what are the difference's n difficulties expats face with singaporeans?

[s'porean perspective ..]

and to all those who complain abt the surly sales and customer-service people who earn a mere $800:

they earn far more being in customer service abroad and guess what?
a typical scenario ... there are only 2 bank tellers open and 10 customers waiting - why?

hey, it's their individual right (and so the unions tell them) - time for that coffee break which can stretch up to for 40 mins (for an official 30-minute break).
depending on the organisation, this can happen twice a day ....

customer service with a smile? sure, after i've had my cuppa!  

[sarkie]

The biggest thing I miss is the quickfire humour and sarcastic banter that you have where I come from.  It's that deadpan stare you get when you try to use this here.  I miss the witty one liners too.

[T2K]

South Seas -

Sorry if my advice was not useful to you.
I was trying to help you put things in perspective, albeit perhaps not in the most effective way.  I believe that in the whole scheme of things, the poor customer service skills you've encountered here are slightly annoying, and I was trying to help you see that as well through an alternative situation.  Anyway, no further comments from me on this, and I hope you are able to persevere in your shopping despite the hardships.

[Bad Manners]

Timmy. You are rather missing the point here. Of course its their job to claer plates, wipe tables etc but did it not occur to you that it is just a little rude not to let someone eat their meal in peace!!!

[Taking the P***]

ha_ha
As an Australian we tend to be sarcastic and have a twisted sense of humour. All I can say is that your colleagues must like you if they do this. Aussies don't mind being the butt of someone else's joke and as a consequence will probably take the mickey as often as possible. No offense is meant to be taken...you just have to get a little twisted and retaliate. I think you'll also find Aussies will tell you exactly how it is (not probably the done thing here) so if your work is below par they'll say so  but there is no grudge...an hour later all is forgotten and forgiven. Remember we are talking about people who can use the word bastard affectionately!!??? OK...we are a little strange (Perhaps this upfront approach in a society where saving face is important can cause conflicts.....)