I Lived in Spain, Thailand, Bali, Mexico & Vietnam... Here's Why I Stayed in Vietnam 🇻🇳

Welcome back to Saigon, Vietnam. Last Welcome back to Saigon, Vietnam. Last week I did a video I talked about why I week I did a video I talked about why I week I did a video I talked about why I can never move back, but it raises a can never move back, but it raises a can never move back, but it raises a fair question I mostly skip over. Of all fair question I mostly skip over. Of all fair question I mostly skip over. Of all the places I could have gone instead of the places I could have gone instead of the places I could have gone instead of home to call home, why specifically home to call home, why specifically home to call home, why specifically Vietnam? Because I've lived or spent Vietnam? Because I've lived or spent Vietnam? Because I've lived or spent serious time in all the countries on serious time in all the countries on serious time in all the countries on this list, not just visited, and after this list, not just visited, and after this list, not just visited, and after 18 years of moving around Asia and Latin 18 years of moving around Asia and Latin 18 years of moving around Asia and Latin America, I chose Vietnam deliberately America, I chose Vietnam deliberately America, I chose Vietnam deliberately with my eyes open and alternatives with my eyes open and alternatives with my eyes open and alternatives genuinely on the table. People assume I genuinely on the table. People assume I genuinely on the table. People assume I ended up here by accident that the expat ended up here by accident that the expat ended up here by accident that the expat current just kind of dropped me off and current just kind of dropped me off and current just kind of dropped me off and I stayed because inertia is easier than I stayed because inertia is easier than I stayed because inertia is easier than moving. It's not really what happened. moving. It's not really what happened. moving. It's not really what happened. By the time I committed to Vietnam in By the time I committed to Vietnam in By the time I committed to Vietnam in 2019, I real experience with 2019, I real experience with 2019, I real experience with alternatives. Thailand, where I spent alternatives. Thailand, where I spent alternatives. Thailand, where I spent several nomadic years. Mexico, where I several nomadic years. Mexico, where I several nomadic years. Mexico, where I spent a couple years teaching Mexico spent a couple years teaching Mexico spent a couple years teaching Mexico City and Guanajuato before I ever set City and Guanajuato before I ever set City and Guanajuato before I ever set foot in Asia. China, Spain, spent time foot in Asia. China, Spain, spent time foot in Asia. China, Spain, spent time in Europe, Australia, I lived down in Europe, Australia, I lived down in Europe, Australia, I lived down there, and the cultural prestige of here there, and the cultural prestige of here there, and the cultural prestige of here in Southeast Asia just outweighed in Southeast Asia just outweighed in Southeast Asia just outweighed everywhere else for me. I love this everywhere else for me. I love this everywhere else for me. I love this lifestyle. So today I'm going to weigh lifestyle. So today I'm going to weigh lifestyle. So today I'm going to weigh them all up, the pros and cons, and I them all up, the pros and cons, and I them all up, the pros and cons, and I want to basically walk you through my want to basically walk you through my want to basically walk you through my honest decision, comparison by honest decision, comparison by honest decision, comparison by comparison, because if you're trying to comparison, because if you're trying to comparison, because if you're trying to make a similar choice, the worst thing I make a similar choice, the worst thing I make a similar choice, the worst thing I could do is just tell you Vietnam is could do is just tell you Vietnam is could do is just tell you Vietnam is number one without actually showing you number one without actually showing you number one without actually showing you how I ended up here. Um a little warning how I ended up here. Um a little warning how I ended up here. Um a little warning before I start though, this is before I start though, this is before I start though, this is opinionated. They're my conclusions for opinionated. They're my conclusions for opinionated. They're my conclusions for my life, my priorities, my YouTube my life, my priorities, my YouTube my life, my priorities, my YouTube channel. Your priority might be channel. Your priority might be channel. Your priority might be different. Uh you might reach a totally different. Uh you might reach a totally different. Uh you might reach a totally different answer by watching this exact different answer by watching this exact different answer by watching this exact video. I tell you each place who it's video. I tell you each place who it's video. I tell you each place who it's right for, how much it costs, etc. So,

right for, how much it costs, etc. So, right for, how much it costs, etc. So, let's go. We'll start with the let's go. We'll start with the let's go. We'll start with the heavyweight, Thailand, a close second heavyweight, Thailand, a close second heavyweight, Thailand, a close second favorite. Honestly, I could give or take favorite. Honestly, I could give or take favorite. Honestly, I could give or take between Thailand and Vietnam some days. between Thailand and Vietnam some days. between Thailand and Vietnam some days. Right now Vietnam is definitely the Right now Vietnam is definitely the Right now Vietnam is definitely the choice for me, but Thailand is the choice for me, but Thailand is the choice for me, but Thailand is the obvious choice for a long time and the obvious choice for a long time and the obvious choice for a long time and the default choice for most Western expats default choice for most Western expats default choice for most Western expats in Southeast Asia. The infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The infrastructure in Southeast Asia. The infrastructure for foreigners is the most developed in for foreigners is the most developed in for foreigners is the most developed in the region along with Malaysia. The the region along with Malaysia. The the region along with Malaysia. The expat communities are huge, established, expat communities are huge, established, expat communities are huge, established, fun. The tourism machine is world-class, fun. The tourism machine is world-class, fun. The tourism machine is world-class, which means everything is set up to which means everything is set up to which means everything is set up to accommodate foreigners, right? The accommodate foreigners, right? The accommodate foreigners, right? The beaches are genuinely spectacular, beaches are genuinely spectacular, beaches are genuinely spectacular, food's extraordinary, and hubs like food's extraordinary, and hubs like food's extraordinary, and hubs like Chiang Mai in particular, this is one of Chiang Mai in particular, this is one of Chiang Mai in particular, this is one of the great expat cities on Earth. Koh the great expat cities on Earth. Koh the great expat cities on Earth. Koh Samui, other places in the south like Samui, other places in the south like Samui, other places in the south like Hua Hin, there's so much to love, right? Hua Hin, there's so much to love, right? Hua Hin, there's so much to love, right? So, why not Thailand? Well, for me, So, why not Thailand? Well, for me, So, why not Thailand? Well, for me, three big reasons. The first is just three big reasons. The first is just three big reasons. The first is just cost to earnings. What it cost to live cost to earnings. What it cost to live cost to earnings. What it cost to live there relative to what I could earn. there relative to what I could earn. there relative to what I could earn. Thailand's gotten meaningfully more Thailand's gotten meaningfully more Thailand's gotten meaningfully more expensive over the last decade since I expensive over the last decade since I expensive over the last decade since I first went there in 2011, particularly first went there in 2011, particularly first went there in 2011, particularly in places where expats want to live, you in places where expats want to live, you in places where expats want to live, you know, in Akamai and Bangkok, in Phuket, know, in Akamai and Bangkok, in Phuket, know, in Akamai and Bangkok, in Phuket, Chiang Mai to a lesser degree, but the Chiang Mai to a lesser degree, but the Chiang Mai to a lesser degree, but the cost gap between Thailand and Vietnam is cost gap between Thailand and Vietnam is cost gap between Thailand and Vietnam is real and it's widening, not shrinking.

real and it's widening, not shrinking. real and it's widening, not shrinking. So, the same quality of life that cost So, the same quality of life that cost So, the same quality of life that cost me 12 or 1,500 a month here me 12 or 1,500 a month here me 12 or 1,500 a month here cost noticeably more in the parts of cost noticeably more in the parts of cost noticeably more in the parts of Thailand where I would want to live. Not Thailand where I would want to live. Not Thailand where I would want to live. Not double, but enough to matter when you're double, but enough to matter when you're double, but enough to matter when you're optimizing for a fixed income and trying optimizing for a fixed income and trying optimizing for a fixed income and trying to retire decades early, to retire decades early, to retire decades early, which I was. Second, this is different, which I was. Second, this is different, which I was. Second, this is different, but the visa situation. Thailand has a but the visa situation. Thailand has a but the visa situation. Thailand has a retirement visa for those over 50, which retirement visa for those over 50, which retirement visa for those over 50, which is a genuine point in its favor for a is a genuine point in its favor for a is a genuine point in its favor for a lot of you, something Vietnam does not lot of you, something Vietnam does not lot of you, something Vietnam does not have, but for anyone under 50 like me, have, but for anyone under 50 like me, have, but for anyone under 50 like me, the situation is complicated complicated the situation is complicated complicated the situation is complicated complicated and it's getting more so. The rules and it's getting more so. The rules and it's getting more so. The rules around long-stay visas, the crackdowns around long-stay visas, the crackdowns around long-stay visas, the crackdowns on people doing visa runs, the shifting on people doing visa runs, the shifting on people doing visa runs, the shifting requirements for work, there's a real requirements for work, there's a real requirements for work, there's a real instability there for the under 50 instability there for the under 50 instability there for the under 50 crowd, and that gave me pause. I've got crowd, and that gave me pause. I've got crowd, and that gave me pause. I've got a whole video about that coming up later a whole video about that coming up later a whole video about that coming up later in the series digging into what in the series digging into what in the series digging into what specifically happened in Thailand. This specifically happened in Thailand. This specifically happened in Thailand. This deserves its own deep dive, but deserves its own deep dive, but deserves its own deep dive, but ultimately I came here on a work visa in ultimately I came here on a work visa in ultimately I came here on a work visa in 2019, got a work permit and a TRC or 2019, got a work permit and a TRC or 2019, got a work permit and a TRC or temporary resident card, which basically temporary resident card, which basically temporary resident card, which basically allowed me to act like a resident of allowed me to act like a resident of allowed me to act like a resident of Vietnam for my first five years here Vietnam for my first five years here Vietnam for my first five years here before I got married. A a of people before I got married. A a of people before I got married. A a of people think I went the easy route by like think I went the easy route by like think I went the easy route by like getting married. I did not, in fact. The getting married. I did not, in fact. The getting married. I did not, in fact. The entire first 5 years I was here, many of entire first 5 years I was here, many of entire first 5 years I was here, many of which I was dating my now wife, uh, I which I was dating my now wife, uh, I which I was dating my now wife, uh, I was here on my own terms because of a was here on my own terms because of a was here on my own terms because of a job I'd found.

job I'd found. job I'd found. And for me, it was a better job in And for me, it was a better job in And for me, it was a better job in Vietnam relative to cost. I'm not saying Vietnam relative to cost. I'm not saying Vietnam relative to cost. I'm not saying the international schools are better in the international schools are better in the international schools are better in Vietnam than Thailand. They're probably Vietnam than Thailand. They're probably Vietnam than Thailand. They're probably not, but what I get paid at them versus not, but what I get paid at them versus not, but what I get paid at them versus what I spend to live here what I spend to live here what I spend to live here was beneficial for me. Third, and this was beneficial for me. Third, and this was beneficial for me. Third, and this is very subjective, Thailand for me felt is very subjective, Thailand for me felt is very subjective, Thailand for me felt discovered in a way that mattered, not discovered in a way that mattered, not discovered in a way that mattered, not in a bad way. I'd spent a lot of time in a bad way. I'd spent a lot of time in a bad way. I'd spent a lot of time there, right? It's very popular, there, right? It's very popular, there, right? It's very popular, specific neighborhoods that drew Western specific neighborhoods that drew Western specific neighborhoods that drew Western expats. They sort of hollowed out or had expats. They sort of hollowed out or had expats. They sort of hollowed out or had an expat bubble quality. If you've never an expat bubble quality. If you've never an expat bubble quality. If you've never experienced it, you should, but I had experienced it, you should, but I had experienced it, you should, but I had experienced it. So, I was looking for experienced it. So, I was looking for experienced it. So, I was looking for something a bit more novel. Um, living something a bit more novel. Um, living something a bit more novel. Um, living abroad in a new country, I don't want a abroad in a new country, I don't want a abroad in a new country, I don't want a Western enclave. I want something that's Western enclave. I want something that's Western enclave. I want something that's going to blow my mind. Where I was going to blow my mind. Where I was going to blow my mind. Where I was spending time in Thailand, entirely my spending time in Thailand, entirely my spending time in Thailand, entirely my fault, I felt I was getting trapped in a fault, I felt I was getting trapped in a fault, I felt I was getting trapped in a bubble. So, who's Thailand right for? bubble. So, who's Thailand right for? bubble. So, who's Thailand right for? Someone over 50 who wants a retirement Someone over 50 who wants a retirement Someone over 50 who wants a retirement visa, the established infrastructure, visa, the established infrastructure, visa, the established infrastructure, cars, driving, affordable condos. It's a cars, driving, affordable condos. It's a cars, driving, affordable condos. It's a genuinely good fit for a lot of people genuinely good fit for a lot of people genuinely good fit for a lot of people looking to retire. It just wasn't the looking to retire. It just wasn't the looking to retire. It just wasn't the best perfect fit for me right now. I'd best perfect fit for me right now. I'd best perfect fit for me right now. I'd move back to Thailand if stuff changes move back to Thailand if stuff changes move back to Thailand if stuff changes in my life or in that country. It's a in my life or in that country. It's a in my life or in that country. It's a wonderful country. Bali, the dream that wonderful country. Bali, the dream that wonderful country. Bali, the dream that launches every digital nomad and launches every digital nomad and launches every digital nomad and Instagram account, okay? I'll be quick Instagram account, okay? I'll be quick Instagram account, okay? I'll be quick and blunt here. Bali is beautiful, and blunt here. Bali is beautiful, and blunt here. Bali is beautiful, genuinely achingly beautiful. The genuinely achingly beautiful. The genuinely achingly beautiful. The culture is rich, the landscape is culture is rich, the landscape is culture is rich, the landscape is stunning. I understand completely why it stunning. I understand completely why it stunning. I understand completely why it has captured the global imagination the has captured the global imagination the has captured the global imagination the way it did, you know, the whole Eat Pray way it did, you know, the whole Eat Pray way it did, you know, the whole Eat Pray Love thing, the first round of Love thing, the first round of Love thing, the first round of YouTubers. But, Bali for living rather

YouTubers. But, Bali for living rather YouTubers. But, Bali for living rather than vacationing has problems that the than vacationing has problems that the than vacationing has problems that the Instagram version hides, you know, Instagram version hides, you know, Instagram version hides, you know, traffic in Denpasar. It's gotten traffic in Denpasar. It's gotten traffic in Denpasar. It's gotten expensive, especially in nicer areas. expensive, especially in nicer areas. expensive, especially in nicer areas. Infrastructure struggles under the Infrastructure struggles under the Infrastructure struggles under the weight of how many people want to be be weight of how many people want to be be weight of how many people want to be be The traffic in the south of the island The traffic in the south of the island The traffic in the south of the island is like genuinely brutal and punishing, is like genuinely brutal and punishing, is like genuinely brutal and punishing, the kind of thing that eats away at your the kind of thing that eats away at your the kind of thing that eats away at your day and your time. And the visa day and your time. And the visa day and your time. And the visa situation for long-term living is situation for long-term living is situation for long-term living is complicated, but they do have the Kitas complicated, but they do have the Kitas complicated, but they do have the Kitas digital nomad thing. And I think the digital nomad thing. And I think the digital nomad thing. And I think the expat bubble thing I mentioned with expat bubble thing I mentioned with expat bubble thing I mentioned with Thailand is heightened in places like Thailand is heightened in places like Thailand is heightened in places like Kuta, Canggu, etc., right? So, the thing Kuta, Canggu, etc., right? So, the thing Kuta, Canggu, etc., right? So, the thing that people often went to Bali to find that people often went to Bali to find that people often went to Bali to find and escape is now harder to find there. and escape is now harder to find there. and escape is now harder to find there. I have not been to Bali in over a I have not been to Bali in over a I have not been to Bali in over a decade, so decade, so decade, so take my word for what it is. It's a take my word for what it is. It's a take my word for what it is. It's a single man's opinion based on the time I single man's opinion based on the time I single man's opinion based on the time I was there. I spent time in Bali the was there. I spent time in Bali the was there. I spent time in Bali the years when I was nomadic, basically years when I was nomadic, basically years when I was nomadic, basically based out of Australia, and that struck based out of Australia, and that struck based out of Australia, and that struck me the dream and the daily reality had me the dream and the daily reality had me the dream and the daily reality had diverged. You know, the sunset over the diverged. You know, the sunset over the diverged. You know, the sunset over the rice terraces is exactly as good as the rice terraces is exactly as good as the rice terraces is exactly as good as the photos, but the 45 minutes it takes to photos, but the 45 minutes it takes to photos, but the 45 minutes it takes to drive 8 km to get across the island, you drive 8 km to get across the island, you drive 8 km to get across the island, you know, the photos leave that out, right?

know, the photos leave that out, right? know, the photos leave that out, right? And yes, the cost has crept up for a And yes, the cost has crept up for a And yes, the cost has crept up for a villa in Canggu or Ubud, it's no longer villa in Canggu or Ubud, it's no longer villa in Canggu or Ubud, it's no longer the bargain it was 10 or 15 years ago. the bargain it was 10 or 15 years ago. the bargain it was 10 or 15 years ago. You're definitely paying You're definitely paying You're definitely paying European-adjacent prices in some areas European-adjacent prices in some areas European-adjacent prices in some areas for life that still has basically for life that still has basically for life that still has basically developing world infrastructure developing world infrastructure developing world infrastructure underneath it. That combination, high underneath it. That combination, high underneath it. That combination, high cost, strained infrastructure, uh is one cost, strained infrastructure, uh is one cost, strained infrastructure, uh is one that ultimately I want to avoid because that ultimately I want to avoid because that ultimately I want to avoid because I think it's the worst of both worlds. I think it's the worst of both worlds. I think it's the worst of both worlds. Vietnam, by contrast, gives you the Vietnam, by contrast, gives you the Vietnam, by contrast, gives you the opposite, right? Low cost, improving opposite, right? Low cost, improving opposite, right? Low cost, improving infrastructure. So, yeah, Saigon's roads infrastructure. So, yeah, Saigon's roads infrastructure. So, yeah, Saigon's roads are still chaotic, are still chaotic, are still chaotic, but they move, and you know, ultimately but they move, and you know, ultimately but they move, and you know, ultimately I just think there's too much deadlock I just think there's too much deadlock I just think there's too much deadlock there. Who's Bali right for? There are there. Who's Bali right for? There are there. Who's Bali right for? There are people who it is right for. Someone people who it is right for. Someone people who it is right for. Someone whose priority is natural beauty, a whose priority is natural beauty, a whose priority is natural beauty, a spiritual sort of wellness, eat, pray, spiritual sort of wellness, eat, pray, spiritual sort of wellness, eat, pray, love lifestyle, you know, they have the love lifestyle, you know, they have the love lifestyle, you know, they have the income to insulate themselves from the income to insulate themselves from the income to insulate themselves from the cost and infrastructure problems, they cost and infrastructure problems, they cost and infrastructure problems, they can retire in Sanur, someone who's okay can retire in Sanur, someone who's okay can retire in Sanur, someone who's okay with those trade-offs, the yoga and surf with those trade-offs, the yoga and surf with those trade-offs, the yoga and surf lifestyle, the healthy food can be lifestyle, the healthy food can be lifestyle, the healthy food can be wonderful, especially for an early wonderful, especially for an early wonderful, especially for an early retiree atop optimizing on a good solid retiree atop optimizing on a good solid retiree atop optimizing on a good solid fixed income, you know, whatever that fixed income, you know, whatever that fixed income, you know, whatever that is, 3, 4, 5,000 and up a month, go for is, 3, 4, 5,000 and up a month, go for is, 3, 4, 5,000 and up a month, go for it. You definitely should go to all it. You definitely should go to all it. You definitely should go to all these places. Okay, Mexico. This is the these places. Okay, Mexico. This is the these places. Okay, Mexico. This is the one I want to be really fair about one I want to be really fair about one I want to be really fair about because for a lot of you watching, North because for a lot of you watching, North because for a lot of you watching, North Americans especially, Mexico isn't the Americans especially, Mexico isn't the Americans especially, Mexico isn't the underdog on the list. It's the most underdog on the list. It's the most underdog on the list. It's the most obvious place. It's the place I went obvious place. It's the place I went obvious place. It's the place I went first, right? Mexico is where the entire first, right? Mexico is where the entire first, right? Mexico is where the entire expat life abroad started for me. Well, expat life abroad started for me. Well, expat life abroad started for me. Well, I guess technically in the United I guess technically in the United I guess technically in the United States, but I was in Guanajuato for States, but I was in Guanajuato for States, but I was in Guanajuato for years, then Mexico City. I'm not talking years, then Mexico City. I'm not talking years, then Mexico City. I'm not talking about it as a tourist. I lived it. Hablo about it as a tourist. I lived it. Hablo about it as a tourist. I lived it. Hablo español porque estaba viviendo en

español porque estaba viviendo en español porque estaba viviendo en México. The strengths are real, right? México. The strengths are real, right? México. The strengths are real, right? For the audience, it's enormous. Start For the audience, it's enormous. Start For the audience, it's enormous. Start with the one thing in Asia nothing can with the one thing in Asia nothing can with the one thing in Asia nothing can match, proximity. A short flight home match, proximity. A short flight home match, proximity. A short flight home from anywhere. Dallas, Atlanta, Calgary, from anywhere. Dallas, Atlanta, Calgary, from anywhere. Dallas, Atlanta, Calgary, you know, take your pick. Your kids can you know, take your pick. Your kids can you know, take your pick. Your kids can visit on the long weekend. You can reach visit on the long weekend. You can reach visit on the long weekend. You can reach an aging parent in a day, not 24 hours an aging parent in a day, not 24 hours an aging parent in a day, not 24 hours of connecting flights and a [ __ ] ton of of connecting flights and a [ __ ] ton of of connecting flights and a [ __ ] ton of money. For people leaving family behind money. For people leaving family behind money. For people leaving family behind in the States or Canada, that single in the States or Canada, that single in the States or Canada, that single factor I think outweighs almost factor I think outweighs almost factor I think outweighs almost everything else. And it gets better than everything else. And it gets better than everything else. And it gets better than proximity. Mexico has a real formal proximity. Mexico has a real formal proximity. Mexico has a real formal residency path, the temporary resident residency path, the temporary resident residency path, the temporary resident visa that rolls into permanent residency visa that rolls into permanent residency visa that rolls into permanent residency with a clear income requirement and an with a clear income requirement and an with a clear income requirement and an actual road to staying for good. A lot actual road to staying for good. A lot actual road to staying for good. A lot of us considered the language thing of us considered the language thing of us considered the language thing pretty easy. That's something Vietnam pretty easy. That's something Vietnam pretty easy. That's something Vietnam does not have, Thailand does not have, does not have, Thailand does not have, does not have, Thailand does not have, and it's the single biggest weakness of and it's the single biggest weakness of and it's the single biggest weakness of being on the opposite side of the world. being on the opposite side of the world. being on the opposite side of the world. The food in Mexico is incredible. The The food in Mexico is incredible. The The food in Mexico is incredible. The retiree infrastructure in San Miguel de retiree infrastructure in San Miguel de retiree infrastructure in San Miguel de Allende, uh Lago Chapala, Playa del Allende, uh Lago Chapala, Playa del Allende, uh Lago Chapala, Playa del Carmen, uh Riviera Maya, Carmen, uh Riviera Maya, Carmen, uh Riviera Maya, like there the culture is warm, it's like there the culture is warm, it's like there the culture is warm, it's loud, it's alive, it's incredible, it's loud, it's alive, it's incredible, it's loud, it's alive, it's incredible, it's beautiful. So, why did Mexico lose to beautiful. So, why did Mexico lose to beautiful. So, why did Mexico lose to Vietnam ultimately for me when it's Vietnam ultimately for me when it's Vietnam ultimately for me when it's closer to home and has a good residency closer to home and has a good residency closer to home and has a good residency path? Well, there were real tradeoffs, path? Well, there were real tradeoffs, path? Well, there were real tradeoffs, there were objections, and it's it's not there were objections, and it's it's not there were objections, and it's it's not just that it's dangerous or more just that it's dangerous or more just that it's dangerous or more expensive, though it is dangerous in expensive, though it is dangerous in expensive, though it is dangerous in some parts and can be more expensive. Uh some parts and can be more expensive. Uh some parts and can be more expensive. Uh there's a lot of things for me, there's a lot of things for me, there's a lot of things for me, lifestyle things, cost things, lifestyle things, cost things, lifestyle things, cost things, job things. Okay, three reasons though.

job things. Okay, three reasons though. job things. Okay, three reasons though. First, let's start with the cost. This First, let's start with the cost. This First, let's start with the cost. This one surprises a lot of people. Mexico one surprises a lot of people. Mexico one surprises a lot of people. Mexico used to be an unbeatable bargain, and used to be an unbeatable bargain, and used to be an unbeatable bargain, and across much of the country it still is. across much of the country it still is. across much of the country it still is. But, the places foreigners actually But, the places foreigners actually But, the places foreigners actually cluster have gotten expensive. For cluster have gotten expensive. For cluster have gotten expensive. For example, my old neighborhood in D.F., example, my old neighborhood in D.F., example, my old neighborhood in D.F., Mexico City, San Miguel Allende is not Mexico City, San Miguel Allende is not Mexico City, San Miguel Allende is not cheap anymore. Roma Norte, Condesa, they cheap anymore. Roma Norte, Condesa, they cheap anymore. Roma Norte, Condesa, they got reshaped post-pandemic big time, and got reshaped post-pandemic big time, and got reshaped post-pandemic big time, and they carry big city North American they carry big city North American they carry big city North American prices and demand. Vietnam's cost prices and demand. Vietnam's cost prices and demand. Vietnam's cost structure and Southeast Asia in general structure and Southeast Asia in general structure and Southeast Asia in general is just There's like a 20-to-30-year is just There's like a 20-to-30-year is just There's like a 20-to-30-year gap, realistically. Second, the thing gap, realistically. Second, the thing gap, realistically. Second, the thing nobody likes to say out loud, safety. nobody likes to say out loud, safety. nobody likes to say out loud, safety. And, I want to be careful here because And, I want to be careful here because And, I want to be careful here because the fear culture is stupid, and I don't the fear culture is stupid, and I don't the fear culture is stupid, and I don't want to be a fearmonger, but I also want to be a fearmonger, but I also want to be a fearmonger, but I also don't want to dismiss it. Most of Mexico don't want to dismiss it. Most of Mexico don't want to dismiss it. Most of Mexico City, or sorry, of Mexico is not in the City, or sorry, of Mexico is not in the City, or sorry, of Mexico is not in the headlines. Most expat towns are calm and headlines. Most expat towns are calm and headlines. Most expat towns are calm and safe, but it isn't nothing. There are safe, but it isn't nothing. There are safe, but it isn't nothing. There are regions you don't drive through. A regions you don't drive through. A regions you don't drive through. A background calculus simply doesn't exist background calculus simply doesn't exist background calculus simply doesn't exist like that for most parts in Southeast like that for most parts in Southeast like that for most parts in Southeast Asia. Vietnam's one of the safest places Asia. Vietnam's one of the safest places Asia. Vietnam's one of the safest places I've ever lived outside of China, and I've ever lived outside of China, and I've ever lived outside of China, and that peace of mind became something I that peace of mind became something I that peace of mind became something I wasn't willing to give up, especially wasn't willing to give up, especially wasn't willing to give up, especially now with kids. So, the safety question now with kids. So, the safety question now with kids. So, the safety question is real, but manageable. You got to is real, but manageable. You got to is real, but manageable. You got to weigh it for yourself if you're going to weigh it for yourself if you're going to weigh it for yourself if you're going to live in Mexico. Third, live in Mexico. Third, live in Mexico. Third, the expat bubble thing. San Miguel the expat bubble thing. San Miguel the expat bubble thing. San Miguel Allende is gorgeous. It's also a place Allende is gorgeous. It's also a place Allende is gorgeous. It's also a place where you can spend weeks, months, years where you can spend weeks, months, years where you can spend weeks, months, years barely hearing Spanish, depending on barely hearing Spanish, depending on barely hearing Spanish, depending on your social circuit. Parts of it have your social circuit. Parts of it have your social circuit. Parts of it have been reshaped around foreign demand. A been reshaped around foreign demand. A been reshaped around foreign demand. A lot of parts of Mexico City, in fact, lot of parts of Mexico City, in fact, lot of parts of Mexico City, in fact, are just overwhelmed. And, that's the are just overwhelmed. And, that's the are just overwhelmed. And, that's the exact dynamic I moved abroad to exact dynamic I moved abroad to exact dynamic I moved abroad to basically escape and leave behind. So, basically escape and leave behind. So, basically escape and leave behind. So, staying close to home is your real staying close to home is your real staying close to home is your real priority, a direct flight to family,

priority, a direct flight to family, priority, a direct flight to family, your grandkids, long weekends, holidays, your grandkids, long weekends, holidays, your grandkids, long weekends, holidays, right? Mexico's definitely a great right? Mexico's definitely a great right? Mexico's definitely a great answer. It's a beautiful culture, a answer. It's a beautiful culture, a answer. It's a beautiful culture, a wonderful country. For a lot of you, wonderful country. For a lot of you, wonderful country. For a lot of you, proximity will be the deciding factor. proximity will be the deciding factor. proximity will be the deciding factor. And, if it is, choose Mexico, never look And, if it is, choose Mexico, never look And, if it is, choose Mexico, never look back. For me, the cost and the safety back. For me, the cost and the safety back. For me, the cost and the safety and the energy of Vietnam outweigh being and the energy of Vietnam outweigh being and the energy of Vietnam outweigh being closer to home. But, of everywhere on closer to home. But, of everywhere on closer to home. But, of everywhere on this list, Mexico's case for you, for this list, Mexico's case for you, for this list, Mexico's case for you, for this audience, is the strongest, and it this audience, is the strongest, and it this audience, is the strongest, and it deserves a real hearing. And, just like deserves a real hearing. And, just like deserves a real hearing. And, just like Thailand, never say never. I'd go back Thailand, never say never. I'd go back Thailand, never say never. I'd go back and live in Mexico, man. Viva Mexico. and live in Mexico, man. Viva Mexico. and live in Mexico, man. Viva Mexico. I'm jealous watching those World Cup I'm jealous watching those World Cup I'm jealous watching those World Cup matches and Estadio Azteca. Okay, matches and Estadio Azteca. Okay, matches and Estadio Azteca. Okay, finally, Spain, Europe, a big dream for finally, Spain, Europe, a big dream for finally, Spain, Europe, a big dream for me, Barcelona. I was in love forever. I me, Barcelona. I was in love forever. I me, Barcelona. I was in love forever. I have to address this one because so many have to address this one because so many have to address this one because so many of you are torn between Southeast Asia of you are torn between Southeast Asia of you are torn between Southeast Asia and the European version of this and the European version of this and the European version of this retirement dream and I understand it. retirement dream and I understand it. retirement dream and I understand it. I'm totally in love with Barcelona. I'm totally in love with Barcelona. I'm totally in love with Barcelona. Europe has cultural prestige, Europe has cultural prestige, Europe has cultural prestige, architecture, the plazas, the cafe, the architecture, the plazas, the cafe, the architecture, the plazas, the cafe, the tapas culture, the food, the quality of tapas culture, the food, the quality of tapas culture, the food, the quality of food in Madrid. Oh my god, it's a whole food in Madrid. Oh my god, it's a whole food in Madrid. Oh my god, it's a whole continent you can cross on a cheap continent you can cross on a cheap continent you can cross on a cheap train. When people picture retiring train. When people picture retiring train. When people picture retiring somewhere beautiful and affordable, a somewhere beautiful and affordable, a somewhere beautiful and affordable, a lot of them are picturing in Spain. I lot of them are picturing in Spain. I lot of them are picturing in Spain. I was last there a couple years ago in the was last there a couple years ago in the was last there a couple years ago in the bottom South of France, Barcelona, and bottom South of France, Barcelona, and bottom South of France, Barcelona, and then over in Madrid. The hard truth, then over in Madrid. The hard truth, then over in Madrid. The hard truth, Spain isn't the bargain that the Asia Spain isn't the bargain that the Asia Spain isn't the bargain that the Asia is. It's just not, okay? A decade ago, is. It's just not, okay? A decade ago, is. It's just not, okay? A decade ago, it was different. I went after the it was different. I went after the it was different. I went after the financial crash the first time. You financial crash the first time. You financial crash the first time. You could get apartments, condos in parts of could get apartments, condos in parts of could get apartments, condos in parts of Barcelona, the old Chinatown area, Barcelona, the old Chinatown area, Barcelona, the old Chinatown area, Raval, for like 100,000, 150,000 euros.

Raval, for like 100,000, 150,000 euros. Raval, for like 100,000, 150,000 euros. Golden visas in the country end in 2025. Golden visas in the country end in 2025. Golden visas in the country end in 2025. Prices in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Prices in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Prices in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, they've climbed up. Malaga, they've climbed up. Malaga, they've climbed up. It's not the same affordable European It's not the same affordable European It's not the same affordable European dream that it once was. For me, as a dream that it once was. For me, as a dream that it once was. For me, as a Spanish speaker, Spain was the dream, Spanish speaker, Spain was the dream, Spanish speaker, Spain was the dream, not Portugal. Spain was the place I went not Portugal. Spain was the place I went not Portugal. Spain was the place I went back to over and over again. I think the back to over and over again. I think the back to over and over again. I think the reality is that a comfortable life in reality is that a comfortable life in reality is that a comfortable life in Spain costs at least double what it Spain costs at least double what it Spain costs at least double what it costs to live here, if not more. If I costs to live here, if not more. If I costs to live here, if not more. If I counted my kids and my wife in that counted my kids and my wife in that counted my kids and my wife in that equation, way more money, right? A equation, way more money, right? A equation, way more money, right? A comfortable life in Barcelona is 3,500 comfortable life in Barcelona is 3,500 comfortable life in Barcelona is 3,500 euros a month, which is two to three euros a month, which is two to three euros a month, which is two to three times what I can spend here. It's just times what I can spend here. It's just times what I can spend here. It's just pricier, you know? You're going to pay pricier, you know? You're going to pay pricier, you know? You're going to pay for it. And that gap is ultimately the for it. And that gap is ultimately the for it. And that gap is ultimately the whole point of this channel, the cost of whole point of this channel, the cost of whole point of this channel, the cost of living abroad thing. The window in Spain living abroad thing. The window in Spain living abroad thing. The window in Spain that made the dream possible is now that made the dream possible is now that made the dream possible is now mostly shut, whereas it's still open mostly shut, whereas it's still open mostly shut, whereas it's still open here. Spain is what this region looks here. Spain is what this region looks here. Spain is what this region looks like maybe in 15 years if certain forces like maybe in 15 years if certain forces like maybe in 15 years if certain forces play out, play out, play out, which is exactly why the two time to which is exactly why the two time to which is exactly why the two time to come and move Southeast Asia is right come and move Southeast Asia is right come and move Southeast Asia is right now. I do want to be fair to Spain now. I do want to be fair to Spain now. I do want to be fair to Spain though, I'll be some not running it though, I'll be some not running it though, I'll be some not running it down. What happened there isn't a down. What happened there isn't a down. What happened there isn't a scandal, it's just what happens to every scandal, it's just what happens to every scandal, it's just what happens to every affordable, beautiful place once the affordable, beautiful place once the affordable, beautiful place once the wider world notices it. Gentrification, wider world notices it. Gentrification, wider world notices it. Gentrification, globalization, it's real. Demand arrives globalization, it's real. Demand arrives globalization, it's real. Demand arrives faster than supply can respond, locals faster than supply can respond, locals faster than supply can respond, locals get priced out of their own get priced out of their own get priced out of their own neighborhoods, and the magic that made neighborhoods, and the magic that made neighborhoods, and the magic that made it a discovery becomes a product sold at it a discovery becomes a product sold at it a discovery becomes a product sold at a markup. You can see it most clearly in a markup. You can see it most clearly in a markup. You can see it most clearly in Barcelona and protests where residents Barcelona and protests where residents Barcelona and protests where residents have spent the last couple of years have spent the last couple of years have spent the last couple of years openly complaining about the crash of openly complaining about the crash of openly complaining about the crash of tourists. The city is moving out tourists. The city is moving out tourists. The city is moving out short-term tourist rentals. It's a short-term tourist rentals. It's a short-term tourist rentals. It's a cycle, an early phase, a mid phase, a cycle, an early phase, a mid phase, a cycle, an early phase, a mid phase, a late phase. Spain right now is late,

late phase. Spain right now is late, late phase. Spain right now is late, Thailand is probably middle, Vietnam, Thailand is probably middle, Vietnam, Thailand is probably middle, Vietnam, for now, is early. But ultimately, none for now, is early. But ultimately, none for now, is early. But ultimately, none of us can control that. So, who is Spain of us can control that. So, who is Spain of us can control that. So, who is Spain for right now? For someone whom being in for right now? For someone whom being in for right now? For someone whom being in Europe is itself the point, you know, Europe is itself the point, you know, Europe is itself the point, you know, maybe a Britain, the culture, the easy maybe a Britain, the culture, the easy maybe a Britain, the culture, the easy travel across the continent, uh someone travel across the continent, uh someone travel across the continent, uh someone who has the budget to absorb it. Spain's who has the budget to absorb it. Spain's who has the budget to absorb it. Spain's non-lucrative visa is a real residency non-lucrative visa is a real residency non-lucrative visa is a real residency path for a retiree with steady passive path for a retiree with steady passive path for a retiree with steady passive income, and the public health care is income, and the public health care is income, and the public health care is excellent. If your dream is specifically excellent. If your dream is specifically excellent. If your dream is specifically European and your budget is healthy, European and your budget is healthy, European and your budget is healthy, Spain can still be wonderful. If your Spain can still be wonderful. If your Spain can still be wonderful. If your dream is a great life on a modest fixed dream is a great life on a modest fixed dream is a great life on a modest fixed income or social security, the math is income or social security, the math is income or social security, the math is probably moved against it and you ending probably moved against it and you ending probably moved against it and you ending up there. Let me bring this all home. up there. Let me bring this all home. up there. Let me bring this all home. Ultimately, why Vietnam? Why Saigon? Ultimately, why Vietnam? Why Saigon? Ultimately, why Vietnam? Why Saigon? Well, it comes down to four huge things. Well, it comes down to four huge things. Well, it comes down to four huge things. The cost structure is just the lowest on The cost structure is just the lowest on The cost structure is just the lowest on the list, which means the freedom it the list, which means the freedom it the list, which means the freedom it funds is the absolute greatest. The funds is the absolute greatest. The funds is the absolute greatest. The energy of the place, the country, the energy of the place, the country, the energy of the place, the country, the people really resonated me in a way that people really resonated me in a way that people really resonated me in a way that none of the others quite did. The food none of the others quite did. The food none of the others quite did. The food and the daily life, my my personal and the daily life, my my personal and the daily life, my my personal ranking, are the best in the region, and ranking, are the best in the region, and ranking, are the best in the region, and it's still early. Vietnam is not yet it's still early. Vietnam is not yet it's still early. Vietnam is not yet fully exploded the way Thailand or Bali fully exploded the way Thailand or Bali fully exploded the way Thailand or Bali or Spain have, which means I'm living in or Spain have, which means I'm living in or Spain have, which means I'm living in the actual country, not in an expat the actual country, not in an expat the actual country, not in an expat bubble built around foreign demand. It's bubble built around foreign demand. It's bubble built around foreign demand. It's built for mostly upper middle class built for mostly upper middle class built for mostly upper middle class expats. Let me make the energy point expats. Let me make the energy point expats. Let me make the energy point concrete, cuz it's one that sounds concrete, cuz it's one that sounds concrete, cuz it's one that sounds vague, but it really matters the most.

vague, but it really matters the most. vague, but it really matters the most. There's a street near my apartment that There's a street near my apartment that There's a street near my apartment that at 5:00 in the morning is already fully at 5:00 in the morning is already fully at 5:00 in the morning is already fully alive, right? The pho places are alive, right? The pho places are alive, right? The pho places are bubbling, the coffee cart is set up, bubbling, the coffee cart is set up, bubbling, the coffee cart is set up, office workers are eating banh mi on office workers are eating banh mi on office workers are eating banh mi on plastic stools, grandmothers are picking plastic stools, grandmothers are picking plastic stools, grandmothers are picking fruit and produce from the market off fruit and produce from the market off fruit and produce from the market off the ground, kids in uniform are being the ground, kids in uniform are being the ground, kids in uniform are being dropped off by motorbike or in my case dropped off by motorbike or in my case dropped off by motorbike or in my case by stroller. You know, by contrast, when by stroller. You know, by contrast, when by stroller. You know, by contrast, when I lived back in Calgary, 6:00 in the I lived back in Calgary, 6:00 in the I lived back in Calgary, 6:00 in the morning, it's like silent, dark, black, morning, it's like silent, dark, black, morning, it's like silent, dark, black, and [ __ ] freezing cold, right? It's and [ __ ] freezing cold, right? It's and [ __ ] freezing cold, right? It's not wrong, but you know, one of these not wrong, but you know, one of these not wrong, but you know, one of these places makes me feel like I'm alive, places makes me feel like I'm alive, places makes me feel like I'm alive, like I'm part of something happening, like I'm part of something happening, like I'm part of something happening, and young, and exciting, and fresh, and young, and exciting, and fresh, and young, and exciting, and fresh, waiting for the future. Vietnam is a waiting for the future. Vietnam is a waiting for the future. Vietnam is a country where the thing is always country where the thing is always country where the thing is always already happening. After 18 years of already happening. After 18 years of already happening. After 18 years of moving around, I realized that the moving around, I realized that the moving around, I realized that the ambient energy of the place you live in ambient energy of the place you live in ambient energy of the place you live in is not a minor lifestyle detail. It is is not a minor lifestyle detail. It is is not a minor lifestyle detail. It is most of what your daily life actually most of what your daily life actually most of what your daily life actually feels like. And this one feels like feels like. And this one feels like feels like. And this one feels like being awake and alive. Maybe for you, being awake and alive. Maybe for you, being awake and alive. Maybe for you, that's a plaza in Madrid. There's also that's a plaza in Madrid. There's also that's a plaza in Madrid. There's also the practical point hiding inside the the practical point hiding inside the the practical point hiding inside the still early argument that I want to make still early argument that I want to make still early argument that I want to make explicit though, because it's the explicit though, because it's the explicit though, because it's the closest thing to investment logic in a closest thing to investment logic in a closest thing to investment logic in a location decision based on location decision based on location decision based on geo-arbitrage. When you move somewhere geo-arbitrage. When you move somewhere geo-arbitrage. When you move somewhere before it's fully discovered, you lock before it's fully discovered, you lock before it's fully discovered, you lock in the early stage cost structure, and in the early stage cost structure, and in the early stage cost structure, and you get years of living in the authentic you get years of living in the authentic you get years of living in the authentic version of the place before those expat version of the place before those expat version of the place before those expat bubbles solidify. You know, people who bubbles solidify. You know, people who bubbles solidify. You know, people who moved to Thailand 20 years ago or Spain moved to Thailand 20 years ago or Spain moved to Thailand 20 years ago or Spain 15 years ago have that, right? The 15 years ago have that, right? The 15 years ago have that, right? The people now are the ones arriving the people now are the ones arriving the people now are the ones arriving the and paying premiums in those more and paying premiums in those more and paying premiums in those more hollowed-out or fake versions. I think hollowed-out or fake versions. I think hollowed-out or fake versions. I think Vietnam is roughly where Thailand was 15 Vietnam is roughly where Thailand was 15 Vietnam is roughly where Thailand was 15 to 20 years ago. The window doesn't stay to 20 years ago. The window doesn't stay to 20 years ago. The window doesn't stay open forever, and it shouldn't.

open forever, and it shouldn't. open forever, and it shouldn't. Ultimately, I want the Vietnamese people Ultimately, I want the Vietnamese people Ultimately, I want the Vietnamese people to become rich. The honest cost of that to become rich. The honest cost of that to become rich. The honest cost of that choice, the thing Vietnam loses on choice, the thing Vietnam loses on choice, the thing Vietnam loses on though, is still the visa. There's no though, is still the visa. There's no though, is still the visa. There's no formal retirement path for the formal retirement path for the formal retirement path for the 50-plusers, ongoing renewals a degree of 50-plusers, ongoing renewals a degree of 50-plusers, ongoing renewals a degree of uncertainty. You have to ultimately uncertainty. You have to ultimately uncertainty. You have to ultimately accept that unless you're going to work accept that unless you're going to work accept that unless you're going to work here, study here, or get married here. here, study here, or get married here. here, study here, or get married here. You could also do the business investor You could also do the business investor You could also do the business investor route, but that's another video. Mexico route, but that's another video. Mexico route, but that's another video. Mexico is sitting right there with a real is sitting right there with a real is sitting right there with a real residency path and a direct flight. It's residency path and a direct flight. It's residency path and a direct flight. It's as easy for many of you as it gets. So, as easy for many of you as it gets. So, as easy for many of you as it gets. So, the real decision made by a real person the real decision made by a real person the real decision made by a real person who actually lived in these places, who actually lived in these places, who actually lived in these places, optimizing for my own specific set of optimizing for my own specific set of optimizing for my own specific set of priorities. The point is not that priorities. The point is not that priorities. The point is not that Vietnam is objectively the best or Vietnam is objectively the best or Vietnam is objectively the best or number one. The point is that you should number one. The point is that you should number one. The point is that you should make the decision the way I made it, by make the decision the way I made it, by make the decision the way I made it, by being honest about your own priorities, being honest about your own priorities, being honest about your own priorities, by getting feet on the ground, by by getting feet on the ground, by by getting feet on the ground, by weighing the real trade-offs, not by weighing the real trade-offs, not by weighing the real trade-offs, not by chasing the best place on Instagram or chasing the best place on Instagram or chasing the best place on Instagram or YouTube, but by going there, knowing YouTube, but by going there, knowing YouTube, but by going there, knowing what you want, getting the [ __ ] out and what you want, getting the [ __ ] out and what you want, getting the [ __ ] out and experiencing the world, okay? So, if you experiencing the world, okay? So, if you experiencing the world, okay? So, if you want the full breakdown, actual visa want the full breakdown, actual visa want the full breakdown, actual visa mechanics, neighborhood-level costs, the mechanics, neighborhood-level costs, the mechanics, neighborhood-level costs, the banking and healthcare specifics in five banking and healthcare specifics in five banking and healthcare specifics in five countries in Southeast Asia, that's countries in Southeast Asia, that's countries in Southeast Asia, that's exactly what I have on my website, the exactly what I have on my website, the exactly what I have on my website, the costoflivingabroad.com.

costoflivingabroad.com. costoflivingabroad.com. The full breakdowns, Vietnam, Thailand, The full breakdowns, Vietnam, Thailand, The full breakdowns, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Bali. It's all Malaysia, Philippines, Bali. It's all Malaysia, Philippines, Bali. It's all linked in the description or I can put a linked in the description or I can put a linked in the description or I can put a QR code. If you just want to follow QR code. If you just want to follow QR code. If you just want to follow along with my life, you can comment news along with my life, you can comment news along with my life, you can comment news and sign up for my newsletter to get and sign up for my newsletter to get and sign up for my newsletter to get updates on the cost of living abroad. updates on the cost of living abroad. updates on the cost of living abroad. Thanks so much for watching. I'm Evan A, Thanks so much for watching. I'm Evan A, Thanks so much for watching. I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. Next up, you retired early in Vietnam. Next up, you retired early in Vietnam. Next up, you can watch this one where I do a can watch this one where I do a can watch this one where I do a side-by-side budget comparison to what side-by-side budget comparison to what side-by-side budget comparison to what $3,000 buys in the US versus Vietnam, or $3,000 buys in the US versus Vietnam, or $3,000 buys in the US versus Vietnam, or you can watch this one where I break you can watch this one where I break you can watch this one where I break down my story about why I left home and down my story about why I left home and down my story about why I left home and retired early abroad and how I could do retired early abroad and how I could do retired early abroad and how I could do it. Thanks so much. Take care.