It’s hard to describe living in Asia. Most people envision the continent as simple peasants living in straw huts, underage prostitutes, and wacky Japanese gameshows.
Here’s a snapshot of what it’s actually like.
1. “Price Is What You Pay, Value Is What You Get”
In Vietnam I rent a one bedroom apartment for $550 a month. This includes daily housekeeping and laundry service. High-speed Internet and utilities are “on the house.”
If you’re wondering what type of neighborhood has such cheap properties, the answer is one that looks like this:
I live in an area which passes for any nice, middle class American suburb. Yet my neighborhood is 1/10th the cost.
Sometimes, when it’s too hot out, I move to the mountains. There’s a nice private golf course I stay at for $1,200 a month.
(Morning View)
My 90 day Korean visa lets me stay in Seoul three months a year.
Seoul, South Korea is more expensive than New York City. Cup of coffee and a sandwich? That’s $10 minimum.
Yet you go on the subway and it’s nice. No graffiti, no trash, all the passengers are polite introverts. I reach my apartment an hour before check-in and nobody’s there. Leaving my bags outside I jokingly write a note: “Don’t steal this” and then walk around the block.
45 minutes later and the bags are still there.
Sukhumvit, Bangkok provides better value than Seoul. The train system is great, major streets are generally spotless, and you’re surrounded by some of the world’s largest luxury shopping malls.
I rent an apartment with a pool, five minutes from Emporium Mall. Whenever it rains I enjoy walking the shopping center, its higher floors containing a two-story indoor garden and park.
(Emporium Mall By Night)
Living in Asia provides a lot of value at a fairly inexpensive price.
2. Safety
Baring traffic accidents, you’re pretty safe for the most part. Most crime is organized, and you’ll encounter local mobsters at most nice restaurants or clubs. They won’t bother you unless you make them mad.
Lastly, I’ve never seen Western style street punks or gangs while living in Asia.
Even rough slum areas are fairly safe.
Here’s a picture I took at 3 AM while walking around one of Ho Chi Minh’s poorest neighborhoods:
Petty theft is probably the most common issue, but I’ve never experienced it. Use some common sense and you’ll be fine.
3. Culture
(Drive Around Town And There’s New Construction Everywhere)
The biggest difference between most Asian countries and the USA is the atmosphere. Go to America and you get a real sense of anger and defeat.
Everyone is always fighting each other and the future looks grim. Pick up a Popular Mechanics from the 1960’s, it’s all about how Americans will live on the moon or explore the galaxy. Now watch a modern science fiction film, everything’s dystopian and dour.
I remember online dating in the early 2010’s. Most girls were happy to go out with you, and the majority of them were cool and friendly.
Use a dating app in America now and there’s an angry vibe to it. 99% of profiles come across as unpleasant.
The majority of Asia is on the rise. Things are constantly improving and people look forward to what the future brings. This fun, optimistic atmosphere carries over into everything.
You walk down the street and there’s new construction everywhere. It’s hard not to feel excited.
Final Notes On Living In Asia
Places like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh (in the right neighborhoods) offer a terrific value. You get all the amenities of a major Western city at a fraction of the price.
Other cities (Seoul, Tokyo, Singapore) are more expensive, but even there it feels like you’re getting something for your money. The infrastructure is incredible, litter is non-existent, and there’s no crime.
In terms of return on investment, I can’t imagine a better place to live.