Is Bangkok better than Singapore?

[1fortheroad]

A decade ago I worked in Singapore for 18 months, i would be interested to hear from anyone who has lived in Singapore and Bangkok and the comparisons of both.

 

I liked the efficiency of singapore and its cleanliness. It was a very smart place. But over time that grew a little stale - and expensive!

 

But am I thinking Bangkok might be too much the other way??

[bkk6060]

Maybe just me, but I dislike Singapore and much prefer BKK.

Singapore is a very expensive concrete jungle.  Seems fake and unfriendly to me.

BKK has more options for food, accommodation, etc.

And, the girls in Bangkok are prettier and more available from my interaction with them.

[Stocky]

You wouldn't take Bangkok home to meet your mother.

[tonray]

Think of Singapore as a big outdoor mall with lots of food courts and clean walkways. It lacks what one might call "soul". I like Singapore for a weekend visit..great place for a holiday...but Bangkok is as real as it gets as far as cities...something you won't get in Singapore.

[bkk6060]

20 minutes ago, Stocky said:

You wouldn't take Bangkok home to meet your mother.

I like girls a little dirty, sleazy, with lots of tattoos who can be smart and engaging at times.

So, meet Bangkok mama..   ????

Edited January 6, 2021 by bkk6060

[Patong2021]

I love Singapore but it comes at a price. When I worked in Singapore the list below is what made it better for me than Thailand. To have long stay, you need to have big money. Singapore is not for people with modest financial state. If you have money, life is excellent. Expat community has many in finance , oil   sales and shipping, so some can be cowboys, but overall, expat community is younger with families compared to retirement people of Thailand.  I did not meet people with really bad mental illness like I have in Thailand. We all have problems, but I  think Thailand attracts some very crazy foreigners.  Singapore has low tolerance for sketchy foreign real estate, investment promotion. There are few if any big deal foreign sale people for "investments".  Singapore is more upscale.

 

Singapore compared to Bangkok;

- Same quality standards if not higher than Japan, western EU. This means I not worry if I have electrocution from hot water heater in shower or electric appliance.  Safe, clean and can eat street food with few worries if using common sense.

- Street layout is clear and easy to find things.

- traffic is much better and so is public transit.

- Easy to communicate because everyone can speak some English.

- Police are honest and helpful.

- Immigration office professional and never ask for tea money. 

- Taxis are reliable  use meters that are not played with.

- I can use Singapore tap water even for drinking. My laundry not smell bad after wash because water is not polluted like in Bangkok.

- Easy to get to a beach and beaches are clean and free of people trying to take advantage. No jet ski scum.

- Drivers are more polite and safer than many western countries, but not as good as in Japan.

- Excellent quality of healthcare and hospitals.

- Relatively good air quality

- Can walk on sidewalk without worrying about hole or fall.

- People are mostly higher quality and Singapore has a solid core of educated people because it has world class university and technical school.

- Massage people know what they are doing.

- Can find good Thai food, but also quality European and  Asian food  easier to find than Bangkok. Can eat sushi with no worries.

-  There are many nice Chinese and Japanese professional ladies to meet and most everyone is  good quality.

 

Singapore has a darkside including sex trade, but I did not participate. If you want, it is easy to find but not  the same as Bangkok. if you break the law in Singapore you pay the price. No bribing to get out of the problem.

[wordchild]

I have lived in both for extended periods. Agree with much of the above. I like Singapore but Bangkok is better for living a fuller life ( especially with a family)  , and Covid has  has really  made this clear to me.
Someone above mentioned beaches, In Singapore?.. I know they have them, but seriously , do  you want to spend time on them? 

What I, and my family, like about Bangkok is the ability to get out and about to some seriously beautiful places, without too much effort.
Also the city itself  has grown on us , over the decade we have been here. Singapore is clean and all the rest, but it gets boring especially if you can’t travel out of there. I have many friends in that city  and they are desperate right now to travel again, just to get away from the city.

This Xmas break I have been scuba diving with my kids near Sattahip ,camping and hiking in Chiangmai , and , if we can get through Samut Sakorn , hopefully we will get down to Hua Hin for a few days for some relaxing beach time. Singapore, even pre-Covid , is more limited in terms of easy access to these sorts of leisure options.

Edited January 6, 2021 by wordchild

[xxoahu22]

lived/worked in both and agree with most everything above.  one thing i found that no one mentioned:  as a single man, the ladies in SG are the "friendliest" of anywhere i have lived.  i arrived, turned on a dating app and my phone exploded like i was a HansomMaaaaaannnn.  University girls who seemed to have no interest in "dating" loved to stop by for friendly visits.  if  they looked like Thai ladies i may have never left.

[eppic]

12 hours ago, xxoahu22 said:

lived/worked in both and agree with most everything above.  one thing i found that no one mentioned:  as a single man, the ladies in SG are the "friendliest" of anywhere i have lived.  i arrived, turned on a dating app and my phone exploded like i was a HansomMaaaaaannnn.  University girls who seemed to have no interest in "dating" loved to stop by for friendly visits.  if  they looked like Thai ladies i may have never left.

This is absolute fact.  I lived in both BKK and SIN for many years, and trust me, "SIN-City" is an apt name for Singapore -- and I am not talking about pros (of which I have never partaken), but regular and often well-educated girls.  The variety of women is also exceptional (Chinese, Malay, Peranakan, Filipina, Indonesian, etc.), with some amazing figures.  Plus, absolutely no issue with language since the vast majority speak excellent English.  Very easy to find a lady for long term or fling, whatever your desire. For me on this issue, Singapore wins by a mile and I thing most long-term expats there would confirm this.

 

Other Singapore advantages:

-Far less polluted, with the exception of the short Indonesian burning season

-Great public transport

-Best airport in the world, incredibly efficient. So although not as much in immediate vicinity, so effortless to travel often (which I did for both business and leisure -- all of Asia really at your disposal). Of course, during Covid times, this advantage is negated.

-Immigration process is 100% straightforward and transparent. 90-day visa exempt arrival for many countries. I received permanent residency within three years and was offered citizenship a few years later. This was common for professionals.

-Cost of living not as bad as the reputation, with the exception of cars. Comparable housing maybe 1/3 more than BKK for comparable quality. Many imported goods cost far less because lower import duties.

-Much safer in all aspects and strong rule of law.

-No language issues

-The whole "nanny state" reputation is vastly overstated -- as long as you are not a criminal, you can have an amazing amount of fun there as a single man and also as a family (international schools very expensive in both places, but local S'pore schools far above those in Thailand)

 

We moved to Bangkok mostly to try something different after over 10+ years in S'pore (plus London and Tokyo stints).  Bangkok does win on many grounds (food, cost of living, housing, local travel), but trust me when I say the vast majority of expats (at least those that could afford it) loved(ed) their time in Singapore.

 

Edited January 8, 2021 by eppic

[shdmn]

12 hours ago, xxoahu22 said:

lived/worked in both and agree with most everything above.  one thing i found that no one mentioned:  as a single man, the ladies in SG are the "friendliest" of anywhere i have lived.  i arrived, turned on a dating app and my phone exploded like i was a HansomMaaaaaannnn.  University girls who seemed to have no interest in "dating" loved to stop by for friendly visits.  if  they looked like Thai ladies i may have never left.

Are you asian?  I think a persons experience will vary greatly depending on your race.  My impression of Singapore was that it was more asian oriented and caucasians were not the preferred group of people to hang around with.  That included dating and other social activites as well as for doing business.

 

Thailand is kind of like that too with middle and upper class Chinese thais.  The social hierarchy seems to be Chinese thais, then caucasians, then the lower class typically darker skin thais, many from Issan.  Thailand is a very hierarchical society so those things matter.

Edited January 8, 2021 by shdmn

[eppic]

18 minutes ago, shdmn said:

Are you asian?  As a caucasian, my impression of Singapore was that it was more asian oriented and caucasians were not the preferred group of people.  That included dating and other social activites as well as for doing business.

Definitely not true. I had a similar impression for the first few months I lived there, but after settling I found that most "ang mo" (aka farangs) do very well.  I am not exactly Brad Pitt but it wasn't hard to have a VERY active (exhausting, to be honest) love life. Also no issues in the business world and work opportunities in S'pore are far greater for expats, unless English teaching is your idea of work.

 

I would say though that some of those that still do well in Thailand (old, obese, destitute) would not have much luck in Singapore -- the general standard of expats is much higher, it attracts mostly educated, working professionals rather than the floods of desperate types we see in Thailand -- but you don't need to be a smooth Casanova-type to do very well.

Edited January 8, 2021 by eppic

[malibukid]

Singapore has better shopping for high end goods compared to Bangkok.  i am into high end audio gear that most expats in Thailand and Thai's can not afford and the duty is much lower than that of  Thailand

Edited January 9, 2021 by malibukid

[SheungWan]

It is really very difficult to love Singapore in the way that one can Hong Kong. Singapore is about as exciting as a tub of Flora Margarine. Even the Quays are bland. Highly honourable mention however of the Billiard Room Bar in Raffles. Sublime.

Edited January 9, 2021 by SheungWan

[Pilotman]

Love Singapore and all that is it is and provides, I don't like Bangkok for what it is and I absolutely loath Hong Kong. 

[SheungWan]

3 minutes ago, Pilotman said:

Love Singapore and all that is it is and provides, I don't like Bangkok for what it is and I absolutely loath Hong Kong. 

Looks like we have got very similar tastes. ????

[Bangkok Barry]

Overall, Bangkok is for people with lower standards and less cash. Because of that you can live more on the edge than in safe and boring Singapore. I personally like the live in Bangkok/visit Singapore option rather than the other way around. Up to the individual what they prefer and can afford.

[Caldera]

On 1/6/2021 at 10:35 AM, Stocky said:

You wouldn't take Bangkok home to meet your mother.

 

Right, and that's what I love about Bangkok. ????

 

[natway09]

Remember Singapore is not really a country it is more of an "island state"

Having  lived & worked there it is fine as long as you are on an expense account or have a lot more money than I do

[Mike Teavee]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned is Singapore is a much better place to work than Bangkok, not only are salaries (for the same roles) higher there but taxes are much lower, this actually made it cheaper for me to live in Singapore than Bangkok as the difference more than covered housing / extra transport costs.... There is also a certain "Status" in having spent time working in Singapore whereas there's probably a "Stigma" in working in Bangkok.  

 

But after 12 years working in Singapore, I moved to Bangkok in February and much prefer living here now that I'm retired... I would be climbing the walls if I hadn't got out when I did & been stuck there for the past 9 months as when I lived there I flew out to somewhere else at least once a month & for my final 18 months I was coming to Bangkok every 2nd weekend.

 

In summary I think Singapore is a much better place to work/grow a career, but Thailand is a better place for a single, 54 year old guy to "Live"  

 

Edited January 9, 2021 by Mike Teavee

[fusion58]

On 1/6/2021 at 11:13 AM, Patong2021 said:

I love Singapore but it comes at a price. When I worked in Singapore the list below is what made it better for me than Thailand. To have long stay, you need to have big money. Singapore is not for people with modest financial state. If you have money, life is excellent. Expat community has many in finance , oil   sales and shipping, so some can be cowboys, but overall, expat community is younger with families compared to retirement people of Thailand.  I did not meet people with really bad mental illness like I have in Thailand. We all have problems, but I  think Thailand attracts some very crazy foreigners.  Singapore has low tolerance for sketchy foreign real estate, investment promotion. There are few if any big deal foreign sale people for "investments".  Singapore is more upscale.

 

Singapore compared to Bangkok;

- Same quality standards if not higher than Japan, western EU. This means I not worry if I have electrocution from hot water heater in shower or electric appliance.  Safe, clean and can eat street food with few worries if using common sense.

- Street layout is clear and easy to find things.

- traffic is much better and so is public transit.

- Easy to communicate because everyone can speak some English.

- Police are honest and helpful.

- Immigration office professional and never ask for tea money. 

- Taxis are reliable  use meters that are not played with.

- I can use Singapore tap water even for drinking. My laundry not smell bad after wash because water is not polluted like in Bangkok.

- Easy to get to a beach and beaches are clean and free of people trying to take advantage. No jet ski scum.

- Drivers are more polite and safer than many western countries, but not as good as in Japan.

- Excellent quality of healthcare and hospitals.

- Relatively good air quality

- Can walk on sidewalk without worrying about hole or fall.

- People are mostly higher quality and Singapore has a solid core of educated people because it has world class university and technical school.

- Massage people know what they are doing.

- Can find good Thai food, but also quality European and  Asian food  easier to find than Bangkok. Can eat sushi with no worries.

-  There are many nice Chinese and Japanese professional ladies to meet and most everyone is  good quality.

 

Singapore has a darkside including sex trade, but I did not participate. If you want, it is easy to find but not  the same as Bangkok. if you break the law in Singapore you pay the price. No bribing to get out of the problem.

 

I would definitely consider living in Singapore for all the reasons listed above, but, alas, there are no viable long-stay visa options for retirees like me.

[khunPer]

I live in Thailand, but visited Singapore many times. In almost all cases Singapore wins, the only "aber dabei" I see, is the costs, and the reduced number of Thai ladies, and lack of living the dream life on a paradise island...????

[olfu]

Bangkok? Nobody mention air pollution--yes, I start coughing on second day so have to move immediately to Pattaya.

Singapore? Boring and small.

The best is Japan and thats why they dont like me after 3 months.

[ncc1701d]

All good points for both. bkk wins out though. I realise it may seem like an odd reason - but the sin / Malaysian accent is so grating and I cringe whenever I hear it. I could never live there.

[josephbloggs]

On 1/6/2021 at 11:13 AM, Patong2021 said:

I love Singapore but it comes at a price. When I worked in Singapore the list below is what made it better for me than Thailand. To have long stay, you need to have big money. Singapore is not for people with modest financial state. If you have money, life is excellent. Expat community has many in finance , oil   sales and shipping, so some can be cowboys, but overall, expat community is younger with families compared to retirement people of Thailand.  I did not meet people with really bad mental illness like I have in Thailand. We all have problems, but I  think Thailand attracts some very crazy foreigners.  Singapore has low tolerance for sketchy foreign real estate, investment promotion. There are few if any big deal foreign sale people for "investments".  Singapore is more upscale.

 

Singapore compared to Bangkok;

- Same quality standards if not higher than Japan, western EU. This means I not worry if I have electrocution from hot water heater in shower or electric appliance.  Safe, clean and can eat street food with few worries if using common sense.

- Street layout is clear and easy to find things.

- traffic is much better and so is public transit.

- Easy to communicate because everyone can speak some English.

- Police are honest and helpful.

- Immigration office professional and never ask for tea money. 

- Taxis are reliable  use meters that are not played with.

- I can use Singapore tap water even for drinking. My laundry not smell bad after wash because water is not polluted like in Bangkok.

- Easy to get to a beach and beaches are clean and free of people trying to take advantage. No jet ski scum.

- Drivers are more polite and safer than many western countries, but not as good as in Japan.

- Excellent quality of healthcare and hospitals.

- Relatively good air quality

- Can walk on sidewalk without worrying about hole or fall.

- People are mostly higher quality and Singapore has a solid core of educated people because it has world class university and technical school.

- Massage people know what they are doing.

- Can find good Thai food, but also quality European and  Asian food  easier to find than Bangkok. Can eat sushi with no worries.

-  There are many nice Chinese and Japanese professional ladies to meet and most everyone is  good quality.

 

Singapore has a darkside including sex trade, but I did not participate. If you want, it is easy to find but not  the same as Bangkok. if you break the law in Singapore you pay the price. No bribing to get out of the problem.

You seem very sensitive.  You can't eat sushi in Bangkok?  Why on earth not?  I've had the best sushi outside of Japan here.

If your clothes smell after washing I would suggest you get your washing machine seen to or check your body odour - you can't blame the Bangkok tap water for that.

Taxis are better yes, but they are vastly more expensive.   Singapore for beaches??  Really???  Maybe if you like swimming in diesel oil.  And massage people know what they are doing.  Hmmm, in Orchard Towers you mean?  Also disagree with you about food.  I've been eating street food here for 25 years and have never once got sick.  And the quality of fine dining here is just as good as Singapore with more variety.   Agree with you on some points though - pollution (apart from Indonesian burning season when I have had visibility of about 100 metres in Singapore), cleanliness, electricity, transport.

Bangkok wins hands down for me.  I travel to Singapore often for work (pre-Covid) and I have also worked there, but it's not a place to live for me.  Upsides of Singapore:

- Low tax.

- Clean and green.
- Nice bars.

- Transport.

- Language.

Downsides:

- Expensive.
- It's a small island.
- The ACCENT!

- Lack of variety.

- Expats generally a bit chavvy (bankers etc)

Normally I couldn't wait to leave.

I understand why some people don't like Bangkok - if you don't like vibrant big chaotic cities then it's not for you.  But for me Bangkok has everything: For bars, restaurants, shopping, you have high end luxury, down and dirty, and everything in between.  In Thailand you have Thai people which are much more fun to hang out with than Singaporeans.  In Bangkok you feel you are in an Asian city with all that encompasses.  Singapore is like Asia for beginners.

[Tagged]

If I had to choose between those two cities, I would Choose KL.

 

Decent sized city, got everything you need, and one of the worlds best international kitchen for decent price.

 

Glad to help

[marin]

23 hours ago, malibukid said:

Singapore has better shopping for high end goods compared to Bangkok.  i am into high end audio gear that most expats in Thailand and Thai's can not afford and the duty is much lower than that of  Thailand

Edited 22 hours ago by malibukid

Wow!!!  A rich guy showing off.....LOL....

[AgMech Cowboy]

Interesting answers. I had a choice 22 years ago. I decided to stay in Thailand and I have no regrets. I worked in Sr. Engineering and mid-level supervision jobs. I looked at the economics and Thailand was and is better for me.

[OneMoreFarang]

I knew a couple of people who worked in SG and came to Bangkok to have fun.

I don't remember anybody who visited SG to have fun.

What is your priority? Work and money and efficiency or fun?

[AgMech Cowboy]

1 hour ago, josephbloggs said:

In Bangkok you feel you are in an Asian city with all that encompasses. 

An Asian Oriental city. I think calling an Oriental person Asian just lumps the Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Laos, Cambodian and Thai's into a group from which they prefer to be separate. Singapore with their major race of Chinese is certainly Oriental, but at a much higher price (IMO).

[josephbloggs]

2 minutes ago, AgMech Cowboy said:

An Asian Oriental city. I think calling an Oriental person Asian just lumps the Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Laos, Cambodian and Thai's into a group from which they prefer to be separate. Singapore with their major race of Chinese is certainly Oriental, but at a much higher price (IMO).

What I meant was that in Bangkok you feel as though you are in Asia - the noise, the smells, the chaos, all the experiences.  Whereas in Singapore you don't - it is just a generic city and you don't get any of that assault on your senses that you normally associate with Asia.