Moving from the US to either Thailand, Taiwan, or Japan in the near future. Visited all 3 recently, albeit for short stays in each. Late 30's male working remotely, already have a job. Trying to decide which country to base out of, all 3 would be good options. Taxes and cost of living I'm OK with any of these 3. So my main priorities include:
– Warm weather
– Dating (i.e. cool, fun girls)
– Adventurous feeling
– Music scene (i.e. jazz/fusion/funk)
– Having a path to permanent residency
– Easy to travel to other countries in SEA and East Asia
**Bonus consideration (lower priority):
– Learning a useful language (I plan to learn either Thai, Mandarin, or Japanese, e.g. Mandarin useful in China, etc.)
Thailand – fun and adventurous. Raw and a bit chaotic, dirty, and noisy. Friendly, chill people. Easy to meet nice girls. Fresh coconuts every day, warm weather year round. Heard there is decent jazz scene in BKK (I play modern jazz/funk). Permanent residency seems a bit convoluted.
Taiwan – Central location in Asia (easy to get to SEA, or East Asia). Learning Mandarin would be helpful for trips to China or anywhere in Asia. Friendly people, though not sure as relaxed as Thailand. Warm weather a plus. Seems like a limited modern jazz/funk scene. Felt a bit boring (I was in Taipei and Taichung). Permanent residency in 3 – 5 years.
Japan – Lively and interesting. Cozy shops and izakaya's. Friendly people on the surface. Access to fresh beef a plus. Easily the best jazz/music scene. Gets cold in winter (e.g. Osaka, Tokyo). Permanent residency in 1 – 5 years.
by catlover34