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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
a year 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.
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Tohksic ******
Korea and Japan are not SEA 🤦‍♂️
a year 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
a year ago
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StĂŠfan ********
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.
a year ago
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Steven *********
Following
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year ago
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Christopher *************
Probably Cambodia?
a year ago
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Noel **********
Cambodia is the most welcoming country in SEA in terms of cultural warmth and visa arrangements.
a year ago
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Jo **********
Singapore 🇸🇬
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year ago
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Colorado ******
Don’t live in South Korea…choose Southeast Asian country.
a year 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
a year 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
a year ago
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Christopher ********
Malaysia is the only one with a nomad visa.
a year ago
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Tyler *******
Vietnam or Bali, Korea and Japan are out of your budget
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year ago
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John ********
@Rob *******
 take a geography class and learn what SE Asia is.
a year ago
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *******
 you get some balls to put your pic first you old fart 🤣
a year ago
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Greg ********
@Rob *******
 with an attitude like that please don't leave the usa
a year ago
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Rob ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Greg *******
Only low IQ people would assume everyone is from USA..
a year ago
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Greg ********
@Rob *******
 that one went over your head obviously. It was meant to be even more insulting
a year ago
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Greg ********
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Mark **********
Why exclude the Philippines?
a year 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.
a year ago
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Tohksic ******
@Ben *********
 You'd be the one who is a head case to even consider marrying.
a year 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.
a year 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
a year 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.
a year 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
a year ago
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Ben **********
Definitely not China.
a year 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
a year ago
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Alex *******
@Adriana *********
 are you in HCMC or Hanoi?
a year ago
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Alex *******
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DK *****
How about Malaysia? I would be interested to know myself.
a year ago
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Rok ********
@DK ****
 Name of Digital Nomad Visa visa: DE Rantau Nomad Pass
a year 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.
a year 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).
a year ago
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Rok ********
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Pat *******
Use vietnam and Thailand and swap between, with other trips to Malaysia.
a year 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.
a year 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
a year ago
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Mitchell *******
But downtown Kuala Lumpur IS a party city.
a year 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
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year ago
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Anthony *********
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Todd *********
@Mitchell ******
 geography 101 is up first i guess
a year 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.
a year 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..
a year 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.
a year ago
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Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
 yep the only thing that matters is if you can get a visa
a year 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.
a year 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.
a year ago
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Tom **********
@Rok *******
 I think the Philippines still has a renewable 3 year tourist visa
a year ago
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Tom **********
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