Buying Indonesian Batik in Singapore: Sizing, Shipping and GST
Posted by Mandalas Editorial Team
Buying Indonesian batik in Singapore is simple once three things are settled: the right size, realistic delivery timing, and how GST works on an overseas parcel. Orders from Mandalas reach Singapore in 3 to 5 working days from dispatch, and most arrive with nothing extra to pay.
This guide covers sizing, shipping cost, GST, timing around the festive seasons, and which pieces suit Singapore's occasions and climate. For the background on the cloth itself, start with what batik is; this page is about buying it well.
Premium long-sleeve batik, made in Indonesia and delivered to Singapore in 3 to 5 working days from dispatch.
Get the size right first
Sizing causes more returns than anything else for overseas buyers, so it deserves the first section.
Indonesian sizing runs roughly one to two sizes smaller than the European and American labels many Singapore shoppers are used to, and batik shirts are cut closer to the body than a standard office shirt.
Ignore the letter size. An Indonesian L is not the L on your usual shirts.
Measure a shirt you already like. Lay it flat and note chest, shoulder, sleeve and body length.
Compare those numbers with the size chart on the product page.
Between sizes, go up. A shirt can be taken in by a tailor; shoulders cannot be let out.
Delivery time counts from dispatch, not from the moment you order. Allow time for picking and packing, and more during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and the year-end rush, when production and couriers in Indonesia run at capacity.
GST and duty: what you might pay on arrival
Mandalas ships DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), so any import charge is paid by you rather than at checkout. For clothing, that charge is usually nothing.
No customs duty on clothing. Singapore levies customs duty on a short list of goods: liquor, tobacco, motor vehicles and petroleum products. Apparel is not on it (Singapore Customs).
GST depends on value. Parcels arriving by air or post with a CIF value (goods plus shipping and insurance) of S$400 or less can qualify for GST import relief. Above S$400, GST is charged on the full value and the courier collects it on delivery (Singapore Customs: importing by post or courier).
CIF includes shipping. An order of S$380 with S$25 shipping is over the line.
Do not split one order into several parcels to stay under S$400. Parcels that arrive together can be assessed as one shipment. If you are buying a large family order, ask us how best to structure it; Singapore's GST rules can change, so check the Customs page above if your order sits close to the threshold.
An embroidered cotton kebaya top, light enough for Singapore's heat.
What to buy for Singapore's occasions
Batik and kebaya are part of Singapore's shared Malay and Peranakan heritage, and the kebaya was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List in 2024 as a joint nomination by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (MCCY). More on that in the five countries behind kebaya's UNESCO status.
Occasion
What works
Where to look
Office and client meetings
Short-sleeve cotton batik in a quiet, small-scale motif
For a first piece, a short-sleeve cotton shirt from the men's collection gets the most wear: it breathes in the humidity, washes easily and passes for smart casual at most Singapore offices. Our guide to choosing batik office wear covers colour and motif choices.
Timing your order around the festive seasons
Hari Raya: order four to six weeks ahead, earlier for family sarimbit sets that need several sizes in stock at once.
Chinese New Year and year-end parties: order three to four weeks ahead.
Weddings: order early enough to allow one size exchange before the date.
Turn the fabric over. On genuine batik the pattern goes through the cloth and is clearly visible on the back; on a surface print the reverse is noticeably paler. Real versus printed batik goes further. Then wash it correctly from the first wash, cold and inside out, as in our washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does delivery to Singapore take?
3 to 5 working days from dispatch. Allow extra time for packing, and more around Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and the year-end period, when Indonesian couriers are at capacity.
How much is shipping to Singapore?
Usually under IDR 100,000, roughly SGD 8, with the exact amount shown at checkout. Orders above SGD 100 qualify for free international delivery, subject to the terms on the site.
Will I pay GST on my order?
Usually not for a typical order. Air parcels with a CIF value of S$400 or less can qualify for GST import relief; above S$400, GST applies to the full value and the courier collects it. Clothing carries no customs duty in Singapore.
What size should I order?
Indonesian sizes run one to two sizes smaller than Western labels. Measure a shirt you own and compare it with the product's size chart instead of ordering your usual letter size. If you fall between sizes, choose the larger one.
Can I return or exchange from Singapore?
Yes, international returns are accepted. Contact our customer support team before sending anything back and they will explain the steps for your order.
Buying Indonesian Batik in Singapore: Sizing, Shipping and GST
Buying Indonesian batik in Singapore is simple once three things are settled: the right size, realistic delivery timing, and how GST works on an overseas parcel. Orders from Mandalas reach Singapore in 3 to 5 working days from dispatch, and most arrive with nothing extra to pay.
This guide covers sizing, shipping cost, GST, timing around the festive seasons, and which pieces suit Singapore's occasions and climate. For the background on the cloth itself, start with what batik is; this page is about buying it well.
Get the size right first
Sizing causes more returns than anything else for overseas buyers, so it deserves the first section.
Indonesian sizing runs roughly one to two sizes smaller than the European and American labels many Singapore shoppers are used to, and batik shirts are cut closer to the body than a standard office shirt.
Our men's batik fit and size guide explains the four measurements that matter, and how to buy a kebaya does the same for women's pieces.
Delivery time and shipping cost to Singapore
Delivery time counts from dispatch, not from the moment you order. Allow time for picking and packing, and more during Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and the year-end rush, when production and couriers in Indonesia run at capacity.
GST and duty: what you might pay on arrival
Mandalas ships DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), so any import charge is paid by you rather than at checkout. For clothing, that charge is usually nothing.
Do not split one order into several parcels to stay under S$400. Parcels that arrive together can be assessed as one shipment. If you are buying a large family order, ask us how best to structure it; Singapore's GST rules can change, so check the Customs page above if your order sits close to the threshold.
What to buy for Singapore's occasions
Batik and kebaya are part of Singapore's shared Malay and Peranakan heritage, and the kebaya was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List in 2024 as a joint nomination by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand (MCCY). More on that in the five countries behind kebaya's UNESCO status.
For a first piece, a short-sleeve cotton shirt from the men's collection gets the most wear: it breathes in the humidity, washes easily and passes for smart casual at most Singapore offices. Our guide to choosing batik office wear covers colour and motif choices.
Timing your order around the festive seasons
Checking quality when it arrives
Turn the fabric over. On genuine batik the pattern goes through the cloth and is clearly visible on the back; on a surface print the reverse is noticeably paler. Real versus printed batik goes further. Then wash it correctly from the first wash, cold and inside out, as in our washing guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long does delivery to Singapore take?
3 to 5 working days from dispatch. Allow extra time for packing, and more around Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and the year-end period, when Indonesian couriers are at capacity.
How much is shipping to Singapore?
Usually under IDR 100,000, roughly SGD 8, with the exact amount shown at checkout. Orders above SGD 100 qualify for free international delivery, subject to the terms on the site.
Will I pay GST on my order?
Usually not for a typical order. Air parcels with a CIF value of S$400 or less can qualify for GST import relief; above S$400, GST applies to the full value and the courier collects it. Clothing carries no customs duty in Singapore.
What size should I order?
Indonesian sizes run one to two sizes smaller than Western labels. Measure a shirt you own and compare it with the product's size chart instead of ordering your usual letter size. If you fall between sizes, choose the larger one.
Can I return or exchange from Singapore?
Yes, international returns are accepted. Contact our customer support team before sending anything back and they will explain the steps for your order.
In short
Measure before you order, allow 3 to 5 working days from dispatch (more around the festivals), and keep in mind the S$400 CIF line for GST. Start with the men's batik collection, women's kebaya and batik, or sarimbit sets, and see the shipping details for the latest terms.