Name the top three countries you would want to move to if you left Thailand other than your home country

[William C F Pierce]

On 10/12/2021 at 10:59 AM, Jingthing said:

The renewal detail is important as 60k is real money and if you do need to show it more than one time for even one renewal based on bank cash thats not trivial. The income method is similar to Thailand except lower requirement and must be imported with no embassy letter option for any nationality. The irony is you can live decently in Thailand for 1000 a month but not Costa Rica. If it was based on basic cost of living Thailand's income requirement should be lower and Costa Rica higher.

There is no rule where you have to forever keep $60k in a bank. You have to on  arrival deposit it in a Costa Rica Bank. Nothing stops you freely spending it. If you want to stay you can't transfer it back out of the country unless you leave.

[Jingthing]

2 minutes ago, William C F Pierce said:

There is no rule where you have to forever keep $60k in a bank. You have to on  arrival deposit it in a Costa Rica Bank. Nothing stops you freely spending it. If you want to stay you can't transfer it back out of the country unless you leave.

I didn't say forever! I said it needed to be there for application times. 

[William C F Pierce]

11 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I didn't say forever! I said it needed to be there for application times. 

Which means you can spend it like I said, so what are you arguing for>>>>???????

[Banana7]

For retirement, seriously consider Panama.

 

Panama’s appeal for retirees is a system of legislated discounts for older residents. Women over 55 years of age and men over 60 qualify for 50 per cent off movies, theatres, concerts and sporting events; 50 per cent off the closing costs of home purchases; 50 per cent off hotel stays from Mondays through Thursdays; 30 per cent off hotel stays from Fridays through Saturdays; 25 per cent off restaurant meals; 15 per cent off dental and eye exams; and 25 per cent off airline tickets.

 

It uses USD as its currency.

 

[simon43]

On 10/14/2021 at 7:50 AM, meechai said:

1- Andorra

2- Girona Spain

3- Basque Country

30 years ago, I lived in Andorra.  It was very easy to buy a car, open a bank account etc. Last year when seeking a retirement destination, I inquired again about living in Andorra. No way!  They seem to have gone the way of EU countries, demanding tax certificates etc from my last location (Myanmar).  Too many probing questions about my business and income (I guess nowadays I can't blame them).  So I took my piles of cocaine money elsewhere ????  (That last bit was a joke, for those lacking a SoH....)

[meechai]

10 hours ago, simon43 said:

30 years ago, I lived in Andorra.  It was very easy to buy a car, open a bank account etc. Last year when seeking a retirement destination, I inquired again about living in Andorra. No way!  They seem to have gone the way of EU countries, demanding tax certificates etc from my last location (Myanmar).  Too many probing questions about my business and income (I guess nowadays I can't blame them).  So I took my piles of cocaine money elsewhere ????  (That last bit was a joke, for those lacking a SoH....)

Yes I can imagine...I think you might find that often these days in many countries....Like Thailand for example & the hassle with US citizens opening bank accounts sometimes. I think it is more a result of other countries hassling countries that were once considered neutral/safe havens etc to alert them to xx citizens stashing cash etc

[GammaGlobulin]

Kyoto or Nara, Japan

Cuba

Ceylon

[swissie]

Not long ago, Ecuador was high on the list of potential re-locators from Thailand.

And now? Due to rampant crime, a country-wide state of emergency was declared. Parts of the military was detached to support the police. What country is next, south of the Rio Grande?

Once more: "The doors are closing". One way or the other.

[dj230]

USA, China, Korea

 

my home country is Canada

[Jingthing]

56 minutes ago, swissie said:

Not long ago, Ecuador was high on the list of potential re-locators from Thailand.

And now? Due to rampant crime, a country-wide state of emergency was declared. Parts of the military was detached to support the police. What country is next, south of the Rio Grande?

Once more: "The doors are closing". One way or the other.

There you go again.

Your post requires context. 

Ecuador has recently elected a more right wing president.

Recently there was the worst prison violence in Ecuadors' history in Guayaquil. Gang warfare. 116 dead. Many decapitations. Horrible indeed. 

The day after that historic tragedy the new president declared this state of emergency.

Here is your context.

Guayaquil is not popular with expats.

Prisons there even less popular.

Presidents are under political pressure to take bold actions after major events. 

As mentioned the state of emergency is technically national, but if you look a tad deeper, the president announced the main focus is on a limited number of problematic provinces.

I have heard of no uptick in violence in Cuenca or beach areas like Manta, where most expats go.

As with anywhere, it depends on WHERE in the country you plan to go what your level of crime risk will be.

Ecuador remains a popular lower cost, easier financial level, retirement option for expats.

The door in Ecuador has not closed.

I'm not aware of any other Latin American nation that is currently open that is in imminent danger of closing. Don't mention Venezuela -- that's not for expats. 

Edited October 19, 2021 by Jingthing

[The Hammer2021]

Serbia, Albania, Kosovo

Cheap, great music, not spoiled by mass tourism  great topography, good beer culture, food and wine

[swissie]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

There you go again.

Your post requires context. 

Ecuador has recently elected a more right wing president.

Recently there was the worst prison violence in Ecuadors' history in Guayaquil. Gang warfare. 116 dead. Many decapitations. Horrible indeed. 

The day after that historic tragedy the new president declared this state of emergency.

Here is your context.

Guayaquil is not popular with expats.

Prisons there even less popular.

Presidents are under political pressure to take bold actions after major events. 

As mentioned the state of emergency is technically national, but if you look a tad deeper, the president announced the main focus is on a limited number of problematic provinces.

I have heard of no uptick in violence in Cuenca or beach areas like Manta, where most expats go.

As with anywhere, it depends on WHERE in the country you plan to go what your level of crime risk will be.

Ecuador remains a popular lower cost, easier financial level, retirement option for expats.

The door in Ecuador has not closed.

I'm not aware of any other Latin American nation that is currently open that is in imminent danger of closing. Don't mention Venezuela -- that's not for expats. 

Woulden't want to live in a country where I'd have to asses "the regional crime rate" on a monthly basis. = Is it coming my way or not? To live in a gated-community is one thing, but having to choose between "gated-regions" of a country is another thing. Surely not my thing.

But I think we agree: Where ever one goes, travel lightly these days. Don't buy. Rent!

Only problem: The older one gets, the harder it gets to grab the suitcase and just leave, especially if old age rears it's ugly head. At an advanced stage of live, "political-stability" must increasingly become part of any contemplations as to "where do I want to park my old bones".

I am not a clairvoyant, but I am quite sure, that (on occasion) you sit on the balcony of your condo, thinking to yourself "Thailand is quite nice this time of year". Lessening your urge to re-locate by the month. Am I right or am I right?

[Jingthing]

8 minutes ago, swissie said:

Woulden't want to live in a country where I'd have to asses "the regional crime rate" on a monthly basis. = Is it coming my way or not? To live in a gated-community is one thing, but having to choose between "gated-regions" of a country is another thing. Surely not my thing.

But I think we agree: Where ever one goes, travel lightly these days. Don't buy. Rent!

Only problem: The older one gets, the harder it gets to grab the suitcase and just leave, especially if old age rears it's ugly head. At an advanced stage of live, "political-stability" must increasingly become part of any contemplations as to "where do I want to park my old bones".

I am not a clairvoyant, but I am quite sure, that (on occasion) you sit on the balcony of your condo, thinking to yourself "Thailand is quite nice this time of year". Lessening your urge to re-locate by the month. Am I right or am I right?

I've made it clear several times that I prefer to stay in Thailand. If you didn't know before, now you know. 

I and many others here feel that it's wise to have a Plan B (as so many people have been squeezed out of here over the years due to visa enforcement policy changes, one never knows if they're next).

You're ridiculously exaggerating the situation in expat draw havens like Cuenca, Ecuador although it's certainly not crime free but neither is any big city in North America.

It's almost comical but it's still blatant fear mongering. 

It's funny that you mention political instability. Were you here during the great unpleasantness here? 

Edited October 19, 2021 by Jingthing

[swissie]

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I've made it clear several times that I prefer to stay in Thailand. If you didn't know before, now you know. 

I and many others here feel that it's wise to have a Plan B (as so many people have been squeezed out of here over the years due to visa enforcement policy changes, one never knows if they're next).

You're ridiculously exaggerating the situation in expat draw havens like Cuenca, Ecuador although it's certainly not crime free but neither is any big city in North America.

It's almost comical but it's still blatant fear mongering. 

It's funny that you mention political instability. Were you here during the great unpleasantness here? 

To take the US as a "measuring-stick/benchmark" concerning personal safety is not a good idea. In this comparison, every other half-way civilised country must appear as  quite attractive.

- Yes, I was here during "the great unpleasentness" in Thailand. No Farang came to harm as a result of this "unpleasentness".

- Currently, Expats in Ecuador are beyond "fear-mongerig". "True fear" has become part of their early morning breakfast.
- What do you think of the uprisings in southern Chile? Another "stable" South American country, so far? I happen to believe, that South-America as well as Africa are "lost continents". Not fit for re-settlement for Farangs, currently living in Thailand.

As a precautionary measure, any plan "B", should not include above mentioned countries/regions/continents. What's left? Not much.
My view. Cheers.

[gk10012001]

On 10/5/2021 at 5:19 AM, John Drake said:

Laos.  (At least for a little while)

Mexico. (Could make Mexico, in the right city, permanent)

 

Mexico is still on my radar, give or take the crime and drug situation.  I like being near the USA.  Asia was and still is my hope.  The Philippines, not so much.  Girls are asian, but the culture, primary religion, architecture, etc. is not asian.  Japan too expensive.  China don't trust the government.  Vietnam is pretty but don't trust nor like the government.

Laos a contender if I really do want or can stand the quieter life.

Cambodia still in the running. 

My buddy swears by Costa Rica but I can't see me spending so much time there

 

I just don't have much first hand experience with Europe. I always liked the idea of a Erail pass and seeing many countries over there.  Some of those British museums are out of this world.   I am of Greek background and know the language a bit and love the food and was raised the culture here in the USA.  I do like oceans and seas.    But most likely I will end up  splitting my time between the USA and Thailand, and just visiting other places around the world after I retire next year.

[VocalNeal]

56 minutes ago, gk10012001 said:

I like being near the USA.

I used to live in Brazil. How is that now? Was OK, 15 years ago. 

[gk10012001]

29 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

I used to live in Brazil. How is that now? Was OK, 15 years ago. 

Given the recent COVID situation, Brazil might be a bit dicey, depending on where and how one lives there

[gk10012001]

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

I've made it clear several times that I prefer to stay in Thailand. If you didn't know before, now you know. 

I and many others here feel that it's wise to have a Plan B (as so many people have been squeezed out of here over the years due to visa enforcement policy changes, one never knows if they're next).

You're ridiculously exaggerating the situation in expat draw havens like Cuenca, Ecuador although it's certainly not crime free but neither is any big city in North America.

It's almost comical but it's still blatant fear mongering. 

It's funny that you mention political instability. Were you here during the great unpleasantness here? 

I would not recommend anu big city in America, with some caveats.  Lost Angeles of course is a big city, but if one means Los Angeles County, and lumps in all the cities in that county, there really are some decent areas to live in and enjoy the weather and not be far from the coast.  If not working and not on a regular commuter type of schedule, the freeway traffic is not much of an issue.  I have done most of my trips to the Commerce casino poker room with out dealing with traffic jams!

 

 There are several areas north of San Diego that are nice (escondido is a sleeper town).

 

New York city, well, Good luck if you like that level of crowdiness.

 

  There are still many relatively inexpensive areas in Florida all along the coast.

 

  Northern USA cities, well, if you want weather go for it.  I was raised in Rhode Island and Mass and New Hampshire.  I miss the seasons coming and going but it was no fun in the winter driving to and from work.  Having lived in Florida or California almos exclusively the last 30 years, and spent over a year in Thailand, my blood has definitely thinned.

[simon43]

On 25 November (I hope!), I fly from Vientiane to KL, and then onto Istanbul, with plans to either settle on the sunny coast in Turkey, or fly onto TRNC (Turkish Replublic of North Cyprus) after a few weeks in Turkey (Laos is on the red-list for TRNC, need to stay in Turkey for 14 days).

 

The 'shove' came about because of my ham radio hobby being restricted in Laos (I've bored everyone before about this, so no more details!).  In considering which country to move to, I weighed up the following factors:

 

1 - Ease to remain in the country long-term: As a Brit, I can enter both countries visa-free for 30-90 days, and then apply for an annual residence visa with minimal financial requirements, (typically $500 monthly income in Turkey or $1,500 in TRNC). 

2 - Sun and sea - also skiing which is a bonus (I used to do cross-country skiing in Andorra)

3 - Cheap cost of living, especially when eating out.  Turkey is very cheap, especially compared to southern EU countries.

4 - Good health care (compared to Laos!)

5 - OK to do my radio ham hobby

6 - Safety: Eastern Turkey does have troubles near their borders, but generally safe (at the moment). TRNC is a safer option, even if the territory was established after a short war with the rest of Cyprus.

7 - Easy sex: Well, about null points!  Prostitution is legal in Turkey, and probably not in TRNC, unless one of the famous wild donkeys is available....

8 - Language:  I have no knowledge of Turkish, except for 'doner kebab' ???? I like learning languages, so will definitely make the effort to improve on that phrase in Turkish to include "... and plenty of tomato ketchup and make it snappy, you lazy w*p"!

 

Oh - I also forgot the very important point that my British state pension will increase each year, so an extra 75p will be very welcome each year...

 

Important point:  I am very glad that I made the decision not to buy property, not to be tied by family to a particular country.  My online job means that I can live literally anywhere in the world (visas allowing etc).  This has enabled me to live in some wonderful locations and to fill my mind with many great (and sometimes not so great) memories.

 

 

 

 

Edited October 20, 2021 by simon43

[Banana7]

7 hours ago, The Hammer2021 said:

Serbia, Albania, Kosovo

Cheap, great music, not spoiled by mass tourism  great topography, good beer culture, food and wine

What about the women and weather? Cold winters! Women look nice but are young attractive women interested in older men?

[Mac Mickmanus]

2 minutes ago, Banana7 said:

What about the women and weather? Cold winters! Women look nice but are young attractive women interested in older men?

That would depend on how much you can pay them , same as Thailand 

[Banana7]

8 minutes ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

That would depend on how much you can pay them , same as Thailand 

In comparison to Thailand, more, less or same?

[Mac Mickmanus]

6 minutes ago, Banana7 said:

In comparison to Thailand, more, less or same?

Its against forum rules to discuss participating in  prostitution on here 

[Banana7]

1 minute ago, Mac Mickmanus said:

Its against forum rules to discuss participating in  prostitution on here 

I am not discussing prostitution or sex. I am  asking about companionship.

[Mac Mickmanus]

2 minutes ago, Banana7 said:

I am not discussing prostitution or sex. I am  asking about companionship.

Oh, I see . The cost of companionship is a bit higher in those Countries and not as readily available and they are likely to look their age  

[Jeffr2]

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

On 25 November (I hope!), I fly from Vientiane to KL, and then onto Istanbul, with plans to either settle on the sunny coast in Turkey, or fly onto TRNC (Turkish Replublic of North Cyprus) after a few weeks in Turkey (Laos is on the red-list for TRNC, need to stay in Turkey for 14 days).

 

The 'shove' came about because of my ham radio hobby being restricted in Laos (I've bored everyone before about this, so no more details!).  In considering which country to move to, I weighed up the following factors:

 

1 - Ease to remain in the country long-term: As a Brit, I can enter both countries visa-free for 30-90 days, and then apply for an annual residence visa with minimal financial requirements, (typically $500 monthly income in Turkey or $1,500 in TRNC). 

2 - Sun and sea - also skiing which is a bonus (I used to do cross-country skiing in Andorra)

3 - Cheap cost of living, especially when eating out.  Turkey is very cheap, especially compared to southern EU countries.

4 - Good health care (compared to Laos!)

5 - OK to do my radio ham hobby

6 - Safety: Eastern Turkey does have troubles near their borders, but generally safe (at the moment). TRNC is a safer option, even if the territory was established after a short war with the rest of Cyprus.

7 - Easy sex: Well, about null points!  Prostitution is legal in Turkey, and probably not in TRNC, unless one of the famous wild donkeys is available....

8 - Language:  I have no knowledge of Turkish, except for 'doner kebab' ???? I like learning languages, so will definitely make the effort to improve on that phrase in Turkish to include "... and plenty of tomato ketchup and make it snappy, you lazy w*p"!

 

Oh - I also forgot the very important point that my British state pension will increase each year, so an extra 75p will be very welcome each year...

 

Important point:  I am very glad that I made the decision not to buy property, not to be tied by family to a particular country.  My online job means that I can live literally anywhere in the world (visas allowing etc).  This has enabled me to live in some wonderful locations and to fill my mind with many great (and sometimes not so great) memories.

 

 

 

 

My friends are staying in Antalya until things calm down here. They're loving it. Got a huge condo for 600€ a month.

[Henryford]

Any country that would have me with reasonable visa requirements.

[The Hammer2021]

2 hours ago, Banana7 said:

What about the women and weather? Cold winters! Women look nice but are young attractive women interested in older men?

Good question. The weather in winter is cold. Grim in the cities but beautiful in the countryside. The P4P is not cheap in Serbia and let's face it nowhere is as much fun as Thailand. The other two places have potential for P4P but I've not been there yet. Gypsies provide P4P services but seem a bit skanky the alternative being platinum blonde bombshells for ST / 150 Euros.

Edited October 20, 2021 by The Hammer2021

[SCOTT FITZGERSLD]

On 10/5/2021 at 12:30 PM, BritManToo said:

Not at all, if my former wife hadn't divorced me I'd still be living in the UK and sleeping with a 63 year old woman.

As it's worked out, I'm living in the tropics with a woman half my age.

In an odd sort of way she did me a favour.

is that your wife now in your profile photo? she looks great

[steven100]

so Jingthing,   who won the competition   ?       or is it still open ....