Just a list of travel thoughts based on my regional travel experience. Regional travel can be quite a humbling experience given that Singapore is the most developed country in the SEA region. Prep yourself mentally for the below norms and non-norms which you should be able to observe in our neighbours:
Established infrastructure is not the norm
Think battered roads, rocky internet connection that stalls when you are paying for your air ticket, presence of bus roads but no buses. The opposite is Singapore.
Fast service is not the norm
Do not get frustrated if your food doesn't come in 10mins, or your bill doesn't come after calling the waiter 3 times.
Expensive food is not the norm
Whether its Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, enjoy restaurant food at at least 50% off. What kind of prices are we paying for food in Singapore???
In any case, be awed by the power of the Singaporean dollar.
Chaos is the norm
Do not expect your train to come every 5 mins, but expect to hop on any bus that brings you to your destination, even if it does not reflect the ticket that you have paid for. Quickly get acquainted with the system within the chaos, and embrace the culture and you should be fine.
Touting is the norm
Expect a swarm of taxi drivers to approach you for their 'affordable services'. Some look and dress their part that I nearly got conned.
What other norms can you think of?
EUFASS
No comments:
Post a Comment