I love living in a 3rd world shithole.

[teatree]

Anybody living this sort of lifestyle in Europe? I'd like to make the move but would prefer Europe over Asia, just a personal preference.

Please chime in if you are in Europe living it up... I'd like to get some tips

Well - avoid northern Europe because it's cold, plus taxes are high plus they love their rules (in Germany they actually fine you if you forget to trim your hedge to the right height). They are nice places to visit for the weekend though.

London can be very exciting if you have money. If you have no money, then you'll be stuck in a grotty bed-sit and life will be very miserable. House prices are expensive all over Britain (though not as bad as london) - though it's nice for us natives who bought when prices were very low in the late 90's. Small biz corp tax is 25%.

Ireland - small biz tax is 12.5% Plus thanks to the crash, there are a lot of nice newly built houses and flats going for a song. Plus nice pubs and friendly people. It rains a lot in ireland though (more than in Britain).

If you are looking for very safe places where people/police won't hassle you at all, then rural France and Spain are great for this. Some villages in northern France are full of Brits and Germans who have relocated for this very reason. And the wine is really cheap - about 1 euro for a bottle of red in Spain. Corp tax for small biz in France is 15% for first 38,120 Euros and then 33%.

Portugal - lovely gentle people, safe, beautiful weather. Corp tax in portugal is 25%. Basically most rural Mediterranean places are safe and all you need to do is spread some business amongst the locals from time to time to get accepted (use local shops, plumbers and so on).

Italy is absolutely gorgeous and chock full of treasures, the most stunning and cultured place probably in the world, and the food is great. But it's expensive, and in southern Italy you need to avoid certain areas to avoid getting caught up between rival mafia gangs.

Don't know much about eastern europe, but have heard it can be rough and the food is not as good as in the Med.

The thing is - everyone's tastes are different. Basically take two weeks off, fly to Europe and then travel around by train and decide which bits resonate with you most.

 

[lukep]

Lukep P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C...really. It's sad to see somebody so disconnected from reality. Really sad.

Then stop looking in the mirror, bro.

Better food in Thailand? We put too much salt here? Yes perhaps some restaurants do, but it's better than MSGs that pretty much every restaurant in Thailand uses. Google up Monosodium Glutamate and see how great that shit is for your body.

In Thailand they are very open about their MSG; you can order food with and without it on menus there! -Here, you're stuck with it, and some restaurants are caught using it all the time without reporting it on the menu.

You're absolutely backwards on MSG, but that still doesn't concern me as much as Salt does. The average salt intake for americans is over ten times the world average! There are many fast food restaruants and even more respectable chains like the Olive garden and Red Lobster that server dishes with six GRAMS of salt in the dish alone.

For comparison, about 1200 mg is enough to give people like me a headache. Less than 1 gram is considered "healthy" in most of the world.

And those two only scratch the surface. Do you know what they do to almost all commercial Flour in this country? Breads and cereals here aren't good for you at all. They are processed with a CANCER-CAUSING chemical that has been banned in most countries for exactly that reason.

...And yet americans wonder why we have the most cancer patients... Lulz.

This kind of stuff happens when the government is broken at the top. The head of the FDA used to be the largest Lobbyist to the FDA... Basically the enemy of good health. This happens over and over throughout the entire government; the foxes always wind up with the job of watching the henhouse.

Better access to Products? We have access to virtually EVERY single product we want here (aside from some Health related stuff regulated by the FDA), it's called the Internet bro.

No, you don't.

Fetch me some Valmont skin cream then. It's made in Paris and sold pretty much only to millionaires around the world so their wives' faces look younger. Although you can find it on Amazon just fine here, it ages quickly and it's a well-known scam to switch the expiry dates so since it's so expensive you don't want to buy it just anywhere.

So surely you can get me some good Valmont cream, can't you? Or Sisley? La Praire? My wife deserves only the best.

We only pick it up in Bangkok when we visit. All three of those brands are in every big mall there...

Better Freedom? Yes I give this one to you, but you're more free there cuz you're AMERICAN! How many times do I have to say this?

Say it all you want, it doesn't make it any more true.

My family in Bangkok have always been Thai, yet they have infinitely more freedom there than I do here... All except my oldest brother, who happened to be born in Boston... Poor guy, he's been stuck filing income taxes to the IRS all his life despite living & working in Thailand the whole time!

LOL American Freedom...

You're American living the Expat life in a shitty country. Sure life is great and Thailand is off the hook! But how the fuck do you not see that this is completely different from a local's perspective? How?

I actually don't live the expat life there... I stay with my family. I don't know how you came up with that assumption.

You consistently make assumptions but even when we point them out to you, you still don't learn the underlying points we're trying to make. It's getting annoying. Please try to keep up.

The truth is that america doesn't offer freedom... Other countries do freedom far, far better. Maybe not Lebanon, but myself and many others here aren't comparing it to Lebanon anyway. What america offers is the Illusion of freedom to those who don't know any better... And at that it apparently excels.

 

[EvilPenguin]

Prime Contour | Shop Rescue Spa

Here you go, I can pay an extra $67 and have it delivered tomorrow morning and enjoy a blowjob tomorrow afternoon. Tons of other stores are offering it, just google "buy Valmont cream". You're gonna tell me all of them are frauds selling me the wrong shit?

Anyhow it doesn't matter really. You're right, I'm wrong. Thailand is pure awesomeness in every aspect. The U.S. sucks and every single American is stupid (or "doesn't know any better" if we use your terminology) for staying here.

Done arguing.

 

[lukep]

Seems legit bro.

Thanks for playing.

 

[dsiomtw]

Yeah let's move to Thailand so we can buy some overpriced stupid ass face cream a little cheaper than we can get it in other places. Another GREAT reason to move to Thailand brought to you by lukep!

 

[Kiopa_Matt]

Like I said, I CHALLENGE you to name one meaningful benefit I would gain by moving to Thailand.

Why? You've already made up your mind, and seem to be completely closed to the idea that there's just as good, if not better quality of living available out there, for a better value. Sad thing is, you don't even give it a chance. You simply know where you live is the best, and because of that are going to miss out on what this world offers.

Globalization has taken hold, eh? I can go out today and pickup a new BMW, nice leather furniture, and a 72" TV with PS3 too, just like you can. Afterwards, I can go to a nice 5 star restaurant for a delicious steak and lobster dinner, before heading out to a huge club with live DJs. When I said 3rd world in the OP, I said it in jest, because I know many of you envision people sitting in their bamboo huts on the floor, eating cockroaches.

And of course part of it is financial. Why would I go drop say $5mil on a house in Vancouver, when I can get the same if not better for say $500k here? That would be as stupid as saying, "no, no... let's manufacture our product in the US for $35/piece, instead of China for $11/piece". Why would anyone do that?

Ok, so non-financial reasons why I enjoy it here? Obviously, everyone's different, likes different lifestyles, some would hate Thailand, but also some would hate San Diego, so I can only speak for myself personally:

• I like actually knowing my neighbors and seeing them all the time throughout the week, where in the West that's almost a thing of the past.

• I like going to the market to pickup groceries for dinner, versus a 60,000sqft Superstore with self-serve checkout. I like the personalized touch, plus the food is fresh from the farmers in the area, versus being packed with preservatives. That's why you have to cook meat the same day you buy it, or it goes rotten. In Canada, you can let chicken breasts sit in the fridge for 4 days, and they're still fine. That's not good.

• No homeless people here. Well, there is but they all live at the temples, so they're not technically homeless.

• No loudmouthed idiots here, or at least not really. People here keep their opinions to themselves, and don't generally cause scenes.

• Don't really have any egotistical pricks here, who think they're cooler than everyone else. Culture here dictates that people don't look down on each other, and that helps create a very peaceful existence. When you go for a night out, 99.5% of people are just normal people out to have a good time, versus the West where you have to constantly put up with a bunch of cocky, ignorant "Jersey Shore" type retards.

• The fear and paranoia that has permeated the West simply does not exist here. Took me about 2 years to get used to it, but in general, you can actually trust your fellow human here. For example, if you're walking, and you someone pulls up behind you on a motorbike, they're not looking to rob you, ask for money, or anything. They're offering you a free ride to wherever you're going.

• People here don't bitch about the stupidest shit imaginable, such as whether it should be called a "Christmas Concert" or "Winter Holidays Concert"

• Everything here is on the upswing. Middle class is constantly growing, minimum wage was just raised by 35% 1.5 months ago, etc. I like living in a society where everything is on the incline, versus decline like the West. Makes for a happier existence.

• Private hospital rooms here are nicer than I've ever seen in Canada. Comfortable bed, TV, internet, microwave, sofa, etc. All for $60/night.

• You are more free here. You don't get boxed into this cookie cutter lifestyle, which is exactly what happens in the West, due to the media and advertising. Even if you see through it, it will affect the people around you, which then affects you. That doesn't really happen here. The media hasn't taken ahold of everyone's minds as much yet.

I could go on, but I'll stop there. To sum it up, I'll give you this difference. Every year in April there's Songkran, which is the Thai New Years. It lasts several days, and here's what happens:

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqkvPkT78Nw"]Songkran Water Festival 2010 - Chiang Mai - Main Event - YouTube[/ame]

Imagine doing that in any Western city? The entire city would be trashed, looted, and on fire within 72 hours. There'd be riots all over, National Guard would have to get called in, etc. Over here, except the deaths due to drinking and driving, it's totally fine. Everyone just has a great time together, and wishes each other a Happy New Year. That would be impossible to have in the West.

 

[geomark]

Kiopa_Matt, most of what you said will fall on deaf ears to people who have never lived outside the US. You can't imagine the sense of freedom until you live in it for a while and compare it to the repressive culture back in the states. It's really noticeable when after living here for some years you take a trip back.

 

[dsiomtw]

Still waiting for someone to give a specific example of repression or lack of real freedom here in the US. I'm talking about something that materially and negatively affects my life, that I wouldn't experience in Thailand. Silly moaning and groaning about the TSA and other petty shit like that doesn't count. Seriously, I'm waiting. It's only about the 10th time I've asked ... or is the silence your answer?

 

[Kiopa_Matt]

Oh fuck, -rep.

 

[geomark]

Still waiting for someone to give a specific example of repression or lack of real freedom here in the US. I'm talking about something that materially and negatively affects my life, that I wouldn't experience in Thailand. Silly moaning and groaning about the TSA and other petty shit like that doesn't count. Seriously, I'm waiting. It's only about the 10th time I've asked ... or is the silence your answer?

You could after all just go and live in different places and find out first hand how thick you are being. So this video isn't for you. It's for the amusement of others who are thinking people.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjxg8f3Gq0]Utah news reports that collecting/using rainwater is ILLEGAL - YouTube[/ame]

 

[g1c9]

this whole forum exists to troll me

 

[webjedi]

Not going to derail the thread anymore than it is, but it's impossible for me to respect people who believe in stoning women for adultery and has rules for how to beat your wife, not to mention the hundred other absurd rules for which you can be lashed or killed such as singing or dancing. It's the worlds most oppressive ideology even worse than socialism. Let's leave it at that. I've known good 'muslims' in quotation since they weren't any more muslim than I am christian.

Preach ! Amen brother !
This goes or all religions really. The fanatics of any religion are retarded, the ancient and outdated religion where you God says it's just fine to rape the women of the disbelievers should be obliterated. Period. End of discussion.

And what about honor killings? That's even going on in the USA. I keep reminding the Muslims around me that it is 2012 and we are in SPACE now on OTHER PLANETS and you are adhering to a story of a man that you cannot even see a representative picture of without killing yourself or someone else... it doesn't go over to well but at least I make them think, which is what is missing.

People are not thinking and that is the core essence of faith. If you think about it, get out we don't want you in our club etc.

And everyone stop apologizing for maybe derailing this thread, it's done been derailed already haha.

 

[webjedi]

I will continue on from this great addition:

Well - avoid northern Europe because it's cold

Yes and they are getting sick of immigrants and the EU and their economies are melting down.

plus taxes are high

And the dollar to Euro is a lower exchange

London can be very exciting if you have money.

Plus it is Orwellian 1984 and public morality is terribly low. I wouldn't live there if you paid me (actually turned down a London job because of that).

Ireland - small biz tax is 12.5% Plus thanks to the crash, there are a lot of nice newly built houses and flats going for a song. Plus nice pubs and friendly people. It rains a lot in ireland though (more than in Britain).

Know nothing about Ireland, but they are currently pissed off at the EU.

If you are looking for very safe places where people/police won't hassle you at all, then rural France and Spain are great for this.

Have been considering this. France is super weary of immigrants [/QUOTE]

Portugal - lovely gentle people, safe, beautiful weather. Corp tax in portugal is 25%. Basically most rural Mediterranean places are safe and all you need to do is spread some business amongst the locals from time to time to get accepted (use local shops, plumbers and so on).

I am liking this, plus all drugs are legal making Portugal extremely progressive.

Italy is absolutely gorgeous and chock full of treasures, the most stunning and cultured place probably in the world, and the food is great. But it's expensive, and in southern Italy you need to avoid certain areas to avoid getting caught up between rival mafia gangs.

Southern Italy is where all the good shit is? Some retarded expats compain about moving to Italy because "it's boring" they don't get a relaxed lifestyle.

Don't know much about eastern europe, but have heard it can be rough and the food is not as good as in the Med.

I know a lot about it. It's rough yes. A rough lifestyle, under improved conditions everywhere. There is no FDA monitoring your food quality man, and you have to eat so be tough hahah.

The people are hardened but they are nice. Not a place to be a drunk and idiotic American. A quiet drunk is ok but if you act the fool they will beat you down throughout most of eastern Europe.

Basically, the women and men are not pussies at all.

Someone on this board said "Never hit a black guy or a Russian" pretty true because it is fuckin ON if you start swinging your dick like a MoFo.

The thing is - everyone's tastes are different. Basically take two weeks off, fly to Europe and then travel around by train and decide which bits resonate with you most.

So true, great advice.

The next places I want to check out (other than southern Spain and France) is Lichtenstein and Malta.

Peace.

 

[ScottD]

Theres already enough "webmasters" in thailand. Stop trying to attract more!

 

[webjedi]

Imagine doing that in any Western city? The entire city would be trashed, looted, and on fire within 72 hours. There'd be riots all over, National Guard would have to get called in, etc.

So F-in true. Don't you just love peace and happiness and freedom?

You can't imagine the sense of freedom until you live in it for a while and compare it to the repressive culture back in the states. It's really noticeable when after living here for some years you take a trip back.

Oh boy, I am going back after about 2.5 years of being away from the US.
I am sure I will be disgusted and/or arrested within 24 hours, I do not look forward to it. But hey, positive attitude right? Can't wait to see beautiful Portland, Oregon ahhh the great gardens, running and biking tracks, Columbia RIver Gorge, Mt. Hood, the Pacific Ocean....

Still waiting for someone to give a specific example of repression or lack of real freedom here in the US.

Clearly, dude, I have nothing against you at all and I ain't mad at cha (Tupac) but you obvious are still under the American spell of blindness.

As they say, the frog does not know he is getting cooked because the heat is being turned up slowly.

You leave, then come back and you see how hot the water is in the USA. You are in the pot dsiomtw, you can't see it man.

 

[chuckthefuck]

You should come to France.
Get an apartment somewhere around Paris, if the police catches you with like 100g of coke they'll just take that away from you and leave you alone.

Well, unless you're black.

 

[conjamuk]

Well - avoid northern Europe because it's cold, plus taxes are high plus they love their rules (in Germany they actually fine you if you forget to trim your hedge to the right height). They are nice places to visit for the weekend though.

London can be very exciting if you have money. If you have no money, then you'll be stuck in a grotty bed-sit and life will be very miserable. House prices are expensive all over Britain (though not as bad as london) - though it's nice for us natives who bought when prices were very low in the late 90's. Small biz corp tax is 25%.

Ireland - small biz tax is 12.5% Plus thanks to the crash, there are a lot of nice newly built houses and flats going for a song. Plus nice pubs and friendly people. It rains a lot in ireland though (more than in Britain).

If you are looking for very safe places where people/police won't hassle you at all, then rural France and Spain are great for this. Some villages in northern France are full of Brits and Germans who have relocated for this very reason. And the wine is really cheap - about 1 euro for a bottle of red in Spain. Corp tax for small biz in France is 15% for first 38,120 Euros and then 33%.

Portugal - lovely gentle people, safe, beautiful weather. Corp tax in portugal is 25%. Basically most rural Mediterranean places are safe and all you need to do is spread some business amongst the locals from time to time to get accepted (use local shops, plumbers and so on).

Italy is absolutely gorgeous and chock full of treasures, the most stunning and cultured place probably in the world, and the food is great. But it's expensive, and in southern Italy you need to avoid certain areas to avoid getting caught up between rival mafia gangs.

Don't know much about eastern europe, but have heard it can be rough and the food is not as good as in the Med.

The thing is - everyone's tastes are different. Basically take two weeks off, fly to Europe and then travel around by train and decide which bits resonate with you most.

Malta moving there myself soon. Low crime low tax friendly people and cheap cost of living.

 

[88crxsi]

Man this thread got heated quick lol.

I love the Philippines, but I still love America too. I don't like all the taxes in the US, but I think they both have there up's and down's.

Malta looks beautiful ; )

 

[webjedi]

Malta moving there myself soon. Low crime low tax friendly people and cheap cost of living.

Thank you for the picture, now I have to clean my computer screen and keyboard and pants.

Everything I heard about Malta is the bomb.. great real estate and cheap, good schools, medical facilities, everyone speaks engrish.

My chick just said "no" so looks like I am going to be single on Malta hahahaha

 

[teatree]

Regarding places being "super weary of immigrants" - everywhere in the western world is super weary of immigrants, from Australia to Canada to France to Sweden. And some parts of the eastern world are starting to get super weary too.

Which means if you are thinking of going abroad, be a little intelligent about how you do it. Take Spain for example - on the Costas there are hordes of embarrassing excuses for English people who refuse to learn Spanish, refuse to mix, and conduct themselves badly. But if you go off the beaten track where ex-pats don't congregate, it's a different story.

If there is just you, you'll be taken at face value, and judged on your own behaviour - it's only when there are groups of outsiders people start to apply stereotypes. If it's just one person who has taken the trouble to make friends so that you become a known quantity where you live, life tends to be sweet, because then you are a person rather than this alien thing.

My advice is to look off the beaten track and avoid places where the behaviour of other ex-pats can be stained onto you. You can't control other people, you can only control yourself, so go where you are the only representative of an American or Brit or whatever, because then you set the standard for what that type of person is. Oh and learn the language of wherever you are, anything else is plain rude.