Singapore vs. Hong Kong

[wooohooo]

Really? I found it pretty hard to order food and call a taxi... or do anything. If I had to order food I had to point to a picture, and how many with fingers. Or going places I had to point to a map. One time I had to ask for the washroom... that was an interesting little dance. All those asian girls were giggling at my ######edness.

I asked my friend about singapore (she's from there) and she thinks it's very English friendly. A lot of people there speak english so way better than Hong Kong.

[Skyceman]

I am currently working over here in Singapore as an expat (have for the past 2 years) and I would recommend it over Hong Kong. In Singapore, you will have a much easier time getting around and adjusting as most people can speak English fairly well. (they must learn English in school). Hong Kong I had a hard time even ordering food and reading menu's when I was there. Singapore is also very safe and clean.

I recommend going to Clark Quay, Sentosa Island (Universal studios is almost ready to open a brand new theme park there complete with rides, casinos, etc, downtown Orchard (for shopping).

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Singapore is definetely completely English friendly. Hong Kong is definetely not. Most people cannot speak english. There will be no english on menus, nothing.

I lived in HK for 4 years, dont speak very much cantonese, but never had a problem. I think your characterization that most 'cannot speak english' is a bit off, especially in any touristy area where visitors would be gathering. In these areas, most restaurant menus will be bilingual, most people in shops will speak english.

Certainly, english-speakers will be scarce in the New Territory, small shops, street markets, and cab drivers/green mini-bus drivers. Some tourists might encounter this, most probably wouldn't.

Anyways, for the OP, Hong Kong is fabulous, so is Singapore (have visited twice). Don't think you can go wrong with either.