Common misconceptions and clich茅s about life in Singapore

42358POSTS

9 years ago

Hello everyone,

Old clich茅s die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Singapore can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people.

What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Singapore?

What are the most common clich茅s about life in Singapore in general?

Did you have a biased view of the country before moving there? What is you view now?

Thanks in advance,

Priscilla

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

15644POSTS

9 years ago

Singapore is a fine country.
Or so the tourist T-shirts say.
In fact, the ubiquitous posters warning of tough penalties for minor misdeeds (S$1000 for a cigarette bud, anyone?) are a case in point. But in fact, I know nobody who has actually been fined. Deterrence seems to be enough to keep the populace well-behaved (and well-behaved it is indeed!).

Singapore is boring.
Well, this one is up to you. While it probably lacks the vibrancy of Hing Kong or Las Vegas, Singapore has enough to offer for anyone who takes it up. I was never bored in 12 years living there!

Singaporeans are kiasu.
(If you don't know the word, look it up in one of the online Singlish dictionaries.)
Many are, but others are not. You have really arrived when you become kiasu, too!