Coming into Singapore as a US expat, I didn’t expect stark differences, and saw Singapore as another major flourishing metropolitan with Western influence. I felt that I had a good grasp of the country from everything I’ve read or seen online.

But having the  opportunity to come and live in Singapore, these are a few things that really surprised me about the Lion City.

Singapore could be the next Silicon Valley of the Southeast. Globalized, innovative, and having a low barrier of entry — this is what comes to mind when I think of Singapore.

Heads are turning to invest in early stage startups in Singapore as more international fellows flock here to chase their startup dreams in Asia, instead of Silicon Valley. Raising seed is less competitive here, national initiatives drive the need for tech solutions, and investors here are hungry to find their next rocket ship to throw money at.

Alcohol is expensive. I used to complain about the drink prices we’d pay for in San Francisco, forking out $10–14 USD for a well-made drink at an upscale bar in the financial district. In Singapore, they can range from $12–20 USD, which has largely deterred me from partying and drinking. My hangovers are basically non-existent because every time I take a sip of my drink, I remember how expensive it is and sober up.

It is incredibly safe here. I have watched people leave their items at a coffee shop to use the restroom, and no one has snatched their belongings. Anywhere else, I’m sure it’d be gone in 3 seconds. My Singaporean friends even say I am the most paranoid walker at night since I tend to look over my shoulder every 10 seconds and assure that we are safe roaming the streets at 2 am. It is said that you can go out after a night drinking, fall asleep in a taxi, and get to your destination safely.