Living in Singapore as an American: Insights and Experiences

🌍Living in Singapore provides a unique overseas experience for kids, exposing them to different cultures and languages.

🚘Driving culture in Singapore is correlated with car expenses, and impolite behaviors behind the wheel are common.

💰Sending money overseas from Singapore to the US can be costly due to fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

🛡️Singapore is known for its safety, allowing residents to feel secure even when alone at any time of day or night.

🔍Singapore's deliberate approach to diversity creates a mix of ethnicities within neighborhoods, fostering a sense of integration.

Is Singapore diverse like cities in the US?

—While American cities have diverse neighborhoods, Singapore has deliberately promoted diversity within neighborhoods to create a more integrated environment.

What are the challenges of retiring in Singapore?

—Retiring in Singapore without income can be difficult due to the high cost of living, making it more suitable for working life.

How can I send money from Singapore to the US?

—You can use wire transfers to send money from a Singapore bank account to a US bank account, but be aware of potential fees and unfavorable exchange rates.

Are there cultural differences in Singapore's workplace?

—Singaporean workplaces often display a deference to seniority, and employees may stay later in deference to their bosses.

What are some unique habits in Singapore?

—In Singapore, it is customary to reserve tables at restaurants using personal belongings to avoid losing the seats to others.

00:00This YouTube video features an interview with an American expat who has been living in Singapore for 17 years.

01:30Living in Singapore has offered unique experiences depending on the phase of life, such as raising kids and experiencing diversity.

03:40Retiring in Singapore without income can be challenging due to the high cost of living.

05:00The process of sending money from Singapore to the US involves wire transfers, although fees and exchange rates should be considered.

06:30Singapore is known for its safety, allowing individuals to feel secure even when alone at any time of day or night.

08:50Cultural differences and habits in Singapore include driving culture, table reservation customs, and stand-on-the-left escalator etiquette.

10:40The interviewee shares a funny story about an altercation with a driver in Singapore, highlighting cultural differences.