FOR LOCAL SOUVENIRS. The Orchard Road mall has played host in the past to pop-up machines such as the Fred Perry vending machine, which dispensed the iconic polo shirts in 2014. Earlier this year, the mall was the site for a vending machine from Ante, which dispensed colourful lightning cables, iPhone covers, power banks and selfie sticks. Now, you will find a machine selling local delights such as chicken rice chili sauce, chili crab sauce, and coffee powder. Prices start from S$4.80.

BOOKS. Poetry books, collections of short stories and graphic novels authored by Singapore writers, as well as CDs and DVDs of works from Singaporeans are available at three machines curated by the independent bookstore BooksActually. Find the machines at the National Museum, the Singapore Visitor Centre, and Goodman Arts Centre. The machines will change locations in a couple of weeks, so stay tuned. Prices start at S$10.

GOLD. Gold ingots with the Merlion, or characters from the Chinese zodiac, stamped on them are available at these vending machines by Singapore company Asia Gold ATMs. The machines made their debut in 2014 at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World, but have popped up at ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City shopping centres as well. The prices depend on the weight of the ingots, which range from 1g to 20g. Prices start at around US$60 (S$80).

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS. At Changi Airport’s transit terminals, you will find vending machines that will spit out everything, from neck pillows to power banks and wet wipes, and even sunglasses for your summer vacation. Find the machines at Terminal 1 (Gates C21 and D31), and Terminal 3 (Gate A15). Pay S$1 and hit “surprise me” to receive, well, a surprise item.

FOR LOOSE CHANGE. iCash is a system that accepts cash and makes change for consumers checking out at 10 FairPrice outlets and 17 Cheers outlets. The system is available at cashiers. FairPrice’s Peace Centre outlet was also the first to debut a cigarette-dispensing machine.

FOR LAUNDRY. Get your dry cleaning or laundry done via a locker box machine, found at locations such as Icon, Icap Singapore in the Marina Bay Financial Centre, and UE Bizhub East and Marine Parade FairPrice Finest outlets. You will have to download an app to use the service, and prices start at S$4 to wash and iron a shirt. You will receive your item within five working days for regular service. The machines are in some condominiums as well. Check www.mylaundrybox.com for locations. Laundry by the kilo is also available.

FOR FILM. Snap-happy film buffs in need of FujiFilm’s Instax film do not have to visit a speciality store to stock up. Northpoint mall, JCube and AMK Hub house Instax machines with various packs of film, with prices starting from S$7.90. JILL ALPHONSO