Love this content man, keep it up ❤. There are too many people online showing only the positives. This is a lot more interesting than those types of videos.
In Japan working at Nova 40 hours a week you get about 200,000 yen or $1,300. I know a guy who works his ass off at Nova, area manager teacher trainer etc., who makes $2,000 a month. And that's considered a decent wage amongst most English teachers. My rent is $375 a month which is probably a bit below average, my apartment doesn't have an elevator. Tax and health insurance is fairly high. They say that at the moment there are 6 working people for every retiree, but in the near future this will change to 4 working people for every retiree, which will obviously put more of a strain on everyone. But the worst thing is the holidays. You get 15 national holidays a year where literally everyone is out and about and trying to have a fun vacation is just a nightmare. Then you have 10 days paid vacation a year. You're also often working mostly evenings and weekends which really ruins your social life. The fact that most English teachers here earn far less than the national average means that as you get older women really aren't interested in you. Even Japanese people are now saying, we used to say every Japanese person is middle class, but now everyone is poor. I lived in Bangkok for 2 years and was lucky with my job and contacts. Earning 52000 baht or over 1,000 pounds a month back in 2010 working 16 hours a week. My living expenses were 200 pounds a month for rent, eating out for every meal, transport and everything. I couldn't get rid of my money. Took taxis everywhere, bought my gf nice clothes. I still managed to save 4,000 pounds in one year without trying, going out all the time and got my teeth fixed by a dentist who'd worked in the US for 20 years. I do like the cool weather, changing seasons and nature in Japan. But I'm tired of being poor. And Japanese people really aren't that friendly beyond a superficial level. Not because they're not nice, they just can't. I know loads of foreign guys in Japan who are super sociable and friendly who don't have one real male Japanese friend, they're like unicorns. All things considered, despite being able speak Japanese, I think I might be moving to Vietnam soon.
We have a consulting service for prospective expats you can reach me on the Facebook fan page in the description below if that is of value. It sounds like Viet Nam is a better deal than Japan if you can deal with the pollution and lack of infrastructure
One love & great video brother, we kicked ass, when it came to letting the armchair travels and foreigners who're looking to move to Việt Nam, what the harsh reality are, but despite it all we've both had plenty of experience and lots of time in Việt Nam under our belts to paint a vivid picture of what life is actually like on a day to day basis, despite the beautiful moments.
Great video, thank you for the update! You made a really good point about locals assessing the character of expats. I can't agree more. Showing respect, humility, calmness, honesty, positive attitude, and speaking some Vietnamese get you noticed in a good way. Acts of genuine kindness will not be forgotten. 😊
Cool interview guys 😎 Life in Vietnam as an expat can be very enriching and beautiful if you embrace the unpredictableness and don't let it wear you down. That's one of the reasons good housing is so important, to have a place to escape the insanity for awhile. But abandon all logic, ye who enter Vietnam
I totally agree. When I was younger, I would rough it, but as I got older, having a nove place with a good view is a real priority for me. I love Vietnam still, but 💯 you have to know how to live there.
Good video Bros. .. Been travelling around South Vietnam for 20 years with a few trips to the Central & North in between... been thinking of writing a book to relate my adventures... what those 1 time travellers post on youtubes on their "first impressions", "first day in HCM", "first day in Hanoi", "first day in Ha Giang", "cheap phos & banh mis", those are superficial.. ride out of HCM and you will see the unspectacular poverty of people selling lottery tickets in the blistering heat at traffic light junctions with 80 seconds red light waiting times.. Foreigners are never fully accepted... just like in Japan, they call us Gai Jin, in Vietnam they call us ngoài nước ngoài
Here is my 2 cents. I haven't traveled extensively to Europe yet. My feelings are that Europeans generally are more formal, well-dressed, and at first glance they do not act as friendly as Americans. The cost of living in Europe will be for sure more expensive than in Vietnam. European countries size-wide are smaller than the US, and seems smaller than Vietnam. Of course they are absolutely more civilizized, more clean, and things are more in ordered and lawful. But the trade-off is not you cannot just do whatever you want like most cases in Vietnam. Salaries will be less in Europe than compared to in the US, but they do have universal healthcares. In Vietnam, you can pay not too much and have people doing everything for you, and it would not be the case in Europe or in the US. Thus you will feel that you have better qualities of lives in Vietnam if you have some money. For me, i feel that I can live in Vietnam here and there for cheaper cost of living, and just travel to Europe and the world if you do have the mean to do so. Unless you have kids and want better education for your kids, then Europe and the US make more sense to call home. If you want to make a lot of money then the US is the best place of opportunities for you. The US is very devisive thesedays between red states and blue states, even at the supreme court level. There are many laws being changed and reversed back to the old days at some of the red states like Texas and Florida.
I lived well in the Balkans on par with costs here but European lifestyle. I like both. Maybe part of my year there and part in Asia. Can offer value for different clients with different needs. I make my money online. Many clients working in the local economy isn't necessary for them
@@rebornabroadSounds good. I think that would make you feel happier and more refreshing and good for your business for sure. 😇I do like Europe as well. Yeah you will need a break from Vietnam some time. 😊
@@anonymousperson2345 As a foreigner living in Vietnam it's definitely easier to get by if you're single with no kids when it come to dealing with the day to day nuances of Asia, but once you add add a wife ad kids to the picture things change like in my situation, which is why i'm moving my family to Europe / Slovenia, where my daughter will have more opportunities, a better education and a broader mindset about the world around her, plus as for me i'm also going to be able to thrive more in Europe as an American and foreigner in that country, due to western understanding and logic when it comes to getting thing done, but as a good friend once told me who lived in Asia for 20yrs an is now living back to the US, an travel to Asia back and fought when it suits him, mentioned Asia is a wonderful experience, which will give perspective but at the end of the day we're always going be foreigners an our health, a peace of mind and safety is what we need once we get to a certain age.
Awesome video. So much of this applies to all developing countries. The ‘smile doesn’t mean anything ‘ comment had me ROFLMAO, reminded me of my time doing business with Chinese 😂😂😂😂
Exactly why i left vietnam after 6 years ... as a tourist ok ( i just cant live and work there long term anymore i completely understand why vietnamese want to leave ) especially the pollution, you cant escape that ( i have 5 year visa also but i just cant live there anymore tired me out ) as a tourists its great
I don't live in Vietnam anymore ding dong for all the listening you did clearly you didn't listen enough. I do business in Vietnam still but prefer Cambodia by far.
@@rebornabroad that’s great! Unlike the other guy at least you kept it a bit real about the societal problems in the US. Vietnam by far is way safer than the US & people are friendlier in general. In the US, there are uncontrollable crimes, gangs, shootings, homelessness, drug epidemic, mob thefts, murders, racism, kidnappings, unhealthy foods, high cost of living….. all of which communist Vietnam has no problem keeping it under control. lol you really need to give a much better comparisons for you US viewers so they could really paint the picture. But To be fair, the US is great in its own way with higher education, tech innovation, less pollution, traffic laws, some better infrastructures, mighty dollar…
I personally prefer Nha Trang, but I am a stay to myself kind of guy. I just go to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, chill with my wife, or see Vietnamese friends. I also speak ok Vietnamese (not fluent, lol but enough), so for me, it's OK. The Russians are cool and mostly stay to themselves. Bring good food. Pollution is still a thing but definitely less than a bigger city like Da Nang. That being said, for more westerners and like an expat vibe. Da Nang is on all the lists like Chiang Mai
I was just in PP for 4 days for the first time, interesting experience coming from Vietnam. I found the Cambodian people to be much more quiet and more gentle less pushy than the Vietnamese, is that your experience to? I wasn’t a huge fan of the Chinese influence over running Cambodia much like Australia and the rest of the world now, I will say quality Chinese food. I found food to be much cheaper in Viet. Or all I didn’t mind Cambodian but don’t think I could live there, it’s a Wierd vibe.
It takes getting used to but definitely very solid people and a very good long-term expat community. Less populated and less crowded, but yes, the Chinese influence isn't good. Most locals dont care for them or their influence, but really, what choice do they have. It's a good place but it's takes time to see why. A bit like Saigon that way.
@@rebornabroad yeah from speaking to a few I got that vibe from them, I think I lot of shady Chinese , and some strange expats, it’s was def a lots more peaceful than Saigon. I will be back to give it another go for sure.
I don't really have any interest in being in the States. We are working on our Italian passports. Probably will end up remaining expats for the rest of our lives
@@rebornabroad I’ve been in Italy. It’s pretty expensive! I hope you can find a place where you like. I do agree somewhat you guys are saying. But if you do a thorough research before you go and having the mentally to compromise maybe it can work to live outside of United States. Living here in the states will cause a different set of stress. So i hope everyone find their place and live happily.😁🙏🏼
Why are you remaining there? I get you’re trying to get us see all aspect. I appreciate it. First of all you don’t take other people words literally as everyone experiences are different. Second if you’re going to move across the country and you’re able to have the money and time. Do take your time to do a thorough homework about the country.
Watch the whole video overall. We both like Vietnam more than we don't. Personally, I live in Cambodia at the moment. I lived in Vietnam for 6 years. There are a few reasons for that, but I sell Vietnam, so I obviously see the good side also but I try and bring my clients reality not a sugar coated version of reality
@@rebornabroad I completely understand but in the process i think to be fair I think it’s somewhat over board. I did watch 75 percent of the videos and because I’ve lived in both world i do see what you’re saying. That’s why i think compromise will have to take place at the end of the day when it comes to the ultimate decision. I’m actually not here to criticize you both. Just giving my fair opinion. Thank you both for raising the awareness.😁
Hey! 44:20. I'm in Danang atm. Could you put me in touch with a public school or centers, if possible? 400-500$ a month is kinda crazy for 60 hours of teaching. For sure, way too many teachers here but I'm more than willing to do covers. Thanks!
We have a consulting service we don't just put you in touch we charge for our contacts and advice. If that's of value can PM me on the Facebook fan page.
I much prefer the Philippines over Vietnam, but hate the bureaucracy. I think my choice will be Malaysia at the end of the year. Each place has its pros and cons I'm yet to find a utopia haha
@Thomas-kw9je Malaysia is ok. I like it better than what I saw of the Philippines. Definitely better food but also loads of politics around immigration.
Thanks for helping me make my final location decision……Bulgarian lifestyle is one thousand percent better …..Bulgaria has much better quality of life and is as inexpensive as Asia but with much less pollution and higher quality healthy food , governmental healthcare is available to temporary residents ; Property is much cheaper ; if you are intelligent you can buy a nice condo on the Black Sea and another nice Condo in a ski resort, all for around $100,000.00 total and travel all over Eastern Europe on the cheap ; so you never get bored ; and best of all you can live without all the Asian governmental drama…..and bullshit ….. chow….🙏🙏😎
Yes, I really like the Balkans also, but for people who need to earn income in the local economy, Asia is far better. If you have other means, then personally I really like Balkans. Albania is my spot
Can find tasty meals (Pad Thai, curry, chicken fried rice, that kind of thing) for $1-2 in Cambodia and Thailand. What's the cost of a simple but well-done meal in Bulgaria?
OMG. Stop whining and leave Vietnam all ready. You have to change light bulbs everywhere. Smoke alarm batteries ware down. It's called life. You are stuck there now, obviously. Get over yourselves. I have been all over Vietnam as well. It is not perfect. It is a developing nation. My friends are why I return.
Hey ding dong, clearly you have learning disabilities because I don't live in Vietnam. I Iive Cambodia for many of the reasons listed in the video. I prefer Cambodia. As for Travel Explore Asia, he is still in Da Nang. You're a clown 🤡, making comments, yet somehow you missed the many times we say that overall, we both like Vietnam. The point of the video is to not just show people the positive but talk about reality. Clearly, you can't handle that. Now go back and sit at the kids' table. Adults are talking. B1tch @ss m0ther f@#ker