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Which Southeast Asian country is best for a young expat to live long term on a $3K budget?

ThailandVietnamexpat lifevisa optionslong-term staySoutheast Asiacost of livingdigital nomadMalaysianomad visaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanChinaCambodiaPhilippines
Mar 9, 2024
8 months ago
Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Which SEA country is the best for a young expat to live long term or use as a base while exploring others: Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, China.

Budget: ~$3K USD/month
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion centers around which Southeast Asian country is best for young expats living on a budget of around $3,000 a month. The consensus leans towards Vietnam and Thailand due to their affordability and infrastructure. Several commenters caution about visa challenges for long-term stays, emphasizing the importance of selecting a country with accessible visa options. While Vietnam is noted for its low cost and ease of travel, Thailand remains popular despite potential visa complications. Malaysia is also mentioned as a viable option for expats, especially with its nomad visa. Japan and South Korea are discouraged for their stricter immigration policies and higher living costs. Overall, Vietnam is highlighted as a strong candidate for a home base.
Tohksic ******
Korea and Japan are not SEA 🤦‍♂️
8 months ago
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John *******
On 3k you can have a great life in any of sea countries Thailand is the most expensive in the tourists areas. Vietnam is by far the best for the least very well run country that is not over run by beer bars and bar girls Vietnam has a very hi standard and 3k is you can live it up no problems out every other night if that's your thing
8 months ago
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Stéfan ********
I lived in 3 of the countries you’ve mentioned: South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. Vietnam would be my first choice, by a long shot. But it’s a bit of a challenge. South Korea is an interesting place but socially difficult and Thailand is the defecto expat country in Asia, especially for retirees. It’s easy and inexpensive. Btw… People rave about Kuala Lumpur.
8 months ago
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Steven *********
Following
8 months ago
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Rok ********
Do you really need a base to explore neighbouring countries. Long term visas are not easy and plentiful until you reach 50. Also - be careful not to become tax resident by being present more than 182 days in fiscal year.
8 months ago
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Jarek ************
@Rok *******
 so far VN isn't chasing after taxes, Thailand is the only one feeling special enough to try it which already has caused many people to back out from property purchases and many who will now be staying under 180 days so they don't have to deal with it. Let's see if they back out of it too or not.
8 months ago
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Rok ********
@Jarek ***********
 i think long term all countries will implement the 182 rule; strategy should be not to stay in any country more than 182 days (by creating bases not homes) - as long as your passport is strong the world is your oyster.
8 months ago
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Rok ********
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Jarek ************
VN as far as cost, Visa and dating goes. TH for infrastructure, medical, cheaper bikes and airport connections, however Visa might be an issue.
8 months ago
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Christopher *************
Probably Cambodia?
8 months ago
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Noel **********
Cambodia is the most welcoming country in SEA in terms of cultural warmth and visa arrangements.
8 months ago
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Jo **********
Singapore 🇸🇬
8 months ago
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
 I stayed there for a few months not bad but very expensive for what you get IMO.
8 months ago
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Rob ********
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Zoe ******
China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan are not in SEA. Do you mean Asia or SEA? Most countries in the world won't allow foreigners to live there long term without proper visas. Look into which country allows you to live long term should be your top priority. If you don't mind moving around every 3-6 months, you will have more options. I personally would not recommend China or S.Korea. Taiwan and Japan are amazing, and Thailand and Vietnam if you want to be SEA. But all require visas for long term stays.
8 months ago
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Kool *******
Thailand is a neutral country. They don't get involved in other country's politics. As such you can travel to any country in the world from Thailand. You can not do that in any other country you listed. At the very least you'd have to travel through Thailand to get where you want to go in many circumstances.
8 months ago
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Colorado ******
Don’t live in South Korea…choose Southeast Asian country.
8 months ago
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Marc ********
Cambodia is the best for a young , visa wise , Vietnam is getting harder and Thailand , without proper visa , one day they will not let u in
8 months ago
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Nongnuch ********
get the 6-months multi entry Tourist Visa. If you use it wisely, you can get almost 9 months of stay in Thailand. However a long term visa solution is difficult to achieve for under 50 year olds. For example, you could study Thai language (but have to attend classes) for almost three years in a row
8 months ago
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Christopher ********
Malaysia is the only one with a nomad visa.
8 months ago
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Tyler *******
Vietnam or Bali, Korea and Japan are out of your budget
8 months ago
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Zoe ******
@Tyler ******
 Not true. Maybe not Tokyo or Seoul, but plenty of other cities in those countries where people live less than 3k.
8 months ago
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Tyler *******
@Zoe *****
 it’s my opinion and my lifestyle may be different than yours. He won’t be living like a local either.
8 months ago
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tyler ******
 most people even in Tokyo are not making 3k usd per month still live fine. 3k you won't live like a king but with some planning you can have good quality of life.
8 months ago
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Rob ********
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tyler ******
you are delusional if you think 3k is not enough for Japan and Korea. Even in Singapore you can live with that money which is much more expensive.
8 months ago
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John ********
@Rob *******
 take a geography class and learn what SE Asia is.
8 months ago
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
 you get some balls to put your pic first you old fart 🤣
8 months ago
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Greg ********
@Rob *******
 with an attitude like that please don't leave the usa
8 months ago
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
Only low IQ people would assume everyone is from USA..
8 months ago
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Greg ********
@Rob *******
 that one went over your head obviously. It was meant to be even more insulting
8 months ago
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Greg ********
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Mark **********
Why exclude the Philippines?
8 months ago
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Ben **********
@Mark *********
 not 420 friendly, women fixating on gossip like it's a national sport and its illegal to divorce them when u realize what head cases they are.
8 months ago
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Tohksic ******
@Ben *********
 You'd be the one who is a head case to even consider marrying.
8 months ago
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Tohksic ******
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Anthony *********
@Mark *********
 The infrastructure doesn’t seem great there… (I swore I’d never transit through that airport again after my second attempt). But this may improve in time, so may be a good option for a younger person. It’s a beautiful country.
8 months ago
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Lloyd ****
@Anthony ********
 I’m with you on Manila airport never ever. Now if you can manage to fly in and out from Clark that’s totally good
8 months ago
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Mark **********
@Anthony ********
 Filipinas have a relatively good reputation if you're dating or interested in drama- diminished relations compared to Thai women in the opinion of some with experience.
8 months ago
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Mark **********
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SimĂŁo ****************
Malaysia is so much better

But it's not a place for dr$gs or s3x, so... Maybe it suits you, maybe it doesn't
8 months ago
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Ben **********
Definitely not China.
8 months ago
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Adriana **********
vietnam as home base is likely the best ratio of ease & value for dollar. connection easily to all the countries listed is also affordable(ish) and possible from vietnam. i'm here right now and while my heart stays in thailand, if i wanted to choose a home base out of ease & value, vietnam would be my go-to for sure
8 months ago
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Alex *******
@Adriana *********
 are you in HCMC or Hanoi?
8 months ago
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Alex *******
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DK *****
How about Malaysia? I would be interested to know myself.
8 months ago
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Rok ********
@DK ****
 Name of Digital Nomad Visa visa: DE Rantau Nomad Pass
8 months ago
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rok *******
 nomad visas are bad deal due to taxes. Better to get different visa without having to pay any taxes. Otherwise might as well but the elite visa equivalent.
8 months ago
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Rok ********
@Rob *******
 i completely agree - as long as ones passport is a strong one why create issues for yourself the world being your oyster(3 months here, 3 months there ……having a couple of bases without creating 2nd tax residency).
8 months ago
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Rok ********
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Pat *******
Use vietnam and Thailand and swap between, with other trips to Malaysia.
8 months ago
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Mike *******
@Pat ******
 exactly, when I retire I will be going to Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and occasionally Japan depending on season.
8 months ago
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Mike *******
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Mike *******
Try Malaysia, that country has everything plus inexpensive,

But it’s also not a party

Country
8 months ago
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Mitchell *******
But downtown Kuala Lumpur IS a party city.
8 months ago
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Mitchell *******
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Dante ************
Im doing the same but Thailand as my home base, then go travel to different Asian country once a month to renew the exemption visa.

Korea

Japan

Philippines

Vietnam (majority of the time)

Singapore
8 months ago
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Mitchell *******
Thailand and Vietnam are the only countries you mentioned that are actually in SE Asia.

And out of what you listed, Vietnam would be the least expensive by far. But Thailand has the better infrastructure.
8 months ago
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Anthony *********
Thailand is definitely easier to get around (well, Bangkok anyway) and (e.g., medical) infrastructure is much better. For a younger person that may be less important. However, there are no long-term visas for Vietnam. You’ll need to leave every 3 months to do a border run. Thailand, on the other hand, does have long-term options but they’re more for retirees with a bit of money to spare. For now, Thailand is a secure base from which to explore but, Vietnam is cheaper. You just have to put up with long lines at the airport and minimal public transport, though I believe they’re working on that! As others have suggested, perhaps initially rotating between countries would be a good way to get a feel for what works for you.
8 months ago
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Anthony *********
Vietnam has been less heavily touristed in recent decades, so people are arguably friendlier than Thailand which feels more commercial and is definitely overrun with tourists. Unfortunately, Vietnam is catching up in that regard.
8 months ago
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Anthony *********
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Todd *********
@Mitchell ******
 geography 101 is up first i guess
8 months ago
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Mitchell *******
But as
@Brandon ***********
 says, it is hard to stay long term in Thailand. But you could do it for maybe a year on tourist visas/exemptions before having to start thinking about longer term visas options.
8 months ago
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Mitchell *******
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Mike *******
It all depends on why you like and feel is the best, your taste could be a lot different than others. South Korea and Taiwan cost more and more upscale of a country. I wouldn’t go China, Japan has strict immigration..
8 months ago
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Brandon ************
Doesn't really matter which one is best. What matters is which one is possible visa wise. Thailand is definitely not easy for someone young to stay in long term if they don't have a job in Thailand, a Thai spouse or a Thai child.
8 months ago
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Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
 yep the only thing that matters is if you can get a visa
8 months ago
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Alex *******
@Brandon ***********
 definitately agree w this. Sone nationalities are easier than others. Thailand is not the easiest overall. I think Cambodia and Philipines are the 2 easiest visa wise. Vietnam if you are american was also a good choice a few years ago but things may have changed since. I am not updated on Malaysia and Indonesia.
8 months ago
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Rok ********
@Alex ******
 malaysia and indonesia also made it much harder for long term visas, the difference being indonesia (still) tolerates the border runs … Cambodia is probably easiest and only viable long term option for under 50s.
8 months ago
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Tom **********
@Rok *******
 I think the Philippines still has a renewable 3 year tourist visa
8 months ago
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Tom **********
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