Singaporeans are third-biggest spenders for Valentine's Day in Asia-Pacific: Survey

[yuiyoshida]

SINGAPORE: Who says true love is priceless? Consumers in Singapore have set an average budget of US$189 (S$263) for Valentine's Day this year, according to a survey by MasterCard.

People in Singapore rank third in the Asia-Pacific region, MasterCard said. Lovebirds in Hong Kong plan to spend the most at US$243 (S$338), while those in mainland China plan to spend an average of US$239 (S$332), MasterCard said in a news release on Thursday (Feb 11).

The MasterCard Love Index, which surveyed nearly 8,800 people across 17 markets, also found that men across the Asia-Pacific region planned to spend 40 per cent more than women on gifts. According to the credit card company, men in Hong Kong are the biggest spenders, planning to shell out US$273 (S$380) on Valentine's Day presents for their partners, while men in Singapore have set aside US$198 (S$275) - above the regional average of US$120 (S$167).

The index found that the only markets where women planned to spend more than men were Sri Lanka and South Korea.

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singaporeans-are-third/2506506.html

[KamaAina]

1. When exactly did Valentine's Day find its way across the Pacific?

[Texasgal]

2. My best guess is

Singapore has a huge ex-pat community?

[KamaAina]

3. As does Hong Kong

my college girlfriend wound up there!

[yuiyoshida]

4. Valentines day in Japan

Probably started during the occupation after WW2. Men get the chocolates on Valentines day, Followed up with a White day when women get their chocolate goodies, provided the men reciprocate.