us.
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