31 hacks to make your life easier

9. How to dump your kids while shopping/eating

You love your little ones, but sometimes you crave some peace and quiet when you’re out running errands. Japanese supermarket Meidi-ya has thought of that, which is why it’s set up a kids’ corner with a TV screening cartoon shows to keep them occupied while you shop.

Similarly, Japanese dining/retail concept Emporium Shokuhin at Marina Square has a playground with toys, whiteboards and that all-important TV, while all three branches of steamboat specialist Hai Di Lao also have children's areas. And if you’re hoping to get a workout in without being disturbed by the tykes, boutique gym Amore's Tampines branch has a Kid-Fit Club, where they can do some arts and craft, read, or even play some video games – a win-win situation.

10. How to shower on the go

Go-getters who ain't got no time to make a stopover at home while you conquer the world, here's one way you can freshen up. Singaporeans can sign up for ActiveSG and get $100 worth of free credits in the first year. But even if you're not into sports, you can use your credits for a gym or swim session at any of the sport centres island-wide, then nip in for a quick shower. No one's gonna stop you from using the bathrooms, either. 

11. Get tested for HIV anonymously

Most clinics offer HIV tests, but if you wish to do it anonymously, there are ten places that don’t require you to submit your name, NRIC number or contact number. These include Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic, Anteh Dispensary in Geylang, Dr Soh Family Clinic in Jurong and Doctors Clinic and Surgery in Woodlands. The full list can be found on the Health Promotion Board website, and for further information or support, visit Action for AIDS. Remember: the earlier the virus is discovered, the higher the chances are of delaying the symptoms.

12. Grab the cheapest movie tickets

If you're not a student, full-time National Serviceman, senior citizen or a kid under 12 – they're entitled to straight-up discounts – then listen up. The cheapest movie tickets you can buy are for shows on Monday to Thursday. The three major theatres (Shaw Theatres, Golden Village and Cathay Cineplexes) offer standard tickets from $8.50 to $9. That's $2.50 to $5 less than what you’d pay on weekends. And better yet: since all of us have friends who own a SAFRA card, 'borrow' theirs for one-for-one ticket deals at Shaw Theatres on the weekend. 

13. Charge your phone when you're out

After taking one too many #foodstagram shots, your phone is finally out of juice. But no worries, concierge counters at malls like City Square, Funan and Tampines 1 can help you charge up your device, while ION allows shoppers to borrow complimentary portable power banks. Topshop has cubbyholes with a charger in each, while Singapore Power has launched around 200 charging stations across the country at places like selected NTUC FairPrice supermarkets, hospitals and NUS. 

14. Always land a cab during rush hour

You don't need us to tell you Singapore has a serious problem with cabs. Add the CBD rush hour (and rain) to the mix and you're more likely to hitch a ride to the Moon. Here’s a quick fix that only requires a small fee: fire up a taxi booking app like ComfortDelGro, and in the 'Pick-up point' field, enter 'Extra $5' (or whatever amount you’re comfortable with; we found $5 works best). Your ride will be with you in no time.

15. Be a 'social media influenza'

Whoops, we mean 'influencer'. First, you'll need to hit at least five figures on Instagram. Document every 'avo on toast' and latte you consume, and never leave home without a full face of makeup. Up your selfie game and rope in a friend who's handy with a camera to snap those #OOTD shots (pro tip: if it ain't a selfie, don't you dare look at the camera).

You may follow as many people as you like, but please cut them off once they follow back – this is crucial in determining how many people love you for your looks and who's sticking around out of courtesy. And end every Instagram post with a 'Thanks, [brand name] for the cool new [product name]! Grab your [product name] today, and don’t forget to quote "INFLUENZA721" for a 15 percent discount! #blessed #[brand name]'.

16. Slalom past 'slow-walkers'

God knows we have plenty of those in this city, lumbering down pavements at the speed of a geriatric tortoise with one wooden foot and a fluid notion of time. Oh, and an umbrella. You can't stop 'em, but you can pull their leg – literally and figuratively. Carry a bicycle bell around (you can get one at Daiso), and start ringing away when you see a saunter of them in front of you. They'll instinctively part, like the Red Sea. And you can mosey on ahead of them without so much as issuing a frustrated 'Eskew, eskew please!'

17. Street Directory (iOS), Singapore Map (Android)

18. TraffiCam SG (iOS), SG Traffic Cam (Android)

19. Park-a-Lot { SG } (iOS/Android)

20. Waze (iOS/Android) 

21. Spruce up on the go – for free

Makeup counters at Sephora have an endless supply of remover, wipes and touch-up materials for a quick fix. The beauty sales people know how to apply the products, so you shouldn't feel obliged to purchase on the spot. If you're clueless on how to use something (or just playing dumb), ask them to help and you'll have a pro red lip or winged liner in no time. Also, Sephora has nail varnish remover so you can clean up your chipped polish, which wasn't a good look even when Lindsay Lohan was famous. 

22. How to spot a fake bag

If you're thinking about buying that new 'It' bag off Carousell, needless to say, do your homework first. Look out for these three universal things that will clue you in on the bag's authenticity: the zipper, serial number and lining. The linings usually vary across different sizes of the same model, so you should know how they look and feel. And if you know the format of the serial number of the model, that's brilliant. If you don't, study the indentation of the stamped digits – they should be even and not too deep. For the zippers, most designers use a high-quality brand like YKK, EP, Lampos and Riri, which also indicate its edition and the era in which it was made. 

23. Be ripped off by razor blades no more

You know how it works. The handles are cheap, but the blades themselves cost a Greek god’s ransom. Which means, if you're like us, you’ll deal with the razor burn from rusty blades just to save the cash. But with Shave It Club, you won't have to. Subscribe to the service and you'll receive a free handle and, every month, a set of five five-blade refills – all delivered to your doorstep for $15.90 a month. Sure beats queueing up only to fork out $25 for some fancy-shmancy Gillette one. Membership to the Club also entitles you to perks at a few grooming salons, cafés and men’s specialty stores around town.

24. Shop designer goods at a steal

The grandmama of multi-label designer fashion, Club21, opened an outlet store in IMM last September, so you can get your Marc Jacobs swag without breaking the bank. Called simply Outlet by Club21, the 2,500-square-foot store stocks menswear, womenswear and accessories – new items arrive every fortnight – with prices around 60 percent lower than its boutiques. Besides Marc Jacobs, the brands on offer include: Blackbarrett, Calvin Klein Platinum, DKNY and Paul Smith.

25. IKEA

26. Residents' Committees (RCS)

27. Rent Tycoons

28. Research home renovation

29. All and sundry

30. Buy flowers

31. Stock your pet supplies