Singapore began providing 30-day visa-free entry to Chinese language vacationers on Feb. 9 anticipating to draw vacationers from the world’s largest outbound market, however its excessive prices and different points are a continuing matter of debate on Chinese language social media.
A netizen, Yanyi Elaine of China’s Anhui Province, wrote on his Weibo account with over 11,000 followers: “The town is named the capital of fines. Why would I am going there? Touring ought to be carefree and never be a consistently fear about what to not do.”
His publish shortly drew consideration.
The hashtag “visa-free journey to Singapore may end in guests changing into poor if not cautious” grew to become essentially the most searched-for matter on Weibo, based on Singaporean newspaper Strait Instances.
It has attracted 310 million views and sparked greater than 9,000 dialogue threads.
Singapore has the doubtful distinction of getting been the world’s costliest metropolis 9 instances within the final 11 years.
Based on Numbeo, the world’s largest database of user-contributed information about cities and international locations worldwide, the typical single particular person’s estimated month-to-month bills in Singapore are S$1,506 (US$1,121).
However some Chinese language netizens are saying although Singapore could be very costly it’s a protected vacation spot.
One wrote on Weibo: “Singapore can’t be handled like Thailand. Actually costly. And the meals, in abstract, is simply common. However the place continues to be fairly enjoyable, protected and safe, and never as bizarre as Thailand.”
One other stated: “The expertise in Singapore is healthier than in Thailand.”
A 3rd wrote: “Sure, it is extremely costly. My associates all went to Thailand, however I stated I wasn’t eager about that place.”
Some Chinese language nationals based mostly in Singapore provide tips about how to save cash whereas visiting the town state.
On social media channel Xiaohongshu, they suggested Chinese language vacationers to eat at hawker facilities and store at suburban malls corresponding to Changi Metropolis Level, which is understood for its outlet shops.
An American YouTuber “Grif” stated he was shocked to seek out scrumptious low-cost eats underneath US$5 at Singapore’s Tiong Bahru Market.
China was Singapore’s second largest supply of holiday makers final yr with 1.4 million folks behind solely Indonesia.