What I Missed About Vietnam (But You Probably Don’t Expect)

I just spent a full month outside of I just spent a full month outside of Vietnam for the first time in years. We Vietnam for the first time in years. We Vietnam for the first time in years. We visited the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky visited the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky visited the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains. We road tripped across the Mountains. We road tripped across the Mountains. We road tripped across the prairies and stopped at the Great Lakes prairies and stopped at the Great Lakes prairies and stopped at the Great Lakes before relaxing on an island on a before relaxing on an island on a before relaxing on an island on a beautiful lake with my family. Four beautiful lake with my family. Four beautiful lake with my family. Four weeks, five places, a [ __ ] ton of weeks, five places, a [ __ ] ton of weeks, five places, a [ __ ] ton of airports, and one very long ass stretch airports, and one very long ass stretch airports, and one very long ass stretch of boring highway through the Rockies of boring highway through the Rockies of boring highway through the Rockies and the prairies. And I got to tell you and the prairies. And I got to tell you and the prairies. And I got to tell you something that kind of shocked me. I something that kind of shocked me. I something that kind of shocked me. I thought I was going to come back with a thought I was going to come back with a thought I was going to come back with a list of things that Vietnam gets wrong, list of things that Vietnam gets wrong, list of things that Vietnam gets wrong, things I'd been rationalizing and things I'd been rationalizing and things I'd been rationalizing and romanticizing away because I live here romanticizing away because I live here romanticizing away because I live here and you got to defend where you live. and you got to defend where you live. and you got to defend where you live. But that's not at all what happened. I But that's not at all what happened. I But that's not at all what happened. I came back to Vietnam with a list of five came back to Vietnam with a list of five came back to Vietnam with a list of five things that I missed about living here things that I missed about living here things that I missed about living here so specifically Vietnamese that I so specifically Vietnamese that I so specifically Vietnamese that I noticed them almost all the time on the noticed them almost all the time on the noticed them almost all the time on the third day, the 9th day, the 20th day. third day, the 9th day, the 20th day. third day, the 9th day, the 20th day. And ultimately, all these things are And ultimately, all these things are And ultimately, all these things are measurable. This isn't just a vibe or a measurable. This isn't just a vibe or a measurable. This isn't just a vibe or a feeling. It's not just a bone broth and feeling. It's not just a bone broth and feeling. It's not just a bone broth and noodle soup craving. It's actual noodle soup craving. It's actual noodle soup craving. It's actual numbers. And I pulled every one of them numbers. And I pulled every one of them numbers. And I pulled every one of them before I sat down to write this. So, before I sat down to write this. So, before I sat down to write this. So, let's count down the five things I miss let's count down the five things I miss let's count down the five things I miss most. Talk about why I miss them and most. Talk about why I miss them and most. Talk about why I miss them and what it ultimately cost me to leave what it ultimately cost me to leave what it ultimately cost me to leave Vietnam for a month and go back home.

Vietnam for a month and go back home. Vietnam for a month and go back home. So, first up, five is the cost of So, first up, five is the cost of So, first up, five is the cost of living. Of course, frankly, there's no living. Of course, frankly, there's no living. Of course, frankly, there's no comparison. It's not five times cheaper. comparison. It's not five times cheaper. comparison. It's not five times cheaper. It's not 10 times more affordable. It is It's not 10 times more affordable. It is It's not 10 times more affordable. It is not at all comparable. That's my not at all comparable. That's my not at all comparable. That's my takeaway. Your $16 croissants and two takeaway. Your $16 croissants and two takeaway. Your $16 croissants and two coffee breakfasts at home versus my coffee breakfasts at home versus my coffee breakfasts at home versus my entire family eating dinner with drinks entire family eating dinner with drinks entire family eating dinner with drinks at a restaurant in Vietnam. A single at a restaurant in Vietnam. A single at a restaurant in Vietnam. A single person in Ho Chi Min City excluding rent person in Ho Chi Min City excluding rent person in Ho Chi Min City excluding rent runs about 12,800,000 runs about 12,800,000 runs about 12,800,000 dong a month. That's Numio's cost of dong a month. That's Numio's cost of dong a month. That's Numio's cost of living figure. At today's rate, that is living figure. At today's rate, that is living figure. At today's rate, that is $492 $492 $492 before rent to live a good life. Daang before rent to live a good life. Daang before rent to live a good life. Daang comes in even less at $450 a month. Yes, comes in even less at $450 a month. Yes, comes in even less at $450 a month. Yes, that is $15 a day. The flip side, that is $15 a day. The flip side, that is $15 a day. The flip side, Toronto is $1,475. Toronto is $1,475. Toronto is $1,475. Vancouver is $1,430. Vancouver is $1,430. Vancouver is $1,430. Seattle is $1,560. Seattle is $1,560. Seattle is $1,560. [ __ ] Buffalo, I love you, Buffalo. [ __ ] Buffalo, I love you, Buffalo. [ __ ] Buffalo, I love you, Buffalo. I'm sorry. It's the cheapest place on I'm sorry. It's the cheapest place on I'm sorry. It's the cheapest place on this entire list on the North American this entire list on the North American this entire list on the North American side. A place I only go for two very side. A place I only go for two very side. A place I only go for two very specific reasons, is $1,297 specific reasons, is $1,297 specific reasons, is $1,297 a month. For the love of God, football a month. For the love of God, football a month. For the love of God, football and chicken wings, if you're living in and chicken wings, if you're living in and chicken wings, if you're living in Buffalo and watching this, do something Buffalo and watching this, do something Buffalo and watching this, do something about it, friend. Because before rent, about it, friend. Because before rent, about it, friend. Because before rent, my spread is about 2 to1 against the my spread is about 2 to1 against the my spread is about 2 to1 against the cost of living here. That's real. But is cost of living here. That's real. But is cost of living here. That's real. But is that shocking? No. Because rent in that shocking? No. Because rent in that shocking? No. Because rent in Vietnam is where cost of living abroad Vietnam is where cost of living abroad Vietnam is where cost of living abroad stops being a comparison and literally stops being a comparison and literally stops being a comparison and literally just starts feeling like a hack or a just starts feeling like a hack or a just starts feeling like a hack or a different planet. A one-bedroom in the different planet. A one-bedroom in the different planet. A one-bedroom in the city center of Ho Chi Min is under 15 city center of Ho Chi Min is under 15 city center of Ho Chi Min is under 15 million dong easily. It's about $570.

million dong easily. It's about $570. million dong easily. It's about $570. Out of the center, you can find one for Out of the center, you can find one for Out of the center, you can find one for $7.5 million under $300. This is not a $7.5 million under $300. This is not a $7.5 million under $300. This is not a joke. It is extremely doable. Even in joke. It is extremely doable. Even in joke. It is extremely doable. Even in Daang, where prices are skyrocketing in Daang, where prices are skyrocketing in Daang, where prices are skyrocketing in the tourist zone, you can still easily the tourist zone, you can still easily the tourist zone, you can still easily find a one-bedroom for 500. And outside find a one-bedroom for 500. And outside find a one-bedroom for 500. And outside the city center, you can easily find a the city center, you can easily find a the city center, you can easily find a place for 200, 300. These are real place for 200, 300. These are real place for 200, 300. These are real places you can find near a beach in places you can find near a beach in places you can find near a beach in Asia. In Vancouver, it costs $2,533 Asia. In Vancouver, it costs $2,533 Asia. In Vancouver, it costs $2,533 to rent a one-bedroom apartment. In to rent a one-bedroom apartment. In to rent a one-bedroom apartment. In Seattle, it's $2,450. In Toronto, it's Seattle, it's $2,450. In Toronto, it's Seattle, it's $2,450. In Toronto, it's $2,200. Oh my god. Poor Buffalo. I'm $2,200. Oh my god. Poor Buffalo. I'm $2,200. Oh my god. Poor Buffalo. I'm sorry for picking on you. It's still sorry for picking on you. It's still sorry for picking on you. It's still $1,685. $1,685. $1,685. That's it, folks. That is the thing that That's it, folks. That is the thing that That's it, folks. That is the thing that kills me. And let's not even talk about kills me. And let's not even talk about kills me. And let's not even talk about what I paid for freaking hotels and what I paid for freaking hotels and what I paid for freaking hotels and Airbnbs on a vacation. It was insane. Airbnbs on a vacation. It was insane. Airbnbs on a vacation. It was insane. Buffalo, New York is more expensive than Buffalo, New York is more expensive than Buffalo, New York is more expensive than either of my beautiful homes here in either of my beautiful homes here in either of my beautiful homes here in Vietnam. Annualize the top and the Vietnam. Annualize the top and the Vietnam. Annualize the top and the bottom cities. Seattle, you get a bottom cities. Seattle, you get a bottom cities. Seattle, you get a $48,250 $48,250 $48,250 a year in rental costs versus Ho Chi Min a year in rental costs versus Ho Chi Min a year in rental costs versus Ho Chi Min City where $12,780 City where $12,780 City where $12,780 will get you a place. It is a quarter of will get you a place. It is a quarter of will get you a place. It is a quarter of the cost. And I know people don't like the cost. And I know people don't like the cost. And I know people don't like it when I call Vietnam cheap. But don't it when I call Vietnam cheap. But don't it when I call Vietnam cheap. But don't worry, Vietnam is not a person and we're worry, Vietnam is not a person and we're worry, Vietnam is not a person and we're talking about high value in exchange for talking about high value in exchange for talking about high value in exchange for the low cost, not some miserly penny the low cost, not some miserly penny the low cost, not some miserly penny pincher or whatever the illiterates in pincher or whatever the illiterates in pincher or whatever the illiterates in my comment section are bitching and my comment section are bitching and my comment section are bitching and moaning about. Not my problem. I'm moaning about. Not my problem. I'm moaning about. Not my problem. I'm talking about $35,400 talking about $35,400 talking about $35,400 plus a year in the difference in the plus a year in the difference in the plus a year in the difference in the cost of housing. Same person, same cost of housing. Same person, same cost of housing. Same person, same onebedroom. That is what geo arbitrage

onebedroom. That is what geo arbitrage onebedroom. That is what geo arbitrage is all about, folks. And for those of is all about, folks. And for those of is all about, folks. And for those of you who say, "Oh, but what about the you who say, "Oh, but what about the you who say, "Oh, but what about the average Vietnamese person?" Well, ask average Vietnamese person?" Well, ask average Vietnamese person?" Well, ask yourself this. Do you think the average yourself this. Do you think the average yourself this. Do you think the average Vietnamese person waking up in Daang by Vietnamese person waking up in Daang by Vietnamese person waking up in Daang by the beach wants to move to Buffalo? Hm. the beach wants to move to Buffalo? Hm. the beach wants to move to Buffalo? Hm. Are you insane? This is not 1975, folks. Are you insane? This is not 1975, folks. Are you insane? This is not 1975, folks. The world has changed. You need to wake The world has changed. You need to wake The world has changed. You need to wake the [ __ ] up if you're still thinking the [ __ ] up if you're still thinking the [ __ ] up if you're still thinking that. Over 10 years, we're talking about that. Over 10 years, we're talking about that. Over 10 years, we're talking about saving $354,000 saving $354,000 saving $354,000 in rental costs. What do you do with in rental costs. What do you do with in rental costs. What do you do with that kind of money? Ultimately, it's that kind of money? Ultimately, it's that kind of money? Ultimately, it's your business. But that is the number your business. But that is the number your business. But that is the number and is the single largest financial and is the single largest financial and is the single largest financial decision most people in my comments will decision most people in my comments will decision most people in my comments will ever make and it is available to anyone ever make and it is available to anyone ever make and it is available to anyone with a decent passport and a laptop. And with a decent passport and a laptop. And with a decent passport and a laptop. And yes, it is exactly how I retired early yes, it is exactly how I retired early yes, it is exactly how I retired early in Vietnam. But here's the part I in Vietnam. But here's the part I in Vietnam. But here's the part I actually felt, you know, emotionally, actually felt, you know, emotionally, actually felt, you know, emotionally, psychologically, and it isn't the psychologically, and it isn't the psychologically, and it isn't the headline cost of living number I just headline cost of living number I just headline cost of living number I just spat out. It's the friction of all the spat out. It's the friction of all the spat out. It's the friction of all the thousand small cuts, all the small thousand small cuts, all the small thousand small cuts, all the small purchases in Calgary. I didn't want to purchases in Calgary. I didn't want to purchases in Calgary. I didn't want to go out for coffee. I drank the crap in go out for coffee. I drank the crap in go out for coffee. I drank the crap in the hotel room. Not because I can't the hotel room. Not because I can't the hotel room. Not because I can't afford Starbucks, but because 5.95 for afford Starbucks, but because 5.95 for afford Starbucks, but because 5.95 for cappuccino is gross, right? I don't want cappuccino is gross, right? I don't want cappuccino is gross, right? I don't want to be doing arithmetic before I buy a to be doing arithmetic before I buy a to be doing arithmetic before I buy a cup of coffee. It's a tax on your cup of coffee. It's a tax on your cup of coffee. It's a tax on your attention that nobody puts in cost of attention that nobody puts in cost of attention that nobody puts in cost of living tables. Seattle's cappuccino is living tables. Seattle's cappuccino is living tables. Seattle's cappuccino is $650. Vancouver's is like seven or eight $650. Vancouver's is like seven or eight $650. Vancouver's is like seven or eight Canadian dollars. That's nuts. You know, Canadian dollars. That's nuts. You know, Canadian dollars. That's nuts. You know, to all the money gurus back home telling to all the money gurus back home telling to all the money gurus back home telling you that coffees won't kill your budget, you that coffees won't kill your budget, you that coffees won't kill your budget, immediately unsubscribe. That is [ __ ] immediately unsubscribe. That is [ __ ] immediately unsubscribe. That is [ __ ] financial advice. If you spend over financial advice. If you spend over financial advice. If you spend over $2,000 a year on your morning coffee,

$2,000 a year on your morning coffee, $2,000 a year on your morning coffee, you are getting ripped off. Okay? In you are getting ripped off. Okay? In you are getting ripped off. Okay? In Vietnam, a coffee is $1 to $2 or less if Vietnam, a coffee is $1 to $2 or less if Vietnam, a coffee is $1 to $2 or less if you get it from a roadside vendor. Trust you get it from a roadside vendor. Trust you get it from a roadside vendor. Trust me, bluecollar people here can afford to me, bluecollar people here can afford to me, bluecollar people here can afford to drink coffee in the morning. But most drink coffee in the morning. But most drink coffee in the morning. But most importantly, I don't think about it importantly, I don't think about it importantly, I don't think about it because I don't have to. That's what I because I don't have to. That's what I because I don't have to. That's what I miss, right? Not the dollar. It's the miss, right? Not the dollar. It's the miss, right? Not the dollar. It's the not thinking. The removal of mental not thinking. The removal of mental not thinking. The removal of mental friction and financial decision making friction and financial decision making friction and financial decision making around basic costs that should not be a around basic costs that should not be a around basic costs that should not be a part of my daily stress or computing. part of my daily stress or computing. part of my daily stress or computing. Yes, the cost of living point is being Yes, the cost of living point is being Yes, the cost of living point is being hammered to infinity. I get it. I know. hammered to infinity. I get it. I know. hammered to infinity. I get it. I know. But I got two more line items I can't But I got two more line items I can't But I got two more line items I can't resist sharing before I move on to resist sharing before I move on to resist sharing before I move on to number four on our list because these number four on our list because these number four on our list because these are the ones people forget to budget. are the ones people forget to budget. are the ones people forget to budget. Just utilities. Basic utilities on a,000 Just utilities. Basic utilities on a,000 Just utilities. Basic utilities on a,000 ft place. Here cost you roughly $100 a ft place. Here cost you roughly $100 a ft place. Here cost you roughly $100 a month on the high end. Buffalo pays month on the high end. Buffalo pays month on the high end. Buffalo pays three times what I pay just to heat and three times what I pay just to heat and three times what I pay just to heat and cool a smaller apartment in a worse cool a smaller apartment in a worse cool a smaller apartment in a worse climate. And the family number, since climate. And the family number, since climate. And the family number, since about a third of you aren't doing this about a third of you aren't doing this about a third of you aren't doing this alone, for a family of four, excluding alone, for a family of four, excluding alone, for a family of four, excluding rent, in Ho Chi Min City, your total rent, in Ho Chi Min City, your total rent, in Ho Chi Min City, your total cost is roughly $45 million or $1,750, cost is roughly $45 million or $1,750, cost is roughly $45 million or $1,750, which to be honest, in my family usually which to be honest, in my family usually which to be honest, in my family usually runs closer to $55 million dong a month runs closer to $55 million dong a month runs closer to $55 million dong a month or even60 or a little over 2,000, but we or even60 or a little over 2,000, but we or even60 or a little over 2,000, but we travel a lot. And when we lived in travel a lot. And when we lived in travel a lot. And when we lived in Daang, it was less. It was closer to 16 Daang, it was less. It was closer to 16 Daang, it was less. It was closer to 16 to,800. In Toronto, 5,400 a month, easy.

to,800. In Toronto, 5,400 a month, easy. to,800. In Toronto, 5,400 a month, easy. Seattle 5600, Buffalo 4,500. But here's Seattle 5600, Buffalo 4,500. But here's Seattle 5600, Buffalo 4,500. But here's the catch, man. To visit home for a the catch, man. To visit home for a the catch, man. To visit home for a month, it actually cost us over $10,000. month, it actually cost us over $10,000. month, it actually cost us over $10,000. And we spent close to 6 months of our And we spent close to 6 months of our And we spent close to 6 months of our actual cost of living in Vietnam in just actual cost of living in Vietnam in just actual cost of living in Vietnam in just over 30 days. Woof. Okay, now that I over 30 days. Woof. Okay, now that I over 30 days. Woof. Okay, now that I beat you over the head with cost of beat you over the head with cost of beat you over the head with cost of living and geo arbitrage, let's move on living and geo arbitrage, let's move on living and geo arbitrage, let's move on to the next point. A beautiful one. to the next point. A beautiful one. to the next point. A beautiful one. Four, food culture in Vietnam. I'm going Four, food culture in Vietnam. I'm going Four, food culture in Vietnam. I'm going to be careful here because Vancouver, to be careful here because Vancouver, to be careful here because Vancouver, Seattle, Toronto, they have world-class Seattle, Toronto, they have world-class Seattle, Toronto, they have world-class food. Toronto might have the best range food. Toronto might have the best range food. Toronto might have the best range of restaurants of any city I've eaten in of restaurants of any city I've eaten in of restaurants of any city I've eaten in outside of Koala Lumpur or Bangkok. But outside of Koala Lumpur or Bangkok. But outside of Koala Lumpur or Bangkok. But the argument here is what an ordinary the argument here is what an ordinary the argument here is what an ordinary Tuesday cost to feed you and what you Tuesday cost to feed you and what you Tuesday cost to feed you and what you get for your money and have to put get for your money and have to put get for your money and have to put inside your body. Inexpensive restaurant inside your body. Inexpensive restaurant inside your body. Inexpensive restaurant meal one person here in Vietnam cost meal one person here in Vietnam cost meal one person here in Vietnam cost about 55,000 dong, a little over $2. about 55,000 dong, a little over $2. about 55,000 dong, a little over $2. Toronto and Vancouver, it's about $20 Toronto and Vancouver, it's about $20 Toronto and Vancouver, it's about $20 per person per meal. Seattle 25, Buffalo per person per meal. Seattle 25, Buffalo per person per meal. Seattle 25, Buffalo 22. And yet, yet when I went out with my 22. And yet, yet when I went out with my 22. And yet, yet when I went out with my family of four and my wife and I had a family of four and my wife and I had a family of four and my wife and I had a drink cuz we were on vacation and who drink cuz we were on vacation and who drink cuz we were on vacation and who doesn't need a glass of wine when doesn't need a glass of wine when doesn't need a glass of wine when they're dealing with suitcases and they're dealing with suitcases and they're dealing with suitcases and toddlers and airports, we spent on toddlers and airports, we spent on toddlers and airports, we spent on average about $140 per meal, which is 35 average about $140 per meal, which is 35 average about $140 per meal, which is 35 per person. So, riddle me that because per person. So, riddle me that because per person. So, riddle me that because it was honestly closer to 15 or 20 times it was honestly closer to 15 or 20 times it was honestly closer to 15 or 20 times as expensive for us to eat out a lot of as expensive for us to eat out a lot of as expensive for us to eat out a lot of meals back home. But even just going by meals back home. But even just going by meals back home. But even just going by the data and not my own subjective the data and not my own subjective the data and not my own subjective takes, it is still roughly 10 to one on

takes, it is still roughly 10 to one on takes, it is still roughly 10 to one on the most common transaction in your the most common transaction in your the most common transaction in your life, feeding yourself. And more life, feeding yourself. And more life, feeding yourself. And more importantly, are you doing it well? You importantly, are you doing it well? You importantly, are you doing it well? You know, mid-range dinner for two here is know, mid-range dinner for two here is know, mid-range dinner for two here is about $23. In Daang, it's about 19. In about $23. In Daang, it's about 19. In about $23. In Daang, it's about 19. In Toronto, it's 120 Canadian. You know, in Toronto, it's 120 Canadian. You know, in Toronto, it's 120 Canadian. You know, in Seattle, it's a h 100red bucks. A pint Seattle, it's a h 100red bucks. A pint Seattle, it's a h 100red bucks. A pint of beer, maybe a dollar here, although of beer, maybe a dollar here, although of beer, maybe a dollar here, although usually they're not pints. Toronto, it's usually they're not pints. Toronto, it's usually they're not pints. Toronto, it's [snorts] 9 Canadian. Seattle, it's [snorts] 9 Canadian. Seattle, it's [snorts] 9 Canadian. Seattle, it's eight. You do the math on that over a eight. You do the math on that over a eight. You do the math on that over a month of eating like a normal person or month of eating like a normal person or month of eating like a normal person or actually trying to enjoy yourself, and actually trying to enjoy yourself, and actually trying to enjoy yourself, and it is just brutal. It adds up to an it is just brutal. It adds up to an it is just brutal. It adds up to an entirely different kind of budget. But entirely different kind of budget. But entirely different kind of budget. But the money ratio isn't even the point. the money ratio isn't even the point. the money ratio isn't even the point. The point that I want to put on a bunch The point that I want to put on a bunch The point that I want to put on a bunch of weight eating badly, absolutely not. of weight eating badly, absolutely not. of weight eating badly, absolutely not. You know, in Vancouver, I ate very well. You know, in Vancouver, I ate very well. You know, in Vancouver, I ate very well. Maybe four times at all total, right? Maybe four times at all total, right? Maybe four times at all total, right? And they're planned times, reservations, And they're planned times, reservations, And they're planned times, reservations, a decision, an event. The other 26 days a decision, an event. The other 26 days a decision, an event. The other 26 days at home, I ate something forgettable or at home, I ate something forgettable or at home, I ate something forgettable or fast food or grocery pre-cooked crap fast food or grocery pre-cooked crap fast food or grocery pre-cooked crap because eating out is a serious budget because eating out is a serious budget because eating out is a serious budget line. So, there's a real health and line. So, there's a real health and line. So, there's a real health and enjoyment cost on top of the dollar enjoyment cost on top of the dollar enjoyment cost on top of the dollar number. Literally, I put on weight for number. Literally, I put on weight for number. Literally, I put on weight for what? You know, in Vietnam, I eat out what? You know, in Vietnam, I eat out what? You know, in Vietnam, I eat out most days, and it's not an event. Just a most days, and it's not an event. Just a most days, and it's not an event. Just a chair on a sidewalk and a lovely auntie chair on a sidewalk and a lovely auntie chair on a sidewalk and a lovely auntie who's made me a beautiful bowl of noodle who's made me a beautiful bowl of noodle who's made me a beautiful bowl of noodle soup and a salad. I've been doing the soup and a salad. I've been doing the soup and a salad. I've been doing the same thing for decades. The food is same thing for decades. The food is same thing for decades. The food is better than most of what I paid $90 for better than most of what I paid $90 for better than most of what I paid $90 for in Canada. And I mean that flatly. I in Canada. And I mean that flatly. I in Canada. And I mean that flatly. I know how it sounds, but I'm serious.

know how it sounds, but I'm serious. know how it sounds, but I'm serious. It's healthier. It's fresher. It's It's healthier. It's fresher. It's It's healthier. It's fresher. It's cheaper. It's often tastier to eat here. cheaper. It's often tastier to eat here. cheaper. It's often tastier to eat here. In San Francisco, I spent a h 100red In San Francisco, I spent a h 100red In San Francisco, I spent a h 100red bucks to get some pizza slices in the bucks to get some pizza slices in the bucks to get some pizza slices in the airport with my kids. That kind of food airport with my kids. That kind of food airport with my kids. That kind of food isn't an occasion, right? Vietnam turns isn't an occasion, right? Vietnam turns isn't an occasion, right? Vietnam turns eating into something that happens to eating into something that happens to eating into something that happens to you outside socially, surrounded by you outside socially, surrounded by you outside socially, surrounded by sights and sounds. And the West sights and sounds. And the West sights and sounds. And the West regulates and consumerizes food into a regulates and consumerizes food into a regulates and consumerizes food into a product you just shove into your mouth product you just shove into your mouth product you just shove into your mouth with the highest possible calorie with the highest possible calorie with the highest possible calorie density a scientist can design and density a scientist can design and density a scientist can design and manufacture. It is gross straight up. manufacture. It is gross straight up. manufacture. It is gross straight up. And if you want something wholesome and And if you want something wholesome and And if you want something wholesome and healthy back home, you absolutely pay healthy back home, you absolutely pay healthy back home, you absolutely pay through the nose for it. It is a luxury through the nose for it. It is a luxury through the nose for it. It is a luxury good to eat well. 20 days into the trip, good to eat well. 20 days into the trip, good to eat well. 20 days into the trip, I was standing in a grocery store in I was standing in a grocery store in I was standing in a grocery store in Toronto. nine o'clock at night and all Toronto. nine o'clock at night and all Toronto. nine o'clock at night and all there was to eat that was decent was a there was to eat that was decent was a there was to eat that was decent was a pre-cooked check chicken like in a box. pre-cooked check chicken like in a box. pre-cooked check chicken like in a box. Gross. Soulkilling man. That is the day Gross. Soulkilling man. That is the day Gross. Soulkilling man. That is the day I started checking my return flight to I started checking my return flight to I started checking my return flight to Vietnam obsessively and literally Vietnam obsessively and literally Vietnam obsessively and literally couldn't wait to get back here. Quick couldn't wait to get back here. Quick couldn't wait to get back here. Quick admission because it's relevant to admission because it's relevant to admission because it's relevant to everything I've said before. When I everything I've said before. When I everything I've said before. When I first started writing the script, I had first started writing the script, I had first started writing the script, I had the Ho Chi Min City rent figure at about the Ho Chi Min City rent figure at about the Ho Chi Min City rent figure at about $570, but I've been making all these $570, but I've been making all these $570, but I've been making all these rent videos recently, and I repul it a rent videos recently, and I repul it a rent videos recently, and I repul it a couple of days ago, and it's moved. And couple of days ago, and it's moved. And couple of days ago, and it's moved. And the dong has moved under it, too. Small the dong has moved under it, too. Small the dong has moved under it, too. Small change. Here's the thing. It got change. Here's the thing. It got change. Here's the thing. It got cheaper. [laughter] cheaper. [laughter] cheaper. [laughter] The point is, the numbers are constantly The point is, the numbers are constantly The point is, the numbers are constantly changing, just like the visas and the changing, just like the visas and the changing, just like the visas and the laws and the situation on the ground. So laws and the situation on the ground. So laws and the situation on the ground. So ultimately, no YouTube video like this ultimately, no YouTube video like this ultimately, no YouTube video like this can ever keep you up to date for when can ever keep you up to date for when can ever keep you up to date for when you're actually making your move abroad.

you're actually making your move abroad. you're actually making your move abroad. Your situation is live. Your numbers are Your situation is live. Your numbers are Your situation is live. Your numbers are always a moving target. So ultimately, always a moving target. So ultimately, always a moving target. So ultimately, if you're actually doing this and you if you're actually doing this and you if you're actually doing this and you want my real help, you got to use the want my real help, you got to use the want my real help, you got to use the link to my website, the cost of living link to my website, the cost of living link to my website, the cost of living abroad.com below to get in touch with me abroad.com below to get in touch with me abroad.com below to get in touch with me or book an actual call and we can build or book an actual call and we can build or book an actual call and we can build you a real relocation plan from scratch. you a real relocation plan from scratch. you a real relocation plan from scratch. You can bring your real income, your You can bring your real income, your You can bring your real income, your real timeline, and the actual country real timeline, and the actual country real timeline, and the actual country and city you're looking at, and we'll and city you're looking at, and we'll and city you're looking at, and we'll pressure test whether the math works for pressure test whether the math works for pressure test whether the math works for you and how to do it right. If you'd you and how to do it right. If you'd you and how to do it right. If you'd rather do it yourself, that's fine, too. rather do it yourself, that's fine, too. rather do it yourself, that's fine, too. You can get all my courses, guides, past You can get all my courses, guides, past You can get all my courses, guides, past live calls, and Q&As's as well. Just live calls, and Q&As's as well. Just live calls, and Q&As's as well. Just click the link below or keep watching click the link below or keep watching click the link below or keep watching all of these videos for free. Hit the all of these videos for free. Hit the all of these videos for free. Hit the like button, the share, the comment, all like button, the share, the comment, all like button, the share, the comment, all that stuff. Number three, relaxed that stuff. Number three, relaxed that stuff. Number three, relaxed regulations. This is misunderstood, regulations. This is misunderstood, regulations. This is misunderstood, underrated, etc. So, let me be direct. underrated, etc. So, let me be direct. underrated, etc. So, let me be direct. What am I talking about? What am I not What am I talking about? What am I not What am I talking about? What am I not talking about? Vietnam is a one party talking about? Vietnam is a one party talking about? Vietnam is a one party socialist republic. Okay? It is not a socialist republic. Okay? It is not a socialist republic. Okay? It is not a libertarian paradise. You can't own a libertarian paradise. You can't own a libertarian paradise. You can't own a gun here. You can't say whatever you gun here. You can't say whatever you gun here. You can't say whatever you want. There are things you cannot do and want. There are things you cannot do and want. There are things you cannot do and say, and I'm not pretending otherwise. say, and I'm not pretending otherwise. say, and I'm not pretending otherwise. What I'm talking about is the density of What I'm talking about is the density of What I'm talking about is the density of permission required to do ordinary permission required to do ordinary permission required to do ordinary things. In plain English, the [ __ ] things. In plain English, the [ __ ] things. In plain English, the [ __ ] you put up with every day to get [ __ ] you put up with every day to get [ __ ] you put up with every day to get [ __ ] done. Let's start with the border, cuz a done. Let's start with the border, cuz a done. Let's start with the border, cuz a lot of you [ __ ] about visas. A Vietnam lot of you [ __ ] about visas. A Vietnam lot of you [ __ ] about visas. A Vietnam e visa right now is $25 for a single e visa right now is $25 for a single e visa right now is $25 for a single entry, 50 for multiple entry, 90 days, entry, 50 for multiple entry, 90 days, entry, 50 for multiple entry, 90 days, applied entirely online. Takes 3 to five applied entirely online. Takes 3 to five applied entirely online. Takes 3 to five working days to get it, but you can do working days to get it, but you can do working days to get it, but you can do it in your phone in about 5 minutes.

it in your phone in about 5 minutes. it in your phone in about 5 minutes. Passport scan, photo, no bank Passport scan, photo, no bank Passport scan, photo, no bank statements, no employment letter, no statements, no employment letter, no statements, no employment letter, no embassy appointment, no interview. Easy embassy appointment, no interview. Easy embassy appointment, no interview. Easy breezy, folks. Trust me though, book the breezy, folks. Trust me though, book the breezy, folks. Trust me though, book the multi-entry. Now, go in the other multi-entry. Now, go in the other multi-entry. Now, go in the other direction. If you're not from a visa direction. If you're not from a visa direction. If you're not from a visa waiver country, a US tourist visa is an waiver country, a US tourist visa is an waiver country, a US tourist visa is an in-person interview at a consulate, a in-person interview at a consulate, a in-person interview at a consulate, a fee you don't get back if you're fee you don't get back if you're fee you don't get back if you're refused, and in a lot of places, a wait refused, and in a lot of places, a wait refused, and in a lot of places, a wait measured in months or years. Canada measured in months or years. Canada measured in months or years. Canada wants proof of ties, proof of funds, and wants proof of ties, proof of funds, and wants proof of ties, proof of funds, and reserves the right to say no with no reserves the right to say no with no reserves the right to say no with no explanation. It took me 2 years to get explanation. It took me 2 years to get explanation. It took me 2 years to get my wife a visitor visa. So, for all of my wife a visitor visa. So, for all of my wife a visitor visa. So, for all of you folks who [ __ ] about your visa you folks who [ __ ] about your visa you folks who [ __ ] about your visa situation in Southeast Asia, honestly, situation in Southeast Asia, honestly, situation in Southeast Asia, honestly, take a look in the mirror because visa take a look in the mirror because visa take a look in the mirror because visa status and applications are always status and applications are always status and applications are always reciprocity agreements. If you want reciprocity agreements. If you want reciprocity agreements. If you want visa-free entry to Vietnam, like the UK, visa-free entry to Vietnam, like the UK, visa-free entry to Vietnam, like the UK, like most of Europe, you've got to like most of Europe, you've got to like most of Europe, you've got to convince your own government to be nicer convince your own government to be nicer convince your own government to be nicer to Vietnamese people. Vietnam charges a to Vietnamese people. Vietnam charges a to Vietnamese people. Vietnam charges a Canadian $50 and gets out of the way. Canadian $50 and gets out of the way. Canadian $50 and gets out of the way. That asymmetry is worth saying out loud That asymmetry is worth saying out loud That asymmetry is worth saying out loud because the countries that lecture the because the countries that lecture the because the countries that lecture the most openness are the harder ones to most openness are the harder ones to most openness are the harder ones to enter. For real, your passport is more enter. For real, your passport is more enter. For real, your passport is more powerful and privileged than a powerful and privileged than a powerful and privileged than a Vietnamese passport. So stop whining Vietnamese passport. So stop whining Vietnamese passport. So stop whining like a baby when you can do whatever you like a baby when you can do whatever you like a baby when you can do whatever you want and get a visa for 90 days in five want and get a visa for 90 days in five want and get a visa for 90 days in five freaking minutes on your phone. Moving freaking minutes on your phone. Moving freaking minutes on your phone. Moving on. Healthcare. Let's talk about it. Is on. Healthcare. Let's talk about it. Is on. Healthcare. Let's talk about it. Is it better here? Is it better at home? A it better here? Is it better at home? A it better here? Is it better at home? A GP consultation in Vietnamese public GP consultation in Vietnamese public GP consultation in Vietnamese public hospital costs between $2 and $20. So hospital costs between $2 and $20. So hospital costs between $2 and $20. So yes, locals can afford it. Private yes, locals can afford it. Private yes, locals can afford it. Private hospital or international clinics cost

hospital or international clinics cost hospital or international clinics cost about $17 to $69. Walk in, pay, leave. about $17 to $69. Walk in, pay, leave. about $17 to $69. Walk in, pay, leave. That's the whole process. In and out on That's the whole process. In and out on That's the whole process. In and out on the same day, I get my prescriptions the same day, I get my prescriptions the same day, I get my prescriptions filled in under a minute total from filled in under a minute total from filled in under a minute total from walking into the pharmacy for walking walking into the pharmacy for walking walking into the pharmacy for walking out. No appointment, no referral, no out. No appointment, no referral, no out. No appointment, no referral, no prior authorization, no signatures, no prior authorization, no signatures, no prior authorization, no signatures, no insurer deciding whether I'm allowed to insurer deciding whether I'm allowed to insurer deciding whether I'm allowed to cuz I pay for it out of my pocket cuz cuz I pay for it out of my pocket cuz cuz I pay for it out of my pocket cuz it's affordable. Specialist visits since it's affordable. Specialist visits since it's affordable. Specialist visits since that's the one thing that actually gets that's the one thing that actually gets that's the one thing that actually gets expensive. Yeah. In a Vietnamese public expensive. Yeah. In a Vietnamese public expensive. Yeah. In a Vietnamese public hospital, talking about maybe 8 to 25 hospital, talking about maybe 8 to 25 hospital, talking about maybe 8 to 25 bucks. Private hospital, maybe 26 to bucks. Private hospital, maybe 26 to bucks. Private hospital, maybe 26 to 100. We're talking blood work, imaging. 100. We're talking blood work, imaging. 100. We're talking blood work, imaging. Even an international clinic, the most Even an international clinic, the most Even an international clinic, the most expensive tier is $1 to $200 and that is expensive tier is $1 to $200 and that is expensive tier is $1 to $200 and that is with an English-speaking specialist, with an English-speaking specialist, with an English-speaking specialist, foreign and trained, same week, same day foreign and trained, same week, same day foreign and trained, same week, same day availability. And I made whole videos availability. And I made whole videos availability. And I made whole videos about this. We are talking about top about this. We are talking about top about this. We are talking about top whole medical quality care that is now whole medical quality care that is now whole medical quality care that is now available. The expensive tier of available. The expensive tier of available. The expensive tier of Vietnamese healthcare costs about what Vietnamese healthcare costs about what Vietnamese healthcare costs about what an American pays as a co-ay or less. In an American pays as a co-ay or less. In an American pays as a co-ay or less. In Canada, I've watched friends wait for a Canada, I've watched friends wait for a Canada, I've watched friends wait for a family doctor for years. The emergency family doctor for years. The emergency family doctor for years. The emergency room looks like a [ __ ] zombie room looks like a [ __ ] zombie room looks like a [ __ ] zombie apocalypse movie. You think I'm joking.

apocalypse movie. You think I'm joking. apocalypse movie. You think I'm joking. I'm not going to get into it any deeper, I'm not going to get into it any deeper, I'm not going to get into it any deeper, but honestly, do you want your pregnant but honestly, do you want your pregnant but honestly, do you want your pregnant wife or aging parents sitting for 7 wife or aging parents sitting for 7 wife or aging parents sitting for 7 hours besides someone who literally just hours besides someone who literally just hours besides someone who literally just got shot or is high out of their gourd? got shot or is high out of their gourd? got shot or is high out of their gourd? Third, before I get too heated, this is Third, before I get too heated, this is Third, before I get too heated, this is the most underrated one by people who the most underrated one by people who the most underrated one by people who have not actually been here in Vietnam have not actually been here in Vietnam have not actually been here in Vietnam and are still affected by the stupid red and are still affected by the stupid red and are still affected by the stupid red scare and anti-communist propaganda from scare and anti-communist propaganda from scare and anti-communist propaganda from the 1980s. small business regulations, the 1980s. small business regulations, the 1980s. small business regulations, entrepreneurship. The woman with the entrepreneurship. The woman with the entrepreneurship. The woman with the Bondme business has a stall. She did not Bondme business has a stall. She did not Bondme business has a stall. She did not incorporate. She did not get a incorporate. She did not get a incorporate. She did not get a commissary kitchen inspection or a food commissary kitchen inspection or a food commissary kitchen inspection or a food handler certificate or a mobile vending handler certificate or a mobile vending handler certificate or a mobile vending permit or a fire marshal sign off. She permit or a fire marshal sign off. She permit or a fire marshal sign off. She does not need an accessible bathroom to does not need an accessible bathroom to does not need an accessible bathroom to sell you a sandwich. In Vancouver, every sell you a sandwich. In Vancouver, every sell you a sandwich. In Vancouver, every one of those is a real line item before one of those is a real line item before one of those is a real line item before you sell your first bowl of anything. you sell your first bowl of anything. you sell your first bowl of anything. And the honest result is that the food And the honest result is that the food And the honest result is that the food and beverage industry in most North and beverage industry in most North and beverage industry in most North American cities is a licensing economy American cities is a licensing economy American cities is a licensing economy first and an eating and drinking economy first and an eating and drinking economy first and an eating and drinking economy second. That's the trade-off. Vietnam second. That's the trade-off. Vietnam second. That's the trade-off. Vietnam gives you far less political freedom and gives you far less political freedom and gives you far less political freedom and far more economic latitude in your far more economic latitude in your far more economic latitude in your actual day-to-day operations. The West actual day-to-day operations. The West actual day-to-day operations. The West gives you the reverse and calls it gives you the reverse and calls it gives you the reverse and calls it freedom. Both of those are true and you freedom. Both of those are true and you freedom. Both of those are true and you get to decide which one you'd rather get to decide which one you'd rather get to decide which one you'd rather live inside. I've made my choice. I've live inside. I've made my choice. I've live inside. I've made my choice. I've said it plainly, said it plainly, said it plainly, I'd rather have my day. So, two, it's I'd rather have my day. So, two, it's I'd rather have my day. So, two, it's connected. Freedom of time and movement.

connected. Freedom of time and movement. connected. Freedom of time and movement. This is the one I missed the hardest, This is the one I missed the hardest, This is the one I missed the hardest, and it took me a long time to name it and it took me a long time to name it and it took me a long time to name it and properly put it into words for you and properly put it into words for you and properly put it into words for you in this video. Public transit and even in this video. Public transit and even in this video. Public transit and even those weird bike share things that those weird bike share things that those weird bike share things that clutter the city streets at home are clutter the city streets at home are clutter the city streets at home are everywhere and wildly available in a way everywhere and wildly available in a way everywhere and wildly available in a way that you can't get here. Are they that you can't get here. Are they that you can't get here. Are they expensive? Yes. And they're also heavily expensive? Yes. And they're also heavily expensive? Yes. And they're also heavily subsidized by tax dollars, so you're subsidized by tax dollars, so you're subsidized by tax dollars, so you're often paying for them twice. But I don't often paying for them twice. But I don't often paying for them twice. But I don't take the bus here. You could. I have a take the bus here. You could. I have a take the bus here. You could. I have a motorbike. And a motorbike in Vietnam motorbike. And a motorbike in Vietnam motorbike. And a motorbike in Vietnam means the distance between wanting to be means the distance between wanting to be means the distance between wanting to be somewhere and being there is 5 to 10 somewhere and being there is 5 to 10 somewhere and being there is 5 to 10 minutes, you know, at most an hour, minutes, you know, at most an hour, minutes, you know, at most an hour, pennies for fuel. Even a taxi here is pennies for fuel. Even a taxi here is pennies for fuel. Even a taxi here is like a few dollars to go across the city like a few dollars to go across the city like a few dollars to go across the city in an aironditioned brand new SUV. in an aironditioned brand new SUV. in an aironditioned brand new SUV. Compare that to Calgary to Bamp, right? Compare that to Calgary to Bamp, right? Compare that to Calgary to Bamp, right? 130 km trip we took. It's beautiful. I 130 km trip we took. It's beautiful. I 130 km trip we took. It's beautiful. I love it. I'd do it again. It was a van, love it. I'd do it again. It was a van, love it. I'd do it again. It was a van, a planned departure time, parking, a a planned departure time, parking, a a planned departure time, parking, a parking pass, two child seats, right? parking pass, two child seats, right? parking pass, two child seats, right? And it cost $130 each. It was like over And it cost $130 each. It was like over And it cost $130 each. It was like over 500 bucks for my family. The cost 500 bucks for my family. The cost 500 bucks for my family. The cost prohibition once again makes it a prohibition once again makes it a prohibition once again makes it a lifetime trip and not something a lifetime trip and not something a lifetime trip and not something a regular person can afford once a month regular person can afford once a month regular person can afford once a month or even once a year. Whereas in Vietnam, or even once a year. Whereas in Vietnam, or even once a year. Whereas in Vietnam, we go to the coast for weekends all the we go to the coast for weekends all the we go to the coast for weekends all the time. We drive up into the hills to time. We drive up into the hills to time. We drive up into the hills to chill out in dilat whenever we want. A chill out in dilat whenever we want. A chill out in dilat whenever we want. A bus to Cambodia. And by bus, I mean VIP bus to Cambodia. And by bus, I mean VIP bus to Cambodia. And by bus, I mean VIP reclining seats in a luxury limousine reclining seats in a luxury limousine reclining seats in a luxury limousine van cost $20. But here's the number that van cost $20. But here's the number that van cost $20. But here's the number that ultimately made it concrete for me. In ultimately made it concrete for me. In ultimately made it concrete for me. In four weeks in Canada, I did like a four weeks in Canada, I did like a four weeks in Canada, I did like a handful of things that I would call handful of things that I would call handful of things that I would call spontaneous, right? Everything else is spontaneous, right? Everything else is spontaneous, right? Everything else is scheduled ahead because the geography,

scheduled ahead because the geography, scheduled ahead because the geography, the cost, the weather, everything the cost, the weather, everything the cost, the weather, everything conspires to make spontaneity expensive. conspires to make spontaneity expensive. conspires to make spontaneity expensive. You can't just get up and go somewhere. You can't just get up and go somewhere. You can't just get up and go somewhere. You can't just do stuff, right? In a You can't just do stuff, right? In a You can't just do stuff, right? In a normal month in Vietnam, I do normal month in Vietnam, I do normal month in Vietnam, I do spontaneous things constantly. I was spontaneous things constantly. I was spontaneous things constantly. I was literally just talking to guys about literally just talking to guys about literally just talking to guys about flying down here for fantasy football flying down here for fantasy football flying down here for fantasy football draft whatever again because I do not draft whatever again because I do not draft whatever again because I do not have to think about finances. Everything have to think about finances. Everything have to think about finances. Everything is basically in my budget. And yes, is basically in my budget. And yes, is basically in my budget. And yes, social welfare means it's the same for social welfare means it's the same for social welfare means it's the same for most people who live here. Not free most people who live here. Not free most people who live here. Not free time. It's the ability to convert an time. It's the ability to convert an time. It's the ability to convert an impulse into an action without a impulse into an action without a impulse into an action without a transaction cost in front of it. I have transaction cost in front of it. I have transaction cost in front of it. I have real freedom here of choice that no real freedom here of choice that no real freedom here of choice that no politician can ever give me in exchange politician can ever give me in exchange politician can ever give me in exchange for my tax dollars. And this compounds for my tax dollars. And this compounds for my tax dollars. And this compounds with time and money, right? When dinner with time and money, right? When dinner with time and money, right? When dinner is $2 and the ride is $1 and you don't is $2 and the ride is $1 and you don't is $2 and the ride is $1 and you don't need to book anything, your calendar need to book anything, your calendar need to book anything, your calendar stops being a scarce resource and your stops being a scarce resource and your stops being a scarce resource and your life opens up. When dinner is 90 bucks life opens up. When dinner is 90 bucks life opens up. When dinner is 90 bucks and the ride is a car and everything and the ride is a car and everything and the ride is a car and everything closes at 9:00 and your calendar is the closes at 9:00 and your calendar is the closes at 9:00 and your calendar is the scarcest thing you own and whatever, the scarcest thing you own and whatever, the scarcest thing you own and whatever, the windows have to be open and you can't windows have to be open and you can't windows have to be open and you can't smoke and the bathroom has to be on this smoke and the bathroom has to be on this smoke and the bathroom has to be on this floor and yada yada yada. Ho Chi Min floor and yada yada yada. Ho Chi Min floor and yada yada yada. Ho Chi Min City is a few hours from most of Asia.

City is a few hours from most of Asia. City is a few hours from most of Asia. Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, Hong Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, Hong Bangkok, Singapore, Taipei, Seoul, Hong Kong, Manila. easy to get around. Back Kong, Manila. easy to get around. Back Kong, Manila. easy to get around. Back home, everything is far, man. The flight home, everything is far, man. The flight home, everything is far, man. The flight from Toronto to San Francisco took a from Toronto to San Francisco took a from Toronto to San Francisco took a whole day. Here, it's cheap in a way whole day. Here, it's cheap in a way whole day. Here, it's cheap in a way that changes behavior. A return flight that changes behavior. A return flight that changes behavior. A return flight to Bangkok out of Ho Chi Min on a to Bangkok out of Ho Chi Min on a to Bangkok out of Ho Chi Min on a lowcost carrier runs maybe 80 to 100 lowcost carrier runs maybe 80 to 100 lowcost carrier runs maybe 80 to 100 bucks if you book a few weeks in ahead. bucks if you book a few weeks in ahead. bucks if you book a few weeks in ahead. Singapore is 120 or so. Taipei and Seoul Singapore is 120 or so. Taipei and Seoul Singapore is 120 or so. Taipei and Seoul a couple hundred bucks. Six countries a couple hundred bucks. Six countries a couple hundred bucks. Six countries inside a long weekend and inside a inside a long weekend and inside a inside a long weekend and inside a budget you'd spend on a single meal out. budget you'd spend on a single meal out. budget you'd spend on a single meal out. in Toronto. Not even talking about the in Toronto. Not even talking about the in Toronto. Not even talking about the hotel, talking 90 days on a $50 multiple hotel, talking 90 days on a $50 multiple hotel, talking 90 days on a $50 multiple entry e visa also means that the border entry e visa also means that the border entry e visa also means that the border reset that everyone worries about is reset that everyone worries about is reset that everyone worries about is really just a weekend exploring a new really just a weekend exploring a new really just a weekend exploring a new city, not a crisis if you plan ahead. city, not a crisis if you plan ahead. city, not a crisis if you plan ahead. Fly out on Friday, come back on Sunday, Fly out on Friday, come back on Sunday, Fly out on Friday, come back on Sunday, 90 more days. In the Shenzhen zone in 90 more days. In the Shenzhen zone in 90 more days. In the Shenzhen zone in Europe, you get 90 out of 180 days. And Europe, you get 90 out of 180 days. And Europe, you get 90 out of 180 days. And there's no negotiating with it because there's no negotiating with it because there's no negotiating with it because they use biometrics now to get into they use biometrics now to get into they use biometrics now to get into Europe. Look it up if you don't believe Europe. Look it up if you don't believe Europe. Look it up if you don't believe me. Number one, underrated. still me. Number one, underrated. still me. Number one, underrated. still underrated and I'd forgotten about it underrated and I'd forgotten about it underrated and I'd forgotten about it till I actually went back. It's the till I actually went back. It's the till I actually went back. It's the weather, folks. I saved this for laugh weather, folks. I saved this for laugh weather, folks. I saved this for laugh because a lot a lot of people call it because a lot a lot of people call it because a lot a lot of people call it soft. It's not soft. It's physiological soft. It's not soft. It's physiological soft. It's not soft. It's physiological evidence, man. It is tropical. It is evidence, man. It is tropical. It is evidence, man. It is tropical. It is warm. It is sunny outside that window warm. It is sunny outside that window warm. It is sunny outside that window and it is great. Okay, Vancouver or and it is great. Okay, Vancouver or and it is great. Okay, Vancouver or Seattle, you're getting 2,000 hours of Seattle, you're getting 2,000 hours of Seattle, you're getting 2,000 hours of sunshine in a year. Look at December sunshine in a year. Look at December sunshine in a year. Look at December specifically. Maybe 50 hours of sun in a specifically. Maybe 50 hours of sun in a specifically. Maybe 50 hours of sun in a whole month. That's gross. You shouldn't whole month. That's gross. You shouldn't whole month. That's gross. You shouldn't live like that. Just saying, man. Ho Chi live like that. Just saying, man. Ho Chi live like that. Just saying, man. Ho Chi Min gets 2,500 plus a year. In Vietnam,

Min gets 2,500 plus a year. In Vietnam, Min gets 2,500 plus a year. In Vietnam, I'm getting about an extra 500 to 600 I'm getting about an extra 500 to 600 I'm getting about an extra 500 to 600 additional hours of sunshine a year. additional hours of sunshine a year. additional hours of sunshine a year. That's 24 hours, full days of sun, a That's 24 hours, full days of sun, a That's 24 hours, full days of sun, a month of them. Almost all of that gap month of them. Almost all of that gap month of them. Almost all of that gap lands in the month when you need it lands in the month when you need it lands in the month when you need it most, too. Daang in January averages most, too. Daang in January averages most, too. Daang in January averages about 77 Fahrenheit, 25 C in January. I about 77 Fahrenheit, 25 C in January. I about 77 Fahrenheit, 25 C in January. I was in Vancouver in the shoulder season was in Vancouver in the shoulder season was in Vancouver in the shoulder season in June. Piss and rain, cold. Yeah, I in June. Piss and rain, cold. Yeah, I in June. Piss and rain, cold. Yeah, I get it right. I've done Pacific get it right. I've done Pacific get it right. I've done Pacific Northwest winter. I've done Great Lakes Northwest winter. I've done Great Lakes Northwest winter. I've done Great Lakes winter. The worst part is just the cold winter. The worst part is just the cold winter. The worst part is just the cold or the snow or the lake effect. It's the or the snow or the lake effect. It's the or the snow or the lake effect. It's the ceiling. Gray at 9:00 in the morning, ceiling. Gray at 9:00 in the morning, ceiling. Gray at 9:00 in the morning, gray at 3:00 in the afternoon, pitch gray at 3:00 in the afternoon, pitch gray at 3:00 in the afternoon, pitch black by 4, a sun that never actually black by 4, a sun that never actually black by 4, a sun that never actually gets overhead, darkness before you gets overhead, darkness before you gets overhead, darkness before you finish work. It is endless and finish work. It is endless and finish work. It is endless and interminable. And ultimately, I will not interminable. And ultimately, I will not interminable. And ultimately, I will not accept winters just because of where my accept winters just because of where my accept winters just because of where my parents birthed me. Love you. Mom and parents birthed me. Love you. Mom and parents birthed me. Love you. Mom and dad ain't doing it. And yes, Daang's dad ain't doing it. And yes, Daang's dad ain't doing it. And yes, Daang's rainy season is real for 3 months. And rainy season is real for 3 months. And rainy season is real for 3 months. And November averages 18 in. Central Vietnam November averages 18 in. Central Vietnam November averages 18 in. Central Vietnam gets typhoons. They're not a joke. gets typhoons. They're not a joke. gets typhoons. They're not a joke. There's flooding. You know, Ho Chi Min There's flooding. You know, Ho Chi Min There's flooding. You know, Ho Chi Min City in April is brutally hot and the City in April is brutally hot and the City in April is brutally hot and the humidity here is permanent. There's hot humidity here is permanent. There's hot humidity here is permanent. There's hot and dry and there's hot and wet. And if and dry and there's hot and wet. And if and dry and there's hot and wet. And if you hate humidity, you will hate it you hate humidity, you will hate it you hate humidity, you will hate it here. And no amount of sunshine will fix here. And no amount of sunshine will fix here. And no amount of sunshine will fix that. That's a real filter. And I'm not that. That's a real filter. And I'm not that. That's a real filter. And I'm not going to pretend it away. But I going to pretend it away. But I going to pretend it away. But I personally will take a wet season. I can personally will take a wet season. I can personally will take a wet season. I can plan around over 4 months of 2-hour plan around over 4 months of 2-hour plan around over 4 months of 2-hour days, especially when I can afford to days, especially when I can afford to days, especially when I can afford to travel because of geo arbitrage.

travel because of geo arbitrage. travel because of geo arbitrage. Ultimately, when I flew back here and Ultimately, when I flew back here and Ultimately, when I flew back here and landed in Tanunat at 11:00 at night, it landed in Tanunat at 11:00 at night, it landed in Tanunat at 11:00 at night, it was 32° on the tarmac. The air was like was 32° on the tarmac. The air was like was 32° on the tarmac. The air was like a wet towel. Immigration was chaos. It a wet towel. Immigration was chaos. It a wet towel. Immigration was chaos. It is one of the worst airports in Asia. I is one of the worst airports in Asia. I is one of the worst airports in Asia. I had two toddlers who were tired and had two toddlers who were tired and had two toddlers who were tired and hungry perched on a suitcase on the hungry perched on a suitcase on the hungry perched on a suitcase on the trolley. And I was wondering just like trolley. And I was wondering just like trolley. And I was wondering just like for one second, you know, was I doing for one second, you know, was I doing for one second, you know, was I doing the right thing? Should I actually be the right thing? Should I actually be the right thing? Should I actually be living in Vietnam? Should I actually be living in Vietnam? Should I actually be living in Vietnam? Should I actually be raising my kids here? Have I lost my raising my kids here? Have I lost my raising my kids here? Have I lost my mind? And then in the grab ride on the mind? And then in the grab ride on the mind? And then in the grab ride on the way back, I ordered us all bowls of way back, I ordered us all bowls of way back, I ordered us all bowls of steaming hot fur for two bucks. And it steaming hot fur for two bucks. And it steaming hot fur for two bucks. And it was there before we got home. And we sat was there before we got home. And we sat was there before we got home. And we sat down at our living room table after down at our living room table after down at our living room table after midnight and had our first meal back midnight and had our first meal back midnight and had our first meal back home. And buddy, it just home. And buddy, it just home. And buddy, it just washed away as we slurped our noodles. washed away as we slurped our noodles. washed away as we slurped our noodles. And I thought yes and yes. I need to say And I thought yes and yes. I need to say And I thought yes and yes. I need to say yes more often. Ignore my doubts and yes more often. Ignore my doubts and yes more often. Ignore my doubts and fears and have faith. I am doing the fears and have faith. I am doing the fears and have faith. I am doing the right thing for us and for my family. right thing for us and for my family. right thing for us and for my family. the cost of living, the food culture, the cost of living, the food culture, the cost of living, the food culture, the regulations, the movement, the the regulations, the movement, the the regulations, the movement, the weather, those five things, every one of weather, those five things, every one of weather, those five things, every one of them was measurable. Every one of them them was measurable. Every one of them them was measurable. Every one of them is going in the same direction. And is going in the same direction. And is going in the same direction. And ultimately, none of it is a surprise for ultimately, none of it is a surprise for ultimately, none of it is a surprise for me at this point, 7 years in. But if me at this point, 7 years in. But if me at this point, 7 years in. But if you're weighing it, don't weigh it on you're weighing it, don't weigh it on you're weighing it, don't weigh it on vibes. Don't weigh it on my month. Wait vibes. Don't weigh it on my month. Wait vibes. Don't weigh it on my month. Wait on your actual numbers. You can use my on your actual numbers. You can use my on your actual numbers. You can use my website the cost living abroad.com link website the cost living abroad.com link website the cost living abroad.com link below to book a call with me. It will below to book a call with me. It will below to book a call with me. It will save you a very expensive year of save you a very expensive year of save you a very expensive year of guessing and waiting. I'm Evan A, guessing and waiting. I'm Evan A, guessing and waiting. I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. You can watch retired early in Vietnam. You can watch retired early in Vietnam. You can watch this one with five forgotten territories this one with five forgotten territories this one with five forgotten territories or this one where I talk about why I or this one where I talk about why I or this one where I talk about why I think you should quit now. Stop waiting

think you should quit now. Stop waiting think you should quit now. Stop waiting because you're probably already rich because you're probably already rich because you're probably already rich enough to retire