5 Countries that Feel like Europe... But Cost 70% less

Welcome back to Saigon, Vietnam. I'm Welcome back to Saigon, Vietnam. I'm Evan A, and I want to talk to you about Evan A, and I want to talk to you about Evan A, and I want to talk to you about something that's kind of been annoying something that's kind of been annoying something that's kind of been annoying me. For years, friends, people I know, me. For years, friends, people I know, me. For years, friends, people I know, they've been telling me move to they've been telling me move to they've been telling me move to Portugal, move to Spain. Uh if you don't Portugal, move to Spain. Uh if you don't Portugal, move to Spain. Uh if you don't know me, I used to live in Mexico, so I know me, I used to live in Mexico, so I know me, I used to live in Mexico, so I speak Spanish. And I get it. I get the speak Spanish. And I get it. I get the speak Spanish. And I get it. I get the idea. But ultimately, my inbox has been idea. But ultimately, my inbox has been idea. But ultimately, my inbox has been full of this for years. What do you full of this for years. What do you full of this for years. What do you think about Lisbon? What do you think think about Lisbon? What do you think think about Lisbon? What do you think about Barcelona? You know, is Algarve about Barcelona? You know, is Algarve about Barcelona? You know, is Algarve the spot? And I get it. Like I the spot? And I get it. Like I the spot? And I get it. Like I completely understand the pull, the completely understand the pull, the completely understand the pull, the draw, the romanticism. Europe looks draw, the romanticism. Europe looks draw, the romanticism. Europe looks incredible in photos, the food's incredible in photos, the food's incredible in photos, the food's wonderful, the architecture has that wonderful, the architecture has that wonderful, the architecture has that worn, beautiful, rustic quality. People worn, beautiful, rustic quality. People worn, beautiful, rustic quality. People been there a long time. The cafe culture been there a long time. The cafe culture been there a long time. The cafe culture is exactly what the word cafe is is exactly what the word cafe is is exactly what the word cafe is supposed to mean. Uh and if you spent supposed to mean. Uh and if you spent supposed to mean. Uh and if you spent your whole life in North America, your whole life in North America, your whole life in North America, dreaming about living somewhere dreaming about living somewhere dreaming about living somewhere completely different, Europe feels like completely different, Europe feels like completely different, Europe feels like the version your brain can actually the version your brain can actually the version your brain can actually picture, right? It's familiar enough to picture, right? It's familiar enough to picture, right? It's familiar enough to be reassuring, foreign enough to still be reassuring, foreign enough to still be reassuring, foreign enough to still feel like an escape. Uh the problem with feel like an escape. Uh the problem with feel like an escape. Uh the problem with that picture, at least for me, is that that picture, at least for me, is that that picture, at least for me, is that Portugal isn't really that cheap or easy Portugal isn't really that cheap or easy Portugal isn't really that cheap or easy to move to anymore, right? You know, to move to anymore, right? You know, to move to anymore, right? You know, one-bedroom decent apartment in Lisbon's one-bedroom decent apartment in Lisbon's one-bedroom decent apartment in Lisbon's going to run you 1,800 bucks a month. Uh going to run you 1,800 bucks a month. Uh going to run you 1,800 bucks a month. Uh rent alone, before food, health care, rent alone, before food, health care, rent alone, before food, health care, before coffee. Barcelona, one of my before coffee. Barcelona, one of my before coffee. Barcelona, one of my favorite cities in the world, was there favorite cities in the world, was there favorite cities in the world, was there a couple years ago for a friend's a couple years ago for a friend's a couple years ago for a friend's birthday. The South of France, just birthday. The South of France, just birthday. The South of France, just across the border, gorgeous, but it's across the border, gorgeous, but it's across the border, gorgeous, but it's going to consume a modest retirement going to consume a modest retirement going to consume a modest retirement income before you even get started, just income before you even get started, just income before you even get started, just baseline. The dream of slow mornings in baseline. The dream of slow mornings in baseline. The dream of slow mornings in a beautiful tiled city on a budget that a beautiful tiled city on a budget that a beautiful tiled city on a budget that works, you know, that window's largely

works, you know, that window's largely works, you know, that window's largely closed. The digital nomads came, the closed. The digital nomads came, the closed. The digital nomads came, the remote workers came, the retirees came, remote workers came, the retirees came, remote workers came, the retirees came, the prices doubled, doubled again, visa the prices doubled, doubled again, visa the prices doubled, doubled again, visa restrictions, etc. What I want to show restrictions, etc. What I want to show restrictions, etc. What I want to show you today is basically the lifestyle you today is basically the lifestyle you today is basically the lifestyle that people are actually chasing in that people are actually chasing in that people are actually chasing in Europe, the things they actually want Europe, the things they actually want Europe, the things they actually want when they say I want to move to Europe, when they say I want to move to Europe, when they say I want to move to Europe, the architecture, the character, the the architecture, the character, the the architecture, the character, the cafe culture that we're sitting in, the cafe culture that we're sitting in, the cafe culture that we're sitting in, the walkable streets, the food that costs $3 walkable streets, the food that costs $3 walkable streets, the food that costs $3 instead of 30, the sense that time moves instead of 30, the sense that time moves instead of 30, the sense that time moves at a different pace where a human being at a different pace where a human being at a different pace where a human being can actually keep up. You can find all can actually keep up. You can find all can actually keep up. You can find all of that right here in Southeast Asia. of that right here in Southeast Asia. of that right here in Southeast Asia. Not a substitute for it, not a Not a substitute for it, not a Not a substitute for it, not a compromise, the real version of it. In compromise, the real version of it. In compromise, the real version of it. In places that have still have it because places that have still have it because places that have still have it because they haven't been discovered or overused they haven't been discovered or overused they haven't been discovered or overused by everyone looking for it. I've been an by everyone looking for it. I've been an by everyone looking for it. I've been an expat for 18 years. I'm in Saigon right expat for 18 years. I'm in Saigon right expat for 18 years. I'm in Saigon right now. I've personally spent time in every now. I've personally spent time in every now. I've personally spent time in every single place on this list. So, let's single place on this list. So, let's single place on this list. So, let's walk through five places that will feel walk through five places that will feel walk through five places that will feel like Europe but are literally 70-75% like Europe but are literally 70-75% like Europe but are literally 70-75% cheaper. First off, let's talk about Da cheaper. First off, let's talk about Da cheaper. First off, let's talk about Da Lat. This is a little French colonial Lat. This is a little French colonial Lat. This is a little French colonial hillside retreat in the Central hillside retreat in the Central hillside retreat in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Basically in my Highlands of Vietnam. Basically in my Highlands of Vietnam. Basically in my backyard. I can drive there on a weekend backyard. I can drive there on a weekend backyard. I can drive there on a weekend in about five or six hours and it still in about five or six hours and it still in about five or six hours and it still surprises a lot of people every time I surprises a lot of people every time I surprises a lot of people every time I bring it up. Just a few hours from my bring it up. Just a few hours from my bring it up. Just a few hours from my wife's family's hometown in Pleiku.

wife's family's hometown in Pleiku. wife's family's hometown in Pleiku. And it is cool, remote, scenic, has And it is cool, remote, scenic, has And it is cool, remote, scenic, has evergreens, right? The French built Da evergreens, right? The French built Da evergreens, right? The French built Da Lat in the early 1900s as a hill station Lat in the early 1900s as a hill station Lat in the early 1900s as a hill station to hide from the heat here. When the to hide from the heat here. When the to hide from the heat here. When the rest of Indochina is pushing 35° and 90 rest of Indochina is pushing 35° and 90 rest of Indochina is pushing 35° and 90 humidity, the French colonial humidity, the French colonial humidity, the French colonial administration moved to Da Lat where the administration moved to Da Lat where the administration moved to Da Lat where the elevation is at about 1,500 m and it elevation is at about 1,500 m and it elevation is at about 1,500 m and it stays temperate between 15 and 25 stays temperate between 15 and 25 stays temperate between 15 and 25 Celsius all year long. They built Celsius all year long. They built Celsius all year long. They built pitched roofs, fireplaces, a train pitched roofs, fireplaces, a train pitched roofs, fireplaces, a train station that looks like it was shipped station that looks like it was shipped station that looks like it was shipped direct from Normandy. They built wide direct from Normandy. They built wide direct from Normandy. They built wide boulevards around a man-made lake in the boulevards around a man-made lake in the boulevards around a man-made lake in the center of town. It's gorgeous. Uh and center of town. It's gorgeous. Uh and center of town. It's gorgeous. Uh and then they left but the Vietnamese kept then they left but the Vietnamese kept then they left but the Vietnamese kept the bones of it. What you have today is the bones of it. What you have today is the bones of it. What you have today is this genuinely unusual thing. A this genuinely unusual thing. A this genuinely unusual thing. A Vietnamese mountain city with French Vietnamese mountain city with French Vietnamese mountain city with French colonial architecture and heritage colonial architecture and heritage colonial architecture and heritage under a permanent layer of morning fog, under a permanent layer of morning fog, under a permanent layer of morning fog, surrounded by pine forests, a coffee surrounded by pine forests, a coffee surrounded by pine forests, a coffee culture that would actually make a culture that would actually make a culture that would actually make a Parisian wilt. It's gorgeous. And I've Parisian wilt. It's gorgeous. And I've Parisian wilt. It's gorgeous. And I've walked a lot at 7:00 a.m. when the fog walked a lot at 7:00 a.m. when the fog walked a lot at 7:00 a.m. when the fog is still sitting in the valley below and is still sitting in the valley below and is still sitting in the valley below and felt like I I in Canada or the Pacific felt like I I in Canada or the Pacific felt like I I in Canada or the Pacific Northwest, you know, on a terrace Northwest, you know, on a terrace Northwest, you know, on a terrace overlooking the lake with a jacket in overlooking the lake with a jacket in overlooking the lake with a jacket in Vietnam. It's a beautiful place to wake Vietnam. It's a beautiful place to wake Vietnam. It's a beautiful place to wake up. And the numbers, a comfortable up. And the numbers, a comfortable up. And the numbers, a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Da Lat right one-bedroom apartment in Da Lat right one-bedroom apartment in Da Lat right now is going to run you three to five now is going to run you three to five now is going to run you three to five hundred dollars. Total monthly budget hundred dollars. Total monthly budget hundred dollars. Total monthly budget for a genuinely relaxed comfortable for a genuinely relaxed comfortable for a genuinely relaxed comfortable lifestyle, apartment, food, motorbike, lifestyle, apartment, food, motorbike, lifestyle, apartment, food, motorbike, utilities, eating out, occasional day utilities, eating out, occasional day utilities, eating out, occasional day trips to the surrounding mountains, trips to the surrounding mountains, trips to the surrounding mountains, wineries, or coffee plantations, a wineries, or coffee plantations, a wineries, or coffee plantations, a thousand to fifteen hundred is really thousand to fifteen hundred is really thousand to fifteen hundred is really realistic. In Lisbon, you're going to

realistic. In Lisbon, you're going to realistic. In Lisbon, you're going to double that at least, right? 28 to 3500. double that at least, right? 28 to 3500. double that at least, right? 28 to 3500. Da Lat is literally 60-70% cheaper. The Da Lat is literally 60-70% cheaper. The Da Lat is literally 60-70% cheaper. The honest caveat, Vietnam does not have a honest caveat, Vietnam does not have a honest caveat, Vietnam does not have a formal retirement visa, many of you know formal retirement visa, many of you know formal retirement visa, many of you know that. You're on a 90-day e-visa that you that. You're on a 90-day e-visa that you that. You're on a 90-day e-visa that you extend or renew, or you have to invest extend or renew, or you have to invest extend or renew, or you have to invest or open a business in the company, or open a business in the company, or open a business in the company, enroll in language lessons, something enroll in language lessons, something enroll in language lessons, something like that to stay long-term. And it's a like that to stay long-term. And it's a like that to stay long-term. And it's a real part of long-term planning, I get real part of long-term planning, I get real part of long-term planning, I get it. I cover it in full details inside of it. I cover it in full details inside of it. I cover it in full details inside of my membership, but for lifestyle and my membership, but for lifestyle and my membership, but for lifestyle and cost, Da Lat is the most underrated cost, Da Lat is the most underrated cost, Da Lat is the most underrated place on this entire list. And I mean in place on this entire list. And I mean in place on this entire list. And I mean in the whole world, not just in Southeast the whole world, not just in Southeast the whole world, not just in Southeast Asia. It is truly just Asia. It is truly just Asia. It is truly just a world apart, a different land. The a world apart, a different land. The a world apart, a different land. The next stop is one of my personal next stop is one of my personal next stop is one of my personal favorites, Penang, Malaysia. I love this favorites, Penang, Malaysia. I love this favorites, Penang, Malaysia. I love this island, I love the city town, island, I love the city town, island, I love the city town, Georgetown. It's got to be second up. Georgetown. It's got to be second up. Georgetown. It's got to be second up. So, specifically Georgetown, which is So, specifically Georgetown, which is So, specifically Georgetown, which is the historic center of the island, it's the historic center of the island, it's the historic center of the island, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reminds me a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reminds me a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reminds me of Hoi An or somewhere in Mexico. Looks of Hoi An or somewhere in Mexico. Looks of Hoi An or somewhere in Mexico. Looks like someone took the best parts of like someone took the best parts of like someone took the best parts of Portugal, layered them with Chinese Portugal, layered them with Chinese Portugal, layered them with Chinese shophouses architecture, added some shophouses architecture, added some shophouses architecture, added some British colonial overlay, and then let British colonial overlay, and then let British colonial overlay, and then let the whole thing age beautifully for a the whole thing age beautifully for a the whole thing age beautifully for a couple hundred years without monetizing couple hundred years without monetizing couple hundred years without monetizing the aesthetic till Instagram came along.

the aesthetic till Instagram came along. the aesthetic till Instagram came along. The old quarter is narrow, tiled, lined The old quarter is narrow, tiled, lined The old quarter is narrow, tiled, lined with buildings painted in faded greens with buildings painted in faded greens with buildings painted in faded greens and blues. There's street art and street and blues. There's street art and street and blues. There's street art and street food everywhere, the good kind, the kind food everywhere, the good kind, the kind food everywhere, the good kind, the kind that references the actual history of that references the actual history of that references the actual history of the place rather than just decorating a the place rather than just decorating a the place rather than just decorating a gentrified neighborhood. There are clan gentrified neighborhood. There are clan gentrified neighborhood. There are clan jetties where the same families have jetties where the same families have jetties where the same families have lived on the water for generations. lived on the water for generations. lived on the water for generations. There are temples, there are mosques, There are temples, there are mosques, There are temples, there are mosques, churches within a few hundred meters of churches within a few hundred meters of churches within a few hundred meters of each other because Georgetown has been a each other because Georgetown has been a each other because Georgetown has been a mixing point of cultures for as long as mixing point of cultures for as long as mixing point of cultures for as long as cultures have been mixing by boat in cultures have been mixing by boat in cultures have been mixing by boat in this trade route and in this part of the this trade route and in this part of the this trade route and in this part of the world. And the food, again, I've eaten world. And the food, again, I've eaten world. And the food, again, I've eaten all across Southeast Asia East Asia. all across Southeast Asia East Asia. all across Southeast Asia East Asia. Penang is one of the top two or three Penang is one of the top two or three Penang is one of the top two or three street food destinations street food destinations street food destinations on the planet by any measure. The laksa, on the planet by any measure. The laksa, on the planet by any measure. The laksa, the char kway teow, the nasi goreng, the the char kway teow, the nasi goreng, the the char kway teow, the nasi goreng, the roti, you can eat lunch for a couple roti, you can eat lunch for a couple roti, you can eat lunch for a couple bucks and feel like you've never eaten bucks and feel like you've never eaten bucks and feel like you've never eaten better in your life. It's literally will better in your life. It's literally will better in your life. It's literally will blow you away. The practical advantage blow you away. The practical advantage blow you away. The practical advantage that Penang has over every other place that Penang has over every other place that Penang has over every other place on this list, obvious, English. Malaysia on this list, obvious, English. Malaysia on this list, obvious, English. Malaysia was British for a long time. The English was British for a long time. The English was British for a long time. The English is genuinely the language of daily life is genuinely the language of daily life is genuinely the language of daily life in Penang and Georgetown. Signage in in Penang and Georgetown. Signage in in Penang and Georgetown. Signage in English, doctors in English, landlords English, doctors in English, landlords English, doctors in English, landlords speaking English, bureaucracy navigable speaking English, bureaucracy navigable speaking English, bureaucracy navigable with out a translator. If you're nervous with out a translator. If you're nervous with out a translator. If you're nervous about the language aspect of Southeast about the language aspect of Southeast about the language aspect of Southeast Asia, Penang is the easiest entry point Asia, Penang is the easiest entry point Asia, Penang is the easiest entry point on the list and the visas aren't that on the list and the visas aren't that on the list and the visas aren't that expensive. Malaysia also really does expensive. Malaysia also really does expensive. Malaysia also really does have that set up. A retirement visa, the have that set up. A retirement visa, the have that set up. A retirement visa, the MM2H, it's been reformed a few times.

MM2H, it's been reformed a few times. MM2H, it's been reformed a few times. Requirements have shifted and tightened, Requirements have shifted and tightened, Requirements have shifted and tightened, but really it is a long-term residency but really it is a long-term residency but really it is a long-term residency option with a genuinely legal framework option with a genuinely legal framework option with a genuinely legal framework behind it for a fraction of the cost of behind it for a fraction of the cost of behind it for a fraction of the cost of retiring in France or Florida or retiring in France or Florida or retiring in France or Florida or wherever, right? The monthly budget in wherever, right? The monthly budget in wherever, right? The monthly budget in Penang really realistic, 1,400 to 2,200 Penang really realistic, 1,400 to 2,200 Penang really realistic, 1,400 to 2,200 for comfortable life. A one-bedroom in for comfortable life. A one-bedroom in for comfortable life. A one-bedroom in Georgetown, newer condo developments Georgetown, newer condo developments Georgetown, newer condo developments going to go 400 to maybe 800 for a going to go 400 to maybe 800 for a going to go 400 to maybe 800 for a couple bedrooms. More expensive than the couple bedrooms. More expensive than the couple bedrooms. More expensive than the lot, but the infrastructure's more lot, but the infrastructure's more lot, but the infrastructure's more developed. The healthcare is excellent developed. The healthcare is excellent developed. The healthcare is excellent and the English environment makes the and the English environment makes the and the English environment makes the first year significantly easier. This is first year significantly easier. This is first year significantly easier. This is a very soft landing in Southeast Asia. a very soft landing in Southeast Asia. a very soft landing in Southeast Asia. Next up, the one a lot of people talk Next up, the one a lot of people talk Next up, the one a lot of people talk about. Slow down, hold the brakes, pump about. Slow down, hold the brakes, pump about. Slow down, hold the brakes, pump the brakes. Thailand is not over. It's the brakes. Thailand is not over. It's the brakes. Thailand is not over. It's just got challengers. And yes, you've just got challengers. And yes, you've just got challengers. And yes, you've heard of this one, Chiang Mai, northern heard of this one, Chiang Mai, northern heard of this one, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. I know Chiang Mai as an expat Thailand. I know Chiang Mai as an expat Thailand. I know Chiang Mai as an expat paradise. It's been around for decades. paradise. It's been around for decades. paradise. It's been around for decades. Every digital nomad publication has Every digital nomad publication has Every digital nomad publication has written about it. Bored Aim went there a written about it. Bored Aim went there a written about it. Bored Aim went there a bunch of times. But the thing is, the bunch of times. But the thing is, the bunch of times. But the thing is, the reason everyone's written about it is reason everyone's written about it is reason everyone's written about it is that it earns it. Good places get that it earns it. Good places get that it earns it. Good places get written about. They get developed more.

written about. They get developed more. written about. They get developed more. Chiang Mai sits in a valley in northern Chiang Mai sits in a valley in northern Chiang Mai sits in a valley in northern Thailand surrounded by mountains. The Thailand surrounded by mountains. The Thailand surrounded by mountains. The old city has a moat and ancient walls, old city has a moat and ancient walls, old city has a moat and ancient walls, temples that you pass on the way to buy temples that you pass on the way to buy temples that you pass on the way to buy your coffee or a bagel or granola bowl your coffee or a bagel or granola bowl your coffee or a bagel or granola bowl cuz it has all that, too. The elevation cuz it has all that, too. The elevation cuz it has all that, too. The elevation means November through February, the means November through February, the means November through February, the northern dry season, northern dry season, northern dry season, the evenings are cool enough that you the evenings are cool enough that you the evenings are cool enough that you want a light jacket. But in Southeast want a light jacket. But in Southeast want a light jacket. But in Southeast Asia, that's genuinely remarkable and Asia, that's genuinely remarkable and Asia, that's genuinely remarkable and enjoyable. The reason Chiang Mai feels enjoyable. The reason Chiang Mai feels enjoyable. The reason Chiang Mai feels European is not the architecture so much European is not the architecture so much European is not the architecture so much as the culture and the cafes and the as the culture and the cafes and the as the culture and the cafes and the sidewalk life. There are hundreds of sidewalk life. There are hundreds of sidewalk life. There are hundreds of independent coffee shops in Chiang independent coffee shops in Chiang independent coffee shops in Chiang Mai's, real ones, not chains. Beans from Mai's, real ones, not chains. Beans from Mai's, real ones, not chains. Beans from local hill tribes in the mountains who local hill tribes in the mountains who local hill tribes in the mountains who grow some of the most interesting and grow some of the most interesting and grow some of the most interesting and delicious Arabica in Asia. Serious delicious Arabica in Asia. Serious delicious Arabica in Asia. Serious espresso, serious filter work, serious espresso, serious filter work, serious espresso, serious filter work, serious design. You can also eat bagels and any design. You can also eat bagels and any design. You can also eat bagels and any western food imaginable cuz it's so western food imaginable cuz it's so western food imaginable cuz it's so developed or live in a brand new condo. developed or live in a brand new condo. developed or live in a brand new condo. Uh you can spend a morning in Chiang Mai Uh you can spend a morning in Chiang Mai Uh you can spend a morning in Chiang Mai and feel like you're in Barcelona's and feel like you're in Barcelona's and feel like you're in Barcelona's Gràcia neighborhood or Copenhagen's Gràcia neighborhood or Copenhagen's Gràcia neighborhood or Copenhagen's Vesterbro, except the coffee costs $2 Vesterbro, except the coffee costs $2 Vesterbro, except the coffee costs $2 and the window looks out onto a and the window looks out onto a and the window looks out onto a 600-year-old Buddhist temple. Monthly 600-year-old Buddhist temple. Monthly 600-year-old Buddhist temple. Monthly budget in Chiang Mai, 1,200 to 2,000, budget in Chiang Mai, 1,200 to 2,000, budget in Chiang Mai, 1,200 to 2,000, still realistic.

still realistic. still realistic. One bedroom, 500 to 800. You want to One bedroom, 500 to 800. You want to One bedroom, 500 to 800. You want to live outside the city in the live outside the city in the live outside the city in the countryside, you can get a small house countryside, you can get a small house countryside, you can get a small house for a garden with very similar money. for a garden with very similar money. for a garden with very similar money. Thailand does have a retirement visa for Thailand does have a retirement visa for Thailand does have a retirement visa for people 50 and older. Under 50, you can people 50 and older. Under 50, you can people 50 and older. Under 50, you can be on a tourist visa, a DTV or a global be on a tourist visa, a DTV or a global be on a tourist visa, a DTV or a global wealth visa. It's very complicated, but wealth visa. It's very complicated, but wealth visa. It's very complicated, but there's lots of options. There's many there's lots of options. There's many there's lots of options. There's many videos out there on the structures of videos out there on the structures of videos out there on the structures of visas and the shifts. visas and the shifts. visas and the shifts. below. You can get my help in the links below. You can get my help in the links below. You can get my help in the links in the descriptions, of course, as in the descriptions, of course, as in the descriptions, of course, as always. Quick pause before we get to the always. Quick pause before we get to the always. Quick pause before we get to the last two countries. If you've been last two countries. If you've been last two countries. If you've been watching the channel for a while, you watching the channel for a while, you watching the channel for a while, you know I don't just talk about these know I don't just talk about these know I don't just talk about these places. I help people actually move to places. I help people actually move to places. I help people actually move to them. Inside my cost of living abroad them. Inside my cost of living abroad them. Inside my cost of living abroad membership right now, there are complete membership right now, there are complete membership right now, there are complete country field guides for all five places country field guides for all five places country field guides for all five places I'm walking through today: Malaysia, I'm walking through today: Malaysia, I'm walking through today: Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia. Uh real guides with visas, Cambodia. Uh real guides with visas, Cambodia. Uh real guides with visas, banking, health care, areas, banking, health care, areas, banking, health care, areas, neighborhoods to live in, what to do neighborhoods to live in, what to do neighborhoods to live in, what to do before you land, what to do in your before you land, what to do in your before you land, what to do in your first 30 days. The full guide library first 30 days. The full guide library first 30 days. The full guide library plus live monthly Q&A plus live monthly Q&A plus live monthly Q&A sessions starts at about 80 bucks a sessions starts at about 80 bucks a sessions starts at about 80 bucks a month on a 3-month tier, less than the month on a 3-month tier, less than the month on a 3-month tier, less than the flight change fee to get back home or a flight change fee to get back home or a flight change fee to get back home or a decent dinner. You can get my help. Link decent dinner. You can get my help. Link decent dinner. You can get my help. Link in the description and the pinned in the description and the pinned in the description and the pinned comments. Next up, let's talk about comments. Next up, let's talk about comments. Next up, let's talk about Philippines, a place that for me is Philippines, a place that for me is Philippines, a place that for me is underrated, but I often hear nothing but underrated, but I often hear nothing but underrated, but I often hear nothing but good things about it. This is the one good things about it. This is the one good things about it. This is the one that surprises people every single time.

that surprises people every single time. that surprises people every single time. Baguio City, Philippines. It sits at Baguio City, Philippines. It sits at Baguio City, Philippines. It sits at 1,500 m in the Cordillera Mountains of 1,500 m in the Cordillera Mountains of 1,500 m in the Cordillera Mountains of Northern Luzon. Same elevation as Dalat, Northern Luzon. Same elevation as Dalat, Northern Luzon. Same elevation as Dalat, same result. Pine forests, cool same result. Pine forests, cool same result. Pine forests, cool mornings, the occasional breath of mist, mornings, the occasional breath of mist, mornings, the occasional breath of mist, strawberries at the local market, like strawberries at the local market, like strawberries at the local market, like actual strawberries in Asia. That detail actual strawberries in Asia. That detail actual strawberries in Asia. That detail alone tells you something about what alone tells you something about what alone tells you something about what they're capable of about the they're capable of about the they're capable of about the agricultural area. The Americans built agricultural area. The Americans built agricultural area. The Americans built Baguio as an administrative hill station Baguio as an administrative hill station Baguio as an administrative hill station in the early 1900s. Same logic as Dalat in the early 1900s. Same logic as Dalat in the early 1900s. Same logic as Dalat and the French. The bones are still and the French. The bones are still and the French. The bones are still visible from colonialism. Wide roads, visible from colonialism. Wide roads, visible from colonialism. Wide roads, green parks, Camp John Hay, a former green parks, Camp John Hay, a former green parks, Camp John Hay, a former military base that's now a resort and military base that's now a resort and military base that's now a resort and park complex with pine trees and a park complex with pine trees and a park complex with pine trees and a general atmosphere of calm that you general atmosphere of calm that you general atmosphere of calm that you don't expect to find on a Pacific don't expect to find on a Pacific don't expect to find on a Pacific archipelago. But the real advantage of archipelago. But the real advantage of archipelago. But the real advantage of the Philippines is not just the climate the Philippines is not just the climate the Philippines is not just the climate or the history, it's the language thing or the history, it's the language thing or the history, it's the language thing again. English is effectively a first again. English is effectively a first again. English is effectively a first language in the Philippines. It's the language in the Philippines. It's the language in the Philippines. It's the language of education, of government, of language of education, of government, of language of education, of government, of business, and the most daily business, and the most daily business, and the most daily interactions you'll have. You can interactions you'll have. You can interactions you'll have. You can navigate a hospital, a lease, an navigate a hospital, a lease, an navigate a hospital, a lease, an agreement, a government office without a agreement, a government office without a agreement, a government office without a translator or a phone pointed at a sign.

translator or a phone pointed at a sign. translator or a phone pointed at a sign. Likewise, the dating scene. For someone Likewise, the dating scene. For someone Likewise, the dating scene. For someone who's been hesitant about Southeast Asia who's been hesitant about Southeast Asia who's been hesitant about Southeast Asia because of the language barrier, the because of the language barrier, the because of the language barrier, the Philippines takes that off the table Philippines takes that off the table Philippines takes that off the table almost entirely. Likewise, with concerns almost entirely. Likewise, with concerns almost entirely. Likewise, with concerns about religion. Budget 9 to 1,500 a about religion. Budget 9 to 1,500 a about religion. Budget 9 to 1,500 a month for a comfortable life. You can month for a comfortable life. You can month for a comfortable life. You can still get a one-bedroom apartment here still get a one-bedroom apartment here still get a one-bedroom apartment here for 250 to 500. It's the second most for 250 to 500. It's the second most for 250 to 500. It's the second most affordable on the list after Cambodia. affordable on the list after Cambodia. affordable on the list after Cambodia. And the Philippines does have a formal And the Philippines does have a formal And the Philippines does have a formal retirement visa, the SRRV, with a retirement visa, the SRRV, with a retirement visa, the SRRV, with a deposit requirement of 10 to 20,000 deposit requirement of 10 to 20,000 deposit requirement of 10 to 20,000 dollars and up depending on your age and dollars and up depending on your age and dollars and up depending on your age and pension status. It gives you indefinite pension status. It gives you indefinite pension status. It gives you indefinite residency and is one of the cleaner residency and is one of the cleaner residency and is one of the cleaner formal retirement visa structures in the formal retirement visa structures in the formal retirement visa structures in the whole region. There's honest, real whole region. There's honest, real whole region. There's honest, real caveats though. It's less developed for caveats though. It's less developed for caveats though. It's less developed for Western expats than Penang or Chiang Western expats than Penang or Chiang Western expats than Penang or Chiang Mai. The internet quality varies outside Mai. The internet quality varies outside Mai. The internet quality varies outside central areas. Serious medical care central areas. Serious medical care central areas. Serious medical care means leaving for Manila, but for the means leaving for Manila, but for the means leaving for Manila, but for the cost, the climate, the English cost, the climate, the English cost, the climate, the English environment, and the formal visa path, environment, and the formal visa path, environment, and the formal visa path, uh Baguio is one of the most practical uh Baguio is one of the most practical uh Baguio is one of the most practical options on this list for someone on a options on this list for someone on a options on this list for someone on a fixed income.

fixed income. fixed income. It's worth thinking about. This is a It's worth thinking about. This is a It's worth thinking about. This is a place I've been before. It's up, it's place I've been before. It's up, it's place I've been before. It's up, it's down, it's Kampot, Cambodia. down, it's Kampot, Cambodia. down, it's Kampot, Cambodia. I've had great experiences there. I've I've had great experiences there. I've I've had great experiences there. I've had some less great times there. I've had some less great times there. I've had some less great times there. I've heard it's bounced back a lot post-COVID heard it's bounced back a lot post-COVID heard it's bounced back a lot post-COVID when I last went there. Fifth, it's the when I last went there. Fifth, it's the when I last went there. Fifth, it's the one I think about most when someone one I think about most when someone one I think about most when someone tells me they want to slow down tells me they want to slow down tells me they want to slow down completely. completely. completely. Not to retire to a place, but to really Not to retire to a place, but to really Not to retire to a place, but to really disappear into a countryside. Kampot, disappear into a countryside. Kampot, disappear into a countryside. Kampot, Cambodia is a small town on the Cambodia is a small town on the Cambodia is a small town on the southwest coast, uh upriver about 2 southwest coast, uh upriver about 2 southwest coast, uh upriver about 2 hours from Phnom Penh, where the Kampot hours from Phnom Penh, where the Kampot hours from Phnom Penh, where the Kampot River meets the edge of the Elephant River meets the edge of the Elephant River meets the edge of the Elephant Mountain Range. I went rock climbing in Mountain Range. I went rock climbing in Mountain Range. I went rock climbing in some caves there about 5 years ago. some caves there about 5 years ago. some caves there about 5 years ago. Uh they built Kampot the way they built Uh they built Kampot the way they built Uh they built Kampot the way they built everything else in their empire. Wide everything else in their empire. Wide everything else in their empire. Wide riverside promenades, colonial buildings riverside promenades, colonial buildings riverside promenades, colonial buildings with shuttered windows and wrought iron with shuttered windows and wrought iron with shuttered windows and wrought iron balconies. A pace of life designed for balconies. A pace of life designed for balconies. A pace of life designed for sitting and watching the river sitting and watching the river sitting and watching the river and traveling by boat. Most of the and traveling by boat. Most of the and traveling by boat. Most of the colonial buildings are still standing colonial buildings are still standing colonial buildings are still standing and it is quite beautiful if aged. Some and it is quite beautiful if aged. Some and it is quite beautiful if aged. Some have been turned into boutique cafes, have been turned into boutique cafes, have been turned into boutique cafes, some are exactly as they were, just some are exactly as they were, just some are exactly as they were, just older. Behind the town is Bokor older. Behind the town is Bokor older. Behind the town is Bokor Mountain. I drove a motorbike up there, Mountain. I drove a motorbike up there, Mountain. I drove a motorbike up there, clouds in under an hour, cool waterfall, clouds in under an hour, cool waterfall, clouds in under an hour, cool waterfall, old relics of churches, pepper farms.

old relics of churches, pepper farms. old relics of churches, pepper farms. It's a very beautiful, beautiful land, It's a very beautiful, beautiful land, It's a very beautiful, beautiful land, not just a town. 20 minutes south is not just a town. 20 minutes south is not just a town. 20 minutes south is Kep, a former French seaside resort uh Kep, a former French seaside resort uh Kep, a former French seaside resort uh where you can eat fresh crab at a where you can eat fresh crab at a where you can eat fresh crab at a restaurant on a pier over the water and restaurant on a pier over the water and restaurant on a pier over the water and a whole meal is going to cost you like a whole meal is going to cost you like a whole meal is going to cost you like maybe $5. Monthly cost in Kampot, 800 to maybe $5. Monthly cost in Kampot, 800 to maybe $5. Monthly cost in Kampot, 800 to 1200, it's the cheapest on the list. 1200, it's the cheapest on the list. 1200, it's the cheapest on the list. Comfortable apartment, you can find one Comfortable apartment, you can find one Comfortable apartment, you can find one for two or three hundred bucks. If for two or three hundred bucks. If for two or three hundred bucks. If you're on a fixed social security income you're on a fixed social security income you're on a fixed social security income and you want the maximum peace with the and you want the maximum peace with the and you want the maximum peace with the minimum spend, Kampot is the most honest minimum spend, Kampot is the most honest minimum spend, Kampot is the most honest answer I can give you. Are there answer I can give you. Are there answer I can give you. Are there drawbacks, are there cons? Yes. Weakest drawbacks, are there cons? Yes. Weakest drawbacks, are there cons? Yes. Weakest infrastructure on the list, internet infrastructure on the list, internet infrastructure on the list, internet outside of town unreliable, health care outside of town unreliable, health care outside of town unreliable, health care for anything serious means going to Non for anything serious means going to Non for anything serious means going to Non Pen, Bangkok, uh Singapore, Saigon. Pen, Bangkok, uh Singapore, Saigon. Pen, Bangkok, uh Singapore, Saigon. Cambodia's visa situation though is very Cambodia's visa situation though is very Cambodia's visa situation though is very flexible. The e-visa is quite easy to flexible. The e-visa is quite easy to flexible. The e-visa is quite easy to get, but it lacks some of the formal get, but it lacks some of the formal get, but it lacks some of the formal long-term structure of Malaysia or long-term structure of Malaysia or long-term structure of Malaysia or Philippines retirement programs, so Philippines retirement programs, so Philippines retirement programs, so there could be some uncertainty. But there could be some uncertainty. But there could be some uncertainty. But regardless, nowhere on this list gives regardless, nowhere on this list gives regardless, nowhere on this list gives you more for less money and the pace of you more for less money and the pace of you more for less money and the pace of life in Kampot is something genuinely life in Kampot is something genuinely life in Kampot is something genuinely haven't found anywhere else uh in this haven't found anywhere else uh in this haven't found anywhere else uh in this region. It is slow in a way that feels region. It is slow in a way that feels region. It is slow in a way that feels deliberate rather than undeveloped. The deliberate rather than undeveloped. The deliberate rather than undeveloped. The river's right there, the mountains are river's right there, the mountains are river's right there, the mountains are right there. It feels like you're just right there. It feels like you're just right there. It feels like you're just drifting on the current. If your goal is drifting on the current. If your goal is drifting on the current. If your goal is to exhale completely, to disappear, to exhale completely, to disappear, to exhale completely, to disappear, Kampot is likely your place from this Kampot is likely your place from this Kampot is likely your place from this list. Five places, Dalat, Penang, Chiang list. Five places, Dalat, Penang, Chiang list. Five places, Dalat, Penang, Chiang Mai, Baguio, Kampot. Every single one of Mai, Baguio, Kampot. Every single one of Mai, Baguio, Kampot. Every single one of them delivers the core of what people them delivers the core of what people them delivers the core of what people are chasing in Europe. Architecture with

are chasing in Europe. Architecture with are chasing in Europe. Architecture with history, cafes worth sitting in, a history, cafes worth sitting in, a history, cafes worth sitting in, a slower pace of life, a pedestrian life slower pace of life, a pedestrian life slower pace of life, a pedestrian life we're talking about. None of them have we're talking about. None of them have we're talking about. None of them have Europe's current price tag. The math is Europe's current price tag. The math is Europe's current price tag. The math is really quite simple and straightforward really quite simple and straightforward really quite simple and straightforward if you actually look it up and do it. A if you actually look it up and do it. A if you actually look it up and do it. A comfortable life in Lisbon or in comfortable life in Lisbon or in comfortable life in Lisbon or in Barcelona is going to be three or four Barcelona is going to be three or four Barcelona is going to be three or four thousand minimum. That same quality of thousand minimum. That same quality of thousand minimum. That same quality of life in Da Lat a thousand life in Da Lat a thousand life in Da Lat a thousand to 1600 in Chiang Mai, 1200 to 2000 in to 1600 in Chiang Mai, 1200 to 2000 in to 1600 in Chiang Mai, 1200 to 2000 in Baguio, 900 to 14, Kampot even 800. The Baguio, 900 to 14, Kampot even 800. The Baguio, 900 to 14, Kampot even 800. The most expensive place on this list is most expensive place on this list is most expensive place on this list is significantly cheaper than any significantly cheaper than any significantly cheaper than any destination in Western Europe. And destination in Western Europe. And destination in Western Europe. And they're not travel magazine best case they're not travel magazine best case they're not travel magazine best case numbers. These are from someone who numbers. These are from someone who numbers. These are from someone who legitimately lives and travels in the legitimately lives and travels in the legitimately lives and travels in the region. The window in Europe is closing region. The window in Europe is closing region. The window in Europe is closing for a lot of Americans who only have two for a lot of Americans who only have two for a lot of Americans who only have two or three thousand a month. Instead with or three thousand a month. Instead with or three thousand a month. Instead with these Asia, it's been open for people these Asia, it's been open for people these Asia, it's been open for people like me for decades. The forces that are like me for decades. The forces that are like me for decades. The forces that are closing the doors are opening doors closing the doors are opening doors closing the doors are opening doors here, right? The time to look seriously here, right? The time to look seriously here, right? The time to look seriously is right now, not after everyone else is right now, not after everyone else is right now, not after everyone else has already found it in five years, in has already found it in five years, in has already found it in five years, in 10 years. Comment below, tell me which 10 years. Comment below, tell me which 10 years. Comment below, tell me which one surprised you the most, which one one surprised you the most, which one one surprised you the most, which one you're most excited about. Do you want you're most excited about. Do you want you're most excited about. Do you want to go deep into any of these five to go deep into any of these five to go deep into any of these five countries before you actually commit, countries before you actually commit, countries before you actually commit, visa mechanics, neighborhoods, the visa mechanics, neighborhoods, the visa mechanics, neighborhoods, the questions you need answered before you questions you need answered before you questions you need answered before you book your location trip. Everything's book your location trip. Everything's book your location trip. Everything's inside my cost of living abroad inside my cost of living abroad inside my cost of living abroad membership including all my field membership including all my field membership including all my field guides, live monthly Q&A archive, past guides, live monthly Q&A archive, past guides, live monthly Q&A archive, past consults, etc. Real answers with real consults, etc. Real answers with real consults, etc. Real answers with real people. Linked in the description, people. Linked in the description, people. Linked in the description, linked in the pinned comments. Thanks so

linked in the pinned comments. Thanks so linked in the pinned comments. Thanks so much. I'm Evan retired early in Vietnam. much. I'm Evan retired early in Vietnam. much. I'm Evan retired early in Vietnam. You want to watch a video about some of You want to watch a video about some of You want to watch a video about some of the forgotten American territories, you the forgotten American territories, you the forgotten American territories, you can check this one out. Or if you want can check this one out. Or if you want can check this one out. Or if you want to watch a list of places where I to watch a list of places where I to watch a list of places where I legitimately think you can still start legitimately think you can still start legitimately think you can still start over on $10,000 over on $10,000 over on $10,000 in your first year, watch this one. Take in your first year, watch this one. Take in your first year, watch this one. Take care.