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
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
View of Alicante coastline, marina and historic fortress under clear skies

New Nonstop Belgrade–Alicante Flights Set for Summer

Jan 15, 2026 07:31 AM
TAP Air Portugal aircraft landing at Porto Airport

Porto Gains New Long-Haul Links and TAP Investment

Jan 15, 2026 06:18 AM

Austrian Airlines Sets Plan for Free High-Speed Wi-Fi

Jan 14, 2026 20:04 PM

Summer 2026 Brings New Ryanair Links for Ancona

Jan 14, 2026 19:04 PM
Aerial view of Zurich with lake and historic towers at sunset.

Zurich Joins Glasgow’s Summer Flight Map

Jan 14, 2026 18:17 PM
Line of Ryanair passengers boarding a Boeing 737 at an airport.

Ryanair Calls Out OTAs for Inflated Fees in New Price Survey

Jan 14, 2026 04:37 AM
EU flag displayed on historic brick building.

EU Lawmakers Back Stricter Air Passenger Rules, Airlines Push Back

Jan 14, 2026 03:08 AM
Lufthansa Airbus aircraft taxiing at an airport.

Lufthansa Group Plans Fast Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Across Entire Fleet

Jan 14, 2026 02:32 AM
Emirates aircraft taxiing before departure.

Helsinki Gets Year-Round Dubai Link With Emirates

Jan 14, 2026 02:02 AM

Taxi Strike Slows Airport Access in Rome

Jan 13, 2026 19:05 PM

Ice Disrupts Flights Across Central Europe as Airports Halt Operations

Jan 13, 2026 16:03 PM
Panoramic view of Naples with Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples under a partly cloudy sky

Wizz Air Links Naples With Palma de Mallorca Ahead of Summer 2026

Jan 13, 2026 15:24 PM
Husky team pulling a sled through a snowy forest trail.

Spring Lapland Becomes Easier to Plan for Snow-Lovers

Jan 13, 2026 02:33 AM
Museum exterior of the Guggenheim Bilbao beside the river on a clear day

New Milan–Bilbao Route Boosts Northern Italy’s Direct Links to Spain

Jan 13, 2026 01:34 AM
Finnair aircraft parked at snowy Helsinki Airport apron

Finnair Refreshes Long-Haul Business Class With Nordic Flair

Jan 13, 2026 00:31 AM

Wizz Air Adds New Summer Links From Bulgaria to Spain, Greece and Poland

Jan 12, 2026 23:35 PM

KLM Restores Regular Schedule After Severe Winter Disruption

Jan 12, 2026 22:37 PM
Aircraft parked on snowy runway under winter sky

Weather Warning Grounds Loganair Flights Across Scotland

Jan 11, 2026 16:20 PM
Passport control sign at a European airport

EES Expansion Triggers Calls to Ease Border Bottlenecks

Jan 10, 2026 03:37 AM
In-flight meal with charcuterie and red wine

TAP Brings Portuguese Wine Culture On Board in 2026

Jan 10, 2026 02:32 AM
Salon Passion Voyages 2026 travel exhibition poster by Fitour

Limoges Airport Hosts Travel Showcase This January

Jan 10, 2026 01:37 AM
Etihad aircraft in flight against clear sky

Etihad Confirms First Direct Luxembourg–Abu Dhabi Route

Jan 10, 2026 00:24 AM

Qatar Airways Pushes Ahead with Starlink Rollout

Jan 9, 2026 23:51 PM

Emirates Expands Premium Economy on Key Routes

Jan 9, 2026 19:07 PM
Train approaching on suburban rail line viewed from inside carriage

Nationwide Rail Strike May Disrupt Rome Airport Links

Jan 9, 2026 18:04 PM
Aircraft on a snowy apron during winter weather disruption

Snowstorm Disrupts Flights as Europe Faces Winter Surge

Jan 9, 2026 17:32 PM