Question to those who have been to Vietnam, Philippines, Laos and Thailand: is there a difference between?

Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei or Laos to expat?

• Can you please suggest on the above countries (Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Brunei or Laos) how much cost to live there, the cost of living, safety, home-business-friendliness of the place, cost to buy a house and land and all that stuff? My budget as a white guy is about US$1500 monthly and I would be able to buy a house/land for about up to US$50000. Which country would you choose best and why? Thank you very much.

• Answer:

  I choose to retire in the Philippines. Of the previously mentioned places the Philippines is easiest to get a visa and one of the cheapest. You don't make enough to retire in Thailand ($1,800 monthly minimum). Foreigners cannot own land in any of the above named countries. The only types of residences you can own is a townhouse or condo. You could own a decent 2 br condo for $50,000 here in the Philippines. Cost of living is cheap and depends on your lifestyle. Suffice it to say your monthly income is enough for most people to live comfortably in the Philippines. You have way to many other questions to be answered here. Go to www.livinginthephilippines.com if you want to know more about the Philippines. All free info.