Do Singaporeans Dress More Formally Than Malaysians When Travelling?

Singaporeans have a reputation being kiasu, chope-ing tables with tissue packets, and complaining about the weather.

Apparently, we can now add another one to the list: That Singaporean travellers dress "more formal" compared to Malaysian travellers. 

This is according to an Instagram video where hotel staff in Taiwan said they are able to identify which countries travellers are from within three seconds. The video, posted by one of the staff in the hotel, Mark Lam, has racked up over 90K views. 

"Singaporeans usually dress a bit more formal. Malaysians are more casual,” he observed.

Wait, us? Now that's a departure from the usual criticism about Singaporeans being decked out head-to-toe in Uniqlo. 

While Mark didn't elaborate on exactly what makes Singaporeans look more put together, he said the difference is obvious enough for hotel staff to notice.

But it wasn't just the fashion choices that set Singaporeans apart. 

"Singaporeans mainly speak English and Mandarin. Malaysians mix everything in one sentence, including English, Mandarin, Hokkien, even Malay and Cantonese," Mark continued. 

They also mentioned Singaporeans have a habit of asking all their questions at once, so efficiently that we can sometimes come across as being in a hurry.

In the comments section, Singaporeans agreed wholeheartedly. "Yes, Singaporeans on holiday will dress properly out of respect for the country,” a netizen said.

Others mentioned Singaporeans generally make a little more effort with their appearance when travelling.

Of course, not everyone was convinced.

Some pointed out that Singaporeans choose comfort over fashion when they're on a flight. Others joked that we're only well-dressed because we've all been shopping at the same Japanese retailer.