"American expats in Singapore" Singapore by Rodan44

Singapore Travel Guide: 11,373 reviews and 26,370 photos

Rockin Out with Listerine Pocket Pack Men

My wife and I have lived in Singapore since October 2002 as American expatriates. Singapore is undoubtedly the most westernized country in Asia, minimizing the amount of culture shock that western expats or visitors would experience here. You don't have to spend much time here before you realize how wonderfully safe, clean, and efficient Singapore is. It's also a Mecca for foodies, as it offers the best cuisines from all over Asia. They're even easing the infamous ban on chewing gum (certain types of "medical" chewing gum are now available). But beware... various criminal acts are punishable by a beating with the "cane" or, in the case of murder of drug trafficking, death by hanging. The price of safety I guess.

So if your travel plans ever bring you to this tiny island, feel free to drop me a note, and I'd be glad to help you make the most of your time here.

Please check out my homepage at www.trisanna.com to see thousands of high-quality photos from Singapore and all over Asia.

Singapore VT Meet - 25 June 2004

Sha cutting her B-day cake

My wife and I attended our first ever VT meet right here in Singapore on June 25th. The location was the Lau Pa Sat food center in the financial district, which is famous for its multitude of satay vendors. Many regular Singapore VTers were in attendance as well as Italian VTer Pierangelo. The evening also turned into a birthday surprise for sha_stallion, who can be seen cutting her cake in this photo. After the meal, most of us headed down to Boat Quay for a drinking and dancing at a local club. Overall, a wonderful night with wonderful people! We have been to many Singapore VT meets since, and we always have a great time and make new friends.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Modern, air-conditioned, western comforts
Cons:Modern, air-conditioned, western comforts
In a nutshell:A great place to live and work!

Intro Updated Jun 3, 2008
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Reviews (43)

Sungei Road Flea Market Off The Beaten Path (4)

The Sungei Road Flea Market is one of, if not the oldest flea markets in Singapore. Somehow still surviving from its... more travel advice

At-Sunrice Asian Cooking Classes Off The Beaten Path (4)

You can find the best food from all over Southeast Asia in Singapore. But why just remember the food with fond memories... more travel advice

Chinatown Things to Do (7)

It may seem odd for a predominantly Chinese city like Singapore to have a Chinatown (kind of like if Montreal had a... more travel advice

Singapore Zoological Gardens Things to Do (7)

Even though I am not a big fan of zoos, the Singapore zoo is undoubtedly one of the better ones in the world. Cages are... more travel advice

Transportation (2)
See All Changi Airport is the Best in the World
Tourist Traps (2)
See All Live Turtle Museum at Chinese Gardens
Hotels (1)
Great Location
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Comments (22)

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Lunamariahawke Apr 19, 2008 at 3:54 AM

Firstly, I would like to say that you are STUPID. From what i read, I know that you hate durians. Keep that to yourself rather than telling the whole world that durians smells of rotten carcass and has a vile taste.
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kinson Mar 16, 2007 at 12:26 AM

durians are nice .. the may stink but imagine it is cheese or some thing because angmo cheese taste like its rotten......... smile always.. kinson
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mary2u99 May 1, 2006 at 12:09 AM

Happy birthday to you.
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aussirose Mar 26, 2006 at 1:43 AM

Fabulous pages Justin!! Added the Mexican Restaurant tip to my list, thanks :o) Enjoyed the read!! Cheers, Ann :o)
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merygunawan Jan 24, 2005 at 11:48 PM

EXCELLENT singapore Page!!! Thank youuuuu...... - very useful
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Rachelynn Dec 2, 2004 at 5:47 AM

Wow! Great Singapore tips! Nice work there. =)
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bpacker Nov 26, 2004 at 12:48 AM

Yup, I was about to mention that- the Merlion is keychain-kitschy. Now did i ever mentioned those chocolate merlions...
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Wild_Orchid Nov 3, 2004 at 12:58 AM

Hi Justin-a little contest going on at my HP - want to join in? you would have an advantage...of that, I'm sure!
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SangAji Oct 27, 2004 at 11:20 PM

durians. love them or hate them!, durian kulu ie durian-pretender, has tourist-friendly taste n no smell at all, nice, and won't fall on one's head cos fruits grow at base of tree. see my hp on kg tanjung durian and tips after eating durians. enjoy ~!~
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Hewer Oct 21, 2004 at 2:35 AM

It caught me by surprise, that`s for sure. I didn`t try it this last trip but noticed a few `No photos` signs on storefronts.... Nice Merlion pic by the way!-)