If complaining was an Olympic sport, Singapore would take Gold every time. So when global surveys name the Lion City among the world’s friendliest—locals are absolutely baffled. While tourists praise the clean streets and safety, Singaporeans are choping seats with tissue packets in silent aggression, raging on social media about yet another ”Track Fault” on the MRT, and impatiently waiting in hour-long queues for the next big cafe opening. Over the past few years, international rankings have praised Singapore for its ultra-friendly vibe, leaving residents confused. Here’s why these Friendliest City titles get nothing but eye rolls from locals.
Why locals strongly disagree with the world’s friendliest city titles
Singapore keeps topping global lists as one of the world’s friendliest cities. Condé Nast Traveller ranked Singapore as one of the top 10 friendliest cities in the world in both 2024 and 2025. The Readers’ Choice Awards named the Lion City as the 4th friendliest city globally and the no.1 friendliest city in Asia just last year.
Meanwhile, the Happy City Index consistently gives Singapore a high ranking such as the Happiest City In Asia for 2025, and third happiest in the entire world. Additionally, the World’s Best Cities yearly report reinforces the narrative the Singapore is a pleasant city.
Oppositely, Singaporeans insist their day-to-day experiences feel a lot more stressed than tourists see. From the piercing death stare if you block the walkway to sharp small talk with a hawker auntie, and the national sport of complaining about everything and anything…we’re wondering who makes these laughable global rankings?
Media coverage in recent years highlighted this confusion with one netizen saying: ”I thought people in Singapore were extremely rude! On one occasion, I asked if I could by credit card and the person I was asking yelled CASH at me and threw a menu at me lol.” Meanwhile, a Singaporean commentor added: ”we are not nasty people, but definitely not the friendliest.”
Additionally, Commenters on online forums often cite long working hours, a high cost of living, and a generally stressed pace of life as reasons for residents appearing impatient or unfriendly. Certainly, Singapore is a safe, clean, and mostly efficient place to be but locals don’t recognise themselves in these types of rankings.
SEE MORE: New Indie Cinema Filmhouse Takes Over The Old Projector Space In Singapore