13 'Weird' Habits We've Adopted Living In Singapore! 🇬🇧🇸🇬

[@jacklumberjack1232]

Singapore only has three Seasons , mango season, durian season, and summer

[@isificos1246]

Summer is forever lmao

[@kylieng9700]

and mosquito season

[@winterysummerday]

Monsoon season

[@qwertiedota]

Singapore has Four Season

[@yongquanwu3921]

@@qwertiedota four season hotel ah ?

[@matrixwei]

When it is raining, Singaporean says it's good weather

[@alargeorangecat]

Ikr

[@Alex-ib3ev]

At least its not hot lol, with the rain its cool

[@lackadaisicalllama]

And then there are those of us who dislike the rain..

[@trash4451]

its raining right now and im lowkey rlly happy cuz its finally gna be cooler :))

[@danishrahim8669]

It's a different ball game when it rains WHILE hot

[@leejh2008]

07:06 "Yeah, correct." Can't get any more Singaporean than that!

[@expressI0N5]

Woah did not notice that. Georgia's got a second Singaporean approval here 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@xizhilow6815]

that was SO singaporean 😆👏🏻

[@mawdervaart]

A person with Justin's work ethic would be highly valued by any boss. He should be getting his promotions!!! Hopefully he is =) haha

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Guess that’s why he’s the boss 😂

[@albin123003]

@@GeorgiaCaney Some of the office workers who are homegrown, would consider the current office work culture to be "toxic". Given how everything now electronically efficient, having cloud servers or softcopy work, this accessibility have been detrimental. Superiors are expecting unjustifiable "accountability" and "responsibility" to one's work ethics, expecting you to respond whenever and wherever you are. This had blurred the lines between work-life balances as it spreads into the weekends as well.

[@themilkchocolateee]

to be fair, I think the weather is getting really hot recently. I'm someone who can stand the heat, but not now anymore 😅

[@GeorgiaCaney]

it has right? I'd love it to just rain for a month, especially whilst we're home! 😝

[@paulineng6177]

It is not really temperature issue as summer heat in seasonal countries is higher. It is the humidity problem that cause all the perspirations.

[@wumingkkk]

@@GeorgiaCaney Well, my side always rains cats and dogs in the afternoon for 1 hr ... short but refreshing!

[@KE-2090]

It is.. im not in sing but its also feel like the weather is hotter this pass week

[@iMattCi89]

Global warming! According to my parents, Singapore is definitely hotter than in their childhood. It might be partly due to our buildings blocking off a lot of wind.

[@OnMusicSoon1]

the sweet couple finally realised that the sun at the equator is nothing like the one they enjoyed in Britain. It "bites" the skin. haha. expose yourself under it between 11am to 3pm makes you feel older by 3 years. Thumbs up to Justin's work ethic, he should really stay.

[@anwaarmohd6498]

You can hang the coffee in a bag almost anywhere. When houses were made of wood, you can certainly find a nail somewhere. The bicycle handle or even a small tree branch will do hang the drink nicely. In the old days, the taxi driver might just hang it at one of the console buttons especially the 'cigarette' button.

[@AppleMacGeek]

Yeah, no need “cup holder”!!!

[@AppleMacGeek]

Maybe it’s cabin fever but I’m sitting here locked down in my NYC apartment giggling like a lunatic at this video because it’s so spot on. As a Singaporean expatriate overseas doing the reverse of what Justin and Georgia have done, it brings back memories of when I used to live in Singapore before 1983. Kudos to both Justin and Georgia for assimilating into Singaporean culture and taking to it like otters to water, especially when they don’t even speak the local lingo to begin with (whether Singlish, any of the Chinese dialects, Malay or Tamil). Much respect.

[@humanshieldz]

Singapore is an introvert dream country 😂 still need to be more automated so I don't have to deal with humans too much. Where I used to work, our colleagues always try to improve the system in such a way that things can run more efficiently so we don't have to disturb anyone over the weekends or even after office hours.

[@wy9317]

That’s true for the automated part. My friends in Japan said they have to apply for the stimulus package payout for residents personally at the office while for us, $600 right into the bank via paynow by the govt without us applying for it.

[@lck1976mobile]

thank you for the video. sometimes its takes someone with a different perspective to remind Singaporeans how lucky we are....for things that are taken for granted

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Our pleasure!

[@kawako1951]

"its too hot" every thought of every Singaporean at almost all year round

[@silcosilva]

humidity is sadly the culprit...

[@thisiskimbo]

When Justin said “SHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUT THE DOOR”. i felt that.

[@foodngems]

especially when the aircond is onnnnnnnnnnnnn

[@justjanlog]

I always feel so proud to be a Singaporean whenever I watch your videos! Thank you for embracing our culture!! You've successfully integrated into our community hahaha

[@maxtreme225]

About the “switch off for work” thing, it really depends on the culture of your workplace. At my company, it’s understood that answering emails/messages outside office hours is optional UNLESS it’s an emergency.

[@kangkinkang]

In Australia, when we say "Have you taken your tea?' is almost as equalvalent as ' Have you eaten?'' in Singapore instead of saying How are you?

[@GeorgiaCaney]

aw yeah interesting! :)

[@kangkinkang]

@@GeorgiaCaney Thanks Georgia, I'm a Chinese Singaporean in my 40s living in Australia for years, came back to Singapore almost 9 years ago, have alot of British & Aussie mentality in me. Lots of culture shock in my own country, not easy. Hahahaha

[@kai2xin1]

In the UK, people would start a conversation by talk about the weather, we don't have much to talk about when it comes to weather because the conversation would end with 1 word: HOT!

[@aibanunu]

i agree, we, Singaporeans, dunno how to switch off. Esp during this period.

[@Fuzzy_Llama]

especially during this period, i agree. no one wants to lose their jobs, so we work extra hard to show the employers how valuable we are.

[@alargeorangecat]

We are like dying and suffocating in our houses

[@ricksiow2953]

In Malaysia, taking a stroll in a perfectly hot weather means getting sun burns and heat stroke, and yes queuing up for foods that are awesome and on discounts are the norm here too.

[@veekwok5611]

I am always pleasantly surprised and feel respected when younger foreigners greet me as "uncle".

[@saberlancer]

The 'Have you eaten? ' question used to be a genuine question of concern in older times when times are difficult, food is not as readily available and is common for people to not have taken their meals... Also a form of greeting..

[@MrJonslife]

Oh yes, when foreigners living in Singapore say ‘today’s weather is amazingly good’ and I look out of the window and see how blue the sky is and how hot the sun is, I am like ,’ are you serious?!’ To Singaporeans, good weather is when it is cloudy or raining but not too much rain. We usually love the weather in November to January when the skies are more overcast. That’s good weather to us!

[@nurinnajwa]

"What? Just automate it" is now my favourite phrase haha

[@ming6371]

So on point of the switching off - It's difficult in a place that is fast paced, and if you are dealing with multiple time zones, it's quite impossible to totally switch off. Even though your manager approves that you switch off. you just never.

[@nickng7254]

Did you know coffee-to-go used to come in metal containers ( re purposed empty condensed milk cans) with a string attached so u can "swing" around safely but in a "cup" form which is also recyclable . Best of both worlds. maybe we should go back to the old days.

[@285jim]

That would be tin. That's how Eu Tong Sen made his fortune and got a street named after him.

[@user-wn8tu8hw7x]

It’s actually the humidity that makes the hot weather even harder to bear.

[@Nzralw]

You both are so open minded and adaptive it's so lovely! Kudos to Justin for his work ethic. I have a mixed feeling about this switching-off after work thing but he seems to adapt it really well and stay sane. Good job indeed! Some tips about adapting to a different work culture in Singapore would be something I'm interested to hear :)

[@twt-1475]

Nice to see you both as cheerful as before. And bring cheers to your audience.

[@wumingkkk]

Efficient makes us complain even more and demanding even more efficiency in the system lol.

[@flirtatiousdisses]

9:49 is it me or did Justin pronounce like that in the singaporean way hahaha

[@abigailgona2961]

Liddat

[@leeboonkang2]

The “have you eaten” probably comes from families asking each other to show care and look after them to the point that they worry if you had your meal properly or not. It probably came from grandmothers asking grandkids. Haha

[@edwinchee9390]

grandmothers have no concept of being full

[@veekwok5611]

It is a traditional way of showing concern not only within family, but even neighbours and strangers. If you visit a traditional Chinese family, they will likely ask you this question and if you say "no I have not eaten", they are likely to get you some food and drink.

[@paulineng6177]

It is like a greeting upon see each other, a conversation starter.

[@mitsmillan3897]

It started from World War 2, when lots of people were starving. That is why it was more commonly used in the past, but not so much these days.

[@macchiatorou]

Singaporean would love to have expats like you who appreciates our country because I don't think actually many appreciates our culture and its sad to see that they're here to stay just because of work. Watching your videos makes me appreciate SG even more!! I'll be catching up on your other vids!

[@janemuses3031]

When my kids were young and friends/family visited from Singapore, it was hilarious coz they got really confused about who were our relatives and who were our friends. And started calling friends' kids "cousins". To this day I think they still suspect some close friends are blood relatives.

[@markmatthewnjo]

Enjoyed the video. Especially the part where you both think that Singapore is too hot. I always go to a country during it's winter season to escape from the heat. Was in Manchester last year at the start of winter and it was awesome. Nice and cool.

[@aaronm8143]

Your videos are so helpful, and enjoyable. Especially when you two are in one together. I can’t stop watching, who needs Netflix?

[@MrJasonjace]

"Have u eaten?" it linked back to the former warring days where food are scarce.. so "have u eaten?" is a way to lookout/providing for one another (Typically in mandarin or dialect for Chinese).. But it has transformed into something nice to say/ice breaker/politeness to senior or elderly

[@coffeebreaks6588]

Jason Jace Yes, you said it right!

[@dantlanz2225]

I'm a Singaporean Chinese who is born and bred here. I grew up *not wearing shoes in my parents' house, but when I bought my own I began wearing. Reason: our feet do perspire, like any other parts of our bodies, and after a couple of days, the floor will get 'sticky' due to the perspiration, which will lead to 'dust' found 'glued' to the floor, as well as 'footprints' when the floor gets too 'sticky'. This will be a huge hassle when one has to constantly mop it in order to have it 'sparklingly clean'. Now I wear indoor slippers, and the only thing I care about is 'dust', which does not 'stick' to the floor, due to the absence of 'sweat'. The 'magic floor duster(which you can get from provision shops like 'Japan Home') will simply let me swipe the dust away with ease.

[@iAxianguy]

I always enjoy when u guys speak about how Singaporean u have become. NICE!!! U guys are so down to earth :)

[@valunaristic]

10:14 i laughed so hard when he said "what"

[@GeorgiaCaney]

“WOT!?” 😂

[@pat7471]

Very minion like. LOL!

[@terenceisaaclim8683]

Justin’s a Singaporean at work! I used to do that too, midnight calls and OT were normal. But nowadays, it’s really putting in the personal effort to end work on time and pushing away that 80% stuff that can actually wait. Enough is enough. Fortunately, most of the time, people understand that when you explain. Guess there’s more public focus on work-life now.

[@fharrys232]

The “have you eaten” issue you hv is like how brits always say “u alright?” 😂

[@rainingdogs]

coffee in a bag is less plastic than in a takeaway cup. you can also ask them to put your coffee in a tin can. they will reuse the tin cans from condensed milk. that's really environmental friendly and nostalgic.

[@janicerenee850]

You can get coffee in a tin too at some really traditional coffee shops. They reused the condensed milk tin to contain the kopi. You may ask them next time if they have a tin :)

[@ryanteo8753]

haha love it when justin says ‘what?!’, cracks me up!

[@rolandlwtay]

I love that you’ve now understood and feeling why we don’t really appreciate having a sunny day here! 😂😂

[@sadxtango]

just subscribed after seeing a friend share the english word differences between the uk and sg. It's really interesting to see things from a different perspective!

[@KrispyDrum]

"Have you eaten?" Is used especially by the older generation bc in the past they were poorer so having eaten means they're doing good and asking" have you eaten" is kinda like showing concern and if you're doing well, to put it loosely :)

[@kwwong1148]

Hi , one of the habits you guys mentioned in this video was about locals asking 'Have You Eaten?' and you were wondering why they asked. I read / heard this explanation: During WW2, there was insufficient food for many families. So whenever friends / neighbours met, we asked each other 'Have You Eaten?' so that we can share what little food we have with our friends / neighbours shd there be a need. This is the way we look out for each other during those uncertain times. This is a habit that has been passed down through generations. Nowadays, we use this as a form of greeting and also in a way indicates the closeness you have with the person you asked after because obviously during those terrible times, we couldn't share what little we have with everyone but only those closer to us - relatives, friends and neighbours. So nowadays when you are greeted with or asked by another person "Have You Eaten?', it is a form of showing you are close or important to them. Hope this helps with your understanding of some of the norms, quirks and habits of Singaporeans :)

[@bowlampar]

Yes, it is hot in Singapore, but nothing to worry, you will survive in one piece, not going to get evaporated any time soon.

[@Nnylb]

Love your vid! Makes me appreciate the things u highlighted more or more so aware of it... never quite realise how it looks from another perspective.. am glad that u guys are adopting well to us Singaporeans... especially ...no shoes at home! Hehehe👍👍👍

[@hjchew9810]

You should do a video for Singaporeans wanting to go work/study in the UK/Ireland!

[@kelvgan]

Good to hear! Pros n cons! Air con n heat! Hawker and queues! Efficient and automated! Singlish and original English! You guys are cool! I do hope more additions and local habits and trends and lifestyle ways be added in your contributions. Plus the exploration and touring around the island be more adventurous to widen the scope of content. Thanks yah!

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Much appreciated!

[@RokuRoku_696]

"I would cross the road just to get to the shade" HAHAHAHAHAH Yaaaassss you've got it right Justin. u have found de wae

[@Willstoneman]

Stumbled upon your channel and have so much joy just listening to your experiences. Lovely couple, down to earth and genuine! You have a new convert on your channel.

[@msxxxxful]

Justin's "SSHHHUUUTTTT THE DOOR" got me real good hahahahahaah

[@foodngems]

now they understand why we cringe when we see Brits out sunbathing at 12pm lmao

[@stephenvincent4706]

Saw him do exactly that in Georgia’s last video when she was on the balcony.

[@GeorgiaCaney]

He was definitely not sun bathing!😂 We were just enjoying the only bit of free air that we can haha

[@roastlamb236]

Thanks for sharing your journey in Singapore with us. I watch your videos on and off. It's interesting to see how you've picked up some of our local habits and mindset. This latest video kinda makes me proud to be a Singaporean and thankful for many of the things we have, which we tend to take for granted cuz it's so "normal" for us -- esp the efficiency and automation you talked about. I laughed when Justin mentioned that he now gets annoyed when other people don't share our work ethic. It's both a curse and something I’m proud of at the same time. LOL

[@melginger3794]

Hi guys! Thanks for your videos. Long queues here is no guarantee the food is that great. And yes, food is super important to most Asians. We locals find the weather way TOO hot eventhough we grew up this way. Stay in and keep safe😍

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Thanks for watching!

[@tobyteng7522]

I really enjoyed hearing your habits. Stay home stay safe!

[@GeorgiaCaney]

hehe thank you, and you too!!

[@nikkiguina609]

...I love Singapore. I've been there so many times to tour only...and sooooooo safety country...of course the singaporeans was so friendly..

[@Richard1855]

Asking someone: have you eaten? Apart from being polite, it is also showing that you care about the person’s well-being/welfare. Food is very important to Asians and therefore has more importance/priority then to ask: how are you? The elderly practise it more as it is their nature to be caring.

[@slapyoknees2426]

You guys are already Singaporeans to me. Lol what are you guys waiting for? Start applying for the Singapore citizenship already. ;-)

[@leevan50rrie]

no dual citizenship la

[@paulineng6177]

PR is probably more suitable.

[@wumingkkk]

They did say in one of their videos that they will return back to UK one day.

[@RonLarhz]

England passport better leh. Sg visa free alot is to 3rd world/developing countries but theirs is more to other ang mohs countries.

[@emailant]

Hey guys, you’re so Singaporean now. Don’t leave la. Please stay for good.

[@min_kgzy]

I'm also an Asian international student living in Singapore for more than 2 years now. Trust me, I can relate to all of them lol. Some of those habits don't shock me that much, considering most are typical Asian stereotypes, lol !! Cheers guys! Stay safe!

[@frostbitepokin9520]

7:07 idk bout everyone but saying “correct” to what he said is so singaporean 😂

[@tamchachua]

Loved the video! I am happy you are now against shoes in the house it's definitely my number 1 hygiene rule!

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Haha yes we’re converted 😜

[@49rockon]

@@GeorgiaCaney When I was in the UK many years ago, it was a bit of a cultural shock that people wore shoes inside the house. We didn't convert. We did not wear shoes in our apartment. It is also a cleanliness things. Common among Asians.

[@285jim]

@@49rockon But was it because the house was big, like 5000 sq ft with garden?

[@pristymo]

The “have you eaten?” Thing is so true 😂😂😂

[@RaymondChia_Silaqui]

I agree with Justin, drink in a bag. Those are great, I miss having my Soya Bean milk in a bag from the hawker. Just have to learn not to poke too hard and get a leak. That was a sticky mess.

[@prettae8084]

as a foreigner living in sg I can relate to this video to the fullest

[@leighceee]

I’n back in the UK and have Caribbean background and we normally call olders or friends parents Auntie and Uncle or mum and dad when from the minute we meet them more or less. I mean not all of us do it but again, it a sign of respect! The wearing jeans in hot countries became my life when visiting Cyprus.. I felt so cool even when the sun was out 😂 how strange 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@enzobg00d]

This is incredibly relatable on so many accounts, thank you for sharing! I recently came back from Uni abroad in the UK. Love that everything is efficient here in SG but also miss my walks in cooling sweater weather!

[@naz756]

I agree with you guys that we in SG are really spoilt and as such have high expectations. This is not exactly a good thing when we’re overseas as we tend to make comparisons. I have to tell myself when I’m in Rome, do as the Romans do.

[@phuanjieyi8312]

Actually the "Have you eaten?" inquiry in Singapore was cultivated long time ago due to the fact that our forefathers have hard times and having a meal to eat is considered a happy and privileged thing. Thus, "Have you eaten?" is almost equivalent to asking " How's life?" in general! :>

[@cyriljamest.bualm.d.8867]

"Have you eaten yet?" That's a universal Asian thing.

[@stephenshw2262]

LOL! Your boy friend is becoming kopishop uncle!

[@Towkeeyoh]

The next level is ordering kopi o kosong gao for some mega buzz.

[@jamiechuashify]

I love this video. So nice to see foreigners saying good stuff about Singapore.

[@beohel]

Regarding work ethic, I personally find that it is probably because of a few factors; 1) The most commonly attributed one is how labour is our only resource , and as such, we have to work hard to remain competitive. 2) We love convenience, and we love being replied to regardless of the time of the day or the week. To get such replies meant that someone has to be working (in some sense). After being on the receiving end of such convenience, it just seems so terrible if I do not reply quickly to return the favour of being timely, so as to speak.

[@leeboonkang2]

Bag coffee probably use alot less less plastic than plastic cup from like food court, coffeeshop(starbucks) take out or bottled drink.

[@49lumen]

I like to listen to British accent which is the main reason I watch your channel and the way you two talk is casual and its fun and I learn new things in English language.

[@Be.fair.to.all.people_]

U have both assimilated well. Excellent example. If u were to wind the clock back to 1800’s, the chaps from East India Company explored a different SINGAPORE. They found wealth and a new way of life. Today, we have progressed so fast and going back to the UK, everything is so slow.

[@kirillkomarov5928]

OMG I feel you! I was raised in Kazakhstan where nobody wears shoes indoors. Coming to the UK(been here for almost 5 years now) I was shocked that people wear outdoor shoes inside. Used to share a house with other 3 girls (all English) and they all wore shoes at home, but sometimes they would also walk barefoot and It was just crazy. Now living on my own, and I still ask my friends to take their shoes off when entering my house but they get upset at times haha

[@jiarui1312]

According to NEA, yes the weather is getting really hot these days, but hey u guys legit adopt the SG habit really well!! thumbs up!! well and opening the door is really the sg habit, i do that at hm too!

[@shekinahjp6439]

Enjoyed your video 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@marki7275]

All good. Definitely the Singaporean way. As far as the heat and the sun I just take a different approach. I would rather not be in the cold air and then go for a run in the heat. I would rather adjust to the heat and then running in it is not so bad.

[@thosegreengentlemen]

really appreciate that there are white people embracing singaporean culture

[@elaines3900]

I love that Georgia and Justin are interested in our culture, too. And that is generally what any open-minded expat does - accept and adapt, or be miserable. But what's that got to do with them being white? Besides the obvious post-colonial hang-up, such a mentality that prevents lots of people from ever really fitting in. To squeal at every Singaporeanism - "oh wow, you can use this Singlish word right!" can be a little insulting to foreigners who have been living here for ages. And it can be hurtful for those who've decided to make SG home, to realise that many Singaporeans can't look past skin colour to truly accept them.

[@iawarenow658]

Singapore was founded by Caucasians.. Chinese only took over due to racist abuse

[@foom3285]

In the olden times ppl would ask one another have you eaten ? Is like we cared if you had taken a meal or not because life was tough, as time goes by it has become a common greeting to ask have you eaten

[@foodngems]

In Malaysia, we also call our elderly auntie and uncle. I find it strange when, in the UK, I have to refer to my friend's parent on a first name basis or Mrs/Mr (surname). Auntie and uncle is just so much easier haha

[@hana-ft2bu]

i've been watching you for the past two years !! your videos are always very enjoyable to watch thank u for putting the time and effort to upload them!!

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@Insorainity]

Them: They call elderly aunties and uncles Me: " *Reminds me of the time that a little girl called me a 12 year old Auntie and her mom also called me auntie* "

[@sharkenwonderswhy]

I get called that alot sia, ever since I was 12

[@RonLarhz]

Ikr some parents r just fail.

[@nesadcruz7840]

If that little girl was 2 it doesnt surprise me

[@elvenegg1239]

I don't mind being called auntie by little kids considering age gaps, but when their mom also call you auntie, I'm like, you're way older than me.

[@foom3285]

Frankly women here don't like to be called auntie unless she is very old if you want to sell them something don call them auntie, call them sister or pretty 😁auntie symbolizes old fashioned, old

[@carlclifford64]

Last week here in Aus (just N of Sydney), it hit 42C. Last years summer gave us a couple of 44Cs. Now that is pretty warm.

[@tuesdae666]

Both of you are really sweet people with open minds.

[@Jaymino_]

I enjoyed your video. Nice to hear from your perspectives! All was very relatable but probably already second nature so didn't think much about it. So when you pointed them out, it was very interesting.

[@GeorgiaCaney]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@Wilson-kp4xz]

The usual idea to gauge whether to call someone an uncle or auntie, is when they are about the same age as your parents

[@firstdown80]

I was back in Singapore and someone at the LRT asked me a question and called me Uncle, and I have never been called that. I was like what! I told my wife, she started laughing..I have reached that category! :(

[@skirtrunning]

Love this. Always never disappoint.

[@Pinkyearlgrey]

Hello. On the subject of ants, you should try ‘Golden Hammer Ant Gel’. My apartment was also infested till I used this. Think they sell it at FairPrice.

[@gweejiahan9336]

"I will cross the road just to get into the shade" Yep.

[@choopwjo]

well, usually when there's a long queue at a particular hawker stall, it means the food is great and acknowledged by all haha, subtle thumbs up there

[@ezyoffice]

Regarding the "Have you eaten?" greeting, it is because in the old times, when early Chinese Singaporeans who were people that came from China by boat and worked literally for no money, other than having three square meals to eke out a living. So, having eaten was equivalent to getting paid, and subsequently evolved to an everyday greeting. There is a documentary on CNA, called "Frame in Time" that explains this and I highly recommend people watch the series. www.channelnewsasia.com/news/video-on-demand/a-frame-in-time/here-they-come-12614430

[@candyx9563]

Even though we don’t have the four seasons, you can still feel the temperature changing a little in different “seasons”

[@EdzJourney82]

Some people here in Singapore wearing winter clothes for just fashion in purpose. I live here in Singapore for 15 years now but sad because I will leaving Singapore in July for good and moving to UK. I love Singapore but hoping I will loving UK too in the future. Love to get in to your channel guys.

[@youngtayty]

Haha, so pai sei... Both of u learned pretty munch.... And that's make us unique! Welcome to SG!