And yes, there is a very great difference in the hokkien they speak here. I am starting to speak like them when I'm back in SG
But as to stares, or what, like i always mention, travel smart, keep your money seperate, drive safely, and when picking girls, just pick and go. Aviod drugs, then everything else should be fine 99% of the time.
It's no difference when you travel to other parts of the world as well. Remembered long time ago in Egypt, people selling me entrance tickets to see the pyramids when its open to everyone. Haha... Look from the point that the people here are poor and in general will just do anything to get money, so its that simple.