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	<title>Best Places To Retire In Asia - 2026 Best Places To Retire</title>
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		<title>Retire in The Philippines</title>
		<link>https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-the-philippines/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[luis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2015 02:30:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire In Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cost of living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire in the philippines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire to the philippines]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestplacesretire.com/blog/?p=1235</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>In every individual&#8217;s life, there comes a time when they have to retire from their profession. Most people plan well...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-the-philippines/">Retire in The Philippines</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1236" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Philippines-exotic-flowers.jpg" alt="Philippines-exotic-flowers" width="350" height="234" srcset="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Philippines-exotic-flowers.jpg 350w, https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Philippines-exotic-flowers-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />In every individual&#8217;s life, there comes a time when they have to retire from their profession. Most people plan well in advance for their retirement and the place where they would like to settle down once their hectic work schedule ends.</p>
<p>However, for those who keep this decision until after they have retired, it always becomes an ordeal to plan at the last minute and choose the right place. Let us take a moment to see if that best places to retire might be the Philippines.</p>
<p>More so, people who are not used to just staying at home have a tough time organizing their lives once they are off work for good.</p>
<p>Those who do contemplate their retirement in advance usually want to go to a peaceful place and engage in activities that they missed during their professional days. When deciding on a retirement home in Asia, the beautiful nation of Philippines is a great option. The scenic Pacific coast, swaying coconut trees, tropical sun and the splendid rainforests are enough to tempt any nature lover. Though some areas of the country are hot and humid, most parts are cool and pleasant.</p>
<p>The island has an abundance of tropical fruits including oranges, bananas, and limes, among others. This multilingual island is an ideal place to reside, with moderate weather and friendly people. It harbors a plethora of natural wealth, which is an absolute joy to explore. The hospitality and charm of the Filipinos should be experienced first-hand to know what it is like to be treated with true East Asian warmth.</p>
<p>For these reasons and many more, the foreign nationals, emigrant workers and balikbayans as well, flock to the islands to enjoy the fruits of their hard work of past years. The Filipinos venture out of the country for lucrative job opportunities during their earlier years of life. Nevertheless, the islands’ physical beauty and homely feel lure them back after they have made their dreams come true in other countries. More so, with the Philippines’ tourism sector growing rapidly, it is increasingly becoming a retirement hotspot.</p>
<h2>Lifestyle</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Philippines-starfish.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1237" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Philippines-starfish.jpg" alt="Philippines-starfish" width="350" height="234" srcset="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Philippines-starfish.jpg 350w, https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Philippines-starfish-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" /></a>The natives have adopted the westernized way of living, which makes it all the more easier for United States retirees to adjust and get accustomed to the lifestyle. The Filipino spirit, culture and their values that are extended to their family and friends are unique and not in any way altered by the western influence.</p>
<p>Filipinos do not always make good ambassadors at promoting their land and its values, but it does not mean the place is devoid of these. For retirement, the country and its amenities can be considered one of the best in Asia. Older retirees can hire servants and maids who are honest, loyal and inexpensive and take care of all the household chores. The people here still have strong values regarding treatment of their elders and are very respectful in every interaction that they have with them. The elder folk are respected and honored for their knowledge and experience of life. With a helping hand around the house, you do not have to worry about rushing out of the house to pay the bills, go to the bank or even to the grocery store. In addition to all this, the island has a host of recreational activities such as golf clubs for sport lovers, shopping avenues for shopping aficionados, parks and gardens for nature enthusiasts and much more.</p>
<h2>Cost of living</h2>
<p>Since most of the resident islanders have moved in search of better opportunities and traveled to distant places, the population of the country has been naturally reduced. This has resulted in reduced costs of living, since there are no people to propel the economy with their demands. Hence, all amenities in the Philippines come at affordable rates. Be it food, travel, daily items or shopping in general, the costs of all the things are very reasonable.</p>
<p>For example, staying in a luxury hotel overnight would cost you anywhere between $40 to $100 U.S., whereas staying in a comparably cheaper room would cost about $15 to $20 U.S. Traveling by jeepney will cost you a mere 20 cents. A standard meal would cost you about $2 to $4 U.S. Dining in a fancy restaurant would cost about $20 to $40 U.S., while dining in a local joint could be as cheap as $2. A pint of beer can be purchased for as little as 40 cents.</p>
<h2>Food</h2>
<p>Even if you have never tasted Filipino food, you will have no problems getting accustomed to the cuisines dished out on the Island. It is available in abundance and at very reasonable prices. The taste of Filipino food can be as varied as bland, spicy, hot, sweet, and sour. The influence of western culture can be seen in the cuisine as well. All well-known American dishes from burgers, French fries, and hot dogs, to pizzas, noodles, pastas and diet cokes are available in the Philippines.</p>
<h2>Medical Facilities</h2>
<p>On retirement, the basic necessity that a person requires is good health care. People usually retire around the age of 60-65 and this is the period when the body starts becoming weak and susceptible to many illnesses. Medical facilities should be easily and readily available at such times. The Philippines is well known for its medical facilities and skilled health care professionals. The interior of the island should be avoided, since good health care facilities are not easily available. However, the city limits have good medical care centers with most of the medical staff capable of conversing in English, which makes it easier to communicate during possible emergencies. The doctors and nurses are friendly and helpful and treat every patient with care and kindness. Additionally, the peaceful environment of the city is medicine in itself to cure any ailment and make a person feel upbeat and content.</p>
<h2>Transportation</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/sunset-Calatagan-Philippines.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1238" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/sunset-Calatagan-Philippines.jpg" alt="sunset-Calatagan-Philippines" width="300" height="225" /></a>Traveling in and around the island is not an issue at all. With functionally good highways and roads in most part of cities, driving is a pleasure. If you do not have your own vehicle, public transport will take care of your commuting needs. You will find tricycles, jeeps and other vehicles being driven by the locals, who carry people from one place to another on the island. Buses are a major mode of transportation in the Philippines. People who do not own cars, but like to drive around on their own, do not have to shell out for a new vehicle; they can just rent cars at affordable rates for a day or week, according to their needs.</p>
<p>People who settle in the Philippines after retirement find the living standards just fine, as they are not too high end and fast paced, nor too mediocre and sluggish. The living standards are perfectly in tune with the requirements of the retirement crowd, with all the peace and quiet one could ask for.</p>
<p>The low cost of living makes The Philippines one of the great places to retire in Asia and around the world.</p>
<p><strong>Learn more about traveling and possible retirement in the Philippines:</strong></p>
<p>Philippines currency exchange:</p>
<p>1.00 EUR  = 56.4038 PHP (April 2012)<br />
Euro           Philippine Peso</p>
<p>1.00 USD  = 42.7850 PHP  (April 2012)<br />
US Dollar     Philippine Peso</p>
<p><a href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2794.htm">http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2794.htm</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/default.aspx">http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/default.aspx</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html">https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html</a></p>
<p><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Philippines">http://wikitravel.org/en/Philippines</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-the-philippines/">Retire in The Philippines</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Retire in Taiwan &#8211; Best Places To Retire In Asia</title>
		<link>https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-taiwan/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[luis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2015 10:08:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire In Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cost of living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire in Taiwan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire to Taiwan]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestplacesretire.com/blog/?p=1224</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Located in the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan lies about 160km off the southeastern coast of China, serving as a natural gateway...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-taiwan/">Retire in Taiwan – Best Places To Retire In Asia</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1225" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-waterfall.jpg" alt="Taiwan-waterfall" width="234" height="350" srcset="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-waterfall.jpg 234w, https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-waterfall-201x300.jpg 201w" sizes="(max-width: 234px) 100vw, 234px" />Located in the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan lies about 160km off the southeastern coast of China, serving as a natural gateway to Asia. For centuries, Taiwan has been home to people from all walks of life, from farmers and fortune hunters, to exiled members of the royal court and persecuted minorities. It serves as a great destination for enjoying your vacation and it is a perfect retirement home.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Although a bit expensive, Taiwan provides an ideal place to shift down after retirement. Let us learn about retiring in Taiwan, possibly one of the best places to retire in Asia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A popular refuge from Mainland China, Taiwan has always attracted people to seek refuge in its beautiful landscapes, ancient temples, and rugged mountains. In addition to the metropolitan area with its dazzling malls and vibrant nightlife, the combination of old and the modern lends an interesting facet to Taiwan where, instead of blending with each other, they simply co-exist.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The capital city of Taipei offers many entertainment facilities where you can croon in one of the karaoke bars or spend a weekend in one of the world-class hotels that provide comfort and service which are on par with the highest international standards.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Cost of living</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With the standard of living constantly improving in Taiwan, the cost of living has increased proportionally, making it one of the world’s most expensive places to live in. Estimates say that the average cost of living in Taiwan may equal up to US$800 per month. However, it is still lower than many of the other countries of Asia. As of this writing, one United States Dollar is the equivalent of NT$32.  If you are comfortable in eating at the local food stalls and noodle stands your average expenditure on food should be approximately between NT$150 to NT$300 (New Taiwan Dollar) per day ($4-$12 U.S.). If you prefer western watering holes or fancy restaurants, then you may need to spend a lot more.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Affordable Housing</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Although the price rates of Taiwan’s real estate sector is on the rise in keeping with the improvement and growth of the general living standards, it is still cheaper to buy a house in Taiwan as compared to New York or other major American cities. The rates are cheaper as compared to some of the Asian countries as well. Additionally, past natural disasters has affected the price rates of the real estate sector, making it even more affordable to own a decent or even lavish house in Taiwan.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Food</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1226" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-coast.jpg" alt="Taiwan-coast" width="350" height="234" srcset="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-coast.jpg 350w, https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-coast-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />The delicious variety of food available in Taiwan can make living in the country exciting. You can indulge in cheap food available at food stalls lining the streets or stop for a classy meal at one of the upscale restaurants. It is not true in Taiwan that cheap food refers to ‘bad’ food and thus you can enjoy a great authentic Taiwanese meal at a reasonable cost. By paying an average price of NT$60 to NT$100 ($1.80 to $3.00 U.S.), you can enjoy a variety of local flavors in the food stalls lined up along every street of the country. Most of these eating places are quite clean and safe. However, you are advised to use your own judgment when choosing one.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You may also opt for lunch boxes costing between NT$50 to NT$70 (around $2.00 U.S.), containing rice, a couple of vegetable side dishes and a main meat dish. Pre-cooked meals are also available in supermarkets and at most of the convenience stores in almost same price range. A bowl of noodles cost NT$30 to NT$40 at the noodle stalls. Alternatively, you may also opt for McDonalds and KFC, found widely all over and costing around NT$100 to NT$150 per meal. While a moderate food expenditure might cost you around NT$200, the price ranges of fine cuisine can shoot up to $NT1000 ($30 U.S) – still relatively inexpensive.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Transportation</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With a fully integrated transportation system, Taiwan offers a wide network of railways, highways and freeways, airports and rapid transit, including harbors and shipping facilities.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><em><strong>Railways</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Convenient and frequent passenger service is provided by a modern railway system between all the major cities of the island. Statistics say that as of December 2005, the total distance covered by the railway network of Taiwan measured up to 1097 kilometers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Highways and Freeways</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The major highways and freeways of Taiwan are congested frequently, especially on holidays and weekends. These roads handle a majority of the traffic between the different cities of Taiwan. Aside from cars, scooters are one of the most popular means of transportation, offering a quick and cheap way of moving around the island. Bicycles can be an even cheaper alternative. Public transport by buses is another cheap travel option. The cost of gasoline or petrol in Taiwan comes up to NT$18 to NT$20 (61 cents U.S.) per liter.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Air</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The two major International Airports of Taiwan are the Chiang Kai-shek International Airport and the Kaohsiung International Airport. Aside from these two, 15 more local airports serve Taiwan by domestic flights. Some of the major airlines serving these airports include Mandarin Airlines, China Airlines, Far Eastern Air Transport Corporation, UNI and EVA Airways Corporations, just to name a few.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Rapid transit</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Taipei Rapid Transit System (TRTS) began in 1986 and was completed by the year 2000. The Rapid Transit System facilitates speed and a comprehensive mass transportation network.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong><em>Harbor and shipping</em></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are six International harbors in Taiwan located in the different cities of Anping Taichung, Keelung, Hualien, Suao and Kaohsiung. Shipping plays an integral role in the economy of Taiwan, which is mostly trade oriented.</p>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">Medical Facilities</h2>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Taiwan is served by an extensive network of clinics and hospitals, with around 480 clinics and 93 hospitals serving the public medical care institutions. These institutions include medical school hospitals, civil departments of the military hospitals, veterans’ hospitals and government-affiliated clinics. According to statistics, a combination of public and private hospitals and clinics reached a number of 18,228 at the end of 2005. These medical Institutions provided 136,331 long and short-term beds with an average of 60.31 beds for every 10,000 people. Among these, private medical institutions provide almost 68% of the beds.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1227" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-kai-shek.jpg" alt="Taiwan-kai-shek" width="350" height="234" srcset="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-kai-shek.jpg 350w, https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Taiwan-kai-shek-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />The year 2005 reflected a total number of 183,103 medical personnel in Taiwan, with an average of one doctor of Western medicine for every 698 persons and one dentist for every 2,367 persons. 35 paramedical colleges and 11 medical schools add to the medical facilities of Taiwan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Taiwan is a very attractive place for American retirees to relocate. It&#8217;s ease of transportation, modest living expenses and well-developed infrastructure make Taiwan the ideal place to spend retirement. Many consider it one of the best places to retire in Asia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You can learn more about how to retire in Taiwan if you choose by checking out more resources below:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Taiwan currency exchange 1.00 USD  = 29.4918 TWD Taiwan New Dollar (April 2012)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1.00 USD = 29.4918 TWD Taiwan New Dollar (April 2012)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1.00 EURO = 38.8892 TWD Taiwan New Dollar (April 2012)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/">http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Taiwan">http://wikitravel.org/en/Taiwan</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35855.htm">http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/35855.htm</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tw.html">https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/tw.html</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-taiwan/">Retire in Taiwan – Best Places To Retire In Asia</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Retire in Malaysia &#8211; Best Places To Retire In Asia</title>
		<link>https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-malaysia/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[luis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2015 07:39:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire In Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cost of living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire in Malaysia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire to Malaysia]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestplacesretire.com/blog/?p=1170</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Many people look ahead to their retirement days- to relax and to pursue interests that they couldn&#8217;t previously because of...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-malaysia/">Retire in Malaysia – Best Places To Retire In Asia</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1171" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Malaysia-sunrise.jpg" alt="Malaysia-sunrise" width="350" height="232" srcset="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Malaysia-sunrise.jpg 350w, https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Malaysia-sunrise-300x199.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />Many people look ahead to their retirement days- to relax and to pursue interests that they couldn&#8217;t previously because of a hectic work schedule. They also look for financial security and an ability to maintain the lifestyle they are used to. A retirement life that provides for all of the above in the United States requires plenty of money. Learn about Malaysia &#8211; one of the best locations to retire in Asia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Nobody wants their standard of living to drop dramatically when they retire, which is inevitable when rising costs and lower interest rates are a reality of our times. Many American citizens realize that retiring in the United States with limited funds and resources compromises their vision for retirement &#8211; as a result, they contemplate relocating to countries in Asia, which are more affordable and provide a comfortable, even luxurious, lifestyle.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Vietnam and Cambodia are some countries where one can find a safe retirement haven, friendly people, lower cost of living, and a lifestyle comparable to that in the developed economies. With low air fares,  it is also possible to travel to these countries affordable.  Malaysia, on account of its strategic geographical location, good weather and high standard of living is considered as a smart choice for people to retire in.  It has a legitimate retirement visa scheme called &#8220;Malaysia My Second Home&#8221;, which makes the process of immigration very simple.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">About Malaysia</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malaysia is a tropical paradise. Situated in the heart of Asia, Malaysia has pleasant, warm and balmy weather, with moderate rain throughout the year. There are highland residential areas and resorts with permanent spring-like weather throughout the country. Its geographical locale is such that there are no earthquakes. Malaysia is one of the most politically stable countries in Asia. The rule of law is prevalent and the British Common Law system of justice, with an independent, reliable and dependable judiciary, is in practice. Low crime rates makes it the one of the safest countries to reside in. English is widely spoken by a majority of the people. There are some great places to visit, like the Petronas Twin Towers, Niah Caves, Mount Kinabalu and Genting Highland.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malaysia has plenty of natural attractions for adventure seekers &#8211; forests and oceans &#8211; with an enormous variety of flora, fauna and marine life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Infrastructure and Facilities:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malaysia has one of the most well developed infrastructures among the countries of Asia. Some of these are summarized below:</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Cost of living</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Standard And Cost Of Living: Malaysia has one of the highest standards of living in the region with modern infrastructure and facilities. The Cost of living is one of the lowest in Asia and is expected to remain so for a very long time. This is achieved through the local government’s efficient monitoring of the economy to keep inflation low at all times. Support services in the form of full-time housekeepers, gardeners, and cooks are affordable. A night in a decent hotel would cost you anywhere between $20 to about $100 U.S. A meal in a fancy Malaysian restaurant would cost about $20 to $30 U.S, while a decent meal in a cheap local restaurant would only cost you about $2 U.S. A small bottle or a pint of beer can be purchased for about $2 U.S. Bottled mineral water is available in most shops and supermarkets and would cost about 20 to 30 cents. When it comes to transportation, a short taxi ride could cost you only about $4 to $6.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">World-Class Telecommunication Infrastructure: Malaysia&#8217;s telecommunications network is impressive and is currently being further upgraded. Digital and fiber optics technology is being used to provide high quality telecommunication services at highly competitive prices. Fixed line telephone service is available even in some of the most remote parts of the country. Cell phone access is available nationwide, and one of the major operators in Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia, offers cheap call rates for nationwide calls. Inexpensive Internet access is available almost everywhere in Malaysia, while faster broadband access is available in major cities.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Transportation</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Expressways And Transportation: The whole country is well connected with modern road, rail, air and sea transportation systems. Buses, taxis, and trains are comparatively efficient and inexpensive. Malaysia&#8217;s modern urban transportation systems make traveling fast and convenient. Malaysia’s world-class expressway system comprises of several types of roads &#8211; Federal Roads, State Roads and Municipal Roads, all well maintained by the government.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Mediacal facilities</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Health Facilities: Malaysia has state-of-the-art health care facilities at various public and private hospitals that offer exemplary medical support services. The National Heart Institute in Malaysia is capable of handling all types of heart surgery, from normal routine angiograms to the most complex bypass surgery.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Food</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Food: Food from different parts of the world is available in Malaysia at a reasonable cost. For example, a hamburger in Malaysia would cost much less than in the United States. Local Malaysian cuisine is even cheaper. With so many races and cultures living together in harmony, a blend of culinary traditions has developed resulting in Malaysia being referred to as ‘Food Paradise’. The tropical fruits of Malaysia are unique, exotic and available in abundance practically throughout the year.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">What to do in Malaysia</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1172" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Malaysia-tropical-reef.jpg" alt="Malaysia-tropical-reef" width="350" height="235" srcset="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Malaysia-tropical-reef.jpg 350w, https://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Malaysia-tropical-reef-300x201.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px" />Recreation, Entertainment &amp; Shopping: The country has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment for the family &#8211; theme parks, jungle trails/sports, water sports and one of the highest golf-course-to-population ratio.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Most items that tourists normally like to buy such as perfumes, cosmetics, watches, fountain pens, electronic goods and branded goods can be bought tax free. Quality goods from all over the world are imported and are sold at moderate prices in Malaysia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You could also dive into the beautiful tropical reefs around Malaysia.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Affordable Housing</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Housing: There is a wide choice of housing options in Malaysia &#8211; quality residences &#8211; terrace houses, semi-detached bungalows, apartments and condominiums. There are also residences available in tourism zones – on beaches, near jungles and theme parks, recreational places and city centers. The monthly rentals for accommodations can range from as low as RM1,500 &#8211; 3,800 (US$395-$1,000) for a furnished 3-bedroom condominium in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur to RM16,000 &#8211; 20,000 (US$4,737-5,263) for a luxury bungalow in the posh neighborhood of Kenny Hills nearer to the city.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Education</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Education: The country has a well-developed educational system – both public and private. International schools exist in all major towns and have English as the medium of instruction. There are also private colleges and universities offering joint programs with other well-known universities and major colleges from throughout the world. Quality education up to the highest level is available. Malaysia is already becoming an educational center of excellence for the region, with most courses being offered measuring up to international standards.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Finance and banking</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Financial Facilities: A well-developed financial and banking sector with sophisticated financial facilities is available through domestic and foreign commercial banks and their nationwide network of branches. There are also representative offices of several foreign banks that have established a presence in the country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malaysia is a second home for people who want to retire abroad because it to offers good civic infrastructure, a reasonable cost of living and a safer environment. Expatriates enjoy a safe and comfortable living environment with 21st century amenities, good healthcare and medical facilities, excellent educational institutions, and world-class recreational and sports facilities &#8211; at costs much lower than in their own country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Learn more about visiting and possibly living and retiring in Malaysia &#8211; one of the best places to retire in the Asia:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Malaysia currency exchange (April 2012):</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1.00 USD = 3.06511 MYR<br />
US Dollar    Malaysian Ringgit</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1.00 EUR = 4.04221 MYR<br />
Euro          Malaysian Ringgit</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.tourism.gov.my/">http://www.tourism.gov.my/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Malaysia">http://wikitravel.org/en/Malaysia</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2777.htm">http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2777.htm</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html">https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-malaysia/">Retire in Malaysia – Best Places To Retire In Asia</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Retire in Laos</title>
		<link>https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-laos/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[luis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2015 06:55:50 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire In Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cost of living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire in Laos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire to Laos]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestplacesretire.com/blog/?p=1155</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Popularly known as ‘The Jewel of Southeast Asia’, Laos attracts thousands of visitors each year with its enigmatic charm. People...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-laos/">Retire in Laos</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1158" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Laos-Vientiane-Temple.jpg" alt="Laos-Vientiane-Temple" width="199" height="300" />Popularly known as ‘The Jewel of Southeast Asia’, Laos attracts thousands of visitors each year with its enigmatic charm. People visit Laos to experience that special &#8220;something&#8221; which even they cannot explain clearly but yet do not want to miss. Even though Laos is one of the poorest countries in the world, it’s developing quite rapidly with the help of non-governmental organization (NGO) projects and international grants. Learn about what makes Laos one of the best places to retire in Asia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Laos welcomes everyone, especially U.S. retirees, with its fine tree-lined boulevards, Buddhist temples, Mekong River, small lanes with quaint, old wooden houses, bustling market places and other relics of its colonial past. When you are considering retirement, you may find the basic laid-back atmosphere of Laos ideal when combined with the warmth of the good-natured and hospitable local residents. Most of them are very friendly and family-oriented, extending a warm welcome to the foreigners. Whether poor or rich, they all love and enjoy life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There may be a lot of similarities between Asian traditions and cultures, especially from the Western perspective. However, when closely analyzed, there are significant differences between the major aspects of life in the different countries and regions. Similarly, Laos has its own distinct culture and style.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Cost of living</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Although the cost of living in Laos is quite low as compared to other Asian, North American or European countries, there is a flip side to it. As a foreigner, you may need to pay more than the local costs since it is generally believed here that foreigners have more money. Whether you go for shopping or take a tuk tuk for travel, you might be expected to pay more than the local people. Even your utility bills may cost higher. Due to this reason, it cannot generally be said that the cost of living in Laos is as low as it is generally assumed to be, keeping the country’s economical status in mind. However, it is still much lower and generally much more economical than living in the United States.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A standard meal in the main towns of Laos may range between $2 to $10 for one person. However, for eating traditional Lao food in a local restaurant may cost you $1 or even lesser for one meal. Imported wines and beer are available in hotels but do not come cheap. Instead, you may opt for the local beer that is quite affordable (and tasty!), and goes for $1 for a large bottle. However, prices may vary on the size of the bar or restaurant. Chinese beer, which is even cheaper than the local beer, can be found in the northern provinces. Soft drinks in Laos are also cheap, with a bottle of Coke costing around 1,500 kip, or 15 cents U.S., (national currency of Laos) and a can costing around 3,000 kip, or 30 cents U.S. when bought from a stall. Due to its easy availability bottled water is also very inexpensive, which costs around 1,000 kip (around 20 cents U.S.) per liter.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Affordable housing</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Buying a good house in Laos can be much cheaper than most of the other countries in the world as the average cost of living is quite low. However, you may have to be careful while dealing with a real estate agent, as there is a general belief that all foreigners have a lot of money and thus you could end up being conned into paying more if you are not aware of this. You may shop for the best price and property by visiting several real estate websites and checking out the listings.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Food</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1159" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/rice-field-path-Muang-Khong-Laos.jpg" alt="rice-field-path-Muang-Khong-Laos" width="300" height="225" />Lao food shares a lot of similarities with Thai food, but it is less influenced by Chinese cuisine. The typical use of aromatic herbs, chillies, lemon grass, tamarind and ginger distinguish the food of Laos. The use of coconut oil in specific dishes is common.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Traditional Lao cuisine consists of glutinous rice, fermented fish, which is also known as &#8220;pa dek&#8221;, often complimented by fish sauce or &#8220;nam pa&#8221;. This fish sauce is one of the major ingredients of Lao cuisine, with every meal containing at least a small dish of nam pa.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and aubergines are some of the most common vegetables used in various dishes and eaten with rice. Fruits are not a very common part of the menu in Laos. Most eating places will not have fruits even at breakfast, especially those that are not geared for foreigners.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Unlike the common practice in other Asian countries, soups are not eaten at the beginning of meals and are instead taken in the middle or at the end of a meal. The common ingredients of the soups are comprised of fish and meat with aromatic herbs. Among the sweets, grilled bananas and sticky rice with black beans and coconut milk are favorites.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Transportation</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1160" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/Mekong-river-Laos.jpg" alt="Mekong-river-Laos" width="300" height="225" />Bicycles are one of the most popular modes of transportation among the tourists. Local residents mostly prefer motorcycles for getting around. The Tuk tuk, an open-aired three-wheeled vehicle, is mostly preferred for traveling long distances. It has a canopy, protecting passengers from sun and rain. It is a combination of a motorcycle engine with two benches attached at the back facing inside. Traditional old cars serve as taxis all over the country and have their stands at different places. Mini-bus services are also provided by some of the upscale hotels for dropping and picking up their guests. Local bus services are available but are very slow and make frequent stops.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Medical facilities</h3>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The medical infrastructure in Laos is not as well equipped as some of the other neighboring Asian countries. A lack of adequately trained personnel is one of the major problems faced by the country. The general standard of the medical facilities are limited, especially in the rural areas. However, the Mohosot Hospital and Clinique Settathirath in Vientiane can provide emergency treatment. In case you need better facilities, you may have to travel to the neighboring island country of Thailand. You may also arrange for emergency evacuation to Udon Thani (Thailand) with short notice.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Swedish and Australian Embassies have their clinics provide medical care for minor problems in exchange of a nominal fee. The availability of good medical care reduces as one moves away from the bigger towns.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Like all other places, Laos has its own pros and cons. Nevertheless, the warmth and hospitality of its people and a host of natural attractions along with a very low cost of living, ensure that people come to the island nation and start a new life after retirement. You would be wise to learn more about Laos &#8211; one of the best places to retire in Asia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Learn more about visiting, living and possible retirement to Laos:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Laos currency exchange:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">(April 2012)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1.00 USD = 7,945.00 LAK<br />
US Dollar    Lao or Laotian Kip</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1.00 EUR = 10,478.25 LAK<br />
Euro    Lao or Laotian Kip</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Laos">http://wikitravel.org/en/Laos</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/index.php">http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/index.php</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2770.htm">http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2770.htm</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/la.html">https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/la.html</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-laos/">Retire in Laos</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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		<title>Best Places To Retire In Asia</title>
		<link>https://www.bestplacesretire.com/best-places-to-retire-in-asia/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[luis]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2015 05:59:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Places To Retire In Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[retire in asia]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bestplacesretire.com/blog/?p=816</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Choosing a place to serve as a retirement home is always a major decision for anyone. The right decision can...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/best-places-to-retire-in-asia/">Best Places To Retire In Asia</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: justify;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-817 size-full" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/the-philippines-mountains-islands-tagaytay.jpg" alt="the philippines mountains islands tagaytay" width="300" height="225" />Choosing a place to serve as a retirement home is always a major decision for anyone. The right decision can lead to years of contentment, and a wrong one can be costly. In order to make the right decision, one needs to gather information about the various options before settling on one.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If you want cheap places to retire then you should definitely look at retiring to Asia. Asia has some of the best places to retire that are also some of the cheapest places to retire.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Let us start by looking at some of the things you should be concerned about when shopping for your ideal retirement destination.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here are some of the criteria you should consider when consider a retirement location:</p>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li style="text-align: justify;">Job Outlook- Since many people work at least part time after retirement, availability of jobs is required in the desired place.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Recreation &#8212; Shopping and sport events, access to outdoor recreation, from skiing and biking to walking and hiking.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Cost Of Living: It should be affordable; preferably less than the cost of living in the U.S. Asian countries certainly fit the bill here as the cost of living is a lot lower compared to the United States.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Education- Good public education should be available since many will want to take advantage of continuing education. A scope of higher education should be available for the retiree in order to pursue a new career.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Travel- It should be well connected to the other cities and towns and be easily accessible.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Public Transportation- Transportation such as buses, taxis, trains and planes should be easily available, comfortable and low in cost.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Climate And Weather- this is a major factor that needs to be borne in mind while selecting a place for retirement.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Medical Care- Proximity to comprehensive, well-recognized health care facilities is a major factor to be considered when choosing a place to retire.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Food- A variety of food of all regions should be easily available at a reasonable cost.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If your budget and schedule permits, you should try living in the place of your choice before actually investing in any property.  Local community rules should also be read carefully and understood before investing in any property in a foreign country.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Consider Asia in your Retirement Location Choices</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Asia is a great retirement option for those seeking affordable yet comfortable living, without compromising on natural beauty, entertainment and great food.  The largest of the seven continents, Asia is home to numerous countries, which vary in geographical form, from islands and peninsulas to plateaus and mountains. To top it all off, the continent is home to some of the world&#8217;s most hospitable people, making it a perfect place to retire.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Below are some of the best places to retire in Asia:</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Malaysia</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-malaysia/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-818 size-full" src="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/wp-content/uploads/sunset-at-beach-Malaysia.jpg" alt="sunset at beach Malaysia" width="300" height="225" />Malaysia</a> is blessed with a pleasant, warm climate, inviting shorelines of white sands skirted by crystal clear waters. Lots of public and private hospitals, recreational/entertainment facilities and developed and quality education system are also available.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Thailand</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thailand&#8217;s reputation as a holiday paradise and an exotic, colorful and easygoing country is well deserved. To add to this, <a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/best-places-to-retire-in-asia-retire-in-thailand/">Thailand</a> has a sophisticated and modern culture, fantastic sceneries, cheap shopping options, wonderful food and great nightlife.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>The Philippines</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-the-philippines/">The Philippines</a> are comprised of over 7,000 islands, with clear blue waters, white sand beaches and coconut palm trees. The climate is moderately warm all year. Day to day expenses are low, living is easy and the people are warm, friendly and helpful.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Laos</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Located in Southeast Asia, the tiny country of <a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-laos/">Laos</a> is also a great retirement option for those looking for something different.  The culture, lifestyle and mannerism of the people of Laos is greatly influenced by the Buddhist religion.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>India</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-in-india-discover-the-best-places-to-retire-in-asia/">India</a> The country is rich in culture and traditions, the effect of which is clearly visible on its people who have distinctive manners, habits, and cuisine, relative to their specific geographical location.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">These places offer just a minor glimpse into what Asia really has to offer. Varied landscapes, lifestyles, cultures and cuisines are just a few of the attractions that the continent boasts of. From a retiree&#8217;s point of view, the significantly lower cost of living leads to a relaxed and tension-free life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The only way you will truly know if one of these retirement spots will work for you is if you give them a try. You can plan a vacation to a few of these places to get a feel for the people, the lifestyle, the climate, and how safe you feel.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You can travel with some of your fellow baby boomers or you can go on a singles tour through Asia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This way you can experience firsthand what makes these places some of the best places to retire in Asia.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here are some resources to help you find your best place to retire:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-cheap.php">http://www.bestplacesretire.com/retire-cheap.php</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.retire-asia.com/">http://www.retire-asia.com/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.escapefromamerica.com/">http://www.escapefromamerica.com/</a></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.escapeartist.com/">http://www.escapeartist.com/</a></p><p>The post <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com/best-places-to-retire-in-asia/">Best Places To Retire In Asia</a> first appeared on <a href="https://www.bestplacesretire.com">2026 Best Places To Retire</a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
		
		
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