Wasn't particularly thrilled with it in 88 but the army probably didn't send me to the best spots. Then in the mid 90's a company I worked for sent some workers there and one was kidnapped, a couple others were robbed and one woman beaten quite severely. Things may have changed but I haven't even considered it for some time.
I have heard good things such as english is the national language, real estate is reasonably priced, and it is close to the US. Having never been there I appreciate the input. I too wonder if Cuba may become an option.
Malaysia with the MM2H program just seems insane to me. I get that its a 10 year visa but having to put $100k US into a bank account locked away just isn't financially feasible and for many impossible. Sure after a year you can draw out up to half for purchase of a home or private schooling of kids among a couple other limited things but only after approval. A lot of people don't have an extra $100k or even $50k laying around to lock it up in a bank account they can't touch for many years. I take these things as really them hoping you'll die off and they can keep it. Thailand seems to be going down as far as an expat destination as plenty I have talked to who have lived there for years have said they are packing up which makes it seem like its just getting worse. I'm still looking for a decent place after the Philippines that I would be able to go with my Filipina fiancee (once she graduates her current course) and my son. Lot of places make it hard on Filipina's to stay longer term and would have to be a place that doesn't require exits every 6 months or even every year unless the exit could be done in a very cheap day trip. Also not some 3rd world sh*thole.
Again, since you have an ASEAN member nation SO, you might want to drill down a little on what other ASEAN member nations agree to with one another in terms of work permits and VISAs. Especially if she has or is about to gain an accreditated degree. Yes, if under age 50 the MM2H VISA is not cheap. But it's cheaper than other VISA programs around the world. And, home ownership is an option (many nations don't offer home ownership - period - no matter the age). Like I wrote on another thread somewhere on this site, often-times a person under the X years of age can get their foot in the door to the nation they want to go to by applying for a student VISA and attending school there. SOME nations (after graduation with degree) MAY allow you to stay on a work VISA - especially if you have a skill in a recognized national occupational shortage and/or a letter from an employer who has interest in hiring you. Make a checklist of things you need to have in your life (ex: access to medical, good schools, English/non-English, being able to buy property, has water/mountains, good legal system/bank system, ability to start/own a business, work/work permit, etc.), then prioritize those items - and then start your search. That's how I did my search and came up with the places I think I might be able to be OK living in. Everyone's Plan B Exit Strategy will vary depending upon the weight given to their needs list. Others might just go out and buy a world map, hang it on their living room wall and throw a dart at it, and that's where they will hang their hat for awhile. But an education VISA for those under 40 or 50 is one option that will exempt you from the mandatory deposit dollars that many, many nations require. Some nation's monetary deposits are so HIGH that only the wealthy can qualify. Unlike the USA where darned near anybody can enter legally on a VISA of SOME type, the rest of the world just doesn't roll out the red carpet like this. It took me a couple of years of thoughtful reflection and tons of research to find my matches. And until I get to my next Phase (actually Phase III - Central America for tree forestry), I'll also need to stay on top of any changes on my 1st and 2nd choice nations - just in case they relax or tighten up their VISA requirements. ***** Not all of Mexico is drug and crime ridden and the Mexican Peso to the US Dollar is f'n terrific right now at about 18:1. Merida, Mexico, on the Yucatan Peninsula, has an excellent infrastructure, with a large portion of their downtown residential areas having a very historical Spanish Colonial flair. Plus, they have a large and integrated ex-pat population. There are soooo many places on this Earth that have a unique beauty all their own. The trick is narrowing down the field. Good luck to you Buddy! I know there's got to be a place for you and your SO, but it's gonna take some research and thought. V/R, nwlivewire
First, Colombia is spelled with an O not a u! I live there for 3 years. I love the country, its people and the culture. But if you don't speak fluent Spanish you are going to feel isolated after awhile. I lived mostly in Sabaneta...you can Google it. I have also been to Cuba many times. I once met a fellow Canadian there who had sailed his boat from Canada. He lived on that boat year round and from what I could see he as enjoying his life there. I have often thought of buying an old boat there and living on it. I would often go to the resorts but one time I rented a Casa Particular room in Havana. I stayed in that room in the ghetto are of Havana. I learned about the culture. This was about 10 years ago and things in the city were quite expensive. I suspect eating in restaurants now with Americans flooding the country everything is expensive. Cubans are great people and I love the country. But I don't think you will be able to live there economically anymore. Of course there are cheap cigars and rum to be had. I personally have no problems with the curfews Duterte is proposing as I do not go to bars anymore. It is going to hurt the bars in Angeles City if he imposes those laws there. I am thinking that many people may leave the country because of these laws but others may come here because they don't care about bars closing early and in fact many embrace the idea. I can't tell you how many foreigners have been in an accident leaving bars late and drunk. I get the strong suspicion that Duterte will impose laws in a Federal way and that he will not tolerate cities that do not comply with his demands. Make sure your drivers licence is updated and buy a helmet. I like Duterte's idea of being able to get a prescription for medical marijuana.
Sorry if I mis-spelled Colombia - fat fingers strike again! Thanks for sharing your perspectives and personal experiences. nwlivewire
I like Duterte's idea of being able to get a prescription for medical marijuana. Didn't know that one.
Exit plans, an overreaction I think. Because you can't smoke in public; already a law, bars to close at midnight, how could we possibly survive. In the UK we had laws introduced to allow 24 hour drinking in bars and clubs, as the view was that people wouldn't rush their drinks before closing time. Unfortunately, the result was drinking at the same rate over a longer period. The explosion in assaults and criminality exploded, police were unable to cope and law abiding members of the public stayed away from bars and restaurants. For most of us here with families would welcome a more disciplined and safer environment. People are overreacting to what Duterte may or may not do. Just wait and see as I'm sure that he will have to moderate his views and statements. People I know whom have visited Davao, say that it is one of the safest and well organised cities in the Philippines, although I must admit that I have never been there.
