ANGMOH GETS CULTURE SHOCK IN S’PORE, SHOCKED TO SEE $20K BICYCLE UNATTENDED HERE

Singapore is a vibrant and multicultural city, attracting expatriates from all corners of the globe. For many newcomers to the Lion City, one of the most intriguing and surprising aspects of local culture is the propensity to leave personal belongings unattended.

This practice is an integral part of the famous “chope” culture, a term that has become synonymous with Singapore.

$20k bike left unattended

One incident that perfectly encapsulates this cultural phenomenon recently made waves on social media. Mr. Nick Whitaker, a visitor from the United States, encountered something that left him in awe and disbelief.

On October 30th, he posted a picture on X (formerly Twitter) of a Pinarello Dogma F12 bicycle worth around US$15,000 (or SGD$20,500), left unattended in a public space in Singapore.

Mr. Whitaker’s tweet quickly gained traction, garnering over 1.1 million views and hundreds of responses. The image of the high-end bicycle resting unguarded became a viral sensation. People from around the world were astonished by the level of trust and safety that could inspire such a bold act.

The ultimate Singapore culture shock: a $15k bike left unattended pic.twitter.com/RhGiwXPjT7

— Nick Whitaker (@ns_whit) October 30, 2023

Part of the culture

For many foreigners in Singapore, the sight of personal belongings left unattended is indeed a cultural shock. The “chope” culture, with its surprising displays of trust, is a testament to the safety and unity of the city-state.

It may baffle newcomers, but it is a practice deeply rooted in Singaporean culture, reflecting their trust in each other. In a world with growing concerns about safety, Singapore offers a unique and heartwarming example of a community built on trust.

Netizens’ comments

1. I love Singapore. (Speaking as someone who has lived in both Singapore and Berlin. In Berlin, by contrast, I use both a U-lock and a chain… so some guy took apart my bike, cut the cables, and stole the suspension fork. And it’s not even an expensive bike!)
2. Was in Paris last weekend and every station had an announcement warning *you* to be wary of pickpockets who are ‘operating’ in the area and I kept thinking this is such a policy failure.
3. In Singapore, there’s not much place to run. The larger the country, the easier the heist.
4. i’ve seen ppl here chope/book food court seats with their iPhones, so an unattended bike is perfectly normal.