Vietnam vs Philippines - The Brutal Truth for Retirees

All right, this is my most requested All right, this is my most requested video of all time. The question I get video of all time. The question I get video of all time. The question I get asked more than almost any other usually asked more than almost any other usually asked more than almost any other usually comes from the same kind of person, comes from the same kind of person, comes from the same kind of person, someone who's narrowed their whole someone who's narrowed their whole someone who's narrowed their whole search down to two countries, both in search down to two countries, both in search down to two countries, both in Southeast Asia, both relatively Southeast Asia, both relatively Southeast Asia, both relatively English-friendly enough to feel English-friendly enough to feel English-friendly enough to feel approachable, and they can't figure out approachable, and they can't figure out approachable, and they can't figure out which one to actually commit to, Vietnam which one to actually commit to, Vietnam which one to actually commit to, Vietnam or the [snorts] Philippines. Today, I'm or the [snorts] Philippines. Today, I'm or the [snorts] Philippines. Today, I'm going to give you my honest answer, going to give you my honest answer, going to give you my honest answer, which is obviously biased, including the which is obviously biased, including the which is obviously biased, including the parts where the Philippines genuinely parts where the Philippines genuinely parts where the Philippines genuinely beats here where I live in Vietnam. So, beats here where I live in Vietnam. So, beats here where I live in Vietnam. So, I want to start by telling you why these I want to start by telling you why these I want to start by telling you why these two countries end up on the same short two countries end up on the same short two countries end up on the same short list so often, cuz it is not an list so often, cuz it is not an list so often, cuz it is not an accident. Both offer a low cost of accident. Both offer a low cost of accident. Both offer a low cost of living than anywhere in the West. Both living than anywhere in the West. Both living than anywhere in the West. Both have large real expat communities that have large real expat communities that have large real expat communities that have been building for decades, not have been building for decades, not have been building for decades, not years. Both give you access to genuinely years. Both give you access to genuinely years. Both give you access to genuinely excellent, affordable private health excellent, affordable private health excellent, affordable private health care. Both are close enough to the rest care. Both are close enough to the rest care. Both are close enough to the rest of Asia that a life here does not mean of Asia that a life here does not mean of Asia that a life here does not mean giving up travel. They both have giving up travel. They both have giving up travel. They both have beautiful beaches. If you're choosing beautiful beaches. If you're choosing beautiful beaches. If you're choosing between these two, you're choosing between these two, you're choosing between these two, you're choosing between two legit, strong options, not between two legit, strong options, not between two legit, strong options, not picking the lesser of two evils, and I picking the lesser of two evils, and I picking the lesser of two evils, and I want to be honest about that before I want to be honest about that before I want to be honest about that before I say anything else or before anyone kills say anything else or before anyone kills say anything else or before anyone kills me in the comments. I also want to name me in the comments. I also want to name me in the comments. I also want to name something up front that shapes this something up front that shapes this something up front that shapes this whole comparison. I have a Viet wife.

whole comparison. I have a Viet wife. whole comparison. I have a Viet wife. No, these two countries approach the No, these two countries approach the No, these two countries approach the exact same problem, how to legally exact same problem, how to legally exact same problem, how to legally welcome foreign retirees from completely welcome foreign retirees from completely welcome foreign retirees from completely opposite directions. Okay, the opposite directions. Okay, the opposite directions. Okay, the Philippines solved it the traditional Philippines solved it the traditional Philippines solved it the traditional way with a formal government program way with a formal government program way with a formal government program built specifically for retirement. built specifically for retirement. built specifically for retirement. Vietnam has, so far, mostly not solved Vietnam has, so far, mostly not solved Vietnam has, so far, mostly not solved it at all unless you're married. At it at all unless you're married. At it at all unless you're married. At least not in the same structured sense, least not in the same structured sense, least not in the same structured sense, and the country's approach to long-stay and the country's approach to long-stay and the country's approach to long-stay foreigners is still evolving in real foreigners is still evolving in real foreigners is still evolving in real time, including a new immigration law time, including a new immigration law time, including a new immigration law that only took effect this year. That that only took effect this year. That that only took effect this year. That difference in approach is the entire difference in approach is the entire difference in approach is the entire spine of this comparison, and almost spine of this comparison, and almost spine of this comparison, and almost everything else follows from it. The everything else follows from it. The everything else follows from it. The Philippines' advantage, okay? Let's Philippines' advantage, okay? Let's Philippines' advantage, okay? Let's start where the Philippines wins because start where the Philippines wins because start where the Philippines wins because it's a real, specific, structural it's a real, specific, structural it's a real, specific, structural advantage, and I'm not going to pretend advantage, and I'm not going to pretend advantage, and I'm not going to pretend it doesn't just exist because I live it doesn't just exist because I live it doesn't just exist because I live somewhere else and I'm married to a somewhere else and I'm married to a somewhere else and I'm married to a Viet. The Philippines has a dedicated Viet. The Philippines has a dedicated Viet. The Philippines has a dedicated retirement visa. It is called the retirement visa. It is called the retirement visa. It is called the special resident retiree's visa, SSRV, special resident retiree's visa, SSRV, special resident retiree's visa, SSRV, and it has existed since 1985, which and it has existed since 1985, which and it has existed since 1985, which means it is not some new experiment. It means it is not some new experiment. It means it is not some new experiment. It is a mature, tested, well-understood is a mature, tested, well-understood is a mature, tested, well-understood program that thousands of foreign program that thousands of foreign program that thousands of foreign retirees have already gone through. The retirees have already gone through. The retirees have already gone through. The deposit requirement ranges from around deposit requirement ranges from around deposit requirement ranges from around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your age. I'd have to pay more cuz I'm age. I'd have to pay more cuz I'm age. I'd have to pay more cuz I'm younger, whether you have a qualifying younger, whether you have a qualifying younger, whether you have a qualifying pension like social security, and once pension like social security, and once pension like social security, and once you're in, it gives you a genuine, you're in, it gives you a genuine, you're in, it gives you a genuine, renewable, long-term legal status renewable, long-term legal status renewable, long-term legal status specifically designed for exactly the specifically designed for exactly the specifically designed for exactly the kind of person watching this video. So, kind of person watching this video. So, kind of person watching this video. So, let me break down what that deposit let me break down what that deposit let me break down what that deposit range actually means in practice cuz the range actually means in practice cuz the range actually means in practice cuz the number alone does not tell the whole number alone does not tell the whole number alone does not tell the whole story, and it's been changing in recent story, and it's been changing in recent story, and it's been changing in recent years. So, if you're 50 or older and

years. So, if you're 50 or older and years. So, if you're 50 or older and have a qualifying pension, the deposit have a qualifying pension, the deposit have a qualifying pension, the deposit can be as low as around $10,000. can be as low as around $10,000. can be as low as around $10,000. Without a qualifying pension or at a Without a qualifying pension or at a Without a qualifying pension or at a younger qualifying age, the deposit younger qualifying age, the deposit younger qualifying age, the deposit climbs toward the higher end of the climbs toward the higher end of the climbs toward the higher end of the range, closer to $40,000. And here's the range, closer to $40,000. And here's the range, closer to $40,000. And here's the part people do not always realize the part people do not always realize the part people do not always realize the first time they hear about it. The first time they hear about it. The first time they hear about it. The deposit isn't a fee you lose. In many deposit isn't a fee you lose. In many deposit isn't a fee you lose. In many cases, it can later be converted into an cases, it can later be converted into an cases, it can later be converted into an investment such as a real estate investment such as a real estate investment such as a real estate purchase or an approved local investment purchase or an approved local investment purchase or an approved local investment vehicle once you've held the visa for a vehicle once you've held the visa for a vehicle once you've held the visa for a period of time. So, you're not just period of time. So, you're not just period of time. So, you're not just buying a stamp in your passport or buying a stamp in your passport or buying a stamp in your passport or residency. You're placing a chunk of residency. You're placing a chunk of residency. You're placing a chunk of capital that can eventually work for you capital that can eventually work for you capital that can eventually work for you inside the country, which is a genuinely inside the country, which is a genuinely inside the country, which is a genuinely different structure than a simple different structure than a simple different structure than a simple nonrefundable visa fee. Compare that to nonrefundable visa fee. Compare that to nonrefundable visa fee. Compare that to what I have here in Vietnam, and the what I have here in Vietnam, and the what I have here in Vietnam, and the contrast is pretty stark. Vietnam contrast is pretty stark. Vietnam contrast is pretty stark. Vietnam doesn't have anything structurally doesn't have anything structurally doesn't have anything structurally equivalent other than their investment equivalent other than their investment equivalent other than their investment visa, no dedicated retiree visa, no visa, no dedicated retiree visa, no visa, no dedicated retiree visa, no published age and deposit table, nothing published age and deposit table, nothing published age and deposit table, nothing you can point to and say, "That is my you can point to and say, "That is my you can point to and say, "That is my legal pathway for the rest of my life." legal pathway for the rest of my life." legal pathway for the rest of my life." Unless you're married. So, if you're the Unless you're married. So, if you're the Unless you're married. So, if you're the kind of person who wants the government kind of person who wants the government kind of person who wants the government stamp certainty above almost everything stamp certainty above almost everything stamp certainty above almost everything else, the honest answer is that the else, the honest answer is that the else, the honest answer is that the Philippines gives you something Vietnam Philippines gives you something Vietnam Philippines gives you something Vietnam simply doesn't offer, and no amount of simply doesn't offer, and no amount of simply doesn't offer, and no amount of loyalty to this channel or this country, loyalty to this channel or this country, loyalty to this channel or this country, unless you get married, should talk you unless you get married, should talk you unless you get married, should talk you out of weighing that fairly. English out of weighing that fairly. English out of weighing that fairly. English fluency is another real Philippines fluency is another real Philippines fluency is another real Philippines advantage worth naming directly.

advantage worth naming directly. advantage worth naming directly. Not to mention Catholicism, although Not to mention Catholicism, although Not to mention Catholicism, although there's lots of Catholics in Vietnam. there's lots of Catholics in Vietnam. there's lots of Catholics in Vietnam. Official language, schools from an early Official language, schools from an early Official language, schools from an early age, spoken fluently across a huge share age, spoken fluently across a huge share age, spoken fluently across a huge share of the population in a way that goes of the population in a way that goes of the population in a way that goes beyond just the tourist-facing service beyond just the tourist-facing service beyond just the tourist-facing service industry. If a language barrier is one industry. If a language barrier is one industry. If a language barrier is one of your biggest fears about moving of your biggest fears about moving of your biggest fears about moving abroad, the Philippines removes most of abroad, the Philippines removes most of abroad, the Philippines removes most of that fear, pretty much more than that fear, pretty much more than that fear, pretty much more than anywhere else in Asia, Vietnam included. anywhere else in Asia, Vietnam included. anywhere else in Asia, Vietnam included. I have friends who lived in the I have friends who lived in the I have friends who lived in the Philippines for years, for decades, Philippines for years, for decades, Philippines for years, for decades, they could not shake the anxiety of they could not shake the anxiety of they could not shake the anxiety of navigating a hospital visit, a bank navigating a hospital visit, a bank navigating a hospital visit, a bank appointment, or a landlord dispute in a appointment, or a landlord dispute in a appointment, or a landlord dispute in a language they didn't speak. And for that language they didn't speak. And for that language they didn't speak. And for that specific fear, the Philippines is specific fear, the Philippines is specific fear, the Philippines is generally easier. You can do it generally easier. You can do it generally easier. You can do it yourself, right? It's an easier landing yourself, right? It's an easier landing yourself, right? It's an easier landing cuz you don't necessarily need cuz you don't necessarily need cuz you don't necessarily need linguistic help, a translator, a friend, linguistic help, a translator, a friend, linguistic help, a translator, a friend, a partner. So, if you're trying to a partner. So, if you're trying to a partner. So, if you're trying to decide between these two or any specific decide between these two or any specific decide between these two or any specific pair of countries in Southeast Asia, and pair of countries in Southeast Asia, and pair of countries in Southeast Asia, and you want the full line-by-line you want the full line-by-line you want the full line-by-line comparison on visa mechanics, real comparison on visa mechanics, real comparison on visa mechanics, real neighborhood rent numbers, healthcare neighborhood rent numbers, healthcare neighborhood rent numbers, healthcare specifics, specifics, specifics, that is exactly what my field guides, that is exactly what my field guides, that is exactly what my field guides, country by country, go through inside country by country, go through inside country by country, go through inside the membership on my the membership on my the membership on my costoflivingabroad.com website. I have a costoflivingabroad.com website. I have a costoflivingabroad.com website. I have a bunch of different tiers, the DIY, the bunch of different tiers, the DIY, the bunch of different tiers, the DIY, the guided, the full service. Let me tell guided, the full service. Let me tell guided, the full service. Let me tell you why, even with all of that, I still you why, even with all of that, I still you why, even with all of that, I still live here in Vietnam, okay? It's a real live here in Vietnam, okay? It's a real live here in Vietnam, okay? It's a real answer, and it comes down to two things.

answer, and it comes down to two things. answer, and it comes down to two things. Cost and the texture of daily life I've Cost and the texture of daily life I've Cost and the texture of daily life I've simply come to prefer and literally simply come to prefer and literally simply come to prefer and literally fallen in love with, okay? Vietnam is fallen in love with, okay? Vietnam is fallen in love with, okay? Vietnam is meaningfully cheaper than the meaningfully cheaper than the meaningfully cheaper than the Philippines in most comparable Philippines in most comparable Philippines in most comparable categories, and the gap isn't small, and categories, and the gap isn't small, and categories, and the gap isn't small, and often the quality is better. A often the quality is better. A often the quality is better. A comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Ho comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Ho comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang typically costs Chi Minh City or Da Nang typically costs Chi Minh City or Da Nang typically costs significantly less than Manila or Cebu. significantly less than Manila or Cebu. significantly less than Manila or Cebu. We're talking hundreds of dollars a We're talking hundreds of dollars a We're talking hundreds of dollars a month. Street food and local restaurants month. Street food and local restaurants month. Street food and local restaurants here are extraordinarily cheap, even by here are extraordinarily cheap, even by here are extraordinarily cheap, even by Southern standards, and the overall Southern standards, and the overall Southern standards, and the overall grocery and utility bill for a grocery and utility bill for a grocery and utility bill for a comfortable life in Vietnam tends to comfortable life in Vietnam tends to comfortable life in Vietnam tends to land 40, 30% shorter, cheaper than most land 40, 30% shorter, cheaper than most land 40, 30% shorter, cheaper than most Philippine cities. If you built two Philippine cities. If you built two Philippine cities. If you built two identical budgets, same apartment identical budgets, same apartment identical budgets, same apartment quality, same eating out, same quality, same eating out, same quality, same eating out, same transportation, the Vietnam version is transportation, the Vietnam version is transportation, the Vietnam version is very likely to come in at least 25% very likely to come in at least 25% very likely to come in at least 25% lower, sometimes even more depending on lower, sometimes even more depending on lower, sometimes even more depending on where you're at, depending on cities where you're at, depending on cities where you're at, depending on cities you're comparing. So, I want to be you're comparing. So, I want to be you're comparing. So, I want to be specific rather than vague about where specific rather than vague about where specific rather than vague about where the gap actually comes from because the gap actually comes from because the gap actually comes from because {quote} Vietnam is cheaper isn't really {quote} Vietnam is cheaper isn't really {quote} Vietnam is cheaper isn't really a data point, right? So, a big chunk of a data point, right? So, a big chunk of a data point, right? So, a big chunk of it comes from food. A generally good it comes from food. A generally good it comes from food. A generally good local meal here regularly costs under $2 local meal here regularly costs under $2 local meal here regularly costs under $2 and it's high-quality. That isn't a and it's high-quality. That isn't a and it's high-quality. That isn't a special diet, that is normal everyday special diet, that is normal everyday special diet, that is normal everyday price for the food that people who live price for the food that people who live price for the food that people who live here actually eat. Rent, of course, is here actually eat. Rent, of course, is here actually eat. Rent, of course, is another big piece. New apartment another big piece. New apartment another big piece. New apartment construction in Vietnam's major cities construction in Vietnam's major cities construction in Vietnam's major cities has continued at a pace that has kept a has continued at a pace that has kept a has continued at a pace that has kept a meaningful supply of modern units on the meaningful supply of modern units on the meaningful supply of modern units on the market, which has kept upward pressure market, which has kept upward pressure market, which has kept upward pressure on rents lower than in comparable on rents lower than in comparable on rents lower than in comparable Philippine city. Da Nang isn't a Philippine city. Da Nang isn't a Philippine city. Da Nang isn't a building boom, right? Geography building boom, right? Geography building boom, right? Geography constrains how much new supply can come constrains how much new supply can come constrains how much new supply can come online in most desirable areas and other

online in most desirable areas and other online in most desirable areas and other countries. There's also a subtler cost countries. There's also a subtler cost countries. There's also a subtler cost factor that people underestimate. The factor that people underestimate. The factor that people underestimate. The Philippines is an archipelago, islands, Philippines is an archipelago, islands, Philippines is an archipelago, islands, right? Moving between islands or even right? Moving between islands or even right? Moving between islands or even getting from a rural retirement spot to getting from a rural retirement spot to getting from a rural retirement spot to a major hospital often means a flight or a major hospital often means a flight or a major hospital often means a flight or a long ferry ride. Vietnam is a single a long ferry ride. Vietnam is a single a long ferry ride. Vietnam is a single connected strip of land, kind of like an connected strip of land, kind of like an connected strip of land, kind of like an aster or ribbon, uh which means overland aster or ribbon, uh which means overland aster or ribbon, uh which means overland travel between cities is simpler and for travel between cities is simpler and for travel between cities is simpler and for the most part cheaper. If your the most part cheaper. If your the most part cheaper. If your retirement plan involves a lot of retirement plan involves a lot of retirement plan involves a lot of internal travel and exploring, that internal travel and exploring, that internal travel and exploring, that geography difference adds up in a way geography difference adds up in a way geography difference adds up in a way that a simply monthly budget comparison that a simply monthly budget comparison that a simply monthly budget comparison doesn't really capture. Uh I want to be doesn't really capture. Uh I want to be doesn't really capture. Uh I want to be fair though to the Philippines here too fair though to the Philippines here too fair though to the Philippines here too because the archipelago that creates the because the archipelago that creates the because the archipelago that creates the travel friction is also exactly what travel friction is also exactly what travel friction is also exactly what gives the country some of the most gives the country some of the most gives the country some of the most beautiful, genuinely world-class beaches beautiful, genuinely world-class beaches beautiful, genuinely world-class beaches and diving anywhere on Earth. My buddy and diving anywhere on Earth. My buddy and diving anywhere on Earth. My buddy Nick is there right now and I'm jealous. Nick is there right now and I'm jealous. Nick is there right now and I'm jealous. What's up, Nick? Palawan, Siargao, not What's up, Nick? Palawan, Siargao, not What's up, Nick? Palawan, Siargao, not constellation prizes. If a beach and constellation prizes. If a beach and constellation prizes. If a beach and island lifestyle is the actual dream island lifestyle is the actual dream island lifestyle is the actual dream you're chasing, if you like diving, the you're chasing, if you like diving, the you're chasing, if you like diving, the Philippines delivers something Vietnam's Philippines delivers something Vietnam's Philippines delivers something Vietnam's coastline, lovely as it is, doesn't coastline, lovely as it is, doesn't coastline, lovely as it is, doesn't fully match. I'm not going to pretend my fully match. I'm not going to pretend my fully match. I'm not going to pretend my preference for Vietnam's geography is an preference for Vietnam's geography is an preference for Vietnam's geography is an objective, correct answer. That's objective, correct answer. That's objective, correct answer. That's ridiculous. It's just a preference. I ridiculous. It's just a preference. I ridiculous. It's just a preference. I like motorbikes. I like mountains. For like motorbikes. I like mountains. For like motorbikes. I like mountains. For someone whose entire retirement vision someone whose entire retirement vision someone whose entire retirement vision revolves around island life though, revolves around island life though, revolves around island life though, maybe go in the other direction. And maybe go in the other direction. And maybe go in the other direction. And then there's the part that's harder to then there's the part that's harder to then there's the part that's harder to put a number on, which is simply the put a number on, which is simply the put a number on, which is simply the texture of daily life here in Vietnam texture of daily life here in Vietnam texture of daily life here in Vietnam that I've grown to love. And of course, that I've grown to love. And of course, that I've grown to love. And of course, the people, the woman, the food culture, the people, the woman, the food culture, the people, the woman, the food culture, the coffee culture. It's for me, right?

the coffee culture. It's for me, right? the coffee culture. It's for me, right? Not for everyone. The motorbikes, bikes, Not for everyone. The motorbikes, bikes, Not for everyone. The motorbikes, bikes, the sidewalk stools, $2 bowls of pho or the sidewalk stools, $2 bowls of pho or the sidewalk stools, $2 bowls of pho or banh canh. You know, the banh mi. I'm banh canh. You know, the banh mi. I'm banh canh. You know, the banh mi. I'm not going to pretend that is a rigorous not going to pretend that is a rigorous not going to pretend that is a rigorous financial argument. You know, it's not. financial argument. You know, it's not. financial argument. You know, it's not. Just saying I like Vietnamese coffee Just saying I like Vietnamese coffee Just saying I like Vietnamese coffee better. What does that mean? It's just better. What does that mean? It's just better. What does that mean? It's just my preference, right? I just want to my preference, right? I just want to my preference, right? I just want to tell it to you plainly because frankly, tell it to you plainly because frankly, tell it to you plainly because frankly, it does go into my decision, man. Banh it does go into my decision, man. Banh it does go into my decision, man. Banh mi and coffee, let's go. Healthcare, I mi and coffee, let's go. Healthcare, I mi and coffee, let's go. Healthcare, I trust it here more. But Manila has a trust it here more. But Manila has a trust it here more. But Manila has a good hospital network that can rival good hospital network that can rival good hospital network that can rival anything in the region with anything in the region with anything in the region with English-speaking doctors as a given English-speaking doctors as a given English-speaking doctors as a given rather than a bonus. Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, rather than a bonus. Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, rather than a bonus. Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, Da Nang also have made real strides in Da Nang also have made real strides in Da Nang also have made real strides in private healthcare over the past decade. private healthcare over the past decade. private healthcare over the past decade. This has noticeably changed since I got This has noticeably changed since I got This has noticeably changed since I got here 7 years ago. The Philippines here 7 years ago. The Philippines here 7 years ago. The Philippines healthcare system is a bit older, but it healthcare system is a bit older, but it healthcare system is a bit older, but it benefits from English language advantage benefits from English language advantage benefits from English language advantage running all the way through, which running all the way through, which running all the way through, which matters enormously when you're trying to matters enormously when you're trying to matters enormously when you're trying to understand a diagnosis or a treatment understand a diagnosis or a treatment understand a diagnosis or a treatment plan at an age when clarity counts. And plan at an age when clarity counts. And plan at an age when clarity counts. And frankly, if you don't have someone to frankly, if you don't have someone to frankly, if you don't have someone to help you the way I do. So, the honest help you the way I do. So, the honest help you the way I do. So, the honest trade-off, right? Stated as plainly as I trade-off, right? Stated as plainly as I trade-off, right? Stated as plainly as I can, the Philippines gives you a real, can, the Philippines gives you a real, can, the Philippines gives you a real, mature government published retirement mature government published retirement mature government published retirement visa and a language environment that visa and a language environment that visa and a language environment that removes almost all of the communication removes almost all of the communication removes almost all of the communication friction for most people moving abroad.

friction for most people moving abroad. friction for most people moving abroad. For some of you, this also is a dating For some of you, this also is a dating For some of you, this also is a dating advantage. Vietnam gives you a advantage. Vietnam gives you a advantage. Vietnam gives you a meaningful lower cost of living, simpler meaningful lower cost of living, simpler meaningful lower cost of living, simpler overland geography, and for me, a daily overland geography, and for me, a daily overland geography, and for me, a daily life and country that I think is more life and country that I think is more life and country that I think is more beautiful and more desirable in exchange beautiful and more desirable in exchange beautiful and more desirable in exchange for a visa situation that you have to for a visa situation that you have to for a visa situation that you have to manage more actively. Because the legal manage more actively. Because the legal manage more actively. Because the legal pathway the Philippines offers simply pathway the Philippines offers simply pathway the Philippines offers simply does not exist here in the same form or does not exist here in the same form or does not exist here in the same form or is more expensive for an investor visa. is more expensive for an investor visa. is more expensive for an investor visa. If a published renewable agent deposit If a published renewable agent deposit If a published renewable agent deposit retirement visa is the single most retirement visa is the single most retirement visa is the single most important factor in your decision, important factor in your decision, important factor in your decision, Donna's answer is the Philippines wins Donna's answer is the Philippines wins Donna's answer is the Philippines wins in that specific category outright. in that specific category outright. in that specific category outright. However, if the lowest possible cost of However, if the lowest possible cost of However, if the lowest possible cost of living with the highest quality of life, living with the highest quality of life, living with the highest quality of life, and the specific cultural fit, food fit and the specific cultural fit, food fit and the specific cultural fit, food fit matter more, you're willing to manage a matter more, you're willing to manage a matter more, you're willing to manage a messier visa picture, well, that's the messier visa picture, well, that's the messier visa picture, well, that's the obvious case for Vietnam. And it's the obvious case for Vietnam. And it's the obvious case for Vietnam. And it's the case that won me over personally. I also case that won me over personally. I also case that won me over personally. I also think the jobs here are better, and I think the jobs here are better, and I think the jobs here are better, and I started with a job, which is important started with a job, which is important started with a job, which is important to remember. Okay, in the other camp to remember. Okay, in the other camp to remember. Okay, in the other camp though, a lot of people watching this though, a lot of people watching this though, a lot of people watching this genuinely don't know which factor should genuinely don't know which factor should genuinely don't know which factor should win for them until they see it laid out win for them until they see it laid out win for them until they see it laid out plainly, or they experience it. So, ask plainly, or they experience it. So, ask plainly, or they experience it. So, ask yourself which sentence up-sents you yourself which sentence up-sents you yourself which sentence up-sents you more. I'll spend more money each month more. I'll spend more money each month more. I'll spend more money each month than I strictly need to in exchange for than I strictly need to in exchange for than I strictly need to in exchange for a rock solid legal status and a near a rock solid legal status and a near a rock solid legal status and a near universal English, but slightly lesser universal English, but slightly lesser universal English, but slightly lesser quality. Or, I'll save meaningfully more quality. Or, I'll save meaningfully more quality. Or, I'll save meaningfully more money each month in exchange for money each month in exchange for money each month in exchange for managing a visa situation that's a pain managing a visa situation that's a pain managing a visa situation that's a pain in the ass and requires attention, and in the ass and requires attention, and in the ass and requires attention, and is not guaranteed. If the first sentence is not guaranteed. If the first sentence is not guaranteed. If the first sentence bothers you more, maybe you're a bothers you more, maybe you're a bothers you more, maybe you're a Philippines person. If the second one Philippines person. If the second one Philippines person. If the second one does, you're more likely a Vietnam does, you're more likely a Vietnam does, you're more likely a Vietnam person, at least on the numbers I've person, at least on the numbers I've person, at least on the numbers I've just walked you through. Let's flip it just walked you through. Let's flip it just walked you through. Let's flip it for a second. I think this matters more

for a second. I think this matters more for a second. I think this matters more here than in almost any other comparison here than in almost any other comparison here than in almost any other comparison I've made on this channel. This isn't a I've made on this channel. This isn't a I've made on this channel. This isn't a countdown, it's a direct one-v-one. A countdown, it's a direct one-v-one. A countdown, it's a direct one-v-one. A lot of people watching this are lot of people watching this are lot of people watching this are specifically the demographic the SSSRV specifically the demographic the SSSRV specifically the demographic the SSSRV was built for. People at an age with a was built for. People at an age with a was built for. People at an age with a pension that qualifies cleanly, VA guys, pension that qualifies cleanly, VA guys, pension that qualifies cleanly, VA guys, uh social security people who legally uh social security people who legally uh social security people who legally value certainty, right? Extra layer of value certainty, right? Extra layer of value certainty, right? Extra layer of visa management in Vietnam would be a visa management in Vietnam would be a visa management in Vietnam would be a genuine, ongoing source of stress, genuine, ongoing source of stress, genuine, ongoing source of stress, rather than a manageable inconvenience. rather than a manageable inconvenience. rather than a manageable inconvenience. If that's you, I don't think my personal If that's you, I don't think my personal If that's you, I don't think my personal preference for Vietnam should override a preference for Vietnam should override a preference for Vietnam should override a structural advantage as real as a structural advantage as real as a structural advantage as real as a matured dedicated retirement visa. matured dedicated retirement visa. matured dedicated retirement visa. That's just me being honest. The SSSRV That's just me being honest. The SSSRV That's just me being honest. The SSSRV exists precisely because the Philippine exists precisely because the Philippine exists precisely because the Philippine government wanted to attract that kind government wanted to attract that kind government wanted to attract that kind of retiree, right? Veterans, people on of retiree, right? Veterans, people on of retiree, right? Veterans, people on social security. It's spent decades social security. It's spent decades social security. It's spent decades refining the program to work well for refining the program to work well for refining the program to work well for that person. That's worth taking that person. That's worth taking that person. That's worth taking seriously, not waving away cuz I happen seriously, not waving away cuz I happen seriously, not waving away cuz I happen to prefer the beauty of Da Nang or the to prefer the beauty of Da Nang or the to prefer the beauty of Da Nang or the lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh. Let's push it lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh. Let's push it lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh. Let's push it a little farther though. Let's name who a little farther though. Let's name who a little farther though. Let's name who I think should stop watching my videos I think should stop watching my videos I think should stop watching my videos about Vietnam and go look seriously at about Vietnam and go look seriously at about Vietnam and go look seriously at the Philippines right now. If you're the Philippines right now. If you're the Philippines right now. If you're past 70, okay? If you're managing past 70, okay? If you're managing past 70, okay? If you're managing paperwork and renewals and you're paperwork and renewals and you're paperwork and renewals and you're genuinely stressed out more than you genuinely stressed out more than you genuinely stressed out more than you used to, if [snorts] you have a spouse used to, if [snorts] you have a spouse used to, if [snorts] you have a spouse who does not want to learn even basic who does not want to learn even basic who does not want to learn even basic phrases in a new language, or if peace phrases in a new language, or if peace phrases in a new language, or if peace of mind is worth more to you than a few of mind is worth more to you than a few of mind is worth more to you than a few extra hundred dollars a month in extra hundred dollars a month in extra hundred dollars a month in savings. Frankly, if you're 70, you're savings. Frankly, if you're 70, you're savings. Frankly, if you're 70, you're probably not going to finish your probably not going to finish your probably not going to finish your savings anyways. The SRRV is very likely savings anyways. The SRRV is very likely savings anyways. The SRRV is very likely the better answer for your life and I'd the better answer for your life and I'd the better answer for your life and I'd be doing you a disservice as a creator be doing you a disservice as a creator be doing you a disservice as a creator if I let my own home country bias talk if I let my own home country bias talk if I let my own home country bias talk you out of the best option that actually you out of the best option that actually you out of the best option that actually fits you best. You got to get feet on

fits you best. You got to get feet on fits you best. You got to get feet on the ground, okay? At the same time, if the ground, okay? At the same time, if the ground, okay? At the same time, if the deciding factor is purely a monthly the deciding factor is purely a monthly the deciding factor is purely a monthly number, how far your social security number, how far your social security number, how far your social security check or pension stretches, the honest check or pension stretches, the honest check or pension stretches, the honest math currently favors Vietnam. Oh my math currently favors Vietnam. Oh my math currently favors Vietnam. Oh my goodness, the numbers I hear from guys goodness, the numbers I hear from guys goodness, the numbers I hear from guys living in Da Lat are ridiculous. And Da living in Da Lat are ridiculous. And Da living in Da Lat are ridiculous. And Da Lat's beautiful. Frankly, it reminds me Lat's beautiful. Frankly, it reminds me Lat's beautiful. Frankly, it reminds me of Canada. It's got evergreens and water of Canada. It's got evergreens and water of Canada. It's got evergreens and water and clean air and nature. Anyways, I and clean air and nature. Anyways, I and clean air and nature. Anyways, I also want to name middle path though also want to name middle path though also want to name middle path though that a surprising number of people never that a surprising number of people never that a surprising number of people never consider. I just [snorts] made a video consider. I just [snorts] made a video consider. I just [snorts] made a video about it, the Southeast Asia retirement about it, the Southeast Asia retirement about it, the Southeast Asia retirement loop. It doesn't have to be a permanent loop. It doesn't have to be a permanent loop. It doesn't have to be a permanent all-time once or nothing decision. all-time once or nothing decision. all-time once or nothing decision. Plenty of retirees I know split their Plenty of retirees I know split their Plenty of retirees I know split their time. You know, you're based in one time. You know, you're based in one time. You know, you're based in one country, you have extended stays in country, you have extended stays in country, you have extended stays in another. Use tourist-friendly visa entry another. Use tourist-friendly visa entry another. Use tourist-friendly visa entry rules to test the waters and to travel rules to test the waters and to travel rules to test the waters and to travel around the region before committing around the region before committing around the region before committing capital or identity to a single place. capital or identity to a single place. capital or identity to a single place. If you're genuinely torn between these If you're genuinely torn between these If you're genuinely torn between these two countries after watching the whole two countries after watching the whole two countries after watching the whole video, that's a completely legitimate video, that's a completely legitimate video, that's a completely legitimate signal that you should spend real time signal that you should spend real time signal that you should spend real time in both. You don't [ __ ] need to in both. You don't [ __ ] need to in both. You don't [ __ ] need to decide. Oh my god. Don't make your decide. Oh my god. Don't make your decide. Oh my god. Don't make your choice before you get here, right? choice before you get here, right? choice before you get here, right? Before you sign a lease or make a Before you sign a lease or make a Before you sign a lease or make a deposit anywhere. deposit anywhere. deposit anywhere. Honestly, land on the ground. That is my Honestly, land on the ground. That is my Honestly, land on the ground. That is my honest answer. If you want the cleanest honest answer. If you want the cleanest honest answer. If you want the cleanest legal certainty and near universal legal certainty and near universal legal certainty and near universal English, you can work with the English, you can work with the English, you can work with the Philippines deposit and age Philippines deposit and age Philippines deposit and age requirements. That's a legitimate requirements. That's a legitimate requirements. That's a legitimate choice. I would never talk you out of choice. I would never talk you out of choice. I would never talk you out of it, but if you want the lowest cost of it, but if you want the lowest cost of it, but if you want the lowest cost of living in the region and a specific living in the region and a specific living in the region and a specific cultural fit that happens to match what cultural fit that happens to match what cultural fit that happens to match what I fell in love with, who I fell in love I fell in love with, who I fell in love I fell in love with, who I fell in love with, then the case for Vietnam is with, then the case for Vietnam is with, then the case for Vietnam is clear. And it's a choice I made with my clear. And it's a choice I made with my clear. And it's a choice I made with my eyes open on the ground here. So, eyes open on the ground here. So, eyes open on the ground here. So, running both sets of numbers against running both sets of numbers against running both sets of numbers against your own pension will help, against your your own pension will help, against your your own pension will help, against your own savings, your own calculations. But, own savings, your own calculations. But, own savings, your own calculations. But, the thing you need to do before you the thing you need to do before you the thing you need to do before you ultimately commit long-term to either

ultimately commit long-term to either ultimately commit long-term to either one is to get yourself a plane ticket. one is to get yourself a plane ticket. one is to get yourself a plane ticket. The honest honest way to make the The honest honest way to make the The honest honest way to make the decision isn't just to look at my guides decision isn't just to look at my guides decision isn't just to look at my guides and my courses and my membership, it's and my courses and my membership, it's and my courses and my membership, it's to get yourself over here. I can to get yourself over here. I can to get yourself over here. I can definitely help you do that if you want definitely help you do that if you want definitely help you do that if you want help planning, but the fact that I chose help planning, but the fact that I chose help planning, but the fact that I chose Vietnam is not evidence that Vietnam is Vietnam is not evidence that Vietnam is Vietnam is not evidence that Vietnam is a better country and I don't like when a better country and I don't like when a better country and I don't like when people say that that's what I'm saying. people say that that's what I'm saying. people say that that's what I'm saying. It's just not true, okay? Given my age, It's just not true, okay? Given my age, It's just not true, okay? Given my age, my risk tolerance, my taste for a kind my risk tolerance, my taste for a kind my risk tolerance, my taste for a kind of food, and frankly, women, the woman of food, and frankly, women, the woman of food, and frankly, women, the woman who I'm in love with, it makes all the who I'm in love with, it makes all the who I'm in love with, it makes all the difference in the world and that might difference in the world and that might difference in the world and that might not be the same for you. If you want not be the same for you. If you want not be the same for you. If you want help running your numbers, etc., doing a help running your numbers, etc., doing a help running your numbers, etc., doing a real personalized plan and talking about real personalized plan and talking about real personalized plan and talking about moving abroad and relocating, I can moving abroad and relocating, I can moving abroad and relocating, I can definitely do that for you. Everything definitely do that for you. Everything definitely do that for you. Everything is linked below in the video is linked below in the video is linked below in the video description. I'm Ebenae, retired early description. I'm Ebenae, retired early description. I'm Ebenae, retired early in Vietnam. If you want five countries in Vietnam. If you want five countries in Vietnam. If you want five countries listed and counted down where you can listed and counted down where you can listed and counted down where you can move in less than 24 hours as an move in less than 24 hours as an move in less than 24 hours as an American, you can check this one. If you American, you can check this one. If you American, you can check this one. If you want to know how you can start over with want to know how you can start over with want to know how you can start over with under 10K here in Vietnam, you can check under 10K here in Vietnam, you can check under 10K here in Vietnam, you can check out this one. Thanks so much. Take care.