The Real Life of an American Man in Singapore

Meet Neil. He is an American who has been living in New York for 4 years, moved to Singapore and now playing ultimate frisbee for the Singapore national team. We discussed the most striking difference between New York and Singapore, the rent prices in both cities (you'd be surprised), and the simplest way for foreigners to socialize in Singapore. Enjoy!
Neil on LinkedIn: / neil-orzechowski
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 INTRO
00:31 Singapore VS New York
02:39 How to make friends in Singapore
04:26 Life in the big city VS small town
05:12 Differences between American cities
06:06 Freedom of voice
07:34 Blitz poll
WATCH NEXT:
► Pros and Cons of moving to Singapore from New York: • Pros and Cons of movin...
► Why this American decided to live in Singapore: • Why this American deci...
► Chinese-speaking American about his 40 years in Asia: • Chinese-speaking Ameri...
LET'S BE FRIENDS:
► My Instagram (use the translate button to read the posts 😇): / chernov_networking
► Sponsorship-related requests: [e-mail]
Hey! This channel bridges the gap between locals and foreigners in Singapore. Join Max as he interviews expats, unraveling their unique stories and providing valuable insights into their lives in this vibrant city-state. Through engaging conversations, Max fosters understanding and appreciation between Singaporeans and the global community with a focus on cultural exchange.
If you're a company seeking sponsorship opportunities to engage our upscale audience, contact us at [e-mail]. With over 50% Singaporean viewers and a substantial number of foreign professionals (US, EU, Australia), our mature audience (35-54 years) boasts strong purchasing power and interests in an above-average lifestyle, travel, investment, and personal finance.
If you have a guest suggestion for an interview, please reach out to us at [e-mail].
#ExpatLife #MaxChernov #Singapore

[@kris_tan]

Great video as always❤❤❤

[@cukcan]

I hope I can find a job in Singapore very soon. I really would like to live and work there. Greetings from Turkey.

[@forwork2601]

This isn’t even a comparison. NYC is hands down more expensive. Yes, cheaper cars but higher overall income taxes and big tipping culture. Public transport also more expensive.

[@mn8931]

yea I think its the stupid expat cost of living reports that gives a distorted view of reality. NYC is hands down way more expensive than Singapore.

[@SahzD]

I love these videos! You might want to look up what DP stands for on the Urban Dictionary and adjust the thumbnail title 😂

[@Kimmi7581]

Man! Always got me in the deep end with these interviews and he just abruptly pull the plug. Lol

[@MaxChernov]

😁

[@mohamwang5026]

Moved to Singapore last year to do my PhD in NTU from LA and Houston as a Chinese American. Can relate to many of the things he says!

[@mn8931]

haha no Max, I lived in both Singapore and New York City (currently in Singapore), Singapore cannot compare. I can easily afford living in a relative nice condo in the Singapore CBD area with nice amenities for the sa me price as living in a 1950s building with zero amenities. Not to mention restaurants and eating out, it is at least twice if not three times of Singapore for the same quality of restaurant and food.

[@vkchaitanya2003]

There is a big difference in pay check, you earn a lot in nyc as compared to Singapore

[@mn8931]

@@vkchaitanya2003 per capita income is actually higher for Singapore than NYC

[@vkchaitanya2003]

@@mn8931 yes US is a very large country with per capita income that changes from state to state, Singapore is very small city.

[@mn8931]

@@vkchaitanya2003 no not US, NYC per capita is lower than Singapore

[@vkchaitanya2003]

@@mn8931 could be what’s your point, in my case I earned much more in the US than working in Singapore.

[@cpcxgsr]

Pretty much what this guy stated applies to any big city that you’re planning to move to. I’m from NYC. I have expat friends that moved here from overseas. They dreaded the fact that they are scared to make friends outside of work… hate to say it, it’s not that difficult. There are tons of after work leagues that cater to just that. Soccer, volleyball, and etc. they will eventually will become your backbone for your social life outside of work. My finance bros who moved to Hong Kong for work did the same thing. Especially if you don’t speak Cantonese, it will be hard to get of out HK island where most of the people there speak English. But they all managed after a few months of intermingling with meet up groups. It’s not difficult now. There are tons of apps that makes things easier. After all, we’re living in 2023. Not 1960

[@mingzy]

I don’t think he knows much about the Singapore childhood. Well, many people want to raise their kids here. So it’s not as strict as he thinks.

[@shontrashi]

would be nice if you have all these interviews on apple podcast . can listen while driving :) thank you

[@MaxChernov]

Great idea!

[@MaxChernov]

Don’t write nasty comments! Otherwise POFMA will get you! 😁

[@kaijiale]

POFMA don't bother with nasty comments, they only come after you if your comments are untrue/false...haha

[@feechlamanna676]

good interview Max

[@maxwen6447]

this is a good interview and I wish it had gone longer. invite him to do a part 2 (like this comment if you would also be interested). Neil is a *much* more representative American than most of your interviewees especially in terms of his open-mindedness.

[@eslgurucalif]

Having lived in NYC for 8 years and East Asia for 8 years, I'd say a far more appropriate comparison would be NYC vs Hong Kong. The population density, the cramped, small-island vertical density, the pace, the energy, the mercantile feel of the streets. Singapore actually has a million fewer people than Atlanta and two million fewer than Houston, but I'd probably compare it to those hot, humid, business-centered metropolises before New York or even LA.

[@X99Zero]

Never thought one could make a living playing frisbee 😂

[@cpcxgsr]

If the Saudis have their way in the means of “Sports washing”, this guy and his pals will be living lovely. 😂

[@fusion9619]

I like this channel. These are good conversations for someone thinking of moving to Singapore. But one thing needs improvement - the camera angle changing constantly makes me dizzy. Basically I have to just not look at the screen. I'm sure that isn't your goal, though, and it's still one of the more interesting channels I watch.

[@MaxChernov]

We’re trying to make it dynamic :)

[@amyg1073]

Malaysians are so desperate . Always making comments that msia is better than sg. No need to keep publishing about your msia. If it is so good, everyone in this planet will flock there. Sg is so crowded already, why so many people still choose sg n not msia , even though it’s bigger n cheaper. Wait for another decade, when u are able to provide jobs for these expats. Also make sure yr msia is safe enough for their family to live there.

[@panda63725]

Agreed. A bunch of egoistic people living in the well.

[@theauthor3259]

I believe u will have integrity to never set foot in msia ya ...since its much 'worse' than singapore...🤔

[@Jo-lz4ie]

I’m surprised he chose kaya toast 😊 good choice

[@patrickdelrue546]

You might miss the Forest ? I think this guy needs to look a little harder... Singapore has some of the best and most luscious patches of rain forest and old growth forest within reach of a large urban environment. You can easily get lost and forget you are a walk away from a 5M+ city

[@americanasiancouple3423]

Now a days even here in USA is very expensive everywhere with everything. I believe it’s high inflation globally.

[@axianskin]

Finally, a guy speaks reality with a global perspective.

[@MaxChernov]

Finally? 😳

[@suivzmoi]

you must be new to the channel

[@axianskin]

@@MaxChernov It’s refreshing to hear this guy who made meaningful and objective comparison between rental price. He used Manhattan apartment vs condo in River Valley. Both are in downtown Central Area of a global city. Similarly, if you want to compare Sentosa Cove, it has to be like Hamptons in Long Island, NY Also you get a vibe that this guy is very down to Earth.

[@angeluscorpius]

Neil showed an understanding of the difference between NYC and Singapore. NYC is a city in the US. It is a highly competitive and driven society/community. If you cannot make the rent there, you can move out of the city, and find another job. Less stressful. Probably pays less. And rent is cheaper too. For Singaporeans, This is our city and our country. MAYBE rent may be a little cheaper in Taman Jurong or Sengkang, but probably not much. And yes, moving to JB is NOT really an option. So the challenge is a little different.

[@mn8931]

not true, rent is a lot cheaper outside of CBD vs CBD. So when you say New Yorkers can move out and rent somewhere else, yes its called NJ

[@angeluscorpius]

@@mn8931 Right. It is reasonable for an average family (or "salary man") to want to rent a place in the CBD. Obviously we move in different circles. And have differing concepts of "reasonableness". Hope you find your dream home in the CBD!

[@mn8931]

@@angeluscorpius No I was merely addressing this point you made "For Singaporeans, This is our city and our country. MAYBE rent may be a little cheaper in Taman Jurong or Sengkang, but probably not much". Rent is actually very cheap as you move away from the CBD. Relatively way cheaper than say NYC even if you include surrounding areas/suburbs/cities

[@XZ_B94]

How many Singaporeans rent, though? Most purchase public housing and are therefore not affected by the rental market.

[@XZ_B94]

@@mn8931 Wouldn't say it's "very cheap" considering average wages in Singapore

[@bell-xk5dd]

The best place and the worst place of US are in New York, a city of contrasts where the richest vs the poorest ...

[@mn8931]

poorest? lol no, that would be Alabama or some place in Arkansas

[@cecilialim2296]

😊😊😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 Interesting videos.....

[@nanu999nanu]

My kinda guy!

[@praba991ify]

Where is this place

[@MaxChernov]

Haji lane, around it

[@arieladelinechoo9845]

Singapore is not expensive as compared yo NY or DC. A bus fare / MRt 50Sgd i can travel for a month. In DC 1 week. Food if you eat out, Singapore is cheaper. Rental is on par. Cook your food and you save a lot. I stay in DC for 3 months, only eat out once a week.

[@sdfdsf4162]

your videos are absolutely brilliant for me, cuz i feel being immersed into the whole new world, and it helps me to understand what in the life matters. these words are not meaningless, ive been reading Schopenhauher´s works and realized: will is that disgusting concept which makes you struggle with no profit in cases you don't have to. in other words, overwillingness does not concentrate your intellectual abilities, but dissolves everything you think is not going to help you. idc if i seem goofy, i just wanna share my discovery. your video somehow helped me to separate these things, so i'd like to thank you! btw, why's there japanese on the background?

[@MaxChernov]

♥️ (Just name of the restaurant )

[@patrickdelrue546]

My only real substantive comment about this video is that if you are going to choose a Japanese restaurant in that street you chose the wrong one ;)

[@MaxChernov]

Hahaha just had a couple of asahi there

[@khjrwbhkl]

hi neil

[@sneo7470]

👍👏💪🇸🇬

[@AndorranStairway]

This was interesting. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone praising POFMA, and especially from an American? And finding it difficult to choose between MRT and New York’s MTA because of the authentic feel of rats running around people’s feet?? Very unorthodox takes!

[@zaki-pq1ps]

Maybe what he trying to imply is sg mrt too robotic

[@bell-xk5dd]

Today I was on the East West line and managed to take one of the new trains...it’s wider, brighter with bigger windows and absolutely clean, spotless and new 😂...

[@kaijiale]

Don't think he is praising POFMA, just interesting to know, i.e. no comments...haha

[@entrydenied]

@@kaijiale If he is looking at POFMA on a very surface area it can look good since it looks like something that can be used to combat fake news. He probably doesn't know it is more of a tool for the government to issue correction and censorship.

[@sieteocho]

I think if you were an American, you wouldn't be praising fake news either. I lived in America and was sick and tired of living alongside people who watched Fox news (which is not fake news but highly misleading news). And if you want the authentic feel of rats, the ground floor of older HDB estates is full of them. It's not just America.

[@ericting2020]

There some rules that happened on 8/6/2023 😐

[@ThomazMartinez]

Did that women told you guys to leave? :D

[@MaxChernov]

Haha no, she was nice

[@kwokleongawyong2895]

Manhattan is really expensive.

[@hsheuw]

8:20 authenticity = rats running amok inside a subway compartment..?Give me a break 😂. Jakarta’s MRT and LRT don’t even have those disgusting pests. He owes himself a visit to Jakarta this August to board Jakarta-Bandung High speed rail. That’s also a rather authentic way to experience the future of transport😊.

[@lengho6294]

Ny subway so dirty he didn't mention that

[@playerlucky]

Homie looks like budget Drake lowkey.

[@MrHardgabi]

his cousin I heard

[@user-iu2jp2jw1e]

Let me give you one pointer - singapore is not a cycling country. Cyclist do not own the road. So do not ride in groups blocking traffic.

[@mercuryscioable]

You don't kuku leh

[@kangkinkang]

Now I know how Peter Parker feels

[@MrHardgabi]

This guy is so hot. Lets hop he plays beach volleyball

[@Daniel-ln1lz]

New York is a very dark city? Singapore is a also a dark city if you do not have money. I guess u must in poverty in New York. When come to money exchange rate, America's currency is bigger than Singapore. So you will be to spend in this country.

[@patrickdelrue546]

Every place in the world that attracts an active business community and wealth is a pretty grim city if you are poor Daniel, whether NYC, Singapore, Paris or Milan... And the list goes on and on... The point about the USD being stronger than the SGD makes absolutely no sense. If you were going to compare cost of living in 2 different places in the world with 2 different currencies, you would do so in one single currency of reference.

[@Daniel-ln1lz]

@@patrickdelrue546 You are right in a way, so please do not degrade your own country. There are lots of Asian people yawning to have a citizenship with USA. If are rich or wealthy, all countries will accept you as their Citizen. Those who are poor will take the risk of illegal migration. You should know that the pasture always look greener than your own pasture. Good luck and hope you enjoy a good trip in Singapore.

[@patrickdelrue546]

@@Daniel-ln1lz Not degrade my country ? I'm not following you Daniel ? Please explain. Also the grass is perfectly green where I live...and I don't glance at my neighbours grass every day to decide if I can be happy or not. You should try it sometime...

[@wubba1575]

Max, you need new footage of working people in CBD…..I’m bored of seeing MBFC in each of your videos 😂😂😂

[@MaxChernov]

Hahaha agree

[@caseybanana8114]

One common thing about your interviews is how scared your interviewees are of criticising their host country. It’s not just Singapore but most Asian countries. Something you wouldn’t see with expats in the West. They always pussyfoot around a critique.

[@eslgurucalif]

So true. By his answer, it sounds as though officials in the Singapore censorship department are the godlike arbiters of objective Truth. Orwellian, to say the least. And protesting in the street in the USA vs what parallel option in Singapore, I may ask?? Complaining into one's cereal bowl?

[@sieteocho]

I don't know if they're afraid. But if they're afraid, the gahment is scary, but not as scary as the man in the street. If you google Anton Casey, you'll know what I mean, and I don't think the gahment had a lot to do with that. Basically you don't really want to be "that angmoh" that the rumour mill is talking about. Singapore may be a bit scarier because everybody speaks the same language as you do (ie English).

[@sieteocho]

And be fair: think about all the women who were afraid to call out Harvey Weinstein. "You'll never work in this town again" doesn't only apply to Asian countries!

[@charmaine8512]

Any day Asia over anyvWestern country if you want family life _ strict _ rules. Who wants to have kids behave like Western kids _ no standards

[@sleepandrelaxation3395]

Neil seems like a nice down to earth person. However, if he is able to cycle a short distance to the Merlion and MBS just tells us that he probably don't really know that much about regular Singaporean lifestyle. There was also no talk about Hawker centres and local food, which is a big part of Singaporean culture. ;)

[@Guardian__Angel]

Why on Earth has this guy moved to Singapore? NYC or LA, or Chicago, have much more to offer.

[@terencew3840]

Every city has its own unique offerings. Just pick one that suits you best

[@XZ_B94]

Safety? Efficiency? Many reasons to like Singapore, lol.

[@Guardian__Angel]

@@XZ_B94 Overregulation? Draconian laws? Curtailment of basic freedoms? Many reasons to dislike it, either.

[@patrickdelrue546]

​ @Guardian Angel That is a matter of opinion... some would argue that moving to the US is their dream while others want to avoid it like the plague and many Americans are jumping from the ship in droves...

[@patrickdelrue546]

@@Guardian__Angel Over regulation ? What are you talking about ? Singapore has just been rated number 1 country in the world for Economic freedom. Look it up because you obviously do not know what you are talking about.

[@Jaguar10My]

he will rot if he chooses to retire in singapore.

[@zizou500]

LOL 'locals are well supported by policies of the govt'. Man, this guy does not know singapore well enough