SINGAPORE SURPRISES that SHOCK Foreigners

[@deeplizardvlog]

What are your tips for Singapore? 🤔

[@kalmd2443]

Ok.. more tips for you . . I hope you will not be offended . Cause it's .. not meant as insult. Do you know what's the local calls the people from the West?.. AngMo or Mat Salleh. . .. Ang Moh is a Chinese term meaning Red Hair .. so if someone tells me she has angmo boyfriend.. that means she got a Caucasian BF The local Malay in Singapore or Malaysia. Calls the Ang Mo.. Mat Salleh... ( Mat is short for Mohamed.. Salleh is also a Malay name).. I heard this many years back. .. Mat Salleh actually refers to Mad Sailor.. many many years ago there ...lots of sailors stopped over our port.. partying and got drunk . So the local called them Mad Sailor.. and after sometime.. someone decided to call them Mat Salleh.. so if I tell someone I have Mat Salleh BF.. some people. . will go .. ' waah .. you mean you have AngMo Boyfriend.. must be cute!' .🤣🤣🤣

[@deeplizardvlog]

No offense taken! We’ve heard about the word Ang Mo, but this is our first time hearing about Mat Salleh! But haha I like your examples 🤣 So it seems like the words are used casually to refer to caucasian people, but are they also considered to be offensive or insulting based on the context, or no?

[@kalmd2443]

@@deeplizardvlog oh no.. it's not offensive at all.. don't worry. Some mother in law will be so proud to have Mat Salleh son in law .. sarcasm comes in only when the local try to put on a fake Mat salleh accent. So it's better to singlish locally.

[@NoohCee]

@@deeplizardvlog Ang Mo was never an insulting term. It's the only term in the hokkien dialect that refers to Caucasian. Hokkien made up the majority of Chinese in Singapore. I don't understand why lots of Ang Mo take it as an degradatory term.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Ok, interesting! Thanks for the insight :)

[@janisnicolette8623]

the efficiency of singlish would condense this 27min video into a 10min video hahaha

[@deeplizardvlog]

😂

[@aniumar5964]

😁🤣

[@muhammadsaiful8451]

😆😂👍

[@fcof]

“Could I please have change for this $10 bill in $1 coins?” = “Can change $1 coins?” The efficiency of Singlish at it’s finest.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Ha! Perfect!

[@rosiechi5526]

Ivan thank u

[@kalmd2443]

And the typical singlish response..-can can!... Or cannot laah.. 😂😂😂

[@szz1070]

Yup! Singlish is very efficient. "Can" alone has so many meanings just by the way it is spoken, the voice inflection plus body language or adding a few words with it.

[@intheworldofmari]

kal md love it😂

[@johnwig285]

A Keras tutorial and a Singapore vlog from you? NOOOO WAAAYY OMGG

[@SuccessforLifester]

We don't call it napkins. We call it tissue paper. Napkins are those used in restaurant and can be washed and reused

[@jkl6868]

Sean paper napkins or linen in higher end restaurants, kleenex is what we call tissue paper here in US.

[@jessical7083]

JK - We have Kleenex readily here but we also have other tissue brands so we don't use "kleenex" to mean tissue generically.

[@jessical7083]

And if you want paper napkins just say serviettes or tissue.

[@dkj6946]

Napkins are also for babies to hold their shit

[@jkl6868]

Dominic Kam those are diapers.

[@danielc2701]

Part of the reason why they asked you about Visa is because some cards are "combi-" cards, a combination of a bank ATM card and a credit card so when they asked "Visa?" They were asking if you wanted to charge it to your credit card or debit it from your bank account.

[@edmondtan8787]

Singapore uses British English v, US English, that's why we queue, instead of waiting in line, also U can get almost similar food in Malaysia as Singapore as most of us have relatives in both countries.

[@DoubleSaltedEggYolkShark]

Singaporeans don’t say “napkin”. They say “serviette tissue”. In the Philippines they say “napkin”.

[@chuacw]

When they asked VISA / Mastercard for your credit card, it's because cards here have multiple functions. It could be an ATM card, or credit card, so the casher is asking you to verify which function you want to use.

[@stephanielim5588]

And if Visa, MasterCard etc, can just pay by pay wave. That means just tap on that machine the cashier push to you for a few seconds.

[@minimalisticjoy628]

I don’t know.. but the way you elaborate how a Singlish vocab would actually means in English made me feel as if we don’t understand English 😅. But WE DO. It’s just the way we speak here that would be easier for the Uncles & Aunties to understand. And as years goes by, it just became a norm.

[@Thebass26]

As for the crime alert sign, it is because that bike theft happens at that location, its just to alert the residents at that specific place..

[@markwong6548]

Basically the signs serve as a reminder - hey bad guys, we are watching you. We are alert to your activities.

[@Zz7722zZ]

The use of 'can' and 'cannot' stems from the influence of Chinese language. Believe it or not, there is no equivalent word for 'Yes' and 'No' in Chinese, therefore if you were to ask a question in Chinese, the response would be to indicate affirmation or repudiation of said question. Hence, in your question of whether you 'can' (可以) do something, the answer would be in the form of 'can' (可以) or 'cannot' (不可以).

[@Zz7722zZ]

EC S Not exactly. 是 = “is”, 不是 = “is not”. Imagine if you were asked whether you wanted to eat dinner (你要吃晚餐吗？），you would not reply with a 是/不是, even though that would be a yes or no answer in English. You would say 我要 or 我不要. (I want to/ I do not want to)

[@myoung1970s]

@@Zz7722zZ “是的” = yes , "不是的“ = no

[@Zz7722zZ]

@@myoung1970s 会 = yes. 不会 = no 懂 = yes, 不懂 = no 要 = yes, 不要 = no etc.... There is no chinese word that is a direct equivalent of a simple yes or no...

[@ultragirlagit]

I do agree with zzajizz that there's no equivalent of yes or no inl the Chinese language. In English we use yes or no to denote a positive or negative answer. However the Chinese "是" or "不是" which is usually thought to be the yes and no of Chinese is only used for specifically as the positive or negative form for questions that use the words is/are. For all other cases such as can, do, will, the negative form is to add a "不" which is similar to not. Which is why when you ask someone a question with "can I?" you will inadvertantly be answered with a can or cannot in Singapore. In the early days of independence, English was not a common language in Singapore and most schools were started by community leaders. These schools used their founders' native tongue as the language medium for teaching. English was reserved for the privileged upper class. Which is why when the early government decided to homogenize our education system, Singlish started to develop. People who never used English in their lives were trying to communicate using an entirely different language and therefore brought in their own grammar rules from their native tongue through direct translations.

[@peterkhew7414]

Actually, "can/cannot" is used more commonly in the Malay language. Malaysia boleh.

[@lyserg05]

- It won’t be ‘ Coins can? ’ but it’ll be ‘ Can change to coins? ‘. - It seems like petty crimes. But if you accumulate it, something must be wrong somewhere. - Those older buildings are kind of reserved for heritage and history studies. - Late night restaurants is due to the fact that we love to eat. It don’t matter what time it is. Our portions might not be as huge as in the States. But we do have a few 24 hours places to eat. - The MRT stations will state what time is the last train as well as the first train. Usually it’s near to the information counter. - Really good steaks can be pricey. Usually at high end supermarkets. Or you can always head to the wet markets. - It’s a confirmation that they can proceed with Visa when they asked you back. Efficacy usually starts with confirming before proceeding, that’s what I feel. It’ll be a hassle to call the supervisor with a line behind you and to redo whatever that has been done.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Awesome! Thank you for providing some clarification and insight into these topics, Fye!

[@alvinmah6148]

In Singapore, the cashiers will usually expect the customers to inform them on the modes of payment if you are paying by credit card. Because in Singapore, credit cards has several payment functions. Eg NETS, Paywave etc

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for clarifying, Alvin!

[@tanahmei8076]

At Singapore most cashiers will ask ( pay by.....)then they will wait for you to ans. Due to alot of payment functions like -Credit cards - NETS -PAYWAY - paylah -FAVE -GRABPAY -Tab

[@SuccessforLifester]

In some pedestrian walkways, it double as a drain below. There is this metal grille cover at regular intervals on one side. You would notice that most people prefer to walk at the side of the concrete. There is this subconscious safety message warning us not to walk on top of metal grilles in case it gives way. Though I have not heard about this happening before. And metal covers don't get stolen here. So it will be a battle of who would give way first on the concrete. I tend to give way to elderly.

[@SuccessforLifester]

If you are physically at the MRT station, the first train and last train information will be available at the control office or placed on the wall. They will put banners for any changes especially if there are maintenances to be carried out. Usually happened on Fridays or Saturdays for such maintenances. You can ask the staff in control centre for the exact timing. This is especially during special festival like the eve of holidays when last train timing maybe extended

[@deeplizardvlog]

Good to know, thanks Sean!

[@Patroclus27]

In singapore, cards usually have multiple forms of payments on one card. So cashiers usually ask us what form of payment we would prefer.

[@Sky-8646]

For those don't understand why they put tissue to reserve the sit is because if you are alone and have to que up for food after buying your food you can't get your sit..

[@markwong6548]

You would be able to get a seat if there weren't tissues everywhere though. Some stalls take longer to make the food. In the amount of time that the tissue person takes to queue at that one particular stall, the guy who just got his food could have sat down and consumed his meal already. And I know this because I've done that. Finished eating at a place with a tissue, returned my tray, and the person who put the tissue there still hadn't gotten back"

[@Sky-8646]

@@markwong6548 you obliviously are not a Singaporean..

[@markwong6548]

@@Sky-8646 wrong assumption.

[@starjupitor]

Re : napkins @hawker centre The idea of hawker centre is that the food is cheap and good because the frills of a Restaurant has been cut away to reduce cost. Hence there will not be beautiful cutlery or napkins.

[@sandorjankovics2243]

I love the style (editing) of this video. It makes it so enjoyable to watch. Good job, again!

[@sagestark2571]

Rule for Singapore: You can do anything, just dont get caught. AHAHAHA.

[@branlow1]

Isn’t that a general rule everywhere ?

[@en-pl1mp]

Don’t fine can liao

[@NewmaticKe]

Same everywhere

[@humanshieldz]

I think it's more likely we'll say "Got change?" 😝 I think it all started cos the older generations of people especially the Chinese , do not understand English so we had to speak this way and over time Singlish just became part of us. My parents can't speak English to save their lives haha.

[@classicbee9375]

Angmo (expats) didn’t usually go to Fairprice. They go to Cold Storage or market place. For best steaks, go to Butchers such as the one in Dempsey or opposite Tanglin mall next to SingPost. You can also search online to get your best meat delivered to your home. Depends on the food u gonna choose varies your living expenses. Angmo usually have high living standards with air conditions in their houses turned on 24hours because it’s so hot in Singapore.

[@brandnyuday]

The cashiers often ask "Visa?" because in Singapore, paying by NETS is pretty common too. And most, if not all CC can pay by NETS. So cashiers will double check if you are paying by Visa/Masters or by NETS.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for clarifying!

[@adamfranc1s]

You have learned a lot from Singapore. Now, you may have no problem communicating in neighbor countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia. Also, in Singapore, despite all the laws, there's an unspoken rule- you can do whatever you want, but do not get caught. 👍🏽 Lastly, for non fragrance detergent etc.. do get it at a high end supermarkets such as Fairprice Finest, Tanglin Marketplace or Cold Storage. These stores imported items that you are unable to find at regular supermarket, Can? 😂 I really hope you guys have enjoyed Singapore. Cheers.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for all the tips, Adam! You’re right, it has aided us in communicating in neighboring countries too :) Before Singapore, we were in Indonesia. We managed to see many similarities but also many differences as well between the two countries. (We made lots of videos during our time in Indoesia too, mostly Bali here: kzbin.info/aero/PL_pMfdChG67RUS8wkkT7Bfnu56CQ_etzz After Singapore, we went to Malaysia, where we’ve seen so many similarities, both to Singapore and to Indonesia. Especially the similarities between Malay and Indonesian languages.

[@jodie1470]

-If the mrt is closed, you can take a taxi or a bus or maybe if you have the app, you can use Grab,Uber etc. -You can get some good steak at Cold Storage - If u want to buy some unscented products, some stores that sell them are Watsons, Guardian etc.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you, Jodie!

[@DicksonNg83]

Welcome to Singapore. Can or Cannot is mandarin of 可以 不可以. Hawker center was Singapore Government controlling of street food hygiene to centralize all the street cart to stall. Majority of our vocabulary was legacy from British English.

[@DicksonNg83]

If after 11.30pm, we won’t try on train. And if it’s weekend or eve of holiday, there are night rider (buses) running all over the island...

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the tips, Dickson!

[@argheighteen]

Each train stations actually specifies what time their last train is for that station where near the entry where you tap the ezlink card. But there has been some upgrading going on and the train services are starting a little later and ending earlier over the weekends. The Crime alert boards are the police's way of asking for witnesses to come forward.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks, Joanne!

[@bananamama6519]

visa ?? just asking for confirmation . Singapore is a mostly cashless country . On local atm or debit cards the word visa is written on them so you can choose to use it as a credit card visa or debit card atm .

[@arwenmegan]

“Queue” i believe originated from the British who as you know colonized a lot of countries in early days. Btw, i like your edits and concur with you about Singapore food. One of the best.

[@tomburke5311]

Yep. In the UK we often queue but never stand in line.....

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks, Jason! We were watching the show “Sherlock” recently and heard one of the characters use the word “queue” in the same way… which made us think that maybe the common use of the word in this way is a British thing that stuck with Singapore given the British/Singapore history?

[@seankaiser11]

@@deeplizardvlog In Singapore we are taught British English. Thus the reason for the usage of certain words. Or even how certain words are pronounced.

[@moonsunismarried]

@@seankaiser11 yep!

[@Jack-hy2ki]

To add on a funny fact. We are taught British English but we watch American shows and dramas. So we kinda understand both British and American English. Hmmm... come to think of it probably it's a gov thing to let us Singaporean able to understand both. Our gov always think ahead.

[@guanwenfaniiqeteo7850]

Paywave means to pay with credit cards e.g visa, master, American express. Paywave indicates new technology of payment. You can also use apple pay, Samsung pay etc

[@andyhooutdoors]

One way to make payment electronically in Singapore is via Nets. Basically Nets acts as an intermediary company by collecting payment from the Payer’s bank account, and depositing it into the Payee’s bank account. Traditionally Nets was only incorporated into our ATM cards, but when debit cards became available, some debit cards was built in with Nets option. As you know, debit cards work with either Visa or Master, so when you passed your credit card to the cashier and she asked you if you are paying with Visa, she was actually asking if you are paying with Visa or Nets, because she can’t tell if that is a credit card or a debit card. A smart cashier would be able to tell by studying the logo on the reverse side of the card, because if Nets option is available then there will be a logo there, just like Cirrus or Plus. Many years ago when I started using credit cards to pay for items I too was annoyed when they always ask if I am paying by Visa.

[@kalmd2443]

Unscented products are readily available in pharmacies all over Singapore .. like Guardian, Watson, unity .. and even most hospital pharmacies sells these products..

[@kalmd2443]

And You can find Guardian AND Watson in most shopping Malls

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the tips, kal! I recall we did find a bar of unscented body soap in either a Watsons or Guardian, but it was around $15 SGD for one bar 😱 so we passed. I guess it was a specialty brand.

[@truthseeker000000]

Packet of tissue or tissue paper is what you call napkins. Here in Singapore 'napkins' are usually larger in size and of a thicker variety - the quality of the paper napkins provided would all depend on the where you are eating at. So a napkin could be a (disposable) paper napkin that you might get at a cafe, a budget to mid-range priced restaurant, a Starbucks, McDonalds, etc. On the other hand, most fine dining restaurants, hotel restaurants and cafes and higher-end Chinese or Tim Sum restaurants would provide diners with a cloth napkin. 'Tissue paper' in Singapore also means the very light weight sheets of (usually coloured) paper stores/ shops use to wrap a purchased item in. Hope you enjoyed your stay in Singapore! :)

[@Patroclus27]

If you wanna know when the train ends. You can Google that specific train station on the last train timings for each direction.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks Jerald! We didn't think to look this up for specific stations. I found this: journey.smrt.com.sg/journey/station_info/raffles-place/first-and-last-train/

[@deeplizardvlog]

For Raffles Place as an example.

[@epochcreative8544]

The Visa and Mastercard issued by Singapore Banks have both the functions of a credit card and a NETS card. The NETS function allows direct deduction from your bank account. That's why the cashier will ask if you wish to use your VISA as a credit card or for the NETS deduction. Hope this helps. 😊

[@deeplizardvlog]

It does, thank you!

[@quakespr]

The crime alert signs are to remind Singaporeans to be vigilant and not take personal safety and security for granted.

[@somsom585]

Extra info… Air Bnb is not allowed for tourists that intended to stay less than 3months…

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the info!

[@sawtkzali4970]

At 25:02 you mentioned of getting unscented products or rather earth friendly products, these are available at NTUC Finest(ntuc upmarket grocery store) or cold storage Jason's market.Since these are mostly imported from US, they are pricier

[@RickyCheeYS]

If you like steak which is slighly cheaper, you can also go for western food stalls in coffeeshops. Some of those with various branches like Char Grilled sell them reasonably but of course not the best cut of steak

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the tip, Ricky! We'll keep that in mind.

[@lowpertiyou9956]

For train timing, the time that it reaches the last station will be your gauge. For example, the red line Jurong East last train will be 12:29am. And you are at Woodlands, the estimate travel duration from Woodlands to Jurong East will be 36 mins. That means you have to be at the station 12:29am substrate 36mins... last train at Woodlands will be around 11:53pm.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Useful info, thank you!

[@seeweek409]

Not correct. Woodlands to Jurong East is 7 stations away about 16 minutes. Travel time between stations is usually 2 minutes except for certain stretch that is further like Clementi to Jurong East.

[@lowpertiyou9956]

@@seeweek409 hmm.. You sure? 16 mins.. Can reach jurong east from woodlands

[@AbdulSalam-eh9vk]

Alot of locals have Debit cards which doubles as their ATM card. So a popular mode of payment when using their Debit card is called NETS. It is an electronic payment where you have to key in your personalised pin. The debit card looks like a Credit card at one glance, and you can also choose to pay using MasterCard or Visa. So the cashiers ask because there are multiple payment options available, and that a Debit card looks similar to a Credit card.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Ah, we also saw signs for NETS but weren't sure what that was. Thank you for clarifying this, Abdul!

[@rosiechi5526]

I opened a NETS card with flash pay in a subway station and now I know it can be used for shopping thank uuu

[@ClickOpenPlay]

That one card can be used for ATMs, Payments and MRT

[@user-ek9yk4xq6j]

i usually walk on the left on sidewalks / escalators .. i believe most sporeans do if I’m not wrong ? if you happen to “side step” someone (the awkward shuffling thing along the sidewalk), you can stick out your hand to indicate which way you’re gonna go to get out of that “side step” thing. e.g. when you side step someone and want to move to the right, just lift up your left hand and point it to the direction on the right 😀

[@deeplizardvlog]

Good tip, thanks Grace!

[@ultragirlagit]

For steak cuts, you can try fairprice finest, or cold storage. You may also want to look for gourmet butchers like the Huber's butchery at Dempsey's. Japanese supermarkets like isetan and mediya do have good cuts of beef but they tend to be a little on the pricey side. That is with exception to don don donki, they do have affordable frozen thawed beef cuts but don't expect top quality. They are quite decent for the price though, so you might like to try if you like them.

[@paulineng6177]

There are night buses that run all night in certain places for shift workers.

[@BlackKnight_999]

About the VISA confirmation, it is quite common to ask as local VISA card can also use NETS which is more like a direct debit function... so most retail staff or cashier would not want to get that wrong, as it determine how you pay for it... VISA can be debit or credit.. but NETS is definitely direct debit...

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the clarification, willyeo!

[@guanwenfaniiqeteo7850]

If you missed the last train or last bus, you can flag taxi down. You can try Grab or gojek for cheaper private taxis

[@kailim8895]

every train station close not the same time. all you need to know is the last train on specfic station

[@jctan1813]

the trains stop operating around 11pm and 12pm during the weekends. The obvious alternate would be taxi and Grab but I advise checking out buses that runs late into the night. They are usually numbered with 'NR'. Study the bus guide at the stops. you should able to find the bus that will get you home or at least near to home.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks, JC!

[@blmetal65]

You're in Kuala Lumpur (KL). The iconic Petronas Twin Towers 'betrayed' your location. Anyway hope you had a nice trip to Singapore.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Darn it, towers! Hahaha 😜 Thank you, nashi! We loved Singapore ❤

[@jat9757]

she mentioned specifically From very beginning they were no longer in spore.

[@blmetal65]

@@jat9757 They did but they want viewers to guess their destination outside Singapore. So what's the big deal here?

[@jat9757]

@@blmetal65 no big deal. No one was betrayed.

[@blmetal65]

@@jat9757 This advice is FOC. Get a real life and don't bother others with unnecessary postings.

[@hglim738]

Very good point about the availability of more unscented products in Singapore.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Yes! We try to avoid artificial fragrance as much as we can. In the US, unscented products like soaps, shampoos, detergents, household cleaning supplies, etc. have just recently started becoming more widely available by larger brands in non-specialty stores. As consumer demands grow, so will the availability of these products in stores.

[@philiphew796]

Most credit cards are also a nets card, and you can pay as visa or nets. Nets do not charge the vendor a percentage, but if you say visa, you’ll be charged on your visa account and you might get points. Actually I’m a little confused myself, why use nets when I get points when I say charge to visa. Some outlets will not accept visa and insist on charging to nets since nets do not charge a percentage to the shop.

[@ngscdan]

Hi I enjoyed yr vlog very much and have subscribed to yr channel. Both of u have researched SINGAPORE very well, and I enjoy hearing yr views and experience. Am a Singaporean, born and grown up in the lovely land. Please pose more vlogs in Singapore. My wife and I would love to meet up with u both when u next come back to Singapore! I like this vlog on the local language and lingos. Keep it up!

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you! We'll have to let you know next time we're back in SG!

[@tlim8969]

In Singapore we stand stationary on the escalators/travelators on the left side, and the right side is for those who want to walk. But then we also drive on the left hand side. So maybe thats why we're all confused 😂

[@Freikorptrasher]

One of my card doesn't have paywave as well and I too always get ask the same question - Reason being is the cashier just wanted to confirm if we are paying by credit card or by Nets.( AKA debit card and yes MOST cards from Singapore can double up as a credit and debit card )

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks, Farhan! Makes much more sense now! It sounds like it is the equivalent of when in the US, the cashier asks “debit or credit?”

[@SitiSaad]

@@deeplizardvlog We don't say debit or credit because this payment method in Singapore uses the same machine but it is different if it is NETS, where we have a different machine for it and a PIN input. The cashier asks if it is VISA or Mastercard because some bank has one card for different accounts and uses e.g. I use my ATM card which is a Mastercard with a debit into my personal savings account but if I pay by NETS I can choose to pay from my personal savings, current or joint account. Hope this clarifies.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you, Siti! Helps clarify further!

[@sunnis0107]

Speaking of the big signs for petty crimes in public, it is pretty eye-catching and allows public to be alert and maybe call/report to the police whenever we witness one.

[@stephanielim5588]

When I saw the police signs,my brain will say, ‘oh, something happened here.’

[@johnathanlam129]

I hope both of you enjoy your stay in Singapore. Wish to see you again. You can get non-flagrant shower products like shampoo and shower gel or soap in most of the shopping malls, look for shop with this sign board, Watsons & Guardian.

[@Lincolngoh]

When cashiers ask paywave? You say no, then say VISA, they are asking if you want to use the traditional method of swiping the card. Because before paywave that was the traditional method. The term just stuck. Its not a question as to the confirmation of the card's nature but rather a question as to if you wanted to pay cash or continue with the next method of swiping. As you can see, Singlish condenses all of this into just "VISA?"

[@deeplizardvlog]

Singlish wins the efficiency contest again 😆

[@gemgal68]

Another point to add on is that credit cards can double as ATM cards linking to NETS payment. Thus upon receiving a credit card, they have to confirm if u will be using the card like a credit card (Visa/Master) or as an ATM card for NETS payment purposes :)

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks, gemgal!

[@sherlyholmes7870]

Singaporean here. I can explain the deal with your visa experience. Firstly, you gotta understand the modes of payment in singapore. 1. There's cash. 2. Theres NETS (Network for Electronic Transfers) which is a Singaporean way of card payment that does not cost the retailers, but also doesn't give you credit card benefits. (and is an option for every card, even debit cards) 3. Lastly, theres payment with credit card, which can be made through many methods, such as chip, swipe, paywave(contactless), apple/samsung/google pay. (also contactless) Now, the only way to pay with NETS is to insert the chip and enter a pin, unlike the credit card chip method where you sign. So when the auntie asks "visa?" she's asking if you want to pay by credit card instead of by NETS, because both systems can use the chip method, only that one is with pin and the other with a signature. Now why say "visa?" instead of credit card? It's an eponym unique to Singapore because visa was more prevalent in Singapore back then and the older Singaporeans just thought all credit cards were issued by visa. Other eponyms include Pampers to mean diapers, Rollerblades to mean rollerskates. Hope this clears things up

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you for the detailed explanation! This makes a lot more sense now!

[@DCLOVESGOD365]

I usually go to a supermarket called Cold Storage at a place called Northpoint shopping center in Yishun, the y usually have good meat there but it’s a little far from Geylang.

[@KaveriMulay]

The context for asking if its Visa, because it could be NETS..which means it could be used as a credit or debit card.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for clarifying, Kaveri!

[@Bullitc]

Paywave is an NFC function from Visa (similar to PayPass from Mastercard). I'm assuming you are carrying US issued cards which largely do not have NFC even it's a chipped card. Just store that card on Applepay or SamsungPay on your mobile

[@JAYZXTTVG30DETT]

They ask about 'Visa' is because some Visa or Master cards have the option of using NET which is a direct deduction from your bank account.

[@peterkhew7414]

8:30 "Chope" came from the word, "chop", which taken in the Singaporean context, means "stamp". So the idea is that you "stamp" a table with a personal item on the table as a way to make a physical reservation. Since most Singaporeans carry a tissue packet with them for general cleaning purposes, it became a convenient item to chope a table. Also, it's not a big loss if a stranger decides to keep it.

[@Zz7722zZ]

About the cameras, a lot of them are placed as a response to demands by residents in order to deter petty crimes or mischief/misdemeanour in their neighbourhood. Crime Alert Signs are placed show the public that the police are 'working' and to appeal for witnesses.

[@TheMandom88]

Singlish was formed because people are lazy. They use short cut. Like 'where are you going to eat' Is short cut to 'Eat Where' or ' What you want to eat? Become' Eat what? '

[@user-ek9yk4xq6j]

big signs for petty crimes are probably just so you can be aware that the area has some sort of crime risk? basically saying that you gotta be more alert in the area or smth

[@crosbyong]

Wow! That’s quite a lot of questions. If/when you’re back in SG, message me. I’ll be happy to offer a local’s perspective/explanation over kopi (coffee). My treat!

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you, Crosby! That would be great! We love Singapore style iced coffee (kopi bing/kopi ais) 😁

[@crosbyong]

I noticed you are already familiar with Old Airport Food Centre. We can either go back there or try another popular local eating place or food centre

[@cooper1819]

Calling Uncle and Aunties is friendly way to talk to someone, in Asia usually within their community from South East Asia, China, Korea, etc. However in Singapore, also cross community / races. In addition, we will also call each other brothers and sisters (for around same age), young brother and sister (for younger, there are Asian names too), and also grandpa and grandma for elderly. It is just a friendlier way to call someone as you don't know the name. In fact, traditionally, addressing by name is very formal. Condescending way was for colonial masters to address their subjects by Ah-boy or Ah-girl... but these days is harmless.

[@deeplizardvlog]

It kind of gives a vibe of a greater sense of community and togetherness by extending a family label to a stranger 😊

[@se7enzee444]

Don't even try to flag down a taxi at 11:45pm. They won't stop because they want to wait until midnight when they can charge you double from 12- 6am.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Eeek! Good to know. We'd prefer to use grab over a taxi anyway.

[@rogerlim1606]

@@deeplizardvlog its 50% on top of taxi fair[ not double ]

[@davidcks]

Nice to have fellow Singaporeans comments on some of the questions you guys were wondering about....

[@deeplizardvlog]

Yes! We're really happy to gain new perspectives on all of these things!

[@stephanielim5588]

For good grade salmon, you can order from Fassler Gourmet. I either ordered delivery or went to their factory. I always buy sashimi salmon, I would buy the whole fillet and cut it smaller portion for per meal consumption.

[@yanfenglee9364]

Visit a butchery for beef instead of buying from supermarkets. It’s cheaper and better. Foodie market place is well priced and stocked with high quality meats

[@huahua19]

Steaks: Go to specialised or butcher stores. A reasonably priced place would be Foodie Marketplace (Tanjong Katong and Tiong Bahru). Or buy online (eg: QB Food has various chilled and frozen meats, cheeses, specialised grocery items - you'd need to spend at least $200 for free delivery though). Cashier asking if you want to pay by "Visa": "Visa" is used as a general term for a credit card. Why she asked if you wanted to use "Visa" is because the credit cards in Singapore could also double up as a NETS card and she was probably clarifying your preferred mode of payment. My credit card has both Paywave and NETS. "Vibrant" nightlife: Geylang is a red light district hence the "vibrant nightlife". The even-numbered lorongs are where the action is. The late-night eateries are usually catered to hungry folks after a good workout. That said, there are lots of good food in Geylang and it's relatively safe - I've brought my children there for dinner quite often without second thoughts.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the insight! Yes agree, we lived in Geylang for our entire three months in SG, and we always felt safe there :D

[@nancytay648]

🏨 🛏 🛎 🛌 81, CHEAPER RATED HOTEL FOOD IS IMPORTED FROM ELSEWHERE IN E WORLD, SO ITSNT CHEAP...

[@kensim8378]

for meat likebeef etc try coldstoragesupermarket which i think b more suitable for westerners' diets

[@hanriktan]

We just call our elderlies aunty and uncle out of respect . I believe is most part of Asia, they do that too

[@deeplizardvlog]

We thought the aunty/uncle reference was sweet. It kind of gives a vibe of a greater sense of community and togetherness by extending a family label to a stranger 😊

[@HighlandHorseman]

@@deeplizardvlog also used in South Africa I think.

[@ultragirlagit]

It's actually a cultural thing which is common to most Asian cultures. We are used to addressing people who are older than us as uncles or aunties or even grandpa or grandma for the aged folks as it is perceived to be more respectful. So in return we do get addressed as little brother or little sister in our native languages, however this part is lost in translation for the English equivalent.

[@ignatiuschua5268]

Unlike America, we do not call our seniors by name. I call my father's brother, Uncle Soon Heng or his wife Auntie Linda. Extending that to strangers, we call them uncles and aunties.

[@jefrichan]

I'm impressed. You did quite an in depth review of Sg.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you! We learned a lot in three months :)

[@annasoh5664]

Hi, everyone in Singapore knows that Singlish is an English-based creole language & we use it freely as it is an easier form of communication amongst us. However, you can find from Wikipedia that creole language is spread across many nations, too, including some parts of the U.S.! I am aware that many foreigners think or are surprised that many of us cannot speak English well but it is an interesting fact that the language is not even our National language. LOL, I believe that most of us would stop speaking Singlish when we travel overseas for the obvious reason: nobody would understand us. Also, calling the elderly, i.e. friends & strangers, as "Uncle/Aunty", is a Asian culture that is extended to show a formal form of respect & "love" to them. So, while in Rome do as the Romans do, you may however not follow if you are really uncomfortable about it.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for shedding some insight, Anna! It was interesting and fun to observe our ability to understand Singlish improve as our time went on in Singapore. Also, I think the aunty/uncle reference is sweet. It kind of gives a vibe of a greater sense of community and togetherness by extending a family label to a stranger 😊

[@annasoh5664]

@@deeplizardvlog Same to you, thank you. Some of the older folks didn't have good education & a good grasp of the English language, so, they may not understand the meaning of "Sir" and "Madam" when addressed. Also during the British colonial rule, the local staff would normally address them as "Sir" and "Madam", an obvious reflection of one being the master & the other a servant or worker. Hence, it is interesting to note that many maids here call their employers "Sir" and "Mdm", something that I don't know. BTW, my ex-maid calls me "Aunty". If you ever return to Singapore, let me know, please, 'cause lunch is on me!

[@annasoh5664]

sorry, I meant to say "something that I don't understand.

[@shehzadchowdhury8327]

Anna Soh true but Singapore in the only English based creole speaking country in Asia

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you, Anna! We'll have to take you up on that next time :)

[@2012hinn]

Singaporean here: if you want steaks, don’t go to FairPrice. Fairprice caters to local households and cuisines, and is great value for money if you are looking to cooking local recipes. Fairprice has a separate brand that caters a bit more to foreign needs called fairprice finest. To me they represent the best balance of catering to international groceries and reasonable prices. Highly recommended and you should be able to get steak cuts there. The supermarket chain cold storage is more likely to carry steaks and their premium supermarkets “marketplace” has a lot of steak options. There are also speacialised “western” butcheries which of course are a bit pricier. Housing and accommodations are definitely expensive in Singapore, especially compared to any neighbouring country in Southeast Asia. With regards to what side to walk on the sidewalk, I myself as a Singaporean would assume to stay left, along with what is down with vehicular traffic. However, I encounter the same issues where a game of chicken is payed down the sidewalk. I suspect this may be due to the fact that we have a large immigrant population and since there’s no official rule on what side one walks on the sidewalk, it’s a free for all! Great observations on Singapore and wishing you guys lovely travels ahead once COVID is under control!

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for your recommendations, Hinn!

[@2012hinn]

deeplizard vlog cheers!

[@mishzguafa]

Queue ; is a British English FYI. Line up is American English.

[@muhdramsy8858]

Yes exactly. Singaporeans are taught with British english. Not American english

[@starjupitor]

Crime Alert Signs We are a small community and people tend to frequent the same areas. The use of these crime alert signs is: 1. Tell the community or the enclave of people living in the area to be careful and alert 2. Get eye witnesses to call in 3. To alert the neighbourhood that there is suspicious activity in the area so a constant appeal for people to keep a look out and call the police eg if a syndicate or gang of people hang around the bicycle park area and have no apparent biz to be there etc

[@zonathanchan9744]

Regarding about cashier asking if you are using VISA, mainly is due to Singaporean's VISA card can also function as NETS, similar to New Zealand's EFTPOS, that deduct the funds directly from one's bank account. So they want to confirm what type of payment method you are using.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the info, Zonathan!

[@ngchew3336]

@@deeplizardvlogwhen the cashier asked whether you're paying by Visa, it really means 'are you paying by credit?'

[@jhf4930]

The rule of thumb is to keep to the left when drive or walk However, with about 1.5 million non permanent resident from every part of the world, some will by habit keep to the right when walking . Well a bit of tolerance and gracefulness will go a long way. :)

[@gymster4life]

When they ask VISA its probably because the cards in Singapore has debit options (NETS) or credit options (VISA/Master/AMEX) . So they are just asking if you prefer to pay by debit or credit. Instead of regular english of " Payment by credit card?? ", singlish goes " visa?" haha

[@pohleon9941]

On the sidewalks, you are right that we don’t follow the direction of the vehicle traffic flow. But you may realize most people walk on the left of the sidewalk, as the same as the vehicles on your he road... Hope you enjoyed your stay in Singapore, and have great fun for the rest of the holidays!

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thank you, Poh!

[@mgear088]

You can buy napkins at any coffee or drink stores in hawker centers. Normally about 30 cents for a small packet.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Good to know, thanks! We saw aunties and uncles selling them any time we would go to a hawker center.

[@JediJean]

@@deeplizardvlog Those auntys and uncles aren't always seen in hawker centres or in food courts. So the alternative is to look out for stalls that sell them in the hawker centre or food court. Sometimes even that's not available though, so the ultimate best thing is to just carry a pack of tissues with you always.

[@justintimeleave1360]

Wow, very astute and fair observations and detailed analysis. Hope you enjoyed Singapore.

[@shacooked]

You can get it from Jason's market or cold storage.... Most of the unscented products you might be able look for it at Holland V ... You might be lucky if you can go mustafa center it's kinda like Costco .... But you can get lots of things there

[@guanwenfaniiqeteo7850]

You can go to cold storage at plaza singapura dor steak cuts

[@japrpg]

for beef, my friends recommended Foodie Market @ tiong bahru district.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks, ayden!

[@lumzhenhong9435]

The word "CAN" can represent different meanings, depending on the tone it is pronounced..

[@markmatthewnjo]

Well, for the issue of, "Can" and "Cannot, if I'm not wrong, it comes from the Chinese (Mandarin) way of replying. If you ask a question like, "May I come in?"(Mandarin: Wǒ kěyǐ jìnlái ma), the reply if translated directly from the Chinese characters would be, "Can" (Mandarin: Kěyǐ). I could be wrong as I only know a small part of the Chinese language.

[@rosiechi5526]

Yeahh very likely

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the insight, Mark!

[@hikingout2988]

Yes, like English with Mandarin/ Chinese syntax

[@philiphew796]

Boot as oppose to trunk of the car. Lorry instead of truck. Etc etc.

[@sunny815]

Because normally our credit card would tied to our nets, so cashier would want to verify if you intend to use visa or nets

[@nurhafiz9343]

The purpose of the crime alert signs is to alert citizens to be aware and also look for witnesses that had witnessed the crime that took place on the alocated date and time

[@hanriktan]

as for the steak, maybe you can try to get it from Meidi-ya Liang COurt, Cold storage in Taka, Supermarket in Isetan Scotts

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks, hanrik!

[@deathdragonslayer1]

9:15 That's where the Singaporean saying, "You can do anything, just don't get caught" stems from. Crime rate here is low, and the police here proactively remind the public not to get complacent. Low crime doesn't mean no crime.

[@umeedjavaid685]

On point 😂 specially “can” and”cannot”

[@Hui-wj9nm]

She put her phone on the railing and that scares me.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Haha there was glass behind the railing, which is hard to see in the video. I would be too freaked out to put it there without the glass... especially with that storm in the background 😆

[@edmondtan8787]

Bodyshop in shopping malls or at Mustafa Centre which is 24hrs, whrer u may find unscented soap that u want.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Thanks for the tip, Wesley!

[@se7enzee444]

No napkins is a good thing. We Americans are wasting napkins. 3 tips when traveling to Asia. 1) wear comfortable shoes 2) bring a long sleeve shirt. It's cold in the subway and stores. 3) always have a pack of napkins. Toilets might be without tissues.

[@deeplizardvlog]

Great tips!