Post: #176

(12-10-2015 06:38 AM)The Ligurian Wrote:  You can live on your budget in most countries to varying degrees of comfort save outliers maybe like Japan, Norway etc. but every continent has countries where you can live on 1500. So what region interests you?

Choose a region where you have an inate interest and then narrow it down from there.

You can certainly do Japan for 1500 USD. Not sure about Tokyo, but Osaka/Kyoto, easily. Lot of students here living on much worse. Logistics will probably suck though.

Japan is not particularly expensive since currency shifts. USD/YEN is higher than it's been for a long time. 2012-2013, completely different story. 1500 USD would be hell. USD appreciated 66% since then.

Post: #177

^^ True enough. But again, doable is not preferable. 1.5k monthly in Japan puts you among the poorest segment. You could survive on that but it would just be existing. To enjoy what Japan has to offer, including hot girls, you need a bigger budget. 3k is a working minimum for a fun life in Tokyo.

Alright I've said more than my piece in this thread already. Case closed.

Post: #178

(12-10-2015 01:00 PM)whateverfuckit Wrote:  The biggest expense in moving abroad is the plane ticket. I'd rather just pack up and leave all at once then go here for a month, there for a week, etc, draining my savings.

Maybe that's naive. But I read a lot of different accounts that compare life in the US to abroad. Keep in mind, I don't really need much. If I have AC, a decent place, electricity, a nice climate and beautiful women, I'm happy.

Thats a beyond ridiculous point of view. You've never once previously left the U.S. and you plan to just uproot yourself and move permanently abroad? That's why so many people in this thread think you're a troll or a dreamer. You're the travel equivalent of a guy stating "I'm going to be a professional footballer" without ever having played football in his life. You have no idea what you'll need, as you've never actually been anywhere in the world outside of the U.S.

Pending your nearest hub airport in the states you can do a 5 night long scouting trip to Colombia, Thailand or Ukraine (or similar countries in each region) for about $1500 if you travel at the right time of year and watch your budget.

Cut your spending at home, do these 3 trips (or others) over the course of a year, then move to one of the regions if you like it there. Thats what you need to do, instead of making your plans off of "research" on the internet with no boots on the ground experience.

If you're unable to save $4500 in a year to do this then you may need to re-assess your work/life situation, as that's a fairly trivial sum for someone hitting their late 20s - 80 odd dollars a week to save. You shouldn't really be moving abroad unless you've a few thousand saved anyway, to provide a bit of a cushion.

Post: #179

To Op, writing off a country because you are afraid of accidentally bagging a tranny is a little laughable. This is the same mindset I see of a lot of first time travelers, who won't interact with locals because they are worried that everyone is out to scam them or rip them off. These sort of concerns seem legitimate when you are sitting at home never having experienced traveling, but you will realize quickly that they are just silly misconceptions.

Just book a ticket to Thailand and stop overthinking this. Thailand is where most people start their SEA expeditions and there is a reason for it... Well developed tourism infrastructure, abundance of guesthouses, hostels etc. Travel there is fucking easy. Also, from your home base in Thailand, say you want to check out Laos...easy. Grab a cheap Air Asia flight round trip probably $100. Or build a raft and float down the Mekong, free. Whatever. Point is just book a ticket now, forget everything you've read about travel and just go. Leave the Lonely Planet guidebook and money belt at home.

Post: #180

whateverfuckit you should listen to WhatTheFuck. Had to do it.

Post: #181

(12-11-2015 05:44 AM)dreambig Wrote:  ^^ True enough. But again, doable is not preferable. 1.5k monthly in Japan puts you among the poorest segment. You could survive on that but it would just be existing. To enjoy what Japan has to offer, including hot girls, you need a bigger budget. 3k is a working minimum for a fun life in Tokyo.

Alright I've said more than my piece in this thread already. Case closed.

Eh. I don't know about Tokyo, but I'm not sure that's the case at all in Kansai. I've a friend here who's doing fine on 2k~ USD or so while dating hostesses, dancers, etc. I think I spend roughly 1.5-1.8k USD a month and I eat out frequently, go clubbing 3x a week, buy new clothes, etc. It's a matter of spending 1000-2000 yen on some days so you can spend 10k+ on the weekend nights. Hardly 'just surviving' -- that'd probably be some of the students I know that are living off like, rent + 500 USD, lol

Post: #182

(12-11-2015 10:44 PM)Fomalhaut Wrote:  

(12-11-2015 05:44 AM)dreambig Wrote:  ^^ True enough. But again, doable is not preferable. 1.5k monthly in Japan puts you among the poorest segment. You could survive on that but it would just be existing. To enjoy what Japan has to offer, including hot girls, you need a bigger budget. 3k is a working minimum for a fun life in Tokyo.

Alright I've said more than my piece in this thread already. Case closed.

Eh. I don't know about Tokyo, but I'm not sure that's the case at all in Kansai. I've a friend here who's doing fine on 2k~ USD or so while dating hostesses, dancers, etc. I think I spend roughly 1.5-1.8k USD a month and I eat out frequently, go clubbing 3x a week, buy new clothes, etc. It's a matter of spending 1000-2000 yen on some days so you can spend 10k+ on the weekend nights. Hardly 'just surviving' -- that'd probably be some of the students I know that are living off like, rent + 500 USD, lol

I have only been to Japan twice and both times in Tokyo for a few days. I just assumed that Japan was a no-go for comfortable living at $1500, but would be intrigued if I was mistaken. What city do you live in and if you don't mind me asking how much is your rent, how big is the apartment and does it have a kitchen?

Post: #183

I'm less keen to share my location than the price, lol -- it's Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe, they're all relatively around the same price range anyways.

I pay stupidly low rent (250 USD~) because I'm in student accommodation -- I wanted to upgrade to my own place but it was way too much of a hassle. You can get small studio apartments located near the city center with a kitchen (albeit a small ass one) for 60-90k~ yen (500-750 USD), dependent on how long you're staying and what you're trying to get.

If you're willing to accept a tiny Japanese-sized apartment, then comfortable living is possible on 1500 USD, though 2000 is probably better. 3000 here would either mean you can have a sizable apartment or really go ham every night out / eat at fancy places / etc. Comfortable is relative though -- I'm a student, so I'm pretty used to living in small places. Doesn't really bother me as I don't spend too much time at home anyways, or if I do, it's at my desk on my laptop.

Post: #184

(12-11-2015 09:50 AM)zatara Wrote:  Thats a beyond ridiculous point of view. You've never once previously left the U.S. and you plan to just uproot yourself and move permanently abroad?

You shouldn't really be moving abroad unless you've a few thousand saved anyway, to provide a bit of a cushion.

While I agree that in the case of this guy, and in general, that is sound advice.. it's not that ridiculous or crazy to do what he's considering.

I left the U.S. for the first time in 2003 when I was 19, I went to live in Thailand. I had $700 and credit card. It worked out. It started a journey of living there for long periods of time over the years, along with dozens of other countries.

Of course, it depends on the individual. Not everyone is capable of making their way in a foreign place not knowing anyone, never having visited first. For me that's what excited me when I was just getting started, and it helped shape who I am today.

We don't know this guy, but he has recurring income, and of a sufficient amount- that's way more than many have when first trying to live abroad. If you have location independent cashflow to support yourself, there's really no reason not to give it a try, there's little to lose and everything to gain.

Post: #185

(12-07-2015 04:49 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

(12-07-2015 03:55 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Should we be raising the threshold to at least $2,000 minimum with respect to having lots of feasible options for comfortable living?

I don't think we need to raise it to $2K.

I know a guy living in Chaing Mai who reported feeling high class for $1000 . Rent is the killer, and if you can get $300 rent where low priced restaurant food is $2, sure you can live on $1000.

I think there's an element of bragging from guys who can and will spend 3k-4k a month to live a much nicer lifestyle, they say "Oh you CAN'T REALLY live like THAT, it's NOT LIVING."

Most people in the whole world live on less.

The guy I'm talking about was absolutely miserable in the USA, could not hold a job, didn't fit into the culture, he wasn't McKinsey material you might say.

Hey, I admire guys with the focus and energy to make a lot of money, but it's just not all people and it's an American FEMINIST idea you don't deserve a woman unless you are upper middle class.

The lower classes have been reproducing for ages. Look at them they're all over the place lzolzolzlz. Look at ME!

I just recently have decided to thoroughly say "Fuck you" to the American narrative that any life below upper middle class economically is a failure. Any individual has the right to set that standard for himself, but not for others.

Post: #186

(12-08-2015 08:09 AM)Dipar Wrote:  . A real restaurant is usually at least 5$ per meal with one drink. You can save money buy preparing your own breakfast. That leaves you with more money for lunch and dinner. If you like

In the Philippines...

Mang Inasal! Mang Inasal!

Everybody's fiending for Mang Inasal.


119p for half a small chicken with Unli Rice! Unli Rice! (under $3)

I'm having fun becoming the weird old raving guy here.

Post: #187

(12-11-2015 11:43 PM)iknowexactly Wrote:  

(12-08-2015 08:09 AM)Dipar Wrote:  . A real restaurant is usually at least 5$ per meal with one drink. You can save money buy preparing your own breakfast. That leaves you with more money for lunch and dinner. If you like

In the Philippines...

Mang Inasal! Mang Inasal!

Everybody's fiending for Mang Inasal.


119p for half a small chicken with Unli Rice! Unli Rice! (under $3)

I'm having fun becoming the weird old raving guy here.

Yes the Phils is where I would be, If I had to live on a $1500 or less.
I lived on probably $1000......living at Jun and Dell in Davao, eating delicious pork or chicken, with rice at cheap restaurants, buying a girl an ice cream cone at the Mcdonalds and then paying 3 dollars for the taxi to go back to my place and bang
When I started drinking, my expenses went up to $1300 to $1400.
Good times.

Post: #188

(12-07-2015 05:16 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

(12-07-2015 03:10 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Sorry for derailing the thread.

Nahh, you get a derail pass, you're good.

I agree with your thought that 2K might offer more options. Better just to keep the discussion on the same thread plus I think with some effort/planning 2k could be reduced to 1,500 in the same country (eat out less, etc.). These threads get started and stop, making them sometimes hard to find (I have tried).

Plus, the only reason this thread has some traction isn't because of the budget, but because the OP isn't keen on spending much time learning a language.

(12-07-2015 04:49 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  I know if things went south financially the rent on my CM apartment, which is very livable with a separate kitchen area and actually nicer than the one in BK, only costs me $125 per month.

Damn!!!!!

I was actually paying less, 3500฿ move in special for the first 6 months and now $4500฿ ($125). I also spent many days looking at apartments all over the city, probably over 100.

(12-11-2015 11:36 PM)iknowexactly Wrote:  

(12-07-2015 04:49 PM)Kamaki4 Wrote:  

(12-07-2015 03:55 PM)CleanSlate Wrote:  Should we be raising the threshold to at least $2,000 minimum with respect to having lots of feasible options for comfortable living?

I don't think we need to raise it to $2K.

I know a guy living in Chaing Mai who reported feeling high class for $1000 . Rent is the killer, and if you can get $300 rent where low priced restaurant food is $2, sure you can live on $1000.

There is a reason he was feeling high class, a typical salary for a university grad working in Chiang Mai is in the 13K฿-20K฿ range ($360-$555). Of course some Thais will lie about how much they earn or make you believe that they are hiso by flashing their i-phone, Gucci handbag, vespa or car. I know a Thai guy who is always showing off his brand new Fortuner SUV, posting photos of himself hanging out in hip places around town; turns out he is sharing a $150 townhouse with 6 other people and set up a tent inside as his sleeping quarters.

Post: #189

(12-06-2015 12:00 PM)WhatTheFuck Wrote:  One suggestion that no one has mentioned yet is New Zealand or Australia. Although it doesn't meet some of your requirements I think it might be a good option given your situation.

Because you have never been abroad, living in one of these locations would be a really good introduction to traveling without much culture shock. Although they are in many ways similar to the US in terms of women, culture, etc, I still guarantee that you can have a great adventure living in either country for a year or so.

Some of your requirements that are met include fast internet, good shopping, and easy to get visa. Both countries offer a working holiday visa which is extremely simple for Americans... think fill out a quick form and wait a few days. This would give you a year visa in either country.

[...]

For example, I lived in Queenstown, NZ for a while... somewhat of a an outdoors backpacker party haven. Lots of girls from other countries rolling through or there on working holiday visa as well. During my time there I dated both an Argentinian girl and a Brazilian.

Either country it would be fairly easy to live on $1500 US outside of major cities as long as you aren't spending a fortune on booze or anything like that. Also, you could always grab a part time job there to supplement your income, plus help you meet some people. When I worked in NZ minimum wage was something like $17nzd, so not too bad.

Something to consider...Maybe spend a year there and then catch a cheap flight over to Thailand after to backpack around a little and see what you think about Asia. Best advice I can give is to just pull the trigger and then reevaluate later.

Having lived in NZ as foreigner now for 2+ years I disagree with some of the points above.

"Good shopping" is available, yes, but for example not in Queenstown - generally only in the few "big" cities and more expensive than in most other Western countries (except for a small number of certain products).

Queenstown is an awesome place if you're a party guy and love the outdoors, but it's one of the countries most expensive towns due to the high number of tourists and a (for NZ) reasonable amount of rich people owning holiday homes there. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find any accommodation for less than NZ$800 (approx. US$540 at the moment) a month, and that's a single room without utilities and food. The only cheap places to eat are Domino's Pizza and other fast food chains, the rest is overpriced as fuck. Don't get me started on the two supermarkets in town either.

If you're not into parties and regular nightlife, Queenstown can actually become boring quickly if you don't have a car and enjoy the outdoors most of the week, since it's so small. The next big city, Dunedin, is 3 1/2 hours drive away. There's a big number of backpackers trying to find a job so competition is strong. NZ minimum wage is currently NZ$14.75.

I can't speak for Australia but given that the living cost in the cities is close to Norway and Iceland, that may not be a fit either - and I'm not sure if most people really would want to live in rural Australia.

Post: #190

I am having a hard time debating if I should go to Cebu or Davao for two months. Anyone here that's done both?

Post: #191

(12-12-2015 08:11 PM)CallSignBigRed Wrote:  I am having a hard time debating if I should go to Cebu or Davao for two months. Anyone here that's done both?

Haven't been to Davao, but actually I'm debating the same thing for my next trip except I'll be only 2 weeks.

Post: #192

(12-12-2015 08:11 PM)CallSignBigRed Wrote:  I am having a hard time debating if I should go to Cebu or Davao for two months. Anyone here that's done both?

Only been to Davao, but from what I have read in the forum and when I was in the Phils, it seems Cebu girls are a bit hotter and Davao girls sweeter.
Would be glad to hear opinions from Forum members, who have been to both, too.

Post: #193

(12-12-2015 08:00 PM)Quaestum Wrote:  Having lived in NZ as foreigner now for 2+ years I disagree with some of the points above.

"Good shopping" is available, yes, but for example not in Queenstown - generally only in the few "big" cities and more expensive than in most other Western countries (except for a small number of certain products).

Queenstown is an awesome place if you're a party guy and love the outdoors, but it's one of the countries most expensive towns due to the high number of tourists and a (for NZ) reasonable amount of rich people owning holiday homes there. I think you'd be hard-pressed to find any accommodation for less than NZ$800 (approx. US$540 at the moment) a month, and that's a single room without utilities and food. The only cheap places to eat are Domino's Pizza and other fast food chains, the rest is overpriced as fuck. Don't get me started on the two supermarkets in town either.

If you're not into parties and regular nightlife, Queenstown can actually become boring quickly if you don't have a car and enjoy the outdoors most of the week, since it's so small. The next big city, Dunedin, is 3 1/2 hours drive away. There's a big number of backpackers trying to find a job so competition is strong. NZ minimum wage is currently NZ$14.75.

I can't speak for Australia but given that the living cost in the cities is close to Norway and Iceland, that may not be a fit either - and I'm not sure if most people really would want to live in rural Australia.

I lived in a shared house 5 minute walk to center of Queenstown, 1 bedroom for $720/month.. about $480US and utilities internet cable all included. Most other people I know paid less than me for similar housing.

I thought shopping there was decent, depends what you are used to I guess. Prices at supermarket are fine maybe a little more than other cities, but I cooked most of my meals spending under $10 per day high quality food. Only ate out once every few weeks. I also worked at a bar and got free meals there and sometimes drank for free.

Cheap drinks at bars if you have been in town a while and have the stickers on your card, or know the bar tenders. I agree partying and adventure sports is a big part of Queenstown, if your not into that then probably not the place to be.

I bought a car when I got there for $1500. Sold it for $1000 a year later. Was definitely worth the little investment.

Most places I knew of were paying at least $16/hr for entry level jobs even though minimum was less. At least in the restaurants and bars, not that sure about the hotels or other places. I think I got $18 as a chef, some places were paying more.

This was about a year ago

Post: #194

Bumping this thread because I found a pretty good blog about frugal travel, retirement and living in cheap places. This is an article about cheap cities where, according to the author, you can live for under 1000/month. Among them are Chiang Mai and Cali.

http://frugalvagabond.com/2015/12/03/ret...-2015-879/

A couple of caveats:
-For rent, the author uses Numbeo's average rent for a 1br outside of the city center. Most players from this forum would want better logistics and probably a better than average apartment as well.
-The budget is very limited, includes little entertainment, cooking at home most of the time and no additional travel. Ok for a 60yo retiree, not ok for most RVFers.

However, even if you add 500/month to these numbers, it will cover some of the missing pieces. Add 1000 and you're balling.

Post: #195

I have been to various places in eastern Europe and China. For a comfortable life there at least 1200usd. I mean Shanghai maybe 2000usd at least but it is warm in the summer and not really cold in the winter (25-50 F) . You can do cheaper in provincial China and south east Asia. Ukraine like Lviv back in 2013 you could do 1000-1200 pretty well now even cheaper. Saint Petersburg 1400-1600 you would be comfortable.

Post: #196

(01-24-2016 07:13 PM)Brodiaga Wrote:  Bumping this thread because I found a pretty good blog about frugal travel, retirement and living in cheap places. This is an article about cheap cities where, according to the author, you can live for under 1000/month. Among them are Chiang Mai and Cali.

http://frugalvagabond.com/2015/12/03/ret...-2015-879/

A couple of caveats:
-For rent, the author uses Numbeo's average rent for a 1br outside of the city center. Most players from this forum would want better logistics and probably a better than average apartment as well.
-The budget is very limited, includes little entertainment, cooking at home most of the time and no additional travel. Ok for a 60yo retiree, not ok for most RVFers.

However, even if you add 500/month to these numbers, it will cover some of the missing pieces. Add 1000 and you're balling.

Those look like five pretty good choices- I don't know anything about Malaysia, but Thailand, Ecuador and Vietnam are certainly three of the cheapest 'livable' countries in the world. Cali I'd disagree with under normal circumstances, but if you're spending USD right now and getting 3300 COP to the dollar, then sure- 3.3+ million COP would offer a decent lifestyle in Cali if you're renting long-term. That exchange rate won't hold up forever, though. Overall, the best livable 'budget' Colombian cities are the cafeteria region cities of Manizales/Pereira/Armenia, which have lower rents than Cali and likely a lower energy bill because you don't need a/c up in the mountains.