An American tells us why Singapore is better than San Francisco: "I don't want to go back to the US"

By Tychyna TetianaFeb 17, 2024 11:51 AMNews
Share:
An American tells us why Singapore is better than San Francisco: "I don't want to go back to the US"
Downtown Singapore. Source: Freepik

US resident Nick Burns shared his impressions of life in Singapore. The 32-year-old tech worker moved here from San Francisco and found many advantages.

In his post, he proves why life in this expensive country is better than life at home. What exactly won his heart and why he wants to stay here for life, businessinsider writes.

Burns said he grew up in Kentucky, studied nuclear energy technology and served in the U.S. Navy until 2017. During his work, he visited Singapore and has been dreaming about this place ever since. He moved there when he started working at KLA. As soon as possible, he transferred to Singapore and since then his love for the city has only grown.

"When I came to Singapore, I met new people at parties, dinners and barbecues. In December, I got married to a Singaporean woman. I don't think we'll be leaving anytime soon," Nick says.

The main advantage, in his opinion, is safety. Recalling his life in the United States, he emphasizes that when he got off the Bay Area train at Tenderloin in San Francisco, he saw people doing drugs, and his car was broken into very often.

"Singapore is so safe that it's hard to explain to Americans," he says.

He says with confidence that you can leave your belongings on a cafe table when you go to the restroom and they will be completely safe. And women can safely walk around the city at any hour of the day or night because there are no dangerous places in Singapore.

At the same time, he emphasized that drug possession and trafficking in Singapore can be punishable by death, which is why there are no drug addicts on the ground. In addition, there is no homelessness and almost no crime with cold steel.

Nick also spoke about his cultural preferences, noting that he likes the food and weather, as well as his location on the world map.

"I prefer heat to cold, so the weather here suits me. Thefood is really good because the surrounding countries, including Malaysia, India, and China, have a lot of influence on Singaporean culture," he said.

For little money in Singapore, you can eat food from street stalls. For example, for $3.71, he buys noodles or soup with dumplings, or a portion of pork with rice, which would cost $2.08.

And if the city gets boring, it's an easy and inexpensive way to get to interesting places for the weekend - Vietnam, Thailand, Bali.

Also, one of the advantages of a man in Singapore is low medical prices. The income tax reaches 22%, but, in fact, everything is cheaper. Nick recalled how he went to the doctors with a stubbed toe and a doctor's consultation and an X-ray cost less than $200.

"I believe that would cost thousands of dollars in the United States," says Nick Burns.

At the same time, there is a difference in culture. For example, in a restaurant, he usually does not consider it necessary to order a large amount of food, but orders something personalized for himself. While his wife orders a variety of dishes for the whole table.

Nick emphasizes that although he is different from the locals, he feels comfortable in Singapore.

"Sometimes I get stares in certain places, but generally people are friendly. There are alot of Europeans and Americans working here, so I don't really stand out," he says.

The main disadvantage he doesn't like is taxi driving. According to the American, drivers here drive too fast.

"A lot of drivers push the gas pedal, so the ride is never smooth, and you, as a passenger, are constantly nauseated," he says.

In addition to the driving culture, he misses Mexican food and a personal car in Singapore.

"Buying a car in Singapore is financially irresponsible unless you have a lot of children. Here you can order a taxi or rent a private car. Public transportation here is extremely clean, ubiquitous, and reliable, so we mostly use it," says the American.

He summarizes that he would be happy to return to America, but only for a visit.

"I want to stay in Singapore forever, as long as I'm making money.I dream of one day renouncing my US citizenship in favor of Singaporean citizenship. Then I could imagine retiring in Thailand, Bali, or some other more affordable place," Nick Burns fantasizes.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Malaysia Airlines aircraft being loaded at the airport gate

Malaysia Airlines Reinstates Brisbane Route with Expanded Regional Access

Apr 18, 2025 23:21 PM
Aerial view of a beach on Seychelles, with turquoise waves and granite rock formations

Seychelles Launches Marine Programme for Environmentally Minded Travellers

Apr 18, 2025 21:34 PM

Maintenance Work to Impact Summer Departures at Hannover Airport

Apr 18, 2025 19:48 PM

Severe Rail Disruptions Ahead of Marathon and FA Cup

Apr 18, 2025 17:23 PM
Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 aircraft in mid-flight against a grey sky

Asia Travel Made Easier with New Airline Partnership

Apr 18, 2025 15:35 PM
Crowne Plaza hotel building under clear sky

Business Travel Gets Personal: New Hotel Perk Encourages Guests to Bring a Companion

Apr 17, 2025 23:31 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off from the runway during daytime

Easter Flights Bring Seasonal Comforts for Travelers

Apr 17, 2025 20:25 PM
Two people walking with an umbrella during heavy rain on a flooded street

Weekend Weather Threatens Travel Across South West England

Apr 17, 2025 18:47 PM
Wizz Air aircraft in flight against cloudy sky

Wizz Air Expands Naples Routes with New Travel Destinations

Apr 17, 2025 16:33 PM

Maui faces water shortage amid tourist comfort

Apr 16, 2025 22:39 PM

New Direct Flight Simplifies Travel Between Munich and Dubai

Apr 16, 2025 20:42 PM
Interior view of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 with immigration area and directional signs

Changi Lounges to Expand Space and Comfort Over Two Years

Apr 16, 2025 18:24 PM
Rail workers operating heavy machinery to replace tracks during infrastructure upgrade

Train Delays Expected on Pisa to Rome Line This Summer

Apr 16, 2025 16:37 PM
Traveler with suitcase watching airplane take off at airport terminal

Antalya Airport Upgrade Enhances Travel Experience

Apr 15, 2025 16:46 PM
Dynjandi waterfall cascading down a rocky mountain in Westfjords, Iceland

Iceland’s Expanding Appeal for Nature-Loving Travellers

Apr 15, 2025 14:53 PM

Flexible Antalya Trips Now Easier from Graz

Apr 15, 2025 12:37 PM

UK Rain Warning Triggers Travel Caution for Midweek Journeys

Apr 15, 2025 10:44 AM
Ryanair plane landing at airport

Hidden Fees and Access Problems Reported on eDreams

Apr 15, 2025 08:21 AM
Passengers seated inside a city bus

Electric Buses Make Exploring Exeter Smoother for Visitors

Apr 15, 2025 06:39 AM
Munich Airport's central plaza with glass roof and modern architecture

New Munich Route Eases Access to Canadian Rockies

Apr 14, 2025 23:56 PM
Rail workers conducting track maintenance during daytime engineering works

Easter Rail Closures to Impact UK Holiday Travel

Apr 14, 2025 21:42 PM
Ryanair airplane in mid-flight against a blue sky

Expedia Adds Direct Ryanair Bookings Amid Shift in Airline Strategy

Apr 14, 2025 19:38 PM

Traveler Left Without Wheelchair After Hawaii Flight

Apr 13, 2025 21:41 PM

Winter Closure of Burgas Airport Will Impact Air Travel

Apr 13, 2025 19:34 PM
View of an empty airplane aisle from a low angle, showing rows of seats and overhead bins

Avelo Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flight Deal

Apr 12, 2025 22:49 PM
Airplane at airport gate during sunrise with ground crew preparing for departure

Quick Getaways Changing the Way Europe Travels

Apr 12, 2025 19:51 PM