Southeast Asia

A place dedicated to navigating life in Southeast Asia with valuable insight, tips, and shared experiences.

15 Topics 47 Posts
  • Malaysian MM2H visa.

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    Panama offers a variety of private & public hospitals with new medical treatment equipment, diagnostic personnel from english speaking fully vetted doctors trained in the USA to technicians, nurses and man-power at every level
    in any medical setting. Immigration is encouraged requiring only $1,000. per month retirement or disability income for lifetime benefit period including spouse for only $250. additional benefit paid monthly by Social Security/military retirement/disability income verification for lifetime disbursement.

    YouTube "Panama Relocation Tours" hosted & owned by Jackie Lange for a wealth of knowledge in establishing a
    relocation exploratory to a Latin American country absent of hurricanes & tornadoes with an Eternal Spring climate in the highlands and year round balmy warm temperatures
    on 1500 miles of beaches on the Pacific & Carribean Oceans.

  • Bali... What is your experience there?

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    Hi there! I can’t speak from personal experience, but IL published a report in 2023 called “Hidden Land of Luxury” which has a few pages on Bali. Here’s what the report had to say about living there:

    The cost of living in Bali is much more affordable than living in the U.S. This is probably why Bali is such a desirable destination for many expats. A budget-minded couple can live comfortably on as little as $1,100 a month or less. Up that to $2,100 a month and you’ll be living very well.

    As for what life is like in Bali, this report also details one couple's experience in the town of Sanur. Here's an excerpt from that section:

    Choosing Sanur was easy. “The beach path, the calm waters of the ocean, the ability
    to sit and enjoy a meal with our feet in the sand, it was an easy decision,” Stephen explains.
    And after his many surgeries, Sanur was the place he would visit with Kim to recuperate.

    The tranquil surroundings have a special place in their hearts, Sanur is their “happy place.”
    On Stephen’s last birthday, they could sit by the beach and watch as a group of
    Balinese children were training for their soccer team. It’s being able to sit and relax like this,
    enjoying local life, that makes it all worthwhile they say.

    If you’re interested in reading more about visas and residence in Bali, you can find this report here. Bear in mind that it's an older report, and prices may have changed since it was published in 2023.

  • Rental in Thailand

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    airbnb, booking.com, Craigslist, hailand-Property.com and check on facebook communities..

  • Vietnam

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    We loved vietnam and if you are mobile you can just flit between the triangle in that part of Asia..

    Tourist/Visitor Options:

    E-visa (30 days, single entry)

    Apply online
    Cost: ~$25 USD
    Processing time: 3-5 business days

    Visa on Arrival (15-90 days)

    Requires pre-approval letter from authorized agency
    Single or multiple entry options
    Cost varies by duration ($25-95 USD plus stamping fee)

    Longer Stay Options:

    Business Visa (DN)

    Up to 12 months, multiple entry
    Requires business sponsor/company invitation
    Can be renewed

    Temporary Resident Card (TRC)

    Valid 2-3 years
    Requires qualifying employment, investment, or marriage to Vietnamese citizen
    Allows multiple entry/exit

    Retirement Options:
    Vietnam doesn't have a specific retirement visa, but retirees typically use these routes:

    Investment Visa (DT)

    Requires business investment (minimum varies by project)
    Can lead to TRC
    Renewable long-term

    Long-term Tourist Visa

    Available through visa agencies
    6-12 months
    Multiple entries possible
    Must leave country to renew

    Key Considerations for Long-term Stay:

    Health insurance requirement
    Regular reporting to local police
    Cannot own property without permanent residency
    Income requirements vary by visa type
    May need to work with local visa agent

  • Jakarta - any experiences to share please?

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    I would always check on facebook as have found many expat groups around the world where we have traveled.. Here is just one of them.. https://www.facebook.com/groups/729233734132891