Asia suits many retirees, especially in Vietnam

[ASEAN NOW News]

After making the decision to retire overseas, the big decision as to which country to choose from comes into play.

 

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.

 

Retirement is an exciting milestone to reach.

 

However, for many people aged 50 and above, it can come as a worrisome prospect.

 

Understandably, the subject of retirement can be a scary one for those that haven’t put much thought into what to expect, want, or need when they retire.

 

One thing is for sure, planning where to retire is likely to be the first thought to come to mind.

 

The good news is that Southeast Asia is well known globally as a region full of exhilarating, comfortable, and affordable cities to retire in.

 

Retirement, wherever in Southeast Asia, is bound to be full of exotic experiences, unexpected wild adventures, beautiful culture and traditions, and unforgettable gastronomy.

 

According to International Living's List, the top 5 countries in Asia to retire are Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam & Sri Lanka.

 

Da Nang, Vietnam

 

If Vietnam takes your fancy and you do not want to live in the capital Hanoi or the modern skyscraper city of HCMC, then check out Da Nang which is Vietnam’s third-largest city and is full to the brim with history and culture.

 

The city is a great place to retire based on its widely available and inexpensive rentals. For example, a luxury condominium with at least two bedrooms is available for approx. US $700.

 

 

Da Nang is special because of its great long stretches of pristine beaches, Da Nang International Airport, and for being close to the cultural center of Hue.

 

Ba Na Hills Golf Club

 

It also has an abundance of top-class golf clubs and resorts designed by the likes of Faldo, Norman, and Nicklaus, and the weather is great to play there all year round.

 

It is very easy to get around, particularly in taxis that have English-speaking drivers.

 

The locals are friendly, the streets are clean, and infrastructure is well developed in the city to make living a retired life for retirees all the better.

 

Healthcare system in Da Nang

 

Healthcare in Vietnam has come a long way, however, it is still lagging behind other Southeast Asian cities, like Bangkok and Singapore.

 

The public healthcare system is still quite grim, underfunded and overcrowded.

 

For expatriates and retirees, there is the choice of choosing private healthcare services that offer very good standards.

 

Customer service is outstanding, with shorter waiting queues and facilities that can be state-of-the-art.

 

These private hospitals also accept international private health insurance that retirees can secure from health insurance intermediaries.

 

No retirement visa needed

 

Vietnam currently offers no retirement visa scheme, and retirees living in Vietnam are required to make use of the long-term tourist visas.

 

Regulations are changing regularly as Asian countries are starting to realise the value of well-heeled retirees who spend money across the country.

 

The visa is available for a maximum of three months at a time, or five-year long-term visas, which need to be ‘checked up’ and renewed at immigration offices every three months.

 

 

The best advice is to take a long vacation in the area you are considering for retirement and rent a condo to get the feel of being an actual resident rather than being cosseted in a luxury hotel.

 

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