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
ScotRail train at an empty station platform

ScotRail Boosts Late-Night Services to Ease Travel During Edinburgh Festivals

Jul 30, 2025 07:38 AM
Passenger using smartphone during flight

Two Tickets in One Click: JetBlue and United Simplify Complex Routes

Jul 29, 2025 23:43 PM

Florø Prepares to Expand Accommodation Options for Visitors

Jul 29, 2025 21:36 PM

Southwest Changes Boarding Rules and Adds New Winter Destinations for 2026

Jul 29, 2025 19:28 PM
Modern hotel room with double bed, armchair, and wall art

Hyatt Centric Anjuna Goa to Open in Town Center, Bringing New Stay Option to Anjuna

Jul 29, 2025 17:42 PM
Woman checking travel information on her phone during a flight

Philippine Airlines Introduces Pre-Flight Emails with Essential Travel Details

Jul 29, 2025 02:35 AM
Railway workers performing track maintenance during engineering works

Weekend Engineering Works to Affect Rail Access Between Stalybridge and Dewsbury

Jul 28, 2025 23:25 PM
View of South African Airways wing over landscape during flight

New Non-Stop Route from Cape Town Opens Up Mauritius for Travelers

Jul 28, 2025 21:32 PM
A woman using her smartphone while sitting on public transport

East Midlands Railway Cuts Fares on Summer Routes Across UK

Jul 28, 2025 20:47 PM

New Ryanair System Changes How Travellers Book Through Agencies

Jul 28, 2025 16:26 PM

Holiday Inn Express Brings Overnight Option to Changanassery’s Lively Local Streets

Jul 28, 2025 14:33 PM
American Airlines aircraft preparing for departure on the runway

Denver Departure Chaos: American Airlines Flight Evacuated After Smoke Alert

Jul 27, 2025 23:54 PM
View from airplane window showing coastline and river below during flight over Borneo

Malaysia and Indonesia Open New Direct Air Routes to Simplify Travel to Borneo

Jul 27, 2025 20:31 PM
Train navigating complex rail junction under overhead infrastructure

Rail Disruptions in Liguria: RFI Construction Projects Will Impact August Travel

Jul 26, 2025 23:41 PM
Condor Airbus A330neo with green and white striped livery on airport runway

New daily Condor flights reshape the flight map of Europe

Jul 26, 2025 21:37 PM

Gdańsk Opens New Direct Route to Agadir, Simplifying Travel to Morocco’s Coast

Jul 26, 2025 20:26 PM

New Direct Flights Connect Taipei and Phoenix, Expanding Access to Southwest U.S. Destinations

Jul 26, 2025 19:43 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on tracks in South Wales

South Wales Rail Upgrades to Impact Travel Access in Early August

Jul 26, 2025 18:39 PM
easyJet aircraft on airport tarmac with boarding stairs

Euro Final in the Sky: easyJet to Announce Scores to Passengers During Flights

Jul 25, 2025 23:27 PM
Multiple railway tracks with red signal and overhead wires

Expect Delays: Leicester–Peterborough Line Closed 2 and 3 August

Jul 25, 2025 21:34 PM
Steam train crossing a historic stone viaduct through misty hills

Steam-Powered Day Trips from London Unlock Access to Britain’s Hidden Landscapes

Jul 25, 2025 20:42 PM
WestJet airplane in flight against a blue sky

New Air Partnership Opens More Direct Travel Routes Between North America and Africa

Jul 25, 2025 15:28 PM

New Wizz Air Flights Open Southern Europe to Gdańsk Travellers

Jul 25, 2025 10:35 AM

Verona and Vicenza Rail Line Closed in August Affecting Travel Plans

Jul 25, 2025 01:48 AM
Stylish hotel bed with modern cushions and lamps on both sides

Budapest Welcomes Radisson Collection Hotel Near Key City Attraction

Jul 24, 2025 15:32 PM
Person using smartphone in a modern workspace

Air New Zealand Uses AI to Make Flights More Reliable and Passenger-Friendly

Jul 24, 2025 13:26 PM