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.