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
WestJet Boeing aircraft taking off with snowy mountains behind

WestJet Sets Out Major Network Expansion for Summer 2026

Nov 19, 2025 10:25 AM
Severe storm conditions with a tornado and lightning over a rural road

Loganair Offers Free Flight Changes as Weather Warning Hits Northern UK

Nov 19, 2025 09:42 AM

Iberia Adds Direct Madrid–Toronto Flights, Expanding Travel Options

Nov 19, 2025 01:38 AM

Following the Brothers Grimm: Germany Revamps Its Fairy Tale Road

Nov 19, 2025 00:26 AM
Olympic flag waving against a clear sky

How Travelers Can Experience the Winter Olympics Beyond the Stands

Nov 18, 2025 19:43 PM
Modern hotel room with large windows

NH Collection to Launch First Hotel in Sliema by 2026

Nov 18, 2025 19:39 PM
Traditional canal houses and houseboats in central Amsterdam

What Locals Recommend for a Well-Spent Weekend in Amsterdam

Nov 18, 2025 02:19 AM
Virgin Atlantic aircraft landing at a Caribbean airport

New Routes Open Wider Caribbean Access for UK Travellers

Nov 18, 2025 01:53 AM
ITA Airways aircraft preparing for departure on a clear day

ITA Airways System Outage to Affect Travel Plans on November 22

Nov 17, 2025 19:24 PM

Montenegro Braces for Strong Winds: Safety Alert for Tourists

Nov 17, 2025 18:47 PM

Dubai Marina Welcomes New High-Rise Hotel in 2025

Nov 17, 2025 17:31 PM
China Eastern Airlines aircraft approaching landing against a clear sky

China Eastern Introduces Flexible Options for Japan-Bound Flights Amid Travel Warnings

Nov 16, 2025 14:21 PM
Flooded street with a bicycle partially submerged near a pedestrian crossing sign

Rising Water Levels in France Prompt Caution for Anyone on the Move

Nov 16, 2025 13:47 PM
Passengers walking through a quiet airport terminal with luggage

Regional Airline Blue Islands Collapses, Prompting Urgent Travel Changes

Nov 15, 2025 23:35 PM
Virgin Australia aircraft lifting off during take-off

Virgin Australia Brings New E190-E2 Jet Into Service in Western Australia

Nov 15, 2025 22:22 PM

Conwy Half Marathon to Bring Bus Changes and Delays This Sunday

Nov 15, 2025 21:48 PM

Festive Bus Services in Kent Include Discounted Tickets

Nov 15, 2025 21:36 PM
Emirates Boeing 777 taxiing at the airport before takeoff

Emirates Expands Dubai–Nairobi Route to Three Daily Flights

Nov 15, 2025 21:13 PM
Christmas decorations and festive lights in Penrith town centre

Parade and Christmas Lights to Illuminate Penrith After Weather Setback

Nov 15, 2025 20:49 PM
Tower Bridge and the London skyline on a clear day

Condor Adds London, Tbilisi and Sulaymaniyah to Its 2025-2026 Schedule

Nov 15, 2025 02:24 AM
Black bear standing in dense green forest vegetation

Danger Alert: Bears Increasingly Threaten Northern Japan Towns

Nov 15, 2025 01:51 AM
Rail workers performing maintenance on a railway junction

Major Train Disruptions Expected on Naples–Cancello Route in Late November

Nov 14, 2025 23:47 PM

Linz Presents Its 2026 Summer Flight Line-Up with Fresh Holiday Choices

Nov 14, 2025 23:25 PM

Wizz Air Base Brings Big Boost to Bratislava

Nov 14, 2025 22:12 PM
Minimalist hotel-style bedroom interior with natural wood accents

New InterContinental Resort Begins Operations in Ha Long Bay

Nov 14, 2025 21:48 PM
Skaters enjoying the ice rink at Nottingham Winter Wonderland

Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland Brings New Travel Possibilities for Holiday Visitors

Nov 13, 2025 22:41 PM