I think part of why she is quiet is because she realizes that JC knows his western audience better and simply respectfully defers to him as an "expert" of sorts. It is part of their culture. Now when it comes to something that is her interest and specialty she will expect JC to defer to her. That is part of what makes Thai culture so great, they value personal freedom but also value individual expertise.
She is thinking when are you going to shut up and give me the ATM card. I guarantee that's what she is thinking.. Lived in Thailand for 9 years.. It's all about the bucks. If you think it's not your a fool.
Great in-depth evaluation off both countries JC, I think you really covered everything extremely well. It was great to see Nat more involved, she looked like she was having fun. You certainly gave people a real viable option with this video...outstanding.
J.C. thanks for this option. I'd really appreciate your take on the TM-30 and TM-28 restrictions. This regimen might be a deal breaker for Thailand, Vietnam is looking better at every turn.
@@robertpeterson848 I did 'some' research or I wouldn't have spoken. The closest visa Vietnam offers (that I have found) is a five year multiple-entry whereby one must check-in every three months, and make a visa run every (I believe) every nine. Proof of travel funds is required. I'd be very grateful if you'd share where you found that info. I must be looking in the wrong place.
I agree that the westerners are not as polite and happy as people inVietnam and Thailand,I stay in district 4and long an area can quioc my wife is Vietnamese and has 🏠 house so when I come back we don’t have to Rent, which is great 👍👍Thanks for sharing thanks Robert Mcintosh
Just an FYI, If you have a business visa, 12 month stay, you can open a Timo bank account that gives you an atm card. You can deposit Vietnamese Dong Cash into a VPBank ATM machine that goes into your Timo bank account. Therefore you can both wire funds or deposit cash into the Timo bank account. Timo is a partner of VPBank. With the Timo app on your phone you can send money to people, pay bills or top up your cell phone plan. The debit card works just like any other debit card but it must be used in Vietnam as it doesnt have a visa or mastercard chip in it. See the Timo FAQ for details
Yes Timo is a great option if you live in one of the cities that have one of their hangouts in it. It's a requirement to show up personally to pick up your card at one of the locations which for now are only located in a few cities.
One strange thing I noticed when visiting Hanoi is the dawn and dusk time is different comparing to Bangkok . Since both cities using the same time zone ( +7 Hrs ) but locate on the different longitude line , Hanoi time make me feel always early than in Bangkok. For thais, our sunrise time is usually 6 A.M. but will be 5 A.M. in Hanoi and peoples are already on the streets honking around ! For the same reason sunset time in Hanoi will be 5 P.M. instead of 6 P.M. as thais are familiar.
Vietnam at north of the tropics, daytime is longer during the Spring and Summer months (longest in May - daytime longer than nighttime) and shorter during the Autumn and Winter months (shotest in October - nighttime longer than daytime).
Hey JC I'm an ex member who still follows your you tube chanel.I met you and Nat about 5 years ago in Hua hin at a member's meeting.Ive been living in Hanoi and Haiphong half time for the past 4 years.I love both Thailand and Vietnam.I chose Vietnam because as you say the people are very engaging and want to practice their English.I have a Vietnamese girlfriend so that kind of settles it.I still like to visit Thailand when I have to leave every 90days.The Vietnamese are the most pro American country I've ever been to.Crazy right,but it's true! A couple of points.1)Vietnam is a majority Buddhist country;however,they are Mahayana Buddhists and don't seem as devout as the Theravada Buddhists in Thailand.Their Buddhism is influenced by China and is a mixture of Buddhism,Taoism,Confucianism and their own animist beliefs.Post American war,they were hardline Stalinist and deemphasized religion.Now there is a Buddhist resurgence going on.Ironically the most devout people are Vietnamese Catholics who maybe are 5-10%.A 2nd thing is older people can be quite friendly if you meet them on their own terms.I noticed that often you like to go around markets and check prices.This is really bad"juju" for the Vietnamese,especially in the morning.If you go into the shop and don't buy anything then they think you bring them bad luck so it really pisses them off.They often burn a money offering(fake)in the street after you leave to get rid of the bad luck you've laid on them.Just buy something even if 1 piece of fruit and they are ok.Really enjoy your Vietnam videos!
Hey Charlie! Thanks for reaching out and updating (edited) us on your situation. We're happy for you that you're having a great time. Thanks for your insights.
Air Quality in Vietnam is far better JC, go up in the hills and its really quite cold and the oxygen is a real nice bonus.I agree about the older vietnamese people being not so friendly, they remember the war JC plus older people dont like change.
JC, my son (who is 11 y.o.) was born & lived his whole life in Asia could not get over how considerate & friendly people were in the US compared where we live in Singapore. People held the door for him with a smile, people driving cars yielded generously when we crossed the road, and when I hit the Starbucks drive thru it took 5 minutes due to some large orders ahead of us and they gave me my coffee for free. Both of my kids jaws dropped when that happened! Honestly, things really aren’t that bad in the US, but maybe it depends on where exactly. Cost of living is also generally way cheaper than my reference point (here in Singapore anyway).
Yes if you compare United States to Singapore there's a considerable difference. Also there's a considerable difference between Thailand and Singapore. If you notice I've never compared Singapore to Thailand as far as a retirement destination. There's night and day difference between the people, the culture and especially the prices.
If you are going to Vietnam to find a good woman to marry, I highly recommend you check out the city of Can Tho. It is the 3rd or 4th largest city in Vietnam, it is in the far south (Southern Vietnam is more friendly to capitalists and Americans than the north is). More importantly, Can Tho is the center city for all of the tiny villages throughout the Mekong Delta region, these are small farming villages. These people send their children to go to University (and sometimes high school) in Can Tho. So this city has an exceptionally large number of college students and young single and available women. These people often come from hard working backgrounds where they helped their family work and even worked part time to help pay for their own k-12 schooling. They are honest, conservative, kind, and are in the process of becoming educated. Their culture finds the straight nose and light skin of westerners to be attractive. Don't come to Can Tho looking for a good time. You won't find a lot of prostitutes or women willing to have sex before marriage there. If that is what you are looking for go to Ho Chi Minh city in the backpacker area of district 1 and ask around the westerners living there (as situations may change from year to year).
Agreed that if you are looking then don't look in Saigon or other big cities...I found mine in a small town way south of Saigon...been rock solid for 12 years now...
@@jayback4660 My wife has never asked for any money for her or her family ( and they are not wealthy at all ) -don't assume - it makes you look dumb...
Vietnam was better for me simply b/c you can own a business 100 percent as a foreigner and the one year business Visas you can get without actually opening a business.
Thank you for reminding me to take Siracha with me to Vietnam! You can get Tabasco there, but it's not as good as Siracha (American made). Also, have to take deodorant (not antiperspirant) cant find it in Thailand or Vietnam. I love Thailand, but I'm going back to Vietnam because of the value to the dollar. At almost 72, I feel safe in both countries. Nice to hear Nat's participation.
Yes Robert finding deodorant without anti-perspirant is like trying to find toothpaste without fluoride. You certainly have to do some looking but you can find them. There is actually a mineral salt roll-on that's available in stores and 7-Eleven's that works quite well without the chemicals. "Always an option!"
Sriracha made by Huy Fong Foods, a company owned by David Tran, a Vietnamese American (but named after the mall town of Sri Racha in Thailand). In the early 1980’s, David Tran immigrated to the United States from Vietnam and settled in Los Angeles. Unable to find a hot sauce that he liked as in the homeland, Tran began making his own, Huy Fong Foods was born!
Since you are in dalat, check out the police. There is only 1 police post in the center of town. Seems that there is no serious crimes as the lack of police tells you that there is not much need for them. When i was there ,the locals told me that dont stay out after 11pm, as the people you meet are mostly not local and of the up to no good type.
That's true. I can live in Australia just as cheap except for rent and bills. Everything else is comparitve. And yes I've lived in Thailand for 4 years.
One of the biggest things, that I think you miss is the deposit rate in Vietnam. Especially with the 800k baht deposit for Thailand. The deposit rate here is 10 percent at the moment. It has not been below 6.5 percent in almost 15 years. The highest was 15% a couple of years ago. It doesn't seem like much, but with compound interest and living in Vietnam for 5 years you will have over 40k and almost 70k in 10. Meanwhile in Thailand your money is just sitting there.
Actually Jamal you do get interest on your money in Thailand but not at the rates you mentioned for Vietnam. That's another good upside. Thanks for your comments.
@@EscapetoThailand yeah it's trash at below 2 percent most of the time. That with the other requirements Thailand is trash for retirement. They have a retirement Visa and you still have to jump thru all of these hoops. Why? Maybe b/c they don't won't people there. They want tourists dollars, but not people actually living there. Vietnam doesn't have a retirement Visa and it's still easier to stay in the country long term. 1 year business Visa or buy 1 percent of a food cart for 100 bucks have a lawyer do the paper work for 200 bucks and get a 5 year residency card.
The TM30 is becoming a pain in the arse. Fortunately, in Phuket anyway, I seem to get away with just checking in when coming back into the country, and often well after the 24 hour "requirement". The drive through in phuket town is pretty quick. If they ever enforced to the letter of the law though I think that would be it for me.
Great video! We have been bouncing between Thailand, Vietnam, and back to the USA for a couple of years now. I got the Thai O/A visa last Nov, and then seems the requirements started to change. My wife is Viet, so have a Visa exemption for Vietnam. I guess we'll just keep waiting and see how the visa/TM30 issues play out in Thailand. We seem to prefer Bangkok to Saigon, there is just so much more, albeit more expensive. I've gotta give you membership site a look! Thanks for the videos!!
Andy good news! It was just announced that there'll be no immediate medical insurance requirements for your OA visa. That's good news, at least for now, right?
Thank you JC and Nat for your great video,because of regulations I may have to initially retire in Vietnam (twist my arm)but Thailand because of health care,the people and infrastructure is where its at.The food in Vietnam is my favorite,just my 2 cents,thanks again
Don't worry about the regulations. That will all get sorted out over time. In fact it was just announced that there'll be no medical insurance requirement to get an OA visa for the time being.
oh yea, please inform your views, that just because you can drive a motor bike here in Thailand YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO DRIVE IN VIETNAM,, just use Grab for the first two months
Initially Cambodia was on my list but it got lowered as the crime against foreigners increased and the difficulty of the visa for long-term living happened as well. They've now instituted an ER visa so that now has become easier. But you're dealing with higher crime and not so cheap prices for products that you need because all those are imported from other countries. Cambodia really doesn't have an industry like Thailand and doesn't produce products so import fees are placed on all of them. But the crime against foreigners is one of the biggest reasons I don't think it's a great option for aging retirees. Not to mention the lack of infrastructure including medical care when needed in emergencies.
@@EscapetoThailand I will be retiring to Cambodia in two years. I agree with you in regards to the cost of imported items as well as most of items that I use in the US are not readily available in Cambodia. The crime piece is interesting. I've been to Cambodia twenty times in the last 10 years and I have only experienced two instances personally of someone trying to steal something from me. Both times, if I had been more proactive, the two attempts wouldn't have happened. It's important to be aware of one's surroundings. My Cambodian girl friend has had 1000's of dollars stolen, numerous cellphones involuntarily removed and numerous verbal threats of bodily harm. Yes, crime is evident but at the same time, I live near Oakland, CA and so I feel more secure in Phnom Penh then I do in Oakland, CA at night time.
The Asean countries are committed to tariff free trade, so the Kawasaki 250SL in Thailand (made in Malaysia) is a decent price, but anything with tariffs is painful.
Actually the highest. They just did the math and every hour 2 people die on the roads here. And that number is low because those numbers ONLY reflect those that die at the scene of the accident and not in transit or at the hospital!!! Ouch!!!
JC I still haven't encountered the grumpy elderly Viets. I keep looking. I'm probably grumpier than them anyway. lol My main bugbear with Saigon is people riding their motorbikes on footpaths in peak hour. Won't be a problem as I'm staying in district 7 soon which is more genteel than downtown. Hope it's not too strerile there. Enjoy your time in Dalat.
The older people experienced war. That's probably why they're in not good a mood. They experienced lots of hardship, and missing relatives. Most of the younger Vietnamese don't care about the past. They want to move forward and they enjoy having foreigners visit. When I went there the first time three Vietnamese people actually showed up at the airport to meet me. They even had a sign with my name but they recognized me. Then the following day they came to get me and take me out. My only fear was being driven around in a sea of scooters. But they are great drivers and my fear quickly subsided. The second time I went back I was with a tour that went to three other countries including Thailand. In Saigon a friend called Uber it was cheap only about $1 equivalent for what I think must have been three miles in heavy traffic.
@@MrKikoboy I don't have an app for any of those car services. I took a taxi to go meet that same lady but she gave me the wrong address ( I told her you really did not want to meet me). She told me meet her at Highland Coffee shop but instead of confirming the address she used Google. The taxi driver could not find the address. Then I gave him my phone to call her being I had a sim for Vietnam. That ran up the taxi bill. So going back she called Uber. Fare was around 18,000 dongs. He went through a lot of traffic.The most insane traffic. I don't recall seeing traffic like that and I've been in Manila traffic. I think what makes it crazy is to see scooters going against traffic and coming out of nowhere. It's like everyone in Saigon was out that evening.
@@EscapetoThailand we got a car to the airport early ( before 5:00 AM ) and I think it was Grab ( in Saigon) about 130,000 dong - maybe $6-7 Canadian for a 1/2 hour ride- pretty cheap - meter taxi would only be 10,00-15,000 more but not so many around at that time - with Grab you can pre-book your pickup time..- also Mai Linh taxi and Vinasun taxi will always use the meter ( In Saigon anyway ) - anybody else I wouldn't recommend..
Jc I here so many comments from retirees leaving Thailand 🇹🇭 because of the low exchange rate ? And will you be doing any videos on prices of accommodation. ? Thanks Jc
The prices for accommodations really haven't changed much over the years. In fact, in some places it's gotten cheaper because of the oversupply of rooms. What has changed though is the exchange rate for specific countries. Over the years I have seen vacillations in most currencies in regards to the exchange rate with Thailand's Thai baht. Unfortunately most people are panicking and aren't willing to wait it out. Exchange rates are like the weather except it changes more slowly. I would hate to see people not opt to live in Thailand because of the bad exchange-rate only to see it switch in a year or two and then they have regrets and have trouble moving to Thailand. In fact if somebody could get by on a bad exchange-rate they'll be really sitting pretty once the exchange-rate becomes favorable again. But hey, "there's always an option!"
I would suggest spend some in the countryside of Vietnam - you will find what you were first in Thailand for ( I've been in both )....just regular hard working people - yes maybe you have to learn a bit of language but it will be worth it...
always good to hear from you both. You should bring Nat here to the US. It's been interesting and educational for Gracie. And, No, its not like she wants to stay - hehe. Psyched to get to Hua Hin for "Thaisgiving" ;-) Live the Dream!
hey jc, love your info, i have two apartments one in Da'nang and Pattaya, two visa with both multi-entry, having both visa extend both visa a extra year on both, the only thing is banking in Vietnam, if i come back to Thailand with dong i can not exchange Vietnam money back to Baht, so while we are in pattaya we buy dong to pay our rent in VIETNAM, and when we leave Pattaya i must notify our Thai bank and tell them i will be in Vietnam for so long, Q; how do i open a reg, bank account in Vietnam, i tried to send money online from my bank in Thailand to a account in Vietnam and it would not work, But they keep telling us that, if my money came in from USA, its ok? WHY i can not use my Thai bank account to transfer money?
Robert Peterson cambo is a great place to live, If you aint one of those who need to see a doktor all of the time! They’re light years after Thailand and Vietnam healtcare wise...-FACT
Hey Robert thanks for reaching out. Initially Cambodia was on my list but it got lowered as the crime against foreigners increased and the difficulty of the visa for long-term living happened as well. They've now instituted an ER visa so that now has become easier. But you're dealing with higher crime and not so cheap prices for products that you need because all those are imported from other countries. Cambodia really doesn't have an industry like Thailand and doesn't produce products so import fees are placed on all of them. But the crime against foreigners is one of the biggest reasons I don't think it's a great option for aging retirees. Not to mention the lack of infrastructure including medical care when needed in emergencies.
What a shame, I thought Cambodia would make use of this golden opportunity and turn into a welcoming place for expats. Everyone would profit from that. These dumb countries, they can't seem to figure the obvious!! (including mine)
THANK YOU SO MUCH JC AND MISS NAT 🙏 vary helpful information 👍 about 6 months my wife and I will be moving back to Vietnam can’t wait 😊 you are living the life sir keep doing what you do 👍
Wow excellent video. Two thumbs up! My question is about health care. Is it like America’s pill culture where they just give you pills for everything, over medicated under cured? Since about half the population in the US is diabetic or insulin resistant this may be a big concern for many. What about elective surgery, like weight loss surgery or dental implants, equal to US in quality? Important issues for retirees.
Hi, thanks for the video JC. I'm a 60 year old, caucasian single Canadian male. The concensus is the Philippines is best for dating and relationships. I'm curious about your opinion on dating and relationships in Vietnam and Thailand? Is it fairly easy to meet good women in those countries? Language barriers? Your thoughts?
W 2 ex Flipinas-i am heading to Thailand-thais are more chill-into fitness (6 pack) less gossip-taller-most speak a little english-however no money no honey-hope this helps-will settle in Pattaya for now-ltr visa on 9-1-22-da lat is attractive to me mainly for cooler weather-hot in most of Thailand
Thanks for the vid. I wish you would have been more specific on housing. You said that housing in Vietnam is more expensive than Thailand but you didn't say how much.
That's because Paul it depends on somebody's needs and comfort level as to where and what they would rent. I was just making the point that based on the average rental available in both countries Vietnam rentals would be a little bit more money. Having said that though, what is in those rooms that are more money are a higher standard than Thailand when it comes to what Farang are used to. So yes you pay a little more money for housing but I think you get a higher standard in Vietnam.
SORRY 4 CAPS, WHEN I LIVED IN CAMBODIA. MY GF WAS HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER I HAD HER FLOWN TO THAILAND FOR OPEN HEART AND TWO BRAIN SURGERIES . IM SO GRATEFUL TO THAILAND FOR THERE SERVICE, OPEN HEART COST $1400 US,
Not actually a Thai product. This sauce is produced by Huy Fong Foods, a California manufacturer. Created in 1980 by an ethnic Chinese immigrant from Vietnam David Tran. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sriracha_sauce_(Huy_Fong_Foods)
Yes, many foreign products are available here in Thailand but the selection is limited and costly. From what I see, Vietnam wouldn't work for me. Usually, serious health problems require immediate action. You're seriously ill and going to travel? Also, land/condo ownership/building a house is not possible. It's a communist country where only the government owns the land and is leased to the citizens. I focus on this because for me renting is not an acceptable lifestyle. I wish Thailand had a solid path to residency though... Costa Rica has this but I also prefer the Buddhist/Asian culture like JC. I wish JC would elaborate on his experiences in Central America. (Costa Rica remains my plan B)
Yes you can't own land in Thailand either. There are ways to own structures on property in Thailand though. And ways to protect yourself so you can stay on it and protect yourself no matter what happens or who owns the property. Actually, I feel much safer in the communist country then I do in most so-called "free" countries. I probably can't couldn't explain why in words but it seems that people actually abide by most of the laws which gives a sense of security.
Although as I understand it it is hard for foreigners to stay more than 6 months in taiwan, I think it would be great to see you and nat travel there. An amazing country with friendly people great weather,beautiful scenery and top notch health care. All this for a cost of living significantly less than Europe or North America. I am seriously considering staying there 6months a year and another 6 months in thailand/vietnam. The best of 3 worlds! :)
@@WandererNirvana totally, I think Taiwan is by far the best value for money country given its world class infrastructure and health care, plus it's a democracy, what's not to like?
Jeff plus Taiwan is very eco-friendly. Great access to nature/hiking. Exellent transportation. Many night markets and good food. Cleaner than vietnam and Thailand. Cute women....
No not really. Philippines is not my cup of tea. I've spent a lot of time there and I don't feel that the upside is very good for people entering retirement age. This is for many reasons and if you contact me personally I'll go ahead and update you but I won't do it on UA-cam for obvious reasons.
Good video. A Vietnamese friend tells me not to trust the purity of food in Vietnam. He says its adulterated with poisons in the same way that it occurs in China. I love buying and eating Thai food, but I hear that large Thai farms spray Glyphosate and Paraquat on their fields. I still think Thai and maybe Vietnamese food is more salubrious than anything in the USA where Monsanto rules everything. And food here in Thailand is much more Affordable than in the USA
Yes it depends on what market and what farmers you get your produce from. There's a lot of organics available in both Thailand and Vietnam. So if you're interested in purity I would go that route. Recently there's been a call for the making of the use of those chemicals illegal in Thailand and for them to be removed from the market. It actually looks like that might happen. But of course that depends on how much money is put in the pockets of certain people just like everywhere in the world.
Hi jc nice to se someone who speak about thais and Thailand in a nice way, some people here on UA-cam is not speaking nicely about thais and Thailand, they say thais are rude, racist, unfriendly, I not meet many people in Thailand who is like that, one guy was in bkk 14 days and after That he never ever want to go back to Thailand because people was rude and take tourist for granted,,, I never ever have that feeling when I am in Thailand, I write here about it because I try to defend thais and Thailand, here on UA-cam we'll everywhere where its possible ok I not disturb more have a nice new year. Mike
Mike I think those people that have those experiences are getting a reflection coming back at them as to what they put out into the world. I think they would be miserable and have the same experiences no matter where they were!
JC your comment about Buddhism, most Vietnamese are mainly animistic with a mix of other. Buddhism was more prevelent in the past. The monks are still revered, but have to keep a low profile. They caused a lot of trouble for the South Vietnamese government . Rightly so in my opinion, but that's neither here nor there. When the north won the war, they greatly feared them and put harsh restrictions on them and still keep them under close watch. To be circumspect I will say no more. You can goggle a lot of info about it if you want to know more. I should also mention that a lot of the temples you see around are Toaist and Confusunism. Hope you are keeping warm up there. I see Nat is wearing a sweater.
The Buddhist monks protested the government led by Catholic president Ngo Din Diem because they discriminated people, giving privilege to the minority catholic more than the majority buddhist in south vietnam . As normal protest was not cared by the president, the monks started to sacrifice themself to vilify Ngo Din Diem and broadcasting this message to the world and particularly to Washington who supported this dictatorship government. For the communism, every communist government give no freedom for any religion. After Vientiane capital of kingdom of Lao over run in 1975 by the communist, lot of monk fled across Mekhong to Thailand otherwise hunted down by the communist.
You look like a couple of Portland Coffee-Goers bundled up for a winter "Ice-Coffee?" Thanks for sharing, it was great to hear you honest your opinions. They very much echo my impressions when I was living in S.E. Asia a couple of decades ago Thailand and Malaysia were still a bit of a compromise on choices, and Viet Nam, by comparison, seemed more like a hardship rather than a compromise, maybe Vietnam is more like Thailand was 20 years ago? Food-wise I agree, Thai cuisine is very much part of the culture and one of the best in the world, and in the major cities some of the diverse in the world. I also liked the Food in Brazil (Guyana and the Caribbean were good too) but often strictly local and limited. It did seem to me that Thai Beurocercy was annoying but in Vietnam, it was a bit oppressive and unpredictable. I think Thailand benefits from a Constitution, social and religious culture founded on the belief of democratic rule by the people and for the people, much as we are rapidly losing in the west and refreshing for many Americans, and Vietnam was quite a top-down Revolutionary Socialist regime trying to rule a fiercely independent population that seemed to identify more with western Capitalism and concepts of personal liberty, which I think accounts a lot for the older generations being more "Grumpy", something that seems pretty rare in Thailand.
To clear up the Sriracha debacle,in my city in America we have a huge Vietnamese population and EVERY Vietnamese restaurant they have it and ALL Vietnamese use it especially in Pho.
HI How long you spend there i am planing to live there i am not shure if Thailand still appealing for me to retired there i have a Thai partner i am thinking about living in Vietnam and commute to Thailand to visit my thai partner what do you think !??
the reporting was always happening, the hotels or landlords have been doing it for you. You don't have to do it yourself. The 800,000 baht retirement requirement has always been there, as well as the 400,000 for the marriage visa. The mandatory health care is not a bad thing at all. If your care exceeds what you can pay why should the thai people have to cover that expense.
Forget what you hear and see here. It's pre-COVID and no longer applicable. While Thailand has opened the border, Vietnam has closed the border to long term visas. The ONLY visa available to Vietnam as of March 2023 is a 30 day e-visa. There is only one way to get residency in Vietnam. Marry a Vietnamese. 3 month tourist visas will be available again in July 2023. There will be NO retirement visas. To retire in Cambodia, you need to be 55+, have proof of a pension., and have a passport from an approved country. That's all. Annual cost for renewal is $285.00, done inside Cambodia. The visa is multiple entry, you come and go as you please. Indonesia, Malaysia as well are competing for retirees. Once retirees have settled, they won't move again. Vietnam will pay dearly for missing this opportunity. Good luck to Vietnam.
Dentist cheaper here in Thailand but maybe must double check for us older guys age 70. I just found a huge cavity myself on the side of an old filling. Last visit just a month ago missed it! Keep working! I'm off to the dentist now.
I just had two appointments to get a tooth filled. One was a temporary patch and a return the next day for the filling. For both appointments and the feeling it was only 200,000 Vietnamese dong (about 8.50 USD). I can't even beat that in Thailand.
@@EscapetoThailand Wow. A new world record! Hahahha. My problem turned out to be a chipped corner with some decay. If it was only a chip, pork rinde based maybe, I would think last dentist did OK but with some decay she missed something. My fix was 3000 baht and considering the scare factor I was relieved. No crown. Thanks as usual, JC.
You say about 13 cents a day. Is it 13 or is it more or less. You can not just tell me that it is $47. A month or $50 a month or year or what is it exactly
Oh you mean the member site cost? I had no idea what you were referring to. The membership cost depends on the discount option you opt for. Everything from $15 a month to $99 for a whole year!
Good stuff! What about air pollution and trash burning? It seems like you prefer Thailand yet you are choosing to reside in Vietnam or at least currently. Why is that?
As the channel name is "retire cheap" and JC is talking about cheap retirement options then as we All know Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is NOT a cheap retirement option for expats, so it has no relevance.
@@danman1287 Agree, it is reasonably priced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but I think JC's audience are mostly searching for a cheap Charlie lifestyle... So yes "dirt cheap" is a more appropriate term. Assuming you researched the requirements of expats for property purchase in Kuala Lumpur you will know its out of most expats reach unless they have over a million MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) in the bank to invest in a property.
@@danman1287 To be honest thinking about Malaysia myself as a possibility (in a few years time). the beauty of Malaysia is you own 100% of the property no need to marry and put it in your spouses name or any under the table shady deals.
![Дон ДОН, Алаудинов и СБЕЖАВШИЕ из под Курска ахматовцы 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dEfCf5IK26Q/mqdefault.jpg)
Nice to see Nat more conversational , interesting to learn how Thais see things, thanks Nat!
All the best from Canada.
I think part of why she is quiet is because she realizes that JC knows his western audience better and simply respectfully defers to him as an "expert" of sorts. It is part of their culture. Now when it comes to something that is her interest and specialty she will expect JC to defer to her. That is part of what makes Thai culture so great, they value personal freedom but also value individual expertise.
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She is thinking when are you going to shut up and give me the ATM card. I guarantee that's what she is thinking.. Lived in Thailand for 9 years.. It's all about the bucks. If you think it's not your a fool.
@@AndyL940 word
@@AndyL940 Oh that's just in Thailand? I thought it was just in Western countries, color me amazed and enlightened.
The real take for me is flexibility and willing to change when the circumstance changes because in life nothing stays to same.
Perfectly explained the "key to happiness" 👍
Well said blueman
B4444444 Yep adaptability is the key as we have evolved over thousands of years.
Great in-depth evaluation off both countries JC, I think you really covered everything extremely well. It was great to see Nat more involved, she looked like she was having fun. You certainly gave people a real viable option with this video...outstanding.
J.C. thanks for this option. I'd really appreciate your take on the TM-30 and TM-28 restrictions.
This regimen might be a deal breaker for Thailand, Vietnam is looking better at every turn.
Should ask him how much money you need in the bank to retire in Vietnam. I think it is a min of $32000.00 US
@@robertpeterson848 they don't have Retirement visas in Vietnam.
@@ricklenegan2294 Just google it. It is about the same as Malaysia
@@robertpeterson848 I did 'some' research or I wouldn't have spoken. The closest visa Vietnam offers (that I have found) is a five year multiple-entry whereby one must check-in every three months, and make a visa run every (I believe) every nine. Proof of travel funds is required.
I'd be very grateful if you'd share where you found that info. I must be looking in the wrong place.
Here is the link www.retireinasia.com/visa-requirements-to-retire-in-vietnam/
I agree that the westerners are not as polite and happy as people inVietnam and Thailand,I stay in district 4and long an area can quioc my wife is Vietnamese and has 🏠 house so when I come back we don’t have to Rent, which is great 👍👍Thanks for sharing thanks Robert Mcintosh
Yes a good strategy even if in the long run it costs a tad more.
Just an FYI, If you have a business visa, 12 month stay, you can open a Timo bank account that gives you an atm card. You can deposit Vietnamese Dong Cash into a VPBank ATM machine that goes into your Timo bank account. Therefore you can both wire funds or deposit cash into the Timo bank account. Timo is a partner of VPBank. With the Timo app on your phone you can send money to people, pay bills or top up your cell phone plan. The debit card works just like any other debit card but it must be used in Vietnam as it doesnt have a visa or mastercard chip in it. See the Timo FAQ for details
Yes Timo is a great option if you live in one of the cities that have one of their hangouts in it. It's a requirement to show up personally to pick up your card at one of the locations which for now are only located in a few cities.
One strange thing I noticed when visiting Hanoi is the dawn and dusk time is different comparing to Bangkok . Since both cities using the same time zone ( +7 Hrs ) but locate on the different longitude line , Hanoi time make me feel always early than in Bangkok. For thais, our sunrise time is usually 6 A.M. but will be 5 A.M. in Hanoi and peoples are already on the streets honking around ! For the same reason sunset time in Hanoi will be 5 P.M. instead of 6 P.M. as thais are familiar.
Vietnam at north of the tropics, daytime is longer during the Spring and Summer months (longest in May - daytime longer than nighttime) and shorter during the Autumn and Winter months (shotest in October - nighttime longer than daytime).
You can now get everything in Sai Gon, you need to go to the high end stores/markets. Vietnam has everything, you just have to know where to buy them.
Hey JC I'm an ex member who still follows your you tube chanel.I met you and Nat about 5 years ago in Hua hin at a member's meeting.Ive been living in Hanoi and Haiphong half time for the past 4 years.I love both Thailand and Vietnam.I chose Vietnam because as you say the people are very engaging and want to practice their English.I have a Vietnamese girlfriend so that kind of settles it.I still like to visit Thailand when I have to leave every 90days.The Vietnamese are the most pro American country I've ever been to.Crazy right,but it's true! A couple of points.1)Vietnam is a majority Buddhist country;however,they are Mahayana Buddhists and don't seem as devout as the Theravada Buddhists in Thailand.Their Buddhism is influenced by China and is a mixture of Buddhism,Taoism,Confucianism and their own animist beliefs.Post American war,they were hardline Stalinist and deemphasized religion.Now there is a Buddhist resurgence going on.Ironically the most devout people are Vietnamese Catholics who maybe are 5-10%.A 2nd thing is older people can be quite friendly if you meet them on their own terms.I noticed that often you like to go around markets and check prices.This is really bad"juju" for the Vietnamese,especially in the morning.If you go into the shop and don't buy anything then they think you bring them bad luck so it really pisses them off.They often burn a money offering(fake)in the street after you leave to get rid of the bad luck you've laid on them.Just buy something even if 1 piece of fruit and they are ok.Really enjoy your Vietnam videos!
Hey Charlie! Thanks for reaching out and updating (edited) us on your situation. We're happy for you that you're having a great time. Thanks for your insights.
spot on
Air Quality in Vietnam is far better JC, go up in the hills and its really quite cold and the oxygen is a real nice bonus.I agree about the older vietnamese people being not so friendly, they remember the war JC plus older people dont like change.
Thanks Paul
JC, my son (who is 11 y.o.) was born & lived his whole life in Asia could not get over how considerate & friendly people were in the US compared where we live in Singapore. People held the door for him with a smile, people driving cars yielded generously when we crossed the road, and when I hit the Starbucks drive thru it took 5 minutes due to some large orders ahead of us and they gave me my coffee for free. Both of my kids jaws dropped when that happened! Honestly, things really aren’t that bad in the US, but maybe it depends on where exactly. Cost of living is also generally way cheaper than my reference point (here in Singapore anyway).
Yes if you compare United States to Singapore there's a considerable difference. Also there's a considerable difference between Thailand and Singapore. If you notice I've never compared Singapore to Thailand as far as a retirement destination. There's night and day difference between the people, the culture and especially the prices.
If you are going to Vietnam to find a good woman to marry, I highly recommend you check out the city of Can Tho. It is the 3rd or 4th largest city in Vietnam, it is in the far south (Southern Vietnam is more friendly to capitalists and Americans than the north is). More importantly, Can Tho is the center city for all of the tiny villages throughout the Mekong Delta region, these are small farming villages. These people send their children to go to University (and sometimes high school) in Can Tho. So this city has an exceptionally large number of college students and young single and available women. These people often come from hard working backgrounds where they helped their family work and even worked part time to help pay for their own k-12 schooling. They are honest, conservative, kind, and are in the process of becoming educated. Their culture finds the straight nose and light skin of westerners to be attractive.
Don't come to Can Tho looking for a good time. You won't find a lot of prostitutes or women willing to have sex before marriage there. If that is what you are looking for go to Ho Chi Minh city in the backpacker area of district 1 and ask around the westerners living there (as situations may change from year to year).
Agreed that if you are looking then don't look in Saigon or other big cities...I found mine in a small town way south of Saigon...been rock solid for 12 years now...
If you ready to marry her whole family and indirectly support then, best of lucky. In life there's no free lunch.😀😀
@@jayback4660 My wife has never asked for any money for her or her family ( and they are not wealthy at all ) -don't assume - it makes you look dumb...
@@MrKikoboy 16 years with my Saigonese wife. Same here.
@@jayback4660 free lunch for who? not for the foreign husband for sure, but you make it sound though it is right. What about the farang's parents?
Vietnam was better for me simply b/c you can own a business 100 percent as a foreigner and the one year business Visas you can get without actually opening a business.
Vietnamese women r the prettiest !
Roy G ...no way. It’s the opposite.
the strong bath and stricter visa rules kills the tourism in Thailand.neibour country`S is benefiting from this policy.
👍😎
They don't need your money as much anymore since their own society status is going up. Your Social security check doesn't mean much these days.
nothing wrong with a strong bath✔
@@dixienormus7452 I prefer a hot shower.
I want to thank you guys for all your help enlightening us who want to be FREE.......👍🏻🇺🇸
Thank you for reminding me to take Siracha with me to Vietnam! You can get Tabasco there, but it's not as good as Siracha (American made). Also, have to take deodorant (not antiperspirant) cant find it in Thailand or Vietnam. I love Thailand, but I'm going back to Vietnam because of the value to the dollar. At almost 72, I feel safe in both countries. Nice to hear Nat's participation.
I've found Nivea brand roll-on deodorant to be very good! Just saw some in Saigon Circle K for 77000D
Yes Robert finding deodorant without anti-perspirant is like trying to find toothpaste without fluoride. You certainly have to do some looking but you can find them. There is actually a mineral salt roll-on that's available in stores and 7-Eleven's that works quite well without the chemicals. "Always an option!"
Sriracha made by Huy Fong Foods, a company owned by David Tran, a Vietnamese American (but named after the mall town of Sri Racha in Thailand). In the early 1980’s, David Tran immigrated to the United States from Vietnam and settled in Los Angeles. Unable to find a hot sauce that he liked as in the homeland, Tran began making his own, Huy Fong Foods was born!
i like the no nonsense, but straight to the point, and still relaxed, video's of the both of you :) thanks
You're welcome
Nice job JC & Nat. Thanks for the video.
You're welcome Wayne. And thanks for your support as being one of our valued members.
Since you are in dalat, check out the police. There is only 1 police post in the center of town. Seems that there is no serious crimes as the lack of police tells you that there is not much need for them. When i was there ,the locals told me that dont stay out after 11pm, as the people you meet are mostly not local and of the up to no good type.
Yes it seems like the only people out later are the young people who gather socially.
Thank you'll. I found it very informative.
Very interesting video. Nat is a nice woman.
I'd love you to do the Philippines.
One other plus for Thailand for some of us, they drive on the correct side of the road :-)
Or the wrong! 🚘
@@EscapetoThailand he he that's when you use the horn 😂
@@ZYLONZA I am from the US. I have tried to drive once in Thailand. That will never happen again. lol
I ride motorcycles in the US, a few thousand miles per year (Spring & Summer). Will not even ride a scooter in Thailand or Vietnam.
From what I've seen, they drive on all sides of the road at the same time!!!
thanks JC and Nat , for sharing this information
At the pace the Baht is going up, soon very few will be able to afford Thailand.
Well, if the baht had always been where it is it would be less of a shock.
What goes up must .... Well, you know!
That's true. I can live in Australia just as cheap except for rent and bills. Everything else is comparitve. And yes I've lived in Thailand for 4 years.
@@AndyL940 yeah but thailand is more fun then down under so for the same price i would always choose thailand.
Thanks for the vlog and especially the information and your time.
You're welcome Jim
Love you guys. My favorite UA-camr!!! (: (;
Thanks
very interesting! Thank you!
👍
One of the biggest things, that I think you miss is the deposit rate in Vietnam. Especially with the 800k baht deposit for Thailand. The deposit rate here is 10 percent at the moment. It has not been below 6.5 percent in almost 15 years. The highest was 15% a couple of years ago. It doesn't seem like much, but with compound interest and living in Vietnam for 5 years you will have over 40k and almost 70k in 10. Meanwhile in Thailand your money is just sitting there.
Actually Jamal you do get interest on your money in Thailand but not at the rates you mentioned for Vietnam. That's another good upside. Thanks for your comments.
@@EscapetoThailand how much interest.
Google Kasikorn Bank Thailand
@@EscapetoThailand yeah it's trash at below 2 percent most of the time. That with the other requirements Thailand is trash for retirement. They have a retirement Visa and you still have to jump thru all of these hoops. Why? Maybe b/c they don't won't people there. They want tourists dollars, but not people actually living there. Vietnam doesn't have a retirement Visa and it's still easier to stay in the country long term. 1 year business Visa or buy 1 percent of a food cart for 100 bucks have a lawyer do the paper work for 200 bucks and get a 5 year residency card.
@@TheGareth87 none of that is true or factual, but ok.
Great Information!💎
Thank you very much and good luck to you 👍😁🍀
🙏
The TM30 is becoming a pain in the arse. Fortunately, in Phuket anyway, I seem to get away with just checking in when coming back into the country, and often well after the 24 hour "requirement". The drive through in phuket town is pretty quick. If they ever enforced to the letter of the law though I think that would be it for me.
Another good video. Very helpful. Thanks
You're welcome
Great video! We have been bouncing between Thailand, Vietnam, and back to the USA for a couple of years now. I got the Thai O/A visa last Nov, and then seems the requirements started to change. My wife is Viet, so have a Visa exemption for Vietnam. I guess we'll just keep waiting and see how the visa/TM30 issues play out in Thailand. We seem to prefer Bangkok to Saigon, there is just so much more, albeit more expensive. I've gotta give you membership site a look! Thanks for the videos!!
Andy good news! It was just announced that there'll be no immediate medical insurance requirements for your OA visa. That's good news, at least for now, right?
Thanks for your information. Is a wonderful channel
You're welcome Carlos.
Thank you JC and Nat for your great video,because of regulations I may have to initially retire in Vietnam (twist my arm)but Thailand because of health care,the people and infrastructure is where its at.The food in Vietnam is my favorite,just my 2 cents,thanks again
Don't worry about the regulations. That will all get sorted out over time. In fact it was just announced that there'll be no medical insurance requirement to get an OA visa for the time being.
oh yea, please inform your views, that just because you can drive a motor bike here in Thailand YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO DRIVE IN VIETNAM,, just use Grab for the first two months
MONEY.MACHINE GUN it a competetive sport
It has been 7 years since you did a Cambodia series. Is there any chance you can do an updated trip?
Initially Cambodia was on my list but it got lowered as the crime against foreigners increased and the difficulty of the visa for long-term living happened as well. They've now instituted an ER visa so that now has become easier. But you're dealing with higher crime and not so cheap prices for products that you need because all those are imported from other countries. Cambodia really doesn't have an industry like Thailand and doesn't produce products so import fees are placed on all of them. But the crime against foreigners is one of the biggest reasons I don't think it's a great option for aging retirees. Not to mention the lack of infrastructure including medical care when needed in emergencies.
@@EscapetoThailand I will be retiring to Cambodia in two years. I agree with you in regards to the cost of imported items as well as most of items that I use in the US are not readily available in Cambodia. The crime piece is interesting. I've been to Cambodia twenty times in the last 10 years and I have only experienced two instances personally of someone trying to steal something from me. Both times, if I had been more proactive, the two attempts wouldn't have happened. It's important to be aware of one's surroundings. My Cambodian girl friend has had 1000's of dollars stolen, numerous cellphones involuntarily removed and numerous verbal threats of bodily harm. Yes, crime is evident but at the same time, I live near Oakland, CA and so I feel more secure in Phnom Penh then I do in Oakland, CA at night time.
The Asean countries are committed to tariff free trade, so the Kawasaki 250SL in Thailand (made in Malaysia) is a decent price, but anything with tariffs is painful.
Great vlog, very informative. Would you live there though?
Yes.
Thank you so much for your reporting of today as of January
26, 2564 ❢
Hi Jeacy, Very interesting , Thank you!
With a lot of people the 800,000 baht I think the issue is trusting it in a foreign countries bank.
Very informative. Thank you!
You're welcome
I have problems with housing in seattle
Don't forget the traffic fatality rate is much higher in Thailand, perhaps second in the world.
Actually the highest. They just did the math and every hour 2 people die on the roads here. And that number is low because those numbers ONLY reflect those that die at the scene of the accident and not in transit or at the hospital!!! Ouch!!!
Thanks guys 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
JC I still haven't encountered the grumpy elderly Viets. I keep looking. I'm probably grumpier than them anyway. lol My main bugbear with Saigon is people riding their motorbikes on footpaths in peak hour. Won't be a problem as I'm staying in district 7 soon which is more genteel than downtown. Hope it's not too strerile there. Enjoy your time in Dalat.
Thanks Doug. And keep looking I'm sure you'll find one or two! The issue with the motorbikes on the sidewalk is also prevalent in Bangkok.
D7 is a treat. With Koreatown, Crescent Park and unlimited great food choices you will like it, and no bikes on the sidewalks.
Heck I get ripped off money all the time in Seattle especially the banks
Nice one mate
The older people experienced war. That's probably why they're in not good a mood. They experienced lots of hardship, and missing relatives. Most of the younger Vietnamese don't care about the past. They want to move forward and they enjoy having foreigners visit. When I went there the first time three Vietnamese people actually showed up at the airport to meet me. They even had a sign with my name but they recognized me. Then the following day they came to get me and take me out. My only fear was being driven around in a sea of scooters. But they are great drivers and my fear quickly subsided. The second time I went back I was with a tour that went to three other countries including Thailand. In Saigon a friend called Uber it was cheap only about $1 equivalent for what I think must have been three miles in heavy traffic.
Use Grab - it's everywhere
@@MrKikoboy I don't have an app for any of those car services. I took a taxi to go meet that same lady but she gave me the wrong address ( I told her you really did not want to meet me). She told me meet her at Highland Coffee shop but instead of confirming the address she used Google. The taxi driver could not find the address. Then I gave him my phone to call her being I had a sim for Vietnam. That ran up the taxi bill. So going back she called Uber. Fare was around 18,000 dongs. He went through a lot of traffic.The most insane traffic. I don't recall seeing traffic like that and I've been in Manila traffic. I think what makes it crazy is to see scooters going against traffic and coming out of nowhere. It's like everyone in Saigon was out that evening.
I'm not sure about the bigger cities but in the smaller cities grab is only available as a motorbike.
Thanks for sharing Wayne. I agree.
@@EscapetoThailand we got a car to the airport early ( before 5:00 AM ) and I think it was Grab ( in Saigon) about 130,000 dong - maybe $6-7 Canadian for a 1/2 hour ride- pretty cheap - meter taxi would only be 10,00-15,000 more but not so many around at that time - with Grab you can pre-book your pickup time..- also Mai Linh taxi and Vinasun taxi will always use the meter ( In Saigon anyway ) - anybody else I wouldn't recommend..
Jc I here so many comments from retirees leaving Thailand 🇹🇭 because of the low exchange rate ? And will you be doing any videos on prices of accommodation. ? Thanks Jc
The prices for accommodations really haven't changed much over the years. In fact, in some places it's gotten cheaper because of the oversupply of rooms. What has changed though is the exchange rate for specific countries. Over the years I have seen vacillations in most currencies in regards to the exchange rate with Thailand's Thai baht.
Unfortunately most people are panicking and aren't willing to wait it out. Exchange rates are like the weather except it changes more slowly. I would hate to see people not opt to live in Thailand because of the bad exchange-rate only to see it switch in a year or two and then they have regrets and have trouble moving to Thailand.
In fact if somebody could get by on a bad exchange-rate they'll be really sitting pretty once the exchange-rate becomes favorable again. But hey, "there's always an option!"
I would suggest spend some in the countryside of Vietnam - you will find what you were first in Thailand for ( I've been in both )....just regular hard working people - yes maybe you have to learn a bit of language but it will be worth it...
Agreed
always good to hear from you both. You should bring Nat here to the US. It's been interesting and educational for Gracie. And, No, its not like she wants to stay - hehe. Psyched to get to Hua Hin for "Thaisgiving" ;-) Live the Dream!
Thanks Mike. Yes one day I'm sure Nat will get a visit. I'd love for her to see the Pacific 🌄 coastline.
What girls are better to live with Thais or Vietnamese regarding trust/money and them really liking you
hey jc, love your info, i have two apartments one in Da'nang and Pattaya, two visa with both multi-entry, having both visa extend both visa a extra year on both, the only thing is banking in Vietnam, if i come back to Thailand with dong i can not exchange Vietnam money back to Baht, so while we are in pattaya we buy dong to pay our rent in VIETNAM, and when we leave Pattaya i must notify our Thai bank and tell them i will be in Vietnam for so long, Q; how do i open a reg, bank account in Vietnam, i tried to send money online from my bank in Thailand to a account in Vietnam and it would not work, But they keep telling us that, if my money came in from USA, its ok? WHY i can not use my Thai bank account to transfer money?
Vietnam Banking?????Thanks
Enjoyed the video....info and wider perspective (VietNam) interesting.
Thanks
How about Cambodia as a option. You were there once.
Robert Peterson cambo is a great place to live, If you aint one of those who need to see a doktor all of the time!
They’re light years after Thailand and Vietnam healtcare wise...-FACT
Hey Robert thanks for reaching out. Initially Cambodia was on my list but it got lowered as the crime against foreigners increased and the difficulty of the visa for long-term living happened as well. They've now instituted an ER visa so that now has become easier. But you're dealing with higher crime and not so cheap prices for products that you need because all those are imported from other countries. Cambodia really doesn't have an industry like Thailand and doesn't produce products so import fees are placed on all of them. But the crime against foreigners is one of the biggest reasons I don't think it's a great option for aging retirees. Not to mention the lack of infrastructure including medical care when needed in emergencies.
What a shame, I thought Cambodia would make use of this golden opportunity and turn into a welcoming place for expats. Everyone would profit from that. These dumb countries, they can't seem to figure the obvious!! (including mine)
That is definitely a plus motorcycles had one stolen in seattle by cops
THANK YOU SO MUCH JC AND MISS NAT 🙏 vary helpful information 👍 about 6 months my wife and I will be moving back to Vietnam can’t wait 😊 you are living the life sir keep doing what you do 👍
Thanks. Will do…
What about the French influence there the great coffee French presses and relatively cheap bottles of Bordeaux
Best coffee ever - in Vietnam. Don't see how starbucks ever got a foothold....
Yes from the atrocities on the Vietnamese people by the French came some things that are appreciated.
They do snatch bills from your hand or wallet & then they won't give you change.
Thanks for the information guys! Being married to an Isan Thai trumps Vietnam.....
Wow excellent video. Two thumbs up! My question is about health care. Is it like America’s pill culture where they just give you pills for everything, over medicated under cured? Since about half the population in the US is diabetic or insulin resistant this may be a big concern for many. What about elective surgery, like weight loss surgery or dental implants, equal to US in quality? Important issues for retirees.
Hi, thanks for the video JC. I'm a 60 year old, caucasian single Canadian male. The concensus is the Philippines is best for dating and relationships. I'm curious about your opinion on dating and relationships in Vietnam and Thailand? Is it fairly easy to meet good women in those countries? Language barriers? Your thoughts?
W 2 ex Flipinas-i am heading to Thailand-thais are more chill-into fitness (6 pack) less gossip-taller-most speak a little english-however no money no honey-hope this helps-will settle in Pattaya for now-ltr visa on 9-1-22-da lat is attractive to me mainly for cooler weather-hot in most of Thailand
Please find out about the health insurance there. I am thinking of retiring in VN. many thanks!
Ok will do!
Thanks for the vid. I wish you would have been more specific on housing. You said that housing in Vietnam is more expensive than Thailand but you didn't say how much.
That's because Paul it depends on somebody's needs and comfort level as to where and what they would rent. I was just making the point that based on the average rental available in both countries Vietnam rentals would be a little bit more money. Having said that though, what is in those rooms that are more money are a higher standard than Thailand when it comes to what Farang are used to. So yes you pay a little more money for housing but I think you get a higher standard in Vietnam.
Thanks JC & Nat, great comparison on the 2 country’s, I believe having a Thai wife rules out Vietnam other than a holiday.
Why may I ask?
JC , we own a town house in Bangkok and visit often. My wife family and friends are a big part of us going to Thailand. Should catch up sometime?
Thanks for that clarification. Yep maybe our paths will cross.
Hey JC... Thanks for clarifying the Social Security direct deposit information 👌🙏🌴
😎👍
SORRY 4 CAPS, WHEN I LIVED IN CAMBODIA. MY GF WAS HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER I HAD HER FLOWN TO THAILAND FOR OPEN HEART AND TWO BRAIN SURGERIES . IM SO GRATEFUL TO THAILAND FOR THERE SERVICE, OPEN HEART COST $1400 US,
Wow thanks for passing on your experiences. Sorry to hear about your girlfriend. I hope she's on the mend and feeling better.
sriracha sauce is a thai product, belongs to Flying Goose Brand Exotic Food PCL
Not actually a Thai product. This sauce is produced by Huy Fong Foods, a California manufacturer. Created in 1980 by an ethnic Chinese immigrant from Vietnam David Tran. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sriracha_sauce_(Huy_Fong_Foods)
Yes, many foreign products are available here in Thailand but the selection is limited and costly. From what I see, Vietnam wouldn't work for me. Usually, serious health problems require immediate action. You're seriously ill and going to travel? Also, land/condo ownership/building a house is not possible. It's a communist country where only the government owns the land and is leased to the citizens. I focus on this because for me renting is not an acceptable lifestyle. I wish Thailand had a solid path to residency though... Costa Rica has this but I also prefer the Buddhist/Asian culture like JC. I wish JC would elaborate on his experiences in Central America. (Costa Rica remains my plan B)
Yes you can't own land in Thailand either. There are ways to own structures on property in Thailand though. And ways to protect yourself so you can stay on it and protect yourself no matter what happens or who owns the property. Actually, I feel much safer in the communist country then I do in most so-called "free" countries. I probably can't couldn't explain why in words but it seems that people actually abide by most of the laws which gives a sense of security.
Although as I understand it it is hard for foreigners to stay more than 6 months in taiwan, I think it would be great to see you and nat travel there.
An amazing country with friendly people great weather,beautiful scenery and top notch health care.
All this for a cost of living significantly less than Europe or North America.
I am seriously considering staying there 6months a year and another 6 months in thailand/vietnam.
The best of 3 worlds! :)
Awesome Jeff. Let us know how it works out. I'll be waiting for a report.
Taiwan is underrated. I dont know why its not more popular.
@@WandererNirvana totally, I think Taiwan is by far the best value for money country given its world class infrastructure and health care, plus it's a democracy, what's not to like?
Jeff plus Taiwan is very eco-friendly. Great access to nature/hiking. Exellent transportation. Many night markets and good food. Cleaner than vietnam and Thailand. Cute women....
@@WandererNirvana do you vacation there every year? Maybe we could meet one day
Actually good thing
Well done...any chance of a Philippine comparison?
No not really. Philippines is not my cup of tea. I've spent a lot of time there and I don't feel that the upside is very good for people entering retirement age. This is for many reasons and if you contact me personally I'll go ahead and update you but I won't do it on UA-cam for obvious reasons.
retirecheapjc Yepp its a reason you can retire there from the age of 35👍🏻😂
Do not compare both country like Expats report Chanel who is really hater n destroying Thailand.
Good video. A Vietnamese friend tells me not to trust the purity of food in Vietnam. He says its adulterated with poisons in the same way that it occurs in China. I love buying and eating Thai food, but I hear that large Thai farms spray Glyphosate and Paraquat on their fields. I still think Thai and maybe Vietnamese food is more salubrious than anything in the USA where Monsanto rules everything. And food here in Thailand is much more Affordable than in the USA
Yes it depends on what market and what farmers you get your produce from. There's a lot of organics available in both Thailand and Vietnam. So if you're interested in purity I would go that route. Recently there's been a call for the making of the use of those chemicals illegal in Thailand and for them to be removed from the market. It actually looks like that might happen. But of course that depends on how much money is put in the pockets of certain people just like everywhere in the world.
FYI Glyphosate and Paraquat were already banned in Thailand
I think it is a better idea having g your money come from us like you said
What's the point of a 1 year visa if you still have to do border runs every 60 or 90 days?
Beautiful introductry music
I still recommend the phillipines..
Awesome! So why did you watch the video and bother commenting?😳
@@EscapetoThailand it just appeared on my wall so i decided to watch on it..
What kind of exchange rates do you get from Thailand and Vietnam banks for direct deposits.
Hi jc nice to se someone who speak about thais and Thailand in a nice way, some people here on UA-cam is not speaking nicely about thais and Thailand, they say thais are rude, racist, unfriendly, I not meet many people in Thailand who is like that, one guy was in bkk 14 days and after That he never ever want to go back to Thailand because people was rude and take tourist for granted,,, I never ever have that feeling when I am in Thailand, I write here about it because I try to defend thais and Thailand, here on UA-cam we'll everywhere where its possible ok I not disturb more have a nice new year. Mike
Mike I think those people that have those experiences are getting a reflection coming back at them as to what they put out into the world. I think they would be miserable and have the same experiences no matter where they were!
@@EscapetoThailand hi yes I agree but it is not a nice thing to do
Gods plan different languages right
it's the visa that counts in any country.
JC your comment about Buddhism, most Vietnamese are mainly animistic with a mix of other. Buddhism was more prevelent in the past. The monks are still revered, but have to keep a low profile. They caused a lot of trouble for the South Vietnamese government . Rightly so in my opinion, but that's neither here nor there. When the north won the war, they greatly feared them and put harsh restrictions on them and still keep them under close watch. To be circumspect I will say no more. You can goggle a lot of info about it if you want to know more. I should also mention that a lot of the temples you see around are Toaist and Confusunism.
Hope you are keeping warm up there. I see Nat is wearing a sweater.
The Buddhist monks protested the government led by Catholic president Ngo Din Diem because they discriminated people, giving privilege to the minority catholic more than the majority buddhist in south vietnam . As normal protest was not cared by the president, the monks started to sacrifice themself to vilify Ngo Din Diem and broadcasting this message to the world and particularly to Washington who supported this dictatorship government.
For the communism, every communist government give no freedom for any religion. After Vientiane capital of kingdom of Lao over run in 1975 by the communist, lot of monk fled across Mekhong to Thailand otherwise hunted down by the communist.
Chaiyachat Pattarapak and that sect to be illegal under the commie regime
You look like a couple of Portland Coffee-Goers bundled up for a winter "Ice-Coffee?" Thanks for sharing, it was great to hear you honest your opinions. They very much echo my impressions when I was living in S.E. Asia a couple of decades ago Thailand and Malaysia were still a bit of a compromise on choices, and Viet Nam, by comparison, seemed more like a hardship rather than a compromise, maybe Vietnam is more like Thailand was 20 years ago?
Food-wise I agree, Thai cuisine is very much part of the culture and one of the best in the world, and in the major cities some of the diverse in the world. I also liked the Food in Brazil (Guyana and the Caribbean were good too) but often strictly local and limited.
It did seem to me that Thai Beurocercy was annoying but in Vietnam, it was a bit oppressive and unpredictable. I think Thailand benefits from a Constitution, social and religious culture founded on the belief of democratic rule by the people and for the people, much as we are rapidly losing in the west and refreshing for many Americans, and Vietnam was quite a top-down Revolutionary Socialist regime trying to rule a fiercely independent population that seemed to identify more with western Capitalism and concepts of personal liberty, which I think accounts a lot for the older generations being more "Grumpy", something that seems pretty rare in Thailand.
To clear up the Sriracha debacle,in my city in America we have a huge Vietnamese population and EVERY Vietnamese restaurant they have it and ALL Vietnamese use it especially in Pho.
I personally didn't know it was a debacle! But thank you so much for your comment.
HI How long you spend there i am planing to live there i am not shure if Thailand still appealing for me to retired there i have a Thai partner i am thinking about living in Vietnam and commute to Thailand to visit my thai partner what do you think !??
"Always an option!"
Is the water safe? Like the shower water?
Bitcoin hits $100k by Dec. sky rocket above $50k currently. Buying Cryptocurrencies is good they're a huge help down the road for earning.
When are you going to do a video on the thai tm30 situation?
I have on my members site
the reporting was always happening, the hotels or landlords have been doing it for you. You don't have to do it yourself. The 800,000 baht retirement requirement has always been there, as well as the 400,000 for the marriage visa. The mandatory health care is not a bad thing at all. If your care exceeds what you can pay why should the thai people have to cover that expense.
@Elpida Christof Buy from the approved providers, and get an atrociously low level of cover for your money, is the issue.
With or without foreign promoting Thailand, people around the world eventually will go to Thailand. So no need foreigners to promote Asia.
Forget what you hear and see here. It's pre-COVID and no longer applicable. While Thailand has opened the border, Vietnam has closed the border to long term visas. The ONLY visa available to Vietnam as of March 2023 is a 30 day e-visa. There is only one way to get residency in Vietnam. Marry a Vietnamese.
3 month tourist visas will be available again in July 2023. There will be NO retirement visas.
To retire in Cambodia, you need to be 55+, have proof of a pension., and have a passport from an approved country. That's all. Annual cost for renewal is $285.00, done inside Cambodia. The visa is multiple entry, you come and go as you please.
Indonesia, Malaysia as well are competing for retirees. Once retirees have settled, they won't move again.
Vietnam will pay dearly for missing this opportunity. Good luck to Vietnam.
Hopefully the long term VN visa options will return soon.
Thanks JC but don't confuse shy with sly mate
lol!
Hard to imagine the war tearing everything there 🕊
Dentist cheaper here in Thailand but maybe must double check for us older guys age 70. I just found a huge cavity myself on the side of an old filling. Last visit just a month ago missed it! Keep working! I'm off to the dentist now.
I just had two appointments to get a tooth filled. One was a temporary patch and a return the next day for the filling. For both appointments and the feeling it was only 200,000 Vietnamese dong (about 8.50 USD). I can't even beat that in Thailand.
@@EscapetoThailand Wow. A new world record! Hahahha. My problem turned out to be a chipped corner with some decay. If it was only a chip, pork rinde based maybe, I would think last dentist did OK but with some decay she missed something. My fix was 3000 baht and considering the scare factor I was relieved. No crown. Thanks as usual, JC.
You say about 13 cents a day. Is it 13 or is it more or less. You can not just tell me that it is $47. A month or $50 a month or year or what is it exactly
Oh you mean the member site cost? I had no idea what you were referring to. The membership cost
depends on the discount option you opt for. Everything from $15 a month to $99 for a whole year!
thailand, vietnam, cambodia or Philippines???
Cambodia
Good stuff! What about air pollution and trash burning? It seems like you prefer Thailand yet you are choosing to reside in Vietnam or at least currently. Why is that?
Dalat Vietnam is outstanding
How come u don't talk about Kuala Lumpur Malaysia?
As the channel name is "retire cheap" and JC is talking about cheap retirement options then as we All know Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is NOT a cheap retirement option for expats, so it has no relevance.
@@brittraveller6338 it seems pretty cheap. But I guess u mean dirt cheap. KL is the foodie capital of se asia
@@danman1287 Agree, it is reasonably priced in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, but I think JC's audience are mostly searching for a cheap Charlie lifestyle... So yes "dirt cheap" is a more appropriate term. Assuming you researched the requirements of expats for property purchase in Kuala Lumpur you will know its out of most expats reach unless they have over a million MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) in the bank to invest in a property.
@@brittraveller6338 alittle scared of the dollar n money printing so wouldn't mind ringitt exposure
@@danman1287 To be honest thinking about Malaysia myself as a possibility (in a few years time). the beauty of Malaysia is you own 100% of the property no need to marry and put it in your spouses name or any under the table shady deals.