Big Decision: Which Asian country is ideal for foreign retirees?

[webfact]

 

After making the decision to retire overseas, the next big decision is where to settle.

 

Asia is one of the most beautiful and culturally diverse regions in the world. 

 

Each Asian country offers unique and desirable traits for expats wanting to retire abroad. 

 

So which country should you select?

 

Well according to International Living’s List, the top five countries in Asia to retire are Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam & Sri Lanka. 

The criteria they used to analyze each country are classified under thirteen categories: 
Buying and investing potential, renting abilities, benefits and seniors discounts, ability to obtain visas and residency, cost of living, assimilation, entertainment and amenities, healthcare, healthy lifestyle, level of country development, climate, opportunity & governance.

1. Malaysia

There’s no wonder why Malaysia was named as the top Asian country to retire as an expatriate. 

 

Malaysia is located South of Thailand and is known for its vast and beautiful beaches, immaculate rainforests, and surroundings of its multitude wonderful islands. 

 

Although the countries official language is Malay, English has become an unofficial second language in the country. It is widely spoken, which will surely facilitate retirees in their relocation.

Malaysia should also be a top priority for retirees looking for some adventure. 

The country is large, with a wide variety of terrain and adventures to explore. Also, due to its location, you will have most of Asia at your fingertips. Travelling between countries is extremely easy, allowing you to explore the full potential of Asia.

 

 

2. Thailand

 

A close follow-up to Malaysia was Thailand. As Malaysia’s northern neighbour, there is no surprise that Thailand has landed in second as a desirable location for expatriates to retire.

Known as “The Land of Smiles,” Thailand has much to offer in terms of retiree’s desires. 

The countries low-cost of living, warm-water coastlines, tropical climates, a tax-free system for income coming abroad for expats, a rich and untouched culture, and relatively standardized hospital care. 

Thailand also offers easily accessible yearly visa renewals for expatriates who have chosen to retire in Thailand, which allows Thailand to be a long-term retiring destination.

3. Cambodia

 

Cambodia has long been on the rise for one of the most desired countries to retire.

 

As the country continues to expand, Cambodia offers the benefit of beautiful scenery and a warm climate as well as the ease and comfort of a large international connection. 

 

One major benefit of retiring in Cambodia is the ability and ease to obtain long-term visas. Many Asian countries may require a stringent income requirement for a long-term visa to be approved, whereas Cambodia does not require these.

 

 

4. Vietnam

 

While on the hunt for new experiences, a change in scenery while staying within your retiree budget, Vietnam should be well at the top of your list. 

 

Like its neighbouring countries, Vietnam is known for its exquisite scenery and warm climate, but also offers a variety of healthy and delicious foods.

One reason why Vietnam is lower on the list than its neighbouring Asian countries is that they do not have a government placed retirement visa scheme yet. 

This may complicate long-term stay in the country. 

You can extend your visa while in the country, which facilitates the renewal process, however the longest visa in place now is a 3-month visa.

 

5. Sri Lanka 

Last on our list of top five countries in Asia to retire is Sri Lanka. 

No different to several other Asian countries when it comes to the beautiful and steady climate, Sri Lanka offers a steady and homogenous temperature year-round. Sri Lanka is also known as a multicultural country which allows expats to explore and diverge in a variety of cultures.

Sri Lanka offers a “Dream Home Visa Programme” which allows retirees over the age of fifty-five who meet the countries financial minimum for expats, a 2-year visa with the potential to renew.

These are the findings from International Living’s List.

 

I would possibly include Indonesia’s Bali and the Philippines as well.

 

However, we are sure you may wish to add to this information and help others make that all-important decision?

 

-- © Copyright  ASEAN NOW 2022-02-14

 

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[RubbaJohnny]

If starting again Japan, Israel or Indonesia

[Jingthing]

Philippines should definitely be on the list. Vietnam shouldn't be. 

[daveAustin]

Reckon Thailand could be number one if it didn't currently have an unpredictable oppressive military government and ridiculous entry requirements.

[asiasurfer]

Philippines and Laos are missing on that list in my opinion. Cambodia sounds attractive to me. But in 20 years, who knows... 

[Jingthing]

30 minutes ago, asiasurfer said:

Philippines and Laos are missing on that list in my opinion. Cambodia sounds attractive to me. But in 20 years, who knows... 

Laos is more of a retirement destination for "pioneers" but the Philippines has one of the most robust formal retired expat programs in the world, the SRRV, and has for a long time. 

[Jerno]

Very balanced viewpoint reporting.  Everything is wonderful in each country. Fluff info that ought not influence a largre consequential decision like where to relocate for retirement.

[frankie machine]

WAFJ

[blazes]

Retirement doesn't necessarily mean "for ever" in a country.  It could be 6 months here (in home country) and 6 months there (Asian country).  From that angle, the lack of visa hassles in places like Malaysia and Sri Lanka would seem major pluses.

[Dustdevil]

3 hours ago, RubbaJohnny said:

If starting again Japan, Israel or Indonesia

Japan?! Only if you speak fluent Japanese and are not white.

[Dustdevil]

I've lived in Malaysia for two years and subsequently had to visit many times. I wouldn't wish that place on anyone--well, maybe just my worst enemies. Overall, don't forget it's officially and majority a Muslim country with the mindset that goes along with that. The 25-30% Chinese population are in a weird mind bubble and the only thing they care about and talk about is food. What I had for breakfast and what I'm going to have for lunch and dinner, and of course Malaysia has the best food in the world and Westerners only eat cheese and steaks. They even use food as a greeting. And with bad English. "Have you taken your breakfast?" is confusing at first and wears very thin soon after.

 

Money, of course, is extremely relevant to them but they only talk about food, and maybe their new Honda Accord, which to them says "you've arrived." The so-called English they speak is obnoxious and often unintelligible. They have weird and warped ideas about the West. (Singaporeans are more sophisticated; I wouldn't mind living there if I could afford it.) They hear of or know of one instance of something in another country or group and they immediately generalize it across the board. Yes, I know. others do that too to some extent, but not to the extreme that Malaysians do.

 

It is NOT a friendly country. Don't be fooled by the gracious hosts in your 4 or 5-star hotel!

 

Women are incredibly beautiful, yes, but so are women across Asia. I prefer the smiles of Thailand. Not to mention the Rimping supermarkets in Chiang Mai! Nothing like that in Malaysia, stocked to the rafters with European and American goods. And American breakfast for 35 baht. Okay, maybe 50 baht by now. And wonderful Thai dinners for 50 baht.

Edited February 13, 2022 by Dustdevil

[Dustdevil]

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Laos is more of a retirement destination for "pioneers" but the Philippines has one of the most robust formal retired expat programs in the world, the SRRV, and has for a long time. 

Good to know, thanks. I might be shifting my retirement to Cebu after the pandemic settles down into a routine allowing some normalcy.

[Dustdevil]

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Philippines should definitely be on the list. Vietnam shouldn't be. 

Hoi An might be nice to live in, although I personally haven't been there yet. Saigon--forget it. Extremely difficult getting around, and overcrowded.

[ezzra]

3 hours ago, RubbaJohnny said:

If starting again Japan, Israel or Indonesia

Israel? knowing Israel very well, life is not cheap there nor accommodations, other than excellent medical care retirees on a tight budget will not find Israel a reasonable place to live as well as Japan i think...

[10baht]

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Philippines should definitely be on the list.

Except for typhoons, yes. How about Okinawa? 

[zzaa09]

Frankly, I might suspect that none of them have a great desire to "host" foreign [Euro-type] retirees. 

Nothing terribly special about this crowd.

[jacko45k]

4 minutes ago, 10baht said:

Except for typhoons, yes. How about Okinawa? 

The Philippines get it all, not only typhoons.... earthquakes, tsunamis  and volcano eruptions on the menu.  

[steven100]

3 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Philippines should definitely be on the list. Vietnam shouldn't be. 

Why  ?    Vietnam is better than the Philippines in my view.   Philippines is ok but their food leaves alot to be desired.

[NanaSomchai]

Thailand of course!

 

Hua Hin and it's pristine beaches:

 

 

[NanaSomchai]

Or wait, what about Da Loc beach in Vietnam then?

 

 

[NanaSomchai]

What about Cambodia and it's "plastic problem" then?

 

 

[NanaSomchai]

Okay what about Malaysia and it's LEGAL TORTURE SYSTEM then?

 

Still skeptical? Read on:

 

Article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) defines the term “torture” as any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person.

 

While most countries have condemned and criminalised torture, Malaysia remains one of the very few countries yet to commit to becoming a torture-free nation.

 

In Malaysia caning is used as a judicial punishment for criminal offences. Amnesty International estimates that as many as 10,000 people each year are subjected to caning in Malaysia, and many of them are foreign nationals.

 

Source?

 

https://www.amnesty.my/stop-torture/

[jacko45k]

1 minute ago, NanaSomchai said:

In Malaysia caning is used as a judicial punishment for criminal offences. Amnesty International estimates that as many as 10,000 people each year are subjected to caning in Malaysia, and many of them are foreign nationals.

Is this not due to the implementation of Shariah Law?

[NanaSomchai]

And what about Sri Lanka then?

 

Well...

 

A staggering 8.54% of the total Sri Lanka population has HIV.

 

Source? It's all over the web (although these numbers are from 2020).

 

So, yeah neither of these destinations, thanks.

 

Next time, try Singapore.

[NanaSomchai]

1 minute ago, jacko45k said:

Is this not due to the implementation of Shariah Law?

Yes and yes. That implies Indonesia falls under the same category.

 

[Chongalulu]

Shallow puff piece.

[olfu]

Asia? If you have money to burn you can retire anywhere. But visit Italy and you understand Asia has long way to go to nowhere. Japan is reasonable but too cold.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Known as “The Land of Smiles,” Thailand has much to offer in terms of retiree’s desires. 

Was Known... things have changed.

[blazes]

1 minute ago, olfu said:

Asia? If you have money to burn you can retire anywhere. But visit Italy and you understand Asia has long way to go to nowhere. Japan is reasonable but too cold.

Prefer Spain myself.  Almost anywhere there, but especially Seville and  Granada...

[chicowoodduck]

42 minutes ago, Dustdevil said:

Hoi An might be nice to live in, although I personally haven't been there yet. Saigon--forget it. Extremely difficult getting around, and overcrowded.

Hoi An is ok for a few days, but after that you might be bored out of your mind! ????????