Nearly 7 in ten Singaporeans shop from overseas websites at least once a month: report

Singapore consumers are the most frequent cross-border shoppers in Asia.

Nearly 7 in 10 Singaporeans shop from overseas websites at least once a month, making them some of the most frequent cross-border eCommerce users in Asia, according to a new study by Airwallex and Statista.

The survey of 1,000 online shoppers revealed a strong appetite for international purchases, particularly in fashion (75%), skincare (60%), electronics (56%), and food and beverage (49%).

A full 98% of respondents said they’re comfortable buying from foreign websites, far above the global average of 89%, and 87% said they typically use major platforms like Amazon, Lazada, Shopee, or Taobao for cross-border purchases.

Singaporean shoppers are also highly selective. Transparent fees (97%), affordable shipping (97%), and the ability to use preferred payment methods (96%) are top priorities at checkout.

Credit cards remain dominant (71%), but more than half of respondents (52%) prefer digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or GrabPay. Two-thirds reported changing payment methods depending on whether they’re shopping locally or internationally.

Trust and security are essential to converting international buyers. Nearly all shoppers (96%) said they’re more likely to complete a transaction when payment security concerns are addressed.

Similarly, 95% want clear shipping costs and currency conversion information. Half of the respondents said being redirected to a different payment page reduces their likelihood of completing a purchase.

Seasonal shopping events are another key driver of cross-border eCommerce. A striking 93% of Singaporeans plan their spending around major sales like 11.11, 12.12, Lunar New Year, Black Friday, and Hari Raya.

The people you want to reach are already in this room.

Every quarter, SBR lands on the desks of the founders, CFOs, and directors running Asia's most consequential companies. Every day, they open our newsletter and read our website. It's a room that took twenty years to build — and it's the one most of our partners are trying to get into.
The good news is that the door is open. We work with companies on thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. The shape of the right partnership depends on what you're trying to do, which is why we'd rather start with a conversation than send a rate card.
If you have something this room should know about, tell us. We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how.

No rate cards until we understand the brief. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia