“Tourist Sparks Outrage for Calling Singapore “Super Expensive” After Staying in $1,200-a-Night Hotel “

Singapore is known for its high costs, but a recent tourist’s reaction to the expenses drew sharp responses online. American TikTok user Tourdebree shared her surprise at Singapore’s prices after a five-night stay, asking, “Why nobody told me Singapore was so expensive?”

The Japan-based traveler, who arrived on a $470 flight, stayed at a hotel costing $1,200 per night. She noted, “Believe it or not, this was on the cheaper side,” and attributed her choice to the fact that short-term rentals like Airbnb are limited in Singapore. Adding to her expenses, she spent $90 on a one-way airport transfer and a total of $800 on transportation. Food costs were also high as she opted for upscale dining, spending $1,500 total, with $85 for just a tuna salad and calamari.

Netizens were quick to react, with many pointing out that affordable options abound. One commented, “I live here. My lunch is $7, and a round-trip commute across the city is $4.40.” Others agreed with her assessment, but Tourdebree explained that she purposely avoided hostels, hawker food, and public transit.

For those seeking a more budget-friendly trip, Singapore can be explored without breaking the bank. A Danish couple recently managed a $100-a-day budget by staying in Little India for $70 a night and eating at hawker centers. Free activities like Gardens by the Bay’s Supertree Grove light show helped keep costs down, proving that Singapore can offer a range of experiences at various price points.