Life as an Expat in Singapore – My 10 Year Journey

I used to joke that when I first arrived in Singapore ten years ago, with my suitcase in hand and my student visa in my passport, I didn’t think I would still be here. At that time, Singapore was a tiny red dot on the world map and the only information I knew about the country was from glossy travel magazines and a few sensationalist news headlines. Fast forward to the present, and I can now wholeheartedly say that Singapore is the second home that has provided me with great memories of my 20s and early 30s, friends, families I call my own, work experiences that have given me purpose, and most importantly, a place to grow up and become the person I am today.

I have laughed at stories with close friends when I first came as an international student, clumsily trying to fit into the cultural landscape, the feeling of navigating the tectonic-shift velocity of work life as a young professional, the bittersweet cycle of friends moving to other countries while some of us stayed put and learnt to belong. 

As you would expect, if you’re interested in the honest and no-frills truth on life in Singapore, here is my two cents, which comprises a (somewhat) objective observation and a blend of cultural immersion with some quirks that only reveal themselves when you’re a Singaporean at heart.

Growing aging population

In various reports and articles on Singapore’s urban issues, you would see terms such as ageing population and the challenges with regard to healthcare, housing and elderly care. But I think you don’t need to read through the dry facts and figures of demographic projections when you can find them glaring back at you at a hawker centre in the late morning, where a group of uncles sit and nurse their Tiger beer under the ceiling fan as they exchange life stories, or aunties with freshly dyed haircuts and bold make-up roaming the streets. The quietly defiant older generation here is the warm blanket that cushions you and grounds you in your daily life.

Safety is assured with good reinforcements

Although there are many aspects such as architecture and development that define Singapore today people most commonly associate the city-state with its cleanliness and strong safety record. I could not have agreed more. But it also does not come easy. There are constant reminders from the government and fellow Singaporeans to keep your eyes peeled. Every so often in MRT stations, announcements are made: “If you see any suspicious person or article, please inform our staff”. Walking past certain streets, you would also see notice boards with graphs charting the recent crime rate in that particular neighbourhood. Kinda scary to think about it but the extra layer of diligence means you also have the reassurance and peace of mind.

Everyday Etiquette: “Excuse Me” Means Give Way

When people unexpectedly push past you on a street they aren’t trying to be discourteous but want you to step aside and this is usually signalled by them saying “Excuse me” or “Sorry”. Personal space is considered important and the physical distance between yourself and others on the sidewalk or at bus stops (and MRT escalators for that matter) is a reflection of this. Speaking of escalators…

Escalator culture – Stand on the left

Stand on the left, walk on the right. This is an unwritten rule but one that I religiously (pun intended) follow when I am on MRT station escalators. Don’t believe me? Try forgetting it once and see the effects of a polite cough from behind or a shaming “excuse me” from behind.

Taxi drivers are great storytellers

Get a Mandarin-speaking taxi driver and you are not only in for a pleasant drive to your destination, you may also end up with a free history lesson, food recommendations and a crash course on Singapore politics. I find these interactions the most interesting part of my journeys around the city.

Food-No-No, No Rubbish Bins in MRT Stations

The fact that there are no rubbish bins in MRT stations is not only because people would not dare to litter, but also because eating and drinking is strictly prohibited on MRT trains and platforms. To be honest, the cleanliness of the stations and trains is a pleasant surprise to anyone who has been on public transport systems where it is a norm for commuters to bring their own dirty food boxes and smelly snacks along with them.

Casual fashion

For men, knee-length shorts and flip-flops seem to be the unofficial national casual uniform. For women, the casual yet ironically seen a lot of strappy rompers coupled with canvas sneakers. Comfort, cooling off and beating the heat are the top priority.

Queuing for food does not always equal good food

It’s true that Singaporeans love to eat but sometimes, a long queue is a self-sustaining system of hungry tourists and an Instagram-worthy picture, instead of actual good food. My advice: read online reviews before you step into a 45-minute queue.

Names can be a game of surprise

A lot of Singaporean Chinese surnames are transliterations from Hokkien instead of the standard Mandarin pinyin version. For instance, “Ang” can be 洪 (Hong) or 汪 (Wang). Expect to play this name game as you make new Singaporean friends.

Chinese dramas are a big hit

It was quite surprising to me when I first realised how popular Chinese dramas are here. Actresses like Liu Shishi, Yang Mi, Liu Yifei and Fan Bingbing (to name a few) are household names here and garner a lot of fans in Singapore.

Hotpot restaurants are popular

If you’ve tried hotpot in Singapore, you would know that Haidilao has pretty much cornered the market by now, with multiple outlets all over the island and their signature over-the-top service that will make you feel like royalty (or at least the most pampered customer in Singapore). If you’re having a busy day with friends, Haidilao is always my go-to place for comfort food.

Some elderly people choose not to retire in Singapore

The CPF retirement fund works well for most Singaporeans, but you will still find some elderly people working in restaurants, bussing tables, cleaning up or selling tissues on the streets. To some, it is necessity but to many, it is a way to keep themselves busy and occupied after retirement.

Not many public holidays

Despite its multiculturalism and a mix of religions that coexist in Singapore, I was quite surprised to find out that there are only 11 public holidays in a year, with Chinese New Year getting only two days of the week off. Chinese New Year aside, plan your long weekends strategically.

Community neighbourhoods

I don’t mean this in a negative way but each ethnic community has a core neighbourhood where most residents and family-run businesses of that race are situated. Chinatown, Little India, Tanjong Pagar, Clarke Quay (with the Japanese expats, Liang Court used to be their go-to place) and Golden Mile Complex (Thai community) are just some examples. But you will often see large crowds of Filipinos all around the city on weekends.

MRT stations are closer to one another than you think

The map would make the distance between MRT stations look like you need to walk or take a cab to the next one but in reality, they are at most a 20-minute walk away from each other. You walk more than you think and sometimes, it’s faster to walk than to transfer lines more than twice.

Geylang is a red-light district but its food is great

Of course, I had to mention it. Geylang is Singapore’s legal red-light district but they are also known for their frog porridge so please make your way there, if only for that.

Final thoughts on living as an expat in Singapore

Life as an expat in Singapore is familiar and safe with everything that modern living in a well-developed infrastructure has to offer. With an open mind, Singapore is also a haven for foodies, cultural offerings and a city filled with quirky yet wonderful locals. To everyone who is thinking of making the move to Singapore, I would tell you to have an open mind and be prepared to unpack your life here — like me, you may still be here ten years later.