Living Overseas

[Who Dares Wins]

Vietnam would be my choice I think.

Went thru a similiar break up about 8 years ago. Was disillusioned and angry at how laws treat men in those situations so went on a scoping trip to see where I was going to move to. Went to Vietnam first on a friends advice.

Overall the country was way better than I envisaged. Hanoi in the north was similair to Paris not surprisingly because of the French influence up until 50 years ago. Lots of tree lined boulevards and stalls selling croisants. You even still see the odd really old pre 1950 Citroen cruise past.

Moneywise it was almost for free! Local commercially brewed beer about 30 US cents and hienies about US 60 cents. If it girls you want, about $250 US/week. It adds up to alot less than Glen48 lost.

I found a nice 5 star resort right on the beach further south at Hoi An. I calculated I could have sold up in NZ, paid of debts and retired there for the rest of my life. Not too bad, I was only 31 at the time.

I'd sum it up by saying, great food, women, diving, night-life, and cheap beer and accomadation.

 

[Sean K]

Vietnam would be my choice I think.

Went thru a similiar break up about 8 years ago. Was disillusioned and angry at how laws treat men in those situations so went on a scoping trip to see where I was going to move to. Went to Vietnam first on a friends advice.

Overall the country was way better than I envisaged. Hanoi in the north was similair to Paris not surprisingly because of the French influence up until 50 years ago. Lots of tree lined boulevards and stalls selling croisants. You even still see the odd really old pre 1950 Citroen cruise past.

Moneywise it was almost for free! Local commercially brewed beer about 30 US cents and hienies about US 60 cents. If it girls you want, about $250 US/week. It adds up to alot less than Glen48 lost.

I found a nice 5 star resort right on the beach further south at Hoi An. I calculated I could have sold up in NZ, paid of debts and retired there for the rest of my life. Not too bad, I was only 31 at the time.

I'd sum it up by saying, great food, women, diving, night-life, and cheap beer and accomadation.

Yes, Hanoi is a great city. And you are right, almost free! Vietnam is incredibly good value for money. They don't mind trying to take advantage of the tourist though. I didn't think the diving was that great either.

 

[nathanblack]

Yes, Hanoi is a great city. And you are right, almost free! Vietnam is incredibly good value for money. They don't mind trying to take advantage of the tourist though. I didn't think the diving was that great either.

My preference for Philippines as a retirement destination is because of the language. All college subject are taught in english, and even high school students learn the language to an acceptable level. makes things easier.

Although im not religious, the philippines spanish/catholic past and the influence of the church seems to create a fairly safe and honest life. All the political/religious instability is located in southern philippines only.

Als being occupied by the americans since the japanese invasion until the early 90s has somewhat westernised the country. the health and schools are improved from somewhere like vietnam, infact the relatively cheap private schools/hospitals catering for ex pats are world class.

also from a tourist/adventure point of view, it has everything(except snow). mountains, beaches, jungles, etc.

 

[So_Cynical]

Als being occupied by the americans since the japanese invasion until the early 90s has somewhat westernised the country.

Just a little history here...Quote:"On July 4, 1901, the first civilian U.S. government was established
in the Philippines, and on July 4, 1946, the Philippines were finally granted independence.

The Philippine-American War, known as the "Philippine Insurrection" was a nationalist revolt led
by Emilio Aguinaldo in 1899 against American War. This revolt was a direct result of the invasion
of the U.S. into the Philippines.The American invasion caused bitter feelings among the Filipinos."

Read on: http://asms.k12.ar.us/classes/humanities/worldstud/97-98/imper/Philippines/usa.htm

Balangiga massacre: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balangiga_massacre

Pretty amazing really that the Filipinos and the Vietnamese have no ill will to Americans
in general, cos they have every right to be pissed off.

 

[2020hindsight]

no ill will to Americans in general, cos they have every right to be pissed off.

what about bikini atoll m8 lol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikini_Atoll
Taken from Japan and awarded to the US after WWII "to look after them".
So they use the place for nuclear bomb tests "more than 20"
- very similar to the French in Muraroa really.
Still I'm told people can go back "soon".

Between 1946 and 1958, twenty-three nuclear devices were detonated at Bikini Atoll. ....

Hired later by the Nuclear Claims Tribunal to research and report on the economic damage caused by the testing, Economist and Crisis Consultant Randall Bell writes in his book, Strategy 360 [5], "Bravo had an explosive force equal to nearly 1,000 Hiroshima-type bombs. It vaporized the test island, parts of two other islands, and left a mile-wide crater in the lagoon floor. In total, nearly 70 acres of the Bikini Atoll were vaporized by the nuclear testing."

 

[Glen48]

Thanks again
Lived up north QLD and I really can't see any future here in OZ... will there be super in 10 yrs time??
I can buy and ship a 20" container to Manila from Brisbane for $4.5K thanks to the recession and the Baltic dry index..
set up a few of those and if you have to move close the doors and get a truck..
Bank of Phill. is paying about 3% on 1 M PHP which makes me sound rich... have 24yr old Girl friend there but know not to let her get her hooks in to me and of all the women I have meet she so far seems the most honest. Some have only had 1 boyfriend ..the US Army...
Had my plumbing cut thanks to the first Wife deciding to go off the Pill and have another child so much for talking in a relationship...
maybe write a book for young Men in OZ who think we live in the lucky country
5 H/acres cost about 70K but I really don't want to buy any property at this stage..Now I find the ATO want 7K extra for GST...suppose it helps pay Legal Aid.... another good thing is if you want to go to say Hong Kong its about 1.5 hrs away

 

[trainspotter]

Very much off topic about the Bikini Atoll thing but I remember watching a doco on Foxtel about this. The Yanks were surprised by the size fo the blast as it was about 12 times ( I think ) bigger than what they were expecting. All the main recording stuff was disintegrated and the whole exercise was a waste in the terms of data gathering. Other than they knew they can blow up a whole reef system and contaminate the populace for around 150 miles.

Phillipines for me. For all the reasons previously stated. Plus I had a great 4 days on Cacnipa Island. This was quite a while ago ... pre children. Hardly anything there, a couple of cottages and the beach with great snorkelling directly in the bay.

Write a book Glen48. It will be a best seller. The EX's will want their cut I spose?

 

[nathanblack]

Pretty amazing really that the Filipinos and the Vietnamese have no ill will to Americans
in general, cos they have every right to be pissed off.

i went to a memorial at Mount Samat in Bataan, Philippines. I guess the filipino are greatful that the americans help them defeat the Japanese. Not to mention they rely on the money many ex US military bring to the country. And there are so many filipino working/living in USA/Canada and supporting a family back home. They dont want to bite the hand that feeds them.

GLEN: Seems like you have your plans sorted, yes HongKong is great place for a cheap trip to get away from Philippines for a break to renew your visa. Are you saying you plan to use a container to ship your posessions or to live in? A import tax will apply, so most things just buy new when you get there.

Because the philippines is damn hot and humid. You would die of dehydration in a container. And with housing so affordable, why not rent.

Goodluck. Ingat.

 

[Stan 101]

Thanks again

have 24yr old Girl friend there but know not to let her get her hooks in to me and of all the women I have meet she so far seems the most honest. Some have only had 1 boyfriend ..the US Army...

No meaning to tell you how to suck eggs but having spent some time in Thailand I've seen some excellent setups. I like to play pool over there and I often play at Ball In Hand and Night Day in Sukhumvit. Just listening to the girls talk in Thai about the marks is scary.

Most of the pool table bosses in those establishments know I can understand so they end up speaking in Laos around me when bagging tourists. They have memories like steel traps. Not going in there for 18 months and staff remembered me by name, drink of choice and favourite area to sit.


That said, do know of some great relationships forged by guys with Asian women, too. Usually it works with people of similar age from anecdotal evidence only.
Personally I'd prefer to knaw my own arm off than get in a relationship like that. But happiness is an individual thing. Each to their own, though.


All the best with it.

 

[Sean K]

... have 24yr old Girl friend there but know not to let her get her hooks in to me and of all the women I have meet she so far seems the most honest.

It seems really good that you've finally met an honest women Glen.

She is very lucky also.




OMFG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[trainspotter]

PMSL ... I would hate to have met the "other" women in your life Glen48. Take your own advice. Sea container, Phillipines, Life to the Full. In that order. My advice would be to lay off the XX chromosones for a bit until you can find one who actually wants you for your money. This way you know where you stand right from the get go.

 

[knocker]

Thanks again
Lived up north QLD and I really can't see any future here in OZ... will there be super in 10 yrs time??
I can buy and ship a 20" container to Manila from Brisbane for $4.5K thanks to the recession and the Baltic dry index..
set up a few of those and if you have to move close the doors and get a truck..
Bank of Phill. is paying about 3% on 1 M PHP which makes me sound rich... have 24yr old Girl friend there but know not to let her get her hooks in to me and of all the women I have meet she so far seems the most honest. Some have only had 1 boyfriend ..the US Army...
Had my plumbing cut thanks to the first Wife deciding to go off the Pill and have another child so much for talking in a relationship...
maybe write a book for young Men in OZ who think we live in the lucky country
5 H/acres cost about 70K but I really don't want to buy any property at this stage..Now I find the ATO want 7K extra for GST...suppose it helps pay Legal Aid.... another good thing is if you want to go to say Hong Kong its about 1.5 hrs away

No worries glen. Sounds like you have it all worked out. Would be good to follow your progress over there regarding the shipping container where you live etc. I am sure a lot of people here would be interested in your story.

 

[Glen48]

After the treatment in OZ by the law and if you are a white OZ male you are sunk here.. Look how many have never worked in their life and are now just as well of those how pumped money in to Supper and Houses etc.
Living in a container is not a prob. Cutting off wheel will give you a few windows and maybe get a Insulated one as HQ. I find if you get a good night sleep with Air it helps get you through the day.
MY advice to any married male open up an account and slip a few bucks in when possible tell no one even if you talk to yourself.. given that most marriages have a about a 60% chance of failing and 80% chance the Wife will walk..IF the marriages last then you will have a nice nest egg BUT even then I have heard were the Supper is paid out so she takes off... Look at Liza Curry-Kenny think how much damage she will cause Grants empire, will be on the net and have a door open for other victims.. only worry is me Mum

 

[Stan 101]

you can buy a condo in the outer ring road of Chiang Mai for less than 50K US. I'd investigate that.

Do a rewcon trip to Chiang MAi, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani (full of people in the same boat as you). All three places are god's own earth. Chiang Mai is a large city in a rural backdrop... It is a stunning place.

 

[nathanblack]

you can buy a condo in the outer ring road of Chiang Mai for less than 50K US. I'd investigate that.

Do a rewcon trip to Chiang MAi, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani (full of people in the same boat as you). All three places are god's own earth. Chiang Mai is a large city in a rural backdrop... It is a stunning place.

I think Glens preference is for philippines because he has found a lovely 24yo GF? He is lucky to have found true love finally and can begin a new life supporting her poor family.

He will truely love the place and the people. i know i do.

 

[prawn_86]

Hey guys,

For a useful travel resource remeber to check out ATF. Threads on Asia can be found here - http://www.aussietravellersforum.com.au/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=11

 

[Stan 101]

I think Glens preference is for philippines because he has found a lovely 24yo GF? He is lucky to have found true love finally and can begin a new life supporting her poor family.

He will truely love the place and the people. i know i do.

Sure but the guy is talking about living ina shipping container. In reality how long would that last. he asked for opinions; I'm giving one

The Op is 55 by guess due to his other info based on retirement. With a 24 year old girl on his arm, how serious is it. It he broke his heart and walked down the road it would soon find a replacement.

I'd suggest sitting down and seriously thinking about future. Chaing Mai has great hospitals and dental and on and on.

I could walk down Moon Nuang or head to Spicey in Chiang Mai and have one hundred women looking to marry me.

Personally If I was in the OP's position, I'd want a comfortable lifestyle and home first. I'd then find a lovely girl closer to my vintage who actually has something in common with me...

 

[nathanblack]

Personally If I was in the OP's position, I'd want a comfortable lifestyle and home first. I'd then find a lovely girl closer to my vintage who actually has something in common with me...

Great advice. I've heard good things about chiang mai. Very affordable and laid back. Do you find the language barrier significant or is the average local passable in english?

A shipping container is definately unique, he might become a tourist attraction? or brothel? i guess it could work if he got a generator for power. but he'd want to enjoy the camp style life before trying that.

i'd guess the climate in chiang mai might be more hospitable? would he have any problems getting a shipping container there?

 

[awg]

you can buy a condo in the outer ring road of Chiang Mai for less than 50K US. I'd investigate that.

Do a rewcon trip to Chiang MAi, Chiang Rai, Udon Thani (full of people in the same boat as you). All three places are god's own earth. Chiang Mai is a large city in a rural backdrop... It is a stunning place.

Have they changed the law?

farangs couldnt own property when i was there

some parts of the NE area has a bad rep for pedo's as well

I agree Chiang Mai is enticing.

India is very cheap, you can disappear

I think engish speaking and culture are better understood in PI & India than Thai and Vietnam.

BTW Glen, I seriously doubt the Age Pension will be gone in 6 years, check out the residential qualifications, so far as i know, you can get it whilst living OS permanently.... they changed the rules recently I believe to mean new Disability support pensioners have to be Oz Residents, but I may be wrong, worth checking

 

[So_Cynical]

Ive always been interested in living overseas, and have done a little research over
the years...in general the world can be divided into two groups of country's

• Country's that encourage foreigners to invest and retire/live there, Ghana,
  Kenya...im sure there are others.

• Country's that don't encourage foreigners to invest and retire/live there
  Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, Mauritius ...im sure there are others.

For very little money a man can live very well in some parts of Africa, and get
significant tax breaks, permanent residency..and the help of the govt to setup
there....of course there no cute Filipinas/Thais there but u can get visas for them.