The best country for expats to relocate to has been named

[KhunLA]

59 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Although the original post referred to working expats, it's interesting to discuss (again!) the choice of countries to which one could move to.  But it doesn't matter how cheap the CoL is, or how sexy and available the local women/men are, if one cannot easily obtain (and renew) a visa to legally reside in the country.

 

So discussion of living in Australia, USA, Canada, UK etc is going to be irrelevant for many forum posters, because getting a visa to live in those countries can be difficult for many, (EG - I'm British, but there is no way that I can realistically get a visa to live in Australia).  Residing in EU countries is going to be a financial obstacle for many who don't hold EU passports.

 

That's one reason why I moved to live in Turkey, because they have an almost-open visa policy.  As long as you have enough income to match the monthly minimum wage, you can get an annual visa.

 

After living here for 3 weeks on my 90-day tourist visa stamp (VoA), I went down to the local immigration office with all my documents to apply for a 12-month visa to live in the country.  I had documents to prove my income, house rental contract etc.  Not needed!  The immigration officer came to meet me in the street outside his office (I guess to minimise Covid risks etc), got me to sign his document, took a copy of my passport and said that my annual residency card will be posted to me next week..... that's it! ????  The only document required was proof of Turkish state medical insurance (about $60 a year, a flat rate regardless of age or pre-existing conditions).

 

Are there any other countries with a similar immigration policy?  (I do seem to have a history of having to move on after a few years in each country, so it's always good to know the next possible destination...)

 

 

That's way too easy.  Followed a fellow drone operator on youtube, lovely place, and probably good kebabs ????

 

Never know it watching USA MSM though.  Earthquake now & then, that's about only negative.

[Jeff Olssson]

12 hours ago, simon43 said:

After living here for 3 weeks on my 90-day tourist visa stamp (VoA), I went down to the local immigration office with all my documents to apply for a 12-month visa to live in the country.  I had documents to prove my income, house rental contract etc.  Not needed!  The immigration officer came to meet me in the street outside his office (I guess to minimise Covid risks etc), got me to sign his document, took a copy of my passport and said that my annual residency card will be posted to me next week..... that's it! ????  The only document required was proof of Turkish state medical insurance (about $60 a year, a flat rate regardless of age or pre-existing conditions).

 

This is great info. Is the residence permit you applied for would be ”short term residence permit” they describe in this page: https://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-1?

[Tony125]

On 12/17/2021 at 2:56 PM, ramrod711 said:

In the last two years, three people have left the gym I go to in Chiang Mai for Mexico. All say they are happy with their decision to do so. I'm happy in Thailand, but if my marriage ends for any reason, I would have a look at Mexico. 

Mexican cartels are making it dangerous almost anywhere  in Mexico.

 

Tania Mendoza, Mexican Actress and Singer, Shot Dead at 42

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/tania-mendoza-mexican-actress-and-singer-shot-dead-at-42/ar-AARVQz9?li=BBnb7Kz

[Jingthing]

9 minutes ago, Tony125 said:

Mexican cartels are making it dangerous almost anywhere  in Mexico.

 

Tania Mendoza, Mexican Actress and Singer, Shot Dead at 42

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/tania-mendoza-mexican-actress-and-singer-shot-dead-at-42/ar-AARVQz9?li=BBnb7Kz

Oh please.

If you read the article you would know this was not cartel related.

Also it's well known that Cuernevaca is not on the list of safest Mexican destinations to live.

To be clear I am not saying that Mexico is perfectly safe or a crime free paradise any more than the USA is. But I am saying if you pick your location there carefully and practice common sense risk avoidance, it would be irrational to rule out the country entirely based on crime fear.

Edited December 18, 2021 by Jingthing

[Meat Pie 47]

So I guess you all will me hate for this why do you have to move to a foreign country if you can live in your home country? Girls, temples, beaches ? I never lived better in my home country than Thai lived in Thailand

[simon43]

8 hours ago, Jeff Olssson said:

This is great info. Is the residence permit you applied for would be ”short term residence permit” they describe in this page: https://en.goc.gov.tr/residence-1?

 

Yes, that's the one.  Annual residence visa.  I think on my renewal next year they will issue a 2-year visa.

[World Traveller2]

20 hours ago, simon43 said:

Although the original post referred to working expats, it's interesting to discuss (again!) the choice of countries to which one could move to.  But it doesn't matter how cheap the CoL is, or how sexy and available the local women/men are, if one cannot easily obtain (and renew) a visa to legally reside in the country.

 

So discussion of living in Australia, USA, Canada, UK etc is going to be irrelevant for many forum posters, because getting a visa to live in those countries can be difficult for many, (EG - I'm British, but there is no way that I can realistically get a visa to live in Australia).  Residing in EU countries is going to be a financial obstacle for many who don't hold EU passports.

 

That's one reason why I moved to live in Turkey, because they have an almost-open visa policy.  As long as you have enough income to match the monthly minimum wage, you can get an annual visa.

 

After living here for 3 weeks on my 90-day tourist visa stamp (VoA), I went down to the local immigration office with all my documents to apply for a 12-month visa to live in the country.  I had documents to prove my income, house rental contract etc.  Not needed!  The immigration officer came to meet me in the street outside his office (I guess to minimise Covid risks etc), got me to sign his document, took a copy of my passport and said that my annual residency card will be posted to me next week..... that's it! ????  The only document required was proof of Turkish state medical insurance (about $60 a year, a flat rate regardless of age or pre-existing conditions).

 

Are there any other countries with a similar immigration policy?  (I do seem to have a history of having to move on after a few years in each country, so it's always good to know the next possible destination...)

 

 

Thanks for your post.

 

Last night shopping at both Big C and Tesco, although I could find many farang foods I felt sad that I could not find any good value (and in most cases anything resembling) Turkish foods. No cheap soft cheeses, and no olive spreads. So, I'm thinking, why bother with Thailand or Pune or a beachside town in Sri Lanka?

 

For one, the Bosphorus doesn't stink like Khlong Saen.

 

Now add the ease of retiring there. Forgetting South and S.E. Asia is becoming more appealing. 

 

Can one just show up for six months per year or are you required to stay longer? You see, I need a bicontinental existence.

And how does one prove income, just a bank statement showing deposits for X months?

[Hummin]

No African country?

 

Easiest countries to retire (from Us) and surprisingly Svalbard tops the list ????

 

 

https://visaguide.world/tips/easiest-countries-to-move-to-from-usa/

 

 

[World Traveller2]

22 hours ago, BritManToo said:

Do you think they (or we) want alcoholics?

Dry alcoholics - no problem! I know numerous alcoholics and persons with other addictions. As long as they keep their potential for destructive habits under control, I have zero issue with them.

 

Drunks, another matter. Actually, even then no issue, as long as they drink at home. And come to think of it, even if locals and my fellow foreigners drink a gallon of whiskey every morning, as long as they don't drive - who cares? There willl always be a group of people whose attitudes we find 'other'. I have to be careful of this myself.

 

One of the things I like about Thailand and ASEAN countries (at least up to recently and in most urban centres) is the social tolerance of human weaknesses. You are a carnivorous BUYsexual Trotskyite? Let's have a game of 'tawkraw', 'cause I couldn't care less about your foibles.

[ColeBOzbourne]

7 hours ago, Meat Pie 47 said:

So I guess you all will me hate for this why do you have to move to a foreign country if you can live in your home country? Girls, temples, beaches ? I never lived better in my home country than Thai lived in Thailand

Fifty years in my home country became a bit boring and bland. Once retired, it's nice to get out and experience something different.

[grain]

On 12/14/2021 at 12:47 PM, BritManToo said:

Some of us prefer not to live in police states where everything is taxed and regulated and citizens entry in and out of the country is tightly monitored and restricted.

Come on now, Australia is "the envy of the world" if you watch Australian news you will hear the Prime Minister and state premiers reconfirming that fact on a daily basis. ????

[World Traveller2]

On 12/14/2021 at 9:56 AM, RmcaIssan said:

Good summary ..definition of 'best' is seriously subjective ..

Certainly agree on Portugal ..great place and easy to pop into Spain 

Turkey (Adana)  and Greece maybe ..both great food 

No mention of the Philippines ..

Malaysia ..big place many options and islands 

Surin .. bit of excitement now as elephant festival is on ..????

 

 

Surin festival was a disappointment for me - crass is the word that comes to mind. Maybe if one has simple tastes, but I am a snob. Thailand seems to me to be extremes of over-sophisticated Bangkok and crude upcountry. Is there a Thai city of moderation?

 

The festival booths were all commercial (80% junk food, 15% clothing and mobile-phone related, 5% other). Your choices were paying THB20 to be inside at the oval aroud Si Narong Stadium or outside it for free. Except for being closer to the music the content seemed about the same to me.

 

Most all dishes and snacks were 5-20 baht, but salt, sugar, chili on meat. Yawn. The cultural stage performances area was no bad at all.  95% empty seating.  Local university band did Kuy, Lao and Khmer-Surin pieces. The folk dance troupe was OK. But the music was loud and the lighting harsh. Three weeks of live performances at the popular stage (very loud) will have some trad-folk/pop Luk Thung, Morlam and Kuntrum performances, but mostly pop. I think. I don't know Thai Issarn music. My tastes are fossilized with Chintala, Ponsak and Sathit (Lao blues I call it). First night I was told was rap at main stage but thankfully it didn't sound anything close.

 

Last night I watched channel 5 show of a glitzy Liberace-like 'Lao' singer of sad songs (curiously his head pasted on green screen body, and 5% offsize making the whole image weird). Songs of longing and remorse?  That was charming and entertaining. I always wonder about the back story of these thirty-something dancers in sarongs delicately doing things with their hands in the air. Temple fairs in the 1980s had an added attraction...

 

I was expecting booths promoting various Wats, the Thai Red Cross, various community organizations, and educational public health ones. Zero. Oh, it appeared that government agencies  were operating photo opportunity locations.

 

In short, I found the whole thing corney. Maybe the finale of two days of elephants will be good. I will not hold my breath.

 

A circus. Do you like the circus?

 

 

Edited December 19, 2021 by World Traveller2

[Fat is a type of crazy]

30 minutes ago, ColeBOzbourne said:

Fifty years in my home country became a bit boring and bland. Once retired, it's nice to get out and experience something different.

That's my thinking. I have lived and worked within a 50 km radius all my life. Travelled a bit but good to actually live somewhere a bit fun. I don't want to play lawn bowls or pokies and drink at the RSL.  

[World Traveller2]

On 12/18/2021 at 9:46 AM, Postmaster said:

As for Malaysia who would want to be called for for prayer at 5-30 am with all those loud hailers not to mention all the fully covered Muslim women and probably frowned upon if you like a beer just sayng.

I agree you about the religious noise (literal and figurative). But I think you are wrong on two points...

 

1. Most women are not veiled. Many Muslim women work intertacting with men. Very different from some Arab states

2. There is little challenge drinking beer. The challenge is your making your own personal ethical decisions *as a Muslim adult*. Bars are not hidden. Plenty of ethnic Chinese and Hindus drink.

[simon43]

3 hours ago, World Traveller2 said:

Thanks for your post.

 

Last night shopping at both Big C and Tesco, although I could find many farang foods I felt sad that I could not find any good value (and in most cases anything resembling) Turkish foods. No cheap soft cheeses, and no olive spreads. So, I'm thinking, why bother with Thailand or Pune or a beachside town in Sri Lanka?

 

For one, the Bosphorus doesn't stink like Khlong Saen.

 

Now add the ease of retiring there. Forgetting South and S.E. Asia is becoming more appealing. 

 

Can one just show up for six months per year or are you required to stay longer? You see, I need a bicontinental existence.

And how does one prove income, just a bank statement showing deposits for X months?

No-one asked me to prove any income!  I had all my bank statements etc, but all the immigration officer wanted was my signature on his forms and a copy of my covid contact app code in Turkey...

 

You can only leave Turkey for 120 days maximum, or you have to reapply for the visa.

 

I wouldn't personally live in Istanbul - terrible traffic!

[World Traveller2]

5 minutes ago, simon43 said:

No-one asked me to prove any income!  I had all my bank statements etc, but all the immigration officer wanted was my signature on his forms and a copy of my covid contact app code in Turkey...

 

You can only leave Turkey for 120 days maximum, or you have to reapply for the visa.

 

I wouldn't personally live in Istanbul - terrible traffic!

I really appreciate your input. So, I will have to be a tourust only. Canada requires 183 days there.

 

I had no problems on ferries and on city train system. But I stayed several months in Kadikoy. Sure, Fethiye area (neighbourhood of European-side Istanbul) might be Turkish foodie central but I was living in a quieter bohemian area in the Asian side. I wanted to stay far away from the historical sights. Also gave me an excuse to 'slow travel', using the ferry system. Visions of Hong Kong and North Vancouver.

Edited December 19, 2021 by World Traveller2

[simon43]

I live close to Fethiye, simply for the choice of food, nice beach, most people speak English etc.  But the little house that I rent is about 10km outside Fethiye in a remote valley by the sea.  This is because I need an electrically-quiet location for my ham radio hobby and satellite signal projects etc.  99.9% of people wouldn't want to live in such a remote spot, but it suits me just fine - and no nosy neighbours...

[Tippaporn]

Surprising to me that Covid passports, eternal forced boosters, and endless lockdowns aren't a consideration at all in choosing a destination.  There are a number of countries that I think would fall off the list were Covid restrictions important.

 

While I once did I would now never consider Australia due to the madness happening in Victoria.

 

Edited December 19, 2021 by Tippaporn

[Jingthing]

3 minutes ago, Tippaporn said:

Surprising to me that Covid passports, eternal forced boosters, and endless lockdowns aren't a consideration at all in choosing a destination.  There are a number of countries that I think would fall off the list were Covid restrictions important.

I think people are assuming that will eventually largely be less of an issue. But for now and at least this coming year, yeah, it's huge.

Edited December 19, 2021 by Jingthing

[Tippaporn]

16 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

I think people are assuming that will eventually largely be less of an issue. But for now and at least this coming year, yeah, it's huge.

I wish there were signs that Covid madness was subsiding but look to Austria for forced vaccinations starting Feb. 1st (O.K., they're not forced but the government will drive you into bankruptcy if you choose to exercise your so-called free will), Germany most likely to follow, and just this past week Boris instituted vaccine passports in the U.K. 

What's been seriously on my mind is where to go if the insanity were to reach the Thai shores?

[Jingthing]

30 minutes ago, Tippaporn said:

I wish there were signs that Covid madness was subsiding but look to Austria for forced vaccinations starting Feb. 1st (O.K., they're not forced but the government will drive you into bankruptcy if you choose to exercise your so-called free will), Germany most likely to follow, and just this past week Boris instituted vaccine passports in the U.K. 

What's been seriously on my mind is where to go if the insanity were to reach the Thai shores?

Mexico

[Tippaporn]

13 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Mexico

Possibly.  According to my clock it's not yet time to be doing any serious research on the matter.  The speed at which the world is changing is quickening with every year.  The indications I'm aware of point to Covid madness being perpetrated globally.  That seems to be the intention.

 

One year ago anyone who would have predicted that a free country such as Austria would legalise forced vaccinations would have been summarily labeled a conspiracy nut and harshly ridiculed.  Today it is reality.  The same with Covid passports now adopted and instituted in the U.K.  A year ago most anyone suggesting such an outcome possible would have been called mad.  How quickly the landscape seems to be able to change in free countries of the world once unquestionably considered safe.

I'm banking on my intuitions.  Just as those who fled Nazi Germany before it was too late.  Some have the ability to be able to read the writing on the wall and heed it.  Some see the identical writing on the wall and dismiss it.  That, to me, is the difference between getting out in time and being sent off to the camps.

 

Whatever country chooses to remain free I believe it will be wholly evident.  And then the usual considerations discussed here and now will become more or less irrelevant to the one thing that is of true importance.

[simon43]

Comparing the requirement to be vaccinated with Nazi Germany is (IMHO), a bit of an over-reaction.....

[BritManToo]

36 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Comparing the requirement to be vaccinated with Nazi Germany is (IMHO), a bit of an over-reaction.....

Yeah, wait until they start locking the unvaccinated into ghettos, or making them wear badges before starting that comparison.

[Jingthing]

16 hours ago, Meat Pie 47 said:

So I guess you all will me hate for this why do you have to move to a foreign country if you can live in your home country? Girls, temples, beaches ? I never lived better in my home country than Thai lived in Thailand

Not sure what you're saying.

[Hummin]

3 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Not sure what you're saying.

He says he lived no better than a thai in Thailand back home, whatever that means. I know many thai who live a good life in Thailand, despite being thai in his own country. 

Edited December 19, 2021 by Hummin

[Jingthing]

3 hours ago, Tippaporn said:

Possibly.  According to my clock it's not yet time to be doing any serious research on the matter.  The speed at which the world is changing is quickening with every year.  The indications I'm aware of point to Covid madness being perpetrated globally.  That seems to be the intention.

 

One year ago anyone who would have predicted that a free country such as Austria would legalise forced vaccinations would have been summarily labeled a conspiracy nut and harshly ridiculed.  Today it is reality.  The same with Covid passports now adopted and instituted in the U.K.  A year ago most anyone suggesting such an outcome possible would have been called mad.  How quickly the landscape seems to be able to change in free countries of the world once unquestionably considered safe.

I'm banking on my intuitions.  Just as those who fled Nazi Germany before it was too late.  Some have the ability to be able to read the writing on the wall and heed it.  Some see the identical writing on the wall and dismiss it.  That, to me, is the difference between getting out in time and being sent off to the camps.

 

Whatever country chooses to remain free I believe it will be wholly evident.  And then the usual considerations discussed here and now will become more or less irrelevant to the one thing that is of true importance.

When I went to grade school in the U.S  there were multiple required vaccinations. Nobody batted an eyelid 

[CharlieH]

Reported offensive image removed.

 

I would strongly advise never to repeat the  posting of  such images here again.

[simon43]

20 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Are you reading the same comments I'm reading, from both forum members and politicians.

I'm only reading those kinds of comments from weirdo conspiracy folk and the mentally ill....  Would you kick up such a fuss for a polio vaccine, or fly vaccine, or pneumonia vaccine? 

Edited December 19, 2021 by simon43

[GrandPapillon]

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Yeah, wait until they start locking the unvaccinated into ghettos, or making them wear badges before starting that comparison.

I hate to say it, but it looks like the anti-vaxx might actually get what they wished for, a totalitarian state using vaccination as an excuse. It shouldn't be that way. Let people choose.