Living in Asia
Asia offers incredible opportunities for Americans looking to live, work, or retire abroad. Each country has its own strengths, challenges, and cultural richness. Below are brief snapshots of five popular destinations for expats and retirees.
🇮🇩 Indonesia
With over 22 years of personal experience living in Indonesia, I can say it’s a place where affordability meets diversity.
- Cost of Living: Very affordable—$1,700 in U.S. Social Security benefits can cover housing, food, transport, healthcare, and extras comfortably.
- Visas: Options include retirement visas, business visas, and limited stay permits (KITAS).
- Healthcare: Major cities like Jakarta and Bandung have good private hospitals with English-speaking staff.
- Culture: Deep traditions, strong community ties, and friendliness toward foreigners.
- Highlights: Bali’s beauty, Java’s cultural heart, and thousands of islands to explore.
🇹🇠Thailand
Thailand remains one of the top destinations for retirees and long-term expats.
- Cost of Living: Moderate—cheaper than the U.S., though popular expat areas like Bangkok or Chiang Mai can be pricier.
- Visas: Attractive Retirement Visa for those over 50; tourist visas are flexible.
- Healthcare: World-class medical care at affordable prices, especially in Bangkok.
- Culture: Famous for hospitality, Buddhist traditions, and rich cuisine.
- Highlights: Beaches of Phuket, cultural Chiang Mai, bustling Bangkok.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Malaysia offers a balance between affordability and modern amenities.
- Cost of Living: Reasonable—expats find housing and food very affordable, with strong infrastructure.
- Visas: The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program is popular for retirees.
- Healthcare: Excellent hospitals and clinics, often ranked among the best in Asia.
- Culture: A diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences; English widely spoken.
- Highlights: Kuala Lumpur’s modern vibe, Penang’s heritage, Borneo’s nature.
🇵🇠Philippines
The Philippines attracts many Americans due to language and cultural familiarity.
- Cost of Living: Very affordable, especially outside Manila; housing and food are inexpensive.
- Visas: Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) is popular, offering easy long-term residency.
- Healthcare: Good private hospitals in major cities; quality varies in rural areas.
- Culture: English is widely spoken, making adaptation easier; strong cultural ties with the U.S.
- Highlights: Thousands of islands, beaches, and a warm, welcoming people.
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Vietnam is quickly becoming a top expat and retirement choice.
- Cost of Living: Extremely low compared to the U.S.; housing and food are among the cheapest in Asia.
- Visas: Tourist visas are common; long-term visas can be trickier but possible with business or retirement ties.
- Healthcare: Improving rapidly; private clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City cater to expats.
- Culture: Rich history, traditional values, and delicious cuisine.
- Highlights: Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City’s energy, Hanoi’s old-world charm.
Final Thoughts
Each of these countries offers something unique for Americans abroad—whether it’s Indonesia’s affordability, Thailand’s medical care, Malaysia’s infrastructure, the Philippines’ English-friendly environment, or Vietnam’s low costs and cultural richness. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and goals.
For more detailed guides, check each country’s dedicated page as Glenn Asia grows.