What 4 Japanese Expats Really Think of Singapore

I’m Singaporean, moving to Japan next year. Most of the things mentioned here are just a few of the many things I dislike about Singapore. (Yes these are still avoidable or tolerable. The main reason I’m leaving SG for good is due to family issues and me not being able to afford resale or rent here.)

1. Weather (no need to elaborate, I’m sure y’all know).
2. The wasabi here is mostly fake that’s why it’s mild.
3. I’m okay with the chope culture. My problem is that some people don’t respect it.
4. I absolutely dislike the convenience stores in Singapore. Food quality is not great given the price. Really cannot compare to Japan. I can get a decent meal at every konbini (and that’s considering I have dietary restrictions) and pay peacefully while not dealing with rude folks.
5. Pouring hot drinks into plastic bag was something I disliked as a kid. It’s difficult to hold and there’s no cover to prevent spills. No to mention the possible health hazard.
6. Rude hawker staff and dirty coffee shops. Plus restaurants messing up orders and not giving a shit.
7. Drinks are too caffeinated, sweet and expensive here, so I have no choice to carry heavy water bottles everywhere. In Japan I get so many more options for non-dairy, non-caffeinated and unsweetened drinks.
8. Many bus drivers don’t seem to care about the safety of passengers but it seems to have improved only in the recent couple of years. Years ago in Sec 1, I fell once in bus 307 but luckily I wasn’t hurt. The bus driver and other passengers (except this one nice lady who held my hand for a while) didn’t give a shit.
9. I also think that the aircon is too cold here. Always have to bring a jacket and it’s inconvenient. Being exposed to sudden temperature changes is not great for health too.

There are a couple of things they mentioned that I do like, such as wearing what you want and dancing Zumba in public. But I’m glad to see that they seem to like it here. I guess each country has different things to offer to different people and living in SG is just not suitable for me. It’s always refreshing to hear other’s perspectives 🙂 Great job, Ghib-san!

Japanese usually set ac temp to 25~27C, which is way too hot for locals. Indians, Myanmar, Pinoys usually can tolerate higher temperatures and indians tend to switch off the air vents for ac, which is way too stuffy.