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What about taking the US$ to a country where the dollar is very strong like Thailand?
While some things in Thailand are cheap, it is also a very easy place to spend A LOT of money.
Tons of great restaurants all at western prices...and beer is expensive.
If a person wanted to live cheaply in Thailand, that certainly exists there. But I generally find that most expats 'talk about' going cheap and moving to these countries, but than they go right back to their previous spending habits from back home - and sometimes even much higher spending habits - going out a lot more, travel more, etc.
While some things in Thailand are cheap, it is also a very easy place to spend A LOT of money.
Tons of great restaurants all at western prices...and beer is expensive.
If a person wanted to live cheaply in Thailand, that certainly exists there. But I generally find that most expats 'talk about' going cheap and moving to these countries, but than they go right back to their previous spending habits from back home - and sometimes even much higher spending habits - going out a lot more, travel more, etc.
Interesting, I'm planning on vacationing to Thailand (who isn't) when I'm going to be in South Korea teaching. Is it the "going out" that makes the beer expensive or is it pricey at the grocery store as well?
To the op: this question is difficult to answer since we don't know your age, career level, etc. I decided to go to South Korea since it seemed like place that would allow me to have an adventure, offer great savings and lifestyle, as well as low crime. But I'm going as an English teacher and don't already have a nest egg so we may be in completely different stages of life.
Interesting, I'm planning on vacationing to Thailand (who isn't) when I'm going to be in South Korea teaching. Is it the "going out" that makes the beer expensive or is it pricey at the grocery store as well?
To the op: this question is difficult to answer since we don't know your age, career level, etc. I decided to go to South Korea since it seemed like place that would allow me to have an adventure, offer great savings and lifestyle, as well as low crime. But I'm going as an English teacher and don't already have a nest egg so we may be in completely different stages of life.
Going out.
I mean, some people stay home and drink beer by themselves....but it always seem to defeat the purpose of being in the different country....staying home.
Incidentally I taught in South Korea for many years....and whenever I went to Thailand, it just seemed easier to spend money there, as there was more interesting things to spend your money on than in South Korea.
I think to sum everything up...people who are looking to go abroad and spend as little money as possible...they are setting themselves up for a bit of disallusionment. It seems better for a person to do that in, say, South Dakota, where there is just very little to do, and very little to spend money on. A person going to Thailand, you'll definetely want to meet people, socialize, and go out....a lot.
Thailand is a bit like Las Vegas. Sure, it's a bargain to go to Vegas compared to New York City, but sitting in a Vegas hotel room the entire time drinking beer bought from 7-11 probably isn't 'in the cards' if you go.
I mean, some people stay home and drink beer by themselves....but it always seem to defeat the purpose of being in the different country....staying home.
Incidentally I taught in South Korea for many years....and whenever I went to Thailand, it just seemed easier to spend money there, as there was more interesting things to spend your money on than in South Korea.
I think to sum everything up...people who are looking to go abroad and spend as little money as possible...they are setting themselves up for a bit of disallusionment. It seems better for a person to do that in, say, South Dakota, where there is just very little to do, and very little to spend money on. A person going to Thailand, you'll definetely want to meet people, socialize, and go out....a lot.
Thailand is a bit like Las Vegas. Sure, it's a bargain to go to Vegas compared to New York City, but sitting in a Vegas hotel room the entire time drinking beer bought from 7-11 probably isn't 'in the cards' if you go.
Yes good point I certainly wouldn't want to sit in my room drinking beer. However, no matter where I've been in the world the group of friends that I form usually drink some cheaper alcohol before going out. That has saved me a lot of money and is the reason I asked that question.
I'll budget quite a bit for Thailand especially considering I'll most likely be meeting friends there. I'm a frugal guy so it's good when I'm meeting up with people I know so I won't be tempted to heat up noodles instead of eating at a nice restaurant.
average living costs, high salaries, a lot of fun. Everything just works smoothly, good health insurance, you can get free laweyrs by the state, free doctors sometime. Getting money for studying (it's a catch, here though... I mean if you are not EU citizen). Also the goverment is helping you in case you are unemployed and stuff.
Amsterdam especially is great but if you want a quiet place you could check Rotterdam, Den Hague, Eindhoven etc
It's just that amsterdam is kinda crazy and busy especially during summer time... but it's fun, you should try it out
While some things in Thailand are cheap, it is also a very easy place to spend A LOT of money.
Tons of great restaurants all at western prices...and beer is expensive.
If a person wanted to live cheaply in Thailand, that certainly exists there. But I generally find that most expats 'talk about' going cheap and moving to these countries, but than they go right back to their previous spending habits from back home - and sometimes even much higher spending habits - going out a lot more, travel more, etc.
Rent of 3 bedroom apartment: 500 euros
Average minimum monthly salary: 1100 Euros (non skilled worker)
no car needed, universal healthcare, and Relaxed lifestyle. Culture, beaches, Europe.
Can't live there without EU nationality*
maybe you can get one if you are caucasian and your parents or grandparents were born in any of the EU countries (bloodright citizenship)
I guess Austria would qualify. Take Switzerland with a lower cost of living. People in eastern Austria constantly complain about the rising crime rate since the fall of the iron curtain, but compared to all of the US and most of Europe the crime rate still is laughable.
Salaries are high and cost of living is a bit higher than in Germany but quite a bit lower than in Switzerland, France or the UK.
Rent of 3 bedroom apartment: 500 euros
Average minimum monthly salary: 1100 Euros (non skilled worker)
no car needed, universal healthcare, and Relaxed lifestyle. Culture, beaches, Europe.
Can't live there without EU nationality*
maybe you can get one if you are caucasian and your parents or grandparents were born in any of the EU countries (bloodright citizenship)
There is also some loophole for South Americans. Tons of Colombians, etc. who can get into Spain for some reason. Unsure how exactly though.
The question just makes me laugh. It's one of those things like a fish riding a bicycle.
I do wonder why somebody would need a high salary if the cost of living is low. If I go somewhere where the cost of living is low, I am happy not to require a high salary.
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