SE Asia options for expats/ex Thailand.

[seasia]

Hi

 

The number of alternative location threads seem to be increasing exponentially.

 

Vietnam seems popular with some. I have visited, quite liked it but very low chance I would move there.

 

Europe/Eurasia likely my choice but if anyone wants to post their experiences thoughts on SE Asia alternatives., feel free to add here.

[Kwasaki]

4 hours ago, seasia said:

Vietnam seems popular with some. I have visited, quite liked it but very low chance I would move there.

So a start would be Vietnam, how long do you get on entry, how much for visa to stay there, how much for long term rent, what's the food like, banks & atm's access, what sort of social life available. ???  

[dotpoom]

17 hours ago, seasia said:

 Europe/Eurasia likely my choice

Where is Eurasia?

[Pravda]

Just now, dotpoom said:

Where is Eurasia?

 

Ex Soviet republics?

[Aussieroaming]

18 minutes ago, Pravda said:

 

Ex Soviet republics?

I would give Kazakhstan a double thumbs up, having lived and worked there for over 2 years. Not sure how easy it would be to get a residency visa though if not married to a Kazakh. 

 

Cost of living was very low, much less than Thailand but winter weather isnt for all. Personally I loved the winter.

[3421abc]

I lived in Ho Chi Minh for about a year.

Banking sucks in Vietnam, if u dont have a work permit you can open a bank account.in some banks but you can only make deposits if they come from overseas. U can do the in-out Visa runs without any problem. On the Visa side of things extremely easy to get tourist visas as much as you want.

If you marry a Vietnamese women they let you buy a home or land UNLIKE HERE.

Much easier to open a business and you can own it all. Also no BS of having to hire 3 useless Thais to get a work permit.

I have no doubt Vietnam will be a better country than Thailand in 10 yrs.

Only down side is the fun, entertainment options are lacking, I thought HCM was boring as hell.

Upside: much more welcoming to foreigners than Thailand

[Guderian]

A question for the Americans on here: how would Puerto Rico be as a retirement destination for a non-American, specifically a Brit? I know it got ravaged by the hurricane a year or two back, and that its finances are in a pretty awful state, but the climate is tropical and the scenery looks great. Being a part of the US, if not an incorporated part, is it better run than the usual tropical retirement locations in SEA, like Thailand and the PI? Are the locals friendly, or are they all gringo-hating Hispanics? Anybody care to give a list of pros and cons? I'd assume that the shops are well-stocked and reasonably-priced, hospitals are decent quality, police not much more corrupt than the average US cop, or am I dreaming?

[Jingthing]

32 minutes ago, Guderian said:

A question for the Americans on here: how would Puerto Rico be as a retirement destination for a non-American, specifically a Brit? I know it got ravaged by the hurricane a year or two back, and that its finances are in a pretty awful state, but the climate is tropical and the scenery looks great. Being a part of the US, if not an incorporated part, is it better run than the usual tropical retirement locations in SEA, like Thailand and the PI? Are the locals friendly, or are they all gringo-hating Hispanics? Anybody care to give a list of pros and cons? I'd assume that the shops are well-stocked and reasonably-priced, hospitals are decent quality, police not much more corrupt than the average US cop, or am I dreaming?

I'm no expert on PR but the info I got when I researched it was that it overly expensive for most everything. Stuff needs to be shipped in subject to a colonial style invasive tax. You would greatly improve your buying power going to the Caribbean area of Colombia or the Dominican Republic instead as you seem to want a Caribbean scene. Of course it's a Spanish speaking island so you'd want to learn Spanish in a similar way as if you were moving to Miami. It is part of the USA. The USA has no retirement visa. You couldn't live there year round on that status. In short, I'd say, forget about it. 

 

Sorry though, this is off topic. It would better fit on another active thread about alternatives to Thailand in LATIN AMERICA.

Edited April 19, 2019 by Jingthing

[Jonnapat]

2 hours ago, Aussieroaming said:

I would give Kazakhstan a double thumbs up, having lived and worked there for over 2 years. Not sure how easy it would be to get a residency visa though if not married to a Kazakh. 

 

Cost of living was very low, much less than Thailand but winter weather isnt for all. Personally I loved the winter.

I should love a winter right at this very moment 

[PerkinsCuthbert]

8 minutes ago, Jonnapat said:

I should love a winter right at this very moment 

Come on, a week of below freezing Arctic winds sweeping in from the tundra and you'd be begging for Pattaya again!

[Jingthing]

3 hours ago, Aussieroaming said:

I would give Kazakhstan a double thumbs up, having lived and worked there for over 2 years. Not sure how easy it would be to get a residency visa though if not married to a Kazakh. 

 

Cost of living was very low, much less than Thailand but winter weather isnt for all. Personally I loved the winter.

I looked it up on residency without marriage. Quick answer -- FORGET ABOUT IT. 

[mokwit]

Anywhere in Asia is going to end up like Pattaya or S'Ville. Anywhere cheap and Russia India China are close will.

[mokwit]

21 hours ago, seasia said:

Vietnam seems popular with some.

Someone posted that beach towns are now popular with Russians and Chinese - expect more locations to go this way.

[Billpro785]

Would not choose Purto Rico, worked there 3 months on a job for oil company. Dirty, expensive, may or may not have power most days. In the 90's was the place to go, unfortunately the government never maintained the infrastructure, calling 3rd world is a compliment. 

At present, live in Chaing Rai, but looking at Cambodia hard. 

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

I live in Vietnam. Longer term Vietnam visas are getting harder to get and are becoming more expensive. There no retirement visas or extensions. My current 6-month multi-entry Business cost $350US/11,000 baht. Had a one-year Business visa before that that also cost me $350. In effect, it doubled in price. The 2-year Temporary Residence Card has gone through the roof at $1600US/50,000 baht late last year. Was half that in mid-2018 and half of that again in 2017. 

 

Most people run on 3-month single entry visas, doing border runs to Cambodia. Yes, with the right agents, some can get longer visas and extensions. But then a month later, you find out the price has increased hugely or they remain unavailable for a period of time. Availability also depends on what immigration district you live in. You just never know.

 

I was just quoted $160US/5,000 baht for a 3-month multi-entry. I'm reconsidering my future in VN for visa and other reasons. I don't want to keep having to do visa runs every three months. And I want to travel on my own initiative.  

 

Just heard a rumour today from a long-time expat that a retirement visa is in the works. I will bet that it's going to be way more expensive than Thailand's or Cambodia's. It think that's because Vietnam is the new destination for refugee expats from the surrounding nations. 

[Darkside Gray]

4 hours ago, Guderian said:

A question for the Americans on here: how would Puerto Rico be as a retirement destination for a non-American, specifically a Brit? I know it got ravaged by the hurricane a year or two back, and that its finances are in a pretty awful state, but the climate is tropical and the scenery looks great. Being a part of the US, if not an incorporated part, is it better run than the usual tropical retirement locations in SEA, like Thailand and the PI? Are the locals friendly, or are they all gringo-hating Hispanics? Anybody care to give a list of pros and cons? I'd assume that the shops are well-stocked and reasonably-priced, hospitals are decent quality, police not much more corrupt than the average US cop, or am I dreaming?

Don't know about Puerto Rico but Mexico is great and lots of fun.

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, Darkside Gray said:

Don't know about Puerto Rico but Mexico is great and lots of fun.

Sure, it is very popular for expats.

Lots of on topic discussion about Mexico at this current thread --

 

[Destiny1990]

What are popular towns for expats in Vietnam?

i heard about Dah Nang at the beach

Ho tja min City and Saigon or am i mixing it up.

3 months visa for 5000 bht sounds excellent for me.

 

Edited April 19, 2019 by Destiny1990

[Mahseer]

1 hour ago, Destiny1990 said:

What are popular towns for expats in Vietnam?

i heard about Dah Nang at the beach

Ho tja min City and Saigon or am i mixing it up.

3 months visa for 5000 bht sounds excellent for me.

 

I'm in Vietnam at present and to add to your list:

 

Nha Trang. Beach city.

Bright lights and Chinese and Russians package tourists.

 

Vung Tao. Down the road from HCMC. Beach.

Closest thing you'll get to Pattaya that I know of.

 

Hoi An. Down the road from Da Nang.

Far more laid back than Da Nang. Beach close by.

 

Dalat

In the Central Highlands. Cool place.

 

HanoI

Bustling city loved by many.

 

Over to the experts..........

[DaRoadrunner]

2 hours ago, Kaoboi Bebobp said:

It think that's because Vietnam is the new destination for refugee expats from the surrounding nations.  

So now we are at the level of refugee status.... says it all. Visas getting tight and more expensive..... same can be said for the pussy.

[Destiny1990]

21 minutes ago, Mahseer said:

I'm in Vietnam at present and to add to your list:

 

Nha Trang. Beach city.

Bright lights and Chinese and Russians package tourists.

 

Vung Tao. Down the road from HCMC. Beach.

Closest thing you'll get to Pattaya that I know of.

 

Hoi An. Down the road from Da Nang.

Far more laid back than Da Nang. Beach close by.

 

Dalat

In the Central Highlands. Cool place.

 

HanoI

Bustling city loved by many.

 

Over to the experts..........

Very nice info I certainly am interested visiting several these town mentioned by u.

What according to u is big difference for expats between HCMC and Hanoi?

[DaRoadrunner]

On 4/18/2019 at 2:20 PM, seasia said:

The number of alternative location threads seem to be increasing exponentially.

We've all just seen the photo of the new Thai Immigration Chief!

[Mahseer]

1 minute ago, Destiny1990 said:

What according to u is big difference for expats between HCMC and Hanoi?

I haven't been to HCMC in 8 years so others are better placed to answer. Anyone?

[BritManToo]

16 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

Very nice info I certainly am interested visiting several these town mentioned by u.

What according to u is big difference for expats between HCMC and Hanoi?

HCMC is much warmer (was there week before last) but I didn't see many expats. Hanoi can be quite cold in winter.

Phnom Penh on the other hand (was there last week) is packed with retirees around my age (50-70), drank with 4 or 5 every night.

Can't really compare between Hanoi and HCMC, but Phnom Penh is packed with Girly bars, while HCMC is full of sexy massage parlours, so depends how you like your sexual services.

 

Only a comfy $10 bus trip (5hr) between the two cities.

Edited April 19, 2019 by BritManToo

[Destiny1990]

Seems i be most interested with  Hoi Ann, Da Nang and Nha Trang.

 

[Destiny1990]

17 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

HCMC is much warmer (was there week before last) but I didn't see many expats. Hanoi can be quite cold in winter.

Phnom Penh on the other hand (was there last week) is packed with retirees around my age (50-70), drank with 4 or 5 every night.

Can't really compare between Hanoi and HCMC, but Phnom Penh is packed with Girly bars, while HCMC is full of sexy massage parlours, so depends how you like your sexual services.

 

Only a comfy $10 bus trip (5hr) between the two cities.

Honestly been several times to PP and don’t  like that city much so i guess it makes me a massage parlour guy????.

[Jingthing]

I live in Vietnam. Longer term Vietnam visas are getting harder to get and are becoming more expensive. There no retirement visas or extensions. My current 6-month multi-entry Business cost $350US/11,000 baht. Had a one-year Business visa before that that also cost me $350. In effect, it doubled in price. The 2-year Temporary Residence Card has gone through the roof at $1600US/50,000 baht late last year. Was half that in mid-2018 and half of that again in 2017. 
 
Most people run on 3-month single entry visas, doing border runs to Cambodia. Yes, with the right agents, some can get longer visas and extensions. But then a month later, you find out the price has increased hugely or they remain unavailable for a period of time. Availability also depends on what immigration district you live in. You just never know.
 
I was just quoted $160US/5,000 baht for a 3-month multi-entry. I'm reconsidering my future in VN for visa and other reasons. I don't want to keep having to do visa runs every three months. And I want to travel on my own initiative.  
 
Just heard a rumour today from a long-time expat that a retirement visa is in the works. I will bet that it's going to be way more expensive than Thailand's or Cambodia's. It think that's because Vietnam is the new destination for refugee expats from the surrounding nations. 

If VN offers a retirement visa that has a path to permanent residence I would be very interested. Otherwise I ain't moving anywhere that doesn't offer that. Learned that lesson from Thailand.

Sent from my Lenovo A7020a48 using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Kwasaki]

10 hours ago, 3421abc said:

if u dont have a work permit you can open a bank account.in some banks but you can only make deposits if they come from overseas.

So you have European debit card can get money from a bank or ATM to live.

[Kwasaki]

3 hours ago, Mahseer said:

I'm in Vietnam at present and to add to your list:

 

Nha Trang. Beach city.

Bright lights and Chinese and Russians package tourists.

 

Vung Tao. Down the road from HCMC. Beach.

Closest thing you'll get to Pattaya that I know of.

 

Hoi An. Down the road from Da Nang.

Far more laid back than Da Nang. Beach close by.

 

Dalat

In the Central Highlands. Cool place.

 

HanoI

Bustling city loved by many.

 

Over to the experts..........

What about renting a place to live.?

[tabarin]

6 hours ago, Kaoboi Bebobp said:

I live in Vietnam. Longer term Vietnam visas are getting harder to get and are becoming more expensive. There no retirement visas or extensions. My current 6-month multi-entry Business cost $350US/11,000 baht. Had a one-year Business visa before that that also cost me $350. In effect, it doubled in price. The 2-year Temporary Residence Card has gone through the roof at $1600US/50,000 baht late last year. Was half that in mid-2018 and half of that again in 2017. 

 

Most people run on 3-month single entry visas, doing border runs to Cambodia. Yes, with the right agents, some can get longer visas and extensions. But then a month later, you find out the price has increased hugely or they remain unavailable for a period of time. Availability also depends on what immigration district you live in. You just never know.

 

I was just quoted $160US/5,000 baht for a 3-month multi-entry. I'm reconsidering my future in VN for visa and other reasons. I don't want to keep having to do visa runs every three months. And I want to travel on my own initiative.  

 

Just heard a rumour today from a long-time expat that a retirement visa is in the works. I will bet that it's going to be way more expensive than Thailand's or Cambodia's. It think that's because Vietnam is the new destination for refugee expats from the surrounding nations. 

Not sure what you are complaining about but all those prices sound super reasonable. 25K baht per year with 2 years is not bad at all too, and it is 2 years at one go right? It is much much more expensive, time consuming and travel requiring in Thailand in most similar visa situations, I would buy it tomorrow if i could get 2 years at one go for 50K baht here.

Also the business visa is a steal, certainly knowing you can actually own the business and are allowed to work.
You save 15,000 baht monthly at least on that compared to Thailand already, that is a 180K budget yearly, open your eyes.

And unless you get residency, there is no country to go and be hassle free or guaranteed well-off visa wise, everything is always subjected to change.

Edited April 19, 2019 by tabarin