"Chinese Tourists Who Don't Spend Money Can't Ride Buses" Absurd Singapore Guide

Refused Boarding for Spending Too Little Money at a 'Ginyeompum Gage'

A tourist bus in Singapore sparked controversy after refusing to allow Chinese tourists to board, citing that they had spent too little money at a souvenir shop.

Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post (SCMP) highlighted the dispute between a Singapore tour bus driver and Chinese tourists on the 25th (local time). Chinese tourist Mr. A claimed that the Singapore guide forced him to purchase souvenirs such as keychains and perfumes.

The scuffle between the bus driver and Chinese tourists was posted on social networking services (SNS), sparking controversy among local netizens. [Image source=Weibo and other SNS captures]

The argument between Mr. A and the guide was recorded on a mobile phone and shared on Chinese social networking services (SNS) on the 16th. The video reportedly caused a major controversy in mainland China. Mr. A also provided a detailed explanation of the situation in the video. He said that when he and other Chinese tourists did not buy enough souvenirs, the bus driver became angry.

Furthermore, the driver refused a tourist's request to bring blood pressure medicine from the tour bus and verbally abused the tourists, saying things like "There is nothing to give to Chinese who don't spend money." It was also reported that the bus doors were closed before the passengers could board. The angry tourists asked the bus driver to apologize, but the driver refused and instead ordered the passengers to get off the bus. Eventually, Mr. A and the other tourists were left stranded in the middle of Singapore.

Another tourist who posted the video expressed dissatisfaction, saying, "We somewhat expected the travel agency to stop by a souvenir shop for promotions, but we never dreamed that forced sales would happen." They also claimed that the driver verbally abused them and threatened them when they tried to report the incident to the police.

In the end, Mr. A and the other Chinese tourists had to wait there until another bus arrived. The incident was also reported locally in Singapore by a regional media outlet called Shinmin Daily News. An anonymous driver, claiming to be a colleague of the driver caught on video, told the media, "We do sell a few 'small and inexpensive' items to tourists." The driver added, "Bus drivers have to carry heavy luggage for tourists and rarely receive tips," and asked for understanding regarding the souvenir sales.

However, it was also reported that many Singaporeans believe the driver was at fault. Singaporean netizens who saw the news criticized, saying, "Even if bus drivers can sell items to tourists, forcing souvenirs on them is wrong," and "If such behavior is allowed in Singapore, where tourism is a major industry, who would want to visit our country?"