Where's Best to Live & Retire in 2025? 🇻🇳🇵🇭🇹🇭

About this video

• Video Title: Where's Best to Live & Retire in 2025? 🇻🇳🇵🇭🇹🇭
• Channel: The Cost of Living Abroad
• Speakers: Evan, JJ the Lonely Bull in Asia, Will Travels
• Duration: 00:59:52

Overview

This video compares Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines as potential locations for living and retiring in 2025. The hosts discuss cost of living, visa options, dating scenes, healthcare, banking, and personal experiences in each country, ultimately offering advice on which location might best suit different priorities.

Key takeaways

• Cost of Living: Vietnam (specifically Da Nang) is presented as the most budget-friendly option, followed by Thailand, and then the Philippines, which can be more expensive, especially in prime locations like BGC. However, all locations are significantly cheaper than living in the US or Canada.
• Visa Options: Thailand offers retirement, education, and DTB visas. Vietnam's official retirement options are limited, often requiring visa runs. The Philippines allows for extended stays (up to 3 years) on tourist visas and has specific retirement visas for veterans and a high deposit requirement for others.
• Dating Scene: The Philippines is considered the easiest for dating due to a more Westernized culture and widespread English proficiency. Vietnam and Thailand present more cultural and language barriers, though learning a local language can significantly improve interactions.
• Healthcare and Banking: While healthcare costs are generally lower than in Western countries, experiences vary. Vietnam has local banking options like Timo for short-term visitors, while others rely on international services like Wise or Charles Schwab. Thailand requires specific visas for bank accounts, and there have been issues with expats on tourist visas having accounts closed.
• Retirement Choice: The "best" place to retire depends on individual priorities. Vietnam (Da Nang) is favored for its value and affordability, Thailand for its infrastructure and amenities, and the Philippines for its ease of integration, English proficiency, and longer tourist visa stays.