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For retirement in Asia...I'll opt for the Philippines because-
1. English is widely spoke everywhere; Western movies are in English...they don't even require subtitles. Although I speak Tagalog fluently. When I get prescription medications at any pharmacy...the instructions are in English; directional signs are mostly in English...and most of the newspapers and local tv programs are in English.
2. Friendly locals (most of the ones I have met, anyway), helpful, tolerant of American (or any Western) faux pas behaviors; this is based entirely on actually having visited and even lived and worked in the country for several years.
3. Easy to get around...and yes, I feel even safer there than I do in the U.S. Excellent transportation system...air, rail, bus, ferries...never had any problems getting around...and cheap. Of course, there are bad areas...just like anywhere in the world (yes, I have lived in Europe as well...three tours).
4. Superb medical service- I had eye surgery there that was later acclaimed by my opthalmologists in the U.S. as great work! Plenty of specialists and excellent facilities for just about any kind of procedure/treatment. I had experienced staying in hospitals in Manila...very satisfied with the service and care...and of course, can't beat the cost. The cost of my retinal reattachment surgery as estimated by a prominent medical facility in Los Angeles would come to $10K not including recuperation cost; had mine done at a prominent hospital in Manila, by a U.S. licensed retinal surgeon, plus 3 days' stay in the hospital....$2,500...total! Blue Cross/Blue Shield happily paid it all up. For my month-long recuperation, I stayed in a private home, my own room with full kitchen use and laundry service, and one maid assigned to take care of my needs...$9.50 per day. And of course....you can communicate with any medical professional and technicians, pharmacists and other health care people...even the maids...very easily...in English.
5. Plenty of beautiful places to see and play in....beaches to mountains...simply of unimaginable beauty...and choose from thousands of beaches of every type...you want crowded beaches...you've got it; you want quiet, peaceful, isolated beaches...plenty; blue lagoons, underground rivers, forests/jungles...islands....over 7,000 available. Several thousands of them are uninhabited. And of course....there are lots of modern high rolling cities to choose from...if that's your thing. And don't forget...just about every town across the 1,000 mile length of the archipelago...has some kind of fiesta going on at any given time.
6. Very easy for foreigners (i.e. Americans) to live and be accepted in the country. For what I pay for a 2 bedroom flat in Florida or WA state or CA (I've lived throughout the U.S. as well)...I could afford a 4 bedroom luxury house in the Philippines...by the sea...or in the mountains. Or a luxury condo in the big city. With my SS and Federal govt pension...I could also afford two maids to take care of my place, cook, wash and do the shopping; a chauffeur, so I don't have to drive in the crazy traffic there; and even a gardener...to take care of my garden so all I'll ever have to do is pick the fruits and flowers.
Yes, I have also worked and lived in Thailand, Korea, and Japan...and a couple of islands in the Pacific. Sure, those countries have a lot of great qualities...and have thoroughly enjoyed my assignments in those countries...but given the reasons I described...Philippines is still my best bet. My choice is living on the island of Palawan...typhoons very rarely pass there.
4 more years and I will retire and move to Thailand. My wife is Thai and I love the culture and the people. Yes I speak Thai. We already own land and a house there as well as a few businesses. Our land is about a mile from the beach in Chumphon and it is almost paradise there. The best part is no snow.
Those who choose Singapore are essentially saying they want to retire in a rich country where English is widely spoken in Asia, and continue to live their English speaking, burger and steak eating western lifestyle with next to zero cultural difference.
Then why the hell does one move all the way to Asia?
If one wants the benefits of Singapore without hassles and high costs then nearby parts of Malaysia are a perfect choice. Lots of newer suburb like development coming up are full of retirees thanks to the easy status obtainable in Malaysia. Best of both worlds since many Singaporeans cross the border to get cheaper services. Plus you can actually afford a car in Malaysia, but could leave it behind and just take public transit when going to Singapore.
Those who choose Singapore are essentially saying they want to retire in a rich country where English is widely spoken in Asia, and continue to live their English speaking, burger and steak eating western lifestyle with next to zero cultural difference.
Then why the hell does one move all the way to Asia?
Do you really think Singapore is in no way different culturaly from the West? For one thing, their crime rate is nearly zero compared to America. Their educational system absolutely blows ours away.
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