Moving from one country to another can be a shocker for many, as it brings unexpected cultural and lifestyle changes. Shedding light on the same, a man living in Singapore has shared four major cultural and lifestyle shocks
he experienced after relocating from India. The video was posted on Instagram by Aman, a senior software engineer who regularly documents his life and experiences abroad.
Describing the transition as more than just a physical move, Aman called it a complete “logic change.”
“Hi, I’m a senior software engineer in Singapore. Moving here wasn’t just a location change; it was a logic change,” he said, before explaining the key differences that stood out to him.
Four Cultural Shocks
The Wealth Paradox: The first shock he highlighted was what he termed the “wealth paradox.” He explained that owning a car in Singapore is extremely expensive due to the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system, often costing several times more than in India. As a result, public transport becomes a great equaliser.
“Seeing a guy in a tailored suit on the MRT is normal. Public transport is the equaliser,” he noted, adding that even millionaires regularly use buses and trains.
Food Math: The second shift was related to food habits. The man pointed out that while eating out is often seen as a luxury in India, it is a daily necessity in Singapore. He explained that groceries and the time spent cooking at home can cost more than eating at local hawker centres, making outside food both affordable and practical.
The Super App: The third cultural shock was Singapore’s digital governance. Praising the country’s efficient digital infrastructure, he highlighted the Singpass system, a single app that connects residents to essential services such as taxes, housing, healthcare and banking. “I genuinely forgot what a Xerox machine looks like because of this digitalisation,” he remarked.
Social Privacy: Lastly, he spoke about social privacy. He observed that Singaporeans strictly mind their own business—neighbours don’t gossip, colleagues don’t ask about salaries, and personal lives remain private. While this social distance may feel cold initially, he said it eventually feels like a luxury for those coming from more intrusive social environments.
Social Media Users Nodded In Agreement With The Software Engineer
The post struck a chord with professionals and expats, many of whom shared similar experiences in the comments. Several users called Singapore their “second home,” while others praised its cleanliness, safety and efficiency.
“Agree with you. It’s been 15 years, and it feels like a second home,” read a comment.
Another said, “I have travelled to Singapore recently! I fell in love with the country the moment I landed. You have just mentioned all the reasons! The 5th point can be the cleanliness.”
“I also love Singapore. Staying here for over 11 years. You mentioned everything to the mark, but one thing you forgot to mark. Relations are also digital outside India,” wrote a user.
An individual posted, “I worked there at Changi Business Park and stayed at Melville Park, Simi Street 1, for 1 year. Fantastic experience and a developed country.’
“You have summarised it all so beautifully,” stated another.
An account said, “You said the truth. I worked for two years in SG best moment of my life.”
“And I am female and can walk alone at night without fear,” commented another.
Summing up his experience, the man acknowledged, “Singapore is expensive, yes. But you are paying for a bug-free Operating System.”
