Monday, January 27, 2025

NEW YORK TIMES' 52 PLACES TO GO IN 2025

 



1.Jane Austen’s England

2.Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

3. New York City Museums

4. Assam, India

5. ‘White Lotus’ Thailand

6. Greenland

7. Aix-en-Provence, France

8. Sun Valley, Idaho

9. Lumbini, Nepal

10. Sydney, Australia

11. Coimbra, Portugal

12. Angola

13. Hamburg, Germany

14. Nicaragua

15. Dolomite Mountains, Italy

16. Asheville, N.C.

17. Magdalena River, Colombia

18. Los Cabos, Mexico

19. Alishan, Taiwan

20. Flow Country, Scotland

21. Kristiansand, Norway

22. Bukhara, Uzbekistan

23. Lexington and Concord, Mass.

24. Canfranc, Spain

25. Benin City, Nigeria

26. Amsterdam

27. New Orleans

28. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

29. Delphi, Greece

30. Toyama, Japan

31. French Basque Country

32. Kilifi, Kenya

33. British Virgin Islands

34. Lofoten Islands, Norway

35. East London

36. Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

37. Kutaisi, Georgia

38. Osaka, Japan

39. Detroit

40. Trent-Severn Waterway, Ontario

41. Montserrat, Spain

42. Western Australia

43. Washington, D.C.

44. Nangma Valley, Pakistan

45. Sicily Divide Cycle Route

46. Ollantaytambo, Peru

47. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

48. Huangshan, China

49. Milan

50. Bulgaria

51. Rotterdam, the Netherlands

52. Montserrat, the Caribbean

Source: The New York Times 



Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Retirement Thoughts in Asia

 









When considering a retirement visa in Asia, several countries offer affordable options for British citizens, with varying requirements and living costs. 


Here are some of the more popular and cost-effective choices:


### 1. Thailand

   - Visa Type: Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X Visa.

   - Requirements: Must be 50 years or older, with proof of financial stability (either a bank deposit of 800,000 THB or a monthly income of 65,000 THB).

   - Cost of Living: Affordable living, especially outside major cities like Bangkok.


### 2. Malaysia

   - Visa Type: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program.

   - Requirements: Must be at least 50 years old with an income of at least 10,000 MYR per month or liquid assets of 500,000 MYR for candidates under 50 years old.

   - Cost of Living: Generally affordable, with reasonably priced healthcare and housing.


### 3. Indonesia

   - Visa Type: Retirement Visa (B211A visa).

   - Requirements: Must be at least 55 years old, with proof of monthly income of at least USD 1,500 or savings of USD 18,000.

   - Cost of Living: Considered low-cost, especially in areas outside of Bali.


### 4. Philippines

   - Visa Type: Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).

   - Requirements: Must be 50 years or older with a pension of at least USD 1,000 per month or a deposit of USD 20,000.

   - Cost of Living: Generally low, with many affordable options for accommodation and services.


### 5. Vietnam

   - Visa Type: Temporary Resident Visa (for long-term stays).

   - Requirements: While Vietnam does not have a specific retirement visa, options for long-term visas exist for individuals over 55 willing to meet certain requirements.

   - Cost of Living: Very affordable, especially in the countryside compared to major cities.


### Considerations

- Be sure to check the specific requirements and any changes to visa regulations, as immigration laws can change frequently.

- The overall cost of living in these countries can vary widely depending on lifestyle choices, location, and healthcare needs.

- It is advisable to consult with local embassies or immigration specialists for the most accurate and updated information before proceeding with your plans. 

By weighing the costs and benefits, you can find an option that fits your retirement needs and budget.

Info correct as of December 2024