For an increasing number of American retirees, becoming expats and relocating elsewhere has become a viable choice. For some, it’s an opportunity to make a permanent move to a country they’ve visited before. For others, it’s a completely new adventure.
Countries in Asia are a popular destination of American retirees for a variety of reasons, like a more budget-friendly cost of living, an improved quality of life, becoming immersed in a new culture, or even reconnecting with one’s own heritage.
Choosing where in Asia to retire is a personal experience, and depends on what features are being sought after. Once the right place is found, retirement can be something that exceeds even the wildest dreams.
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
The resort town is a must-go for tourists, mainly because of the welcoming people and its coastal location. For prospective expats, those are also appealing qualities, but the improved quality of life and low cost of living seal the deal.
In recent years Sihanoukville has seen increased property development due in large part to the tourist trade. Retirees who don’t mind being a part of a growing community could be very content living in Sihanoukville.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Aspiring expats who are considering a move to Cambodia and are interested in a place with a laid back vibe, then Siem Reap should be on their list for consideration. It’s a contemporary resort town, but has an old world connection.
Siem Reap straddles both worlds with spas, a wide selection of cuisines, and shopping centers, juxtaposed with forests housing ancient temples, including Angkor Wat, which is featured on the Cambodian national flag.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is a wildly popular vacation destination for travelers of all walks of life, and it is also a place where more American retirees are moving to, mainly because the cost of living is considerably lower than in the U.S., but there’s more.
Retirees opting to move to Bali have their choice of living environments. Artist havens, beach towns with lots of activities, and villages that are laid back and peaceful are some of the places to live. The hardest part is choosing one.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
To get an idea of what life is like in Kuala Lumpur, look no further than the famed Petronas Towers, which are not only among the tallest skyscrapers in the world, but are the tallest twin skyscraper complexes worldwide.
The towers are a symbol of the progressive capital city, which has shopping malls and first rate restaurants. Kuala Lumpur’s cultural and ethnic diversity have earned it recognition as a Southeast Asian melting pot.
Penang, Malaysia
One of the qualities that makes moving to Malaysia a viable choice for American expat retirees is that English is widely spoken throughout the country, in large part due to the country’s international commerce and economic interests.
Those relocating to Penang may find themselves surprised at how westernized the state is. Aside from English as one of the primary spoken languages, several western cultural celebrations are observed there, such as Oktoberfest.
Dumaguete, Philippines
The City of Gentle People is called that because of the extra warm hospitality and kindness the residents of Dumaguete show to visitors and new residents alike. This type of open welcome is enough to make retirees feel right at home.
The cost of living in Dumaguete is so affordable, retirees with smaller nest eggs can enjoy an upper middle class lifestyle that they likely couldn’t afford while living stateside. Money goes much further there than in other places.
Da Nang, Vietnam
For a city with a population of one million people, Da Nang effectively manages to balance modern city amenities with all the charm of a small town. Many of the locals speak English and are willing to help expats learn Vietnamese.
Housing is relatively easy to find in Da Nang, with short- and long-term rentals available, in addition to condos for sale. As a plus, the healthcare provided by international hospitals and dental care is of very good quality.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Retirees who want big city conveniences at small town prices would appreciate life in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The city has several shopping malls, and there are movie theaters selling tickets for a fraction of what they cost in the U.S.
The entertainment doesn’t stop there. Chiang Mai hosts a number of cultural events every year, like the Songkran festival, which is the observance of the Thai New Year. The three day celebration involves the use of water to wash away the old year, so expats, prepare to get soaked!
Gyeongju, South Korea
History buffs will have more than enough to interest them in the city of Gyeongju, locally referred to as the “museum without walls.” Not only are there many ancient palace ruins, temples, pagodas, and other relics, it is the location of several UNESCO Heritage Sites.
The city has a mountainous landscape, with an abundance of green spaces like parks and gardens, as well as multiple lakes and beaches. Gyeongju is the perfect place for retirees who want to spend their time in a laidback setting.
Cebu, Philippines
Living in a beachfront paradise and all that comes with it is the dream of many retirees. That long held dream can become a reality with a permanent move to Cebu, a city in the central region of the Philippines.
From November to May, Cebu enjoys its dry season, so the weather conditions are ideal for swimming with the sea life, swimming, and kayaking. The temperatures are warm without being oppressively hot, and the humidity is low, taking away any excuse for not going outside.
Kyoto, Japan
Living in the major cities in Japan like Tokyo can be too costly for many budget-minded retirees to consider moving there. That doesn’t mean Japan is completely out of reach. Fortunately, there are alternative cities to consider, and Kyoto is one of them.
As far as cities go, Kyoto is one of the cleanest and safest cities a retiree could possibly move to, and those are important considerations to have when deciding to move to another country. Their healthcare system is also highly rated.
Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei is a popular relocation destination for digital nomads, but it’s also quite hospitable to American retirees. The low cost of living, enhanced quality of life, and forward-thinking transportation infrastructure adds to Taiwan’s appeal.
The cost of living in Taiwan is less than it is to live in many major American cities, and the differences between them are staggering. In the U.S., rental housing for one person averages out to $1,592 a month, compared to $448 a month in Taiwan.
Hua Hin, Thailand
The village of Hua Hin is the summer home of several members of the Thai royal family. That should serve as a ranging endorsement for retirees thinking about moving there. It’s a unique place in that it’s a small region that blends relaxing beach life with busy city life.
One of the standouts in Hua Hin is the village train station. While most train stations are rather cold buildings made of concrete and metal, the Hua Hin train station looks like something out of a fairy tale, with its Victorian-influenced design.
Retirees and those who are about to retire may think the idea of relocating to a different country is unrealistic, but it’s a wonderful way to improve your quality of life while making your dollar stretch further. Take that leap and enjoy your new home!