Thinking of moving, need input

[NoJobRob]

Hey folks. I've come to the conclusion that there is going to be a shift in wealth (and brain power/innovation) across the globe, and countries like the U.S. are going to be falling behind. I don't view this as a bad thing, at least from a holistic view. While the short term effects will be bad for the U.S., I think it's going to bring about more stability to the world, since wealth tends to cut down on civil strife and disorder. Anyway that's not the main point of this thread, so I'll leave it at that.

I'm looking at Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and even Africa. Australia has a pretty strong economy, I don't know if the Aussie dollar is backed by anything or not, I'll have to look into that, but it seems like a nice place overall. Brazil is booming and looks to be on track to becoming a great country in the future. Singapore is an economic powerhouse, and it's a beautiful place. I like the tropics a lot. Africa is on the up and up too, lots of big money moving in and developing.

Anyway I'd like to hear some people's input who are from any of these places, or suggestions/opinions from people as to why they like a certain place. Just because the "American dream" is becoming extinct, or at least, a lot more difficult to obtain, it doesn't mean that it can't be found elsewhere, and with greater ease. Maybe we should rename it as the "human dream". Actually there's no "maybe" about it, we should just do it, since we are all in fact born with intrinsic worth, and a desire to prosper, regardless of where we come from. Okay okay, I'll quit getting all preachy... LOL

Fire away!

[supertom]

There is currently a lot of economic uncertainty in australia which is directly linked to our current government, a few of our business leaders have even come out and asked for an early election.

Apart from that it's awesome

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by supertom

There is currently a lot of economic uncertainty in australia which is directly linked to our current government, a few of our business leaders have even come out and asked for an early election.

Apart from that it's awesome

In spite of the economic uncertainty though, many people are still going ahead and starting up businesses anyway, which is brave. There are also just as many having to close up shop due to too high rent and not enough profit being made. It must be really tough for them.

Be prepared to become so laid back and relaxed you won't be sure if you're alive, if you do come here though. Buy some thongs, drink beer...you'll fit right in.

[NoJobRob]

Originally Posted by elucidate

In spite of the economic uncertainty though, many people are still going ahead and starting up businesses anyway, which is brave. There are also just as many having to close up shop due to too high rent and not enough profit being made. It must be really tough for them.

Be prepared to become so laid back and relaxed you won't be sure if you're alive, if you do come here though. Buy some thongs, drink beer...you'll fit right in.

Shouldn't have any problem there. I used to be pretty "type A" but these days I'm more like "Meh, whatever..." LOL By thongs do you mean



or



?

The latter doesn't appeal to me. LOL I'm more of a board shorts kinda guy.

I'm going to be sticking around here for a while, I'd like to cast a vote for Ron Paul in the next election, but if he doesn't win, or things start spiraling down faster, I'm outta here. I'll leave the government and Osama Ben Bernanke behind to deal with their own mess. Eff em. LOL

[aelle]

What do you do for a living? I think I remember you trade stocks, is that your main source of income?

If I were more of an entrepreneur South East Asia would be my first choice. But not Singapore - people are wayyyyy to stressed in S'pore. I'd prefer Thailand or Malaysia. The economic development is almost on par and the lifestyle much more pleasant. They have more beaches, too
But be sure to check what you are allowed to do, own, create etc. as a foreigner. I know in Thailand foreigners can't own land or real estate. This may or may not be an issue for you.

[elucidate]

Originally Posted by NoJobRob

Shouldn't have any problem there. I used to be pretty "type A" but these days I'm more like "Meh, whatever..." LOL By thongs do you mean



or



?

Ahem...yes.

If you wear the other kind of thong you will be mistaken for someone of a homosexual bent.

I'm going to be sticking around here for a while, I'd like to cast a vote for Ron Paul in the next election, but if he doesn't win, or things start spiraling down faster, I'm outta here. I'll leave the government and Osama Ben Bernanke behind to deal with their own mess. Eff em. LOL

I don't blame you there.

[NoJobRob]

Originally Posted by aelle

What do you do for a living? I think I remember you trade stocks, is that your main source of income?

If I were more of an entrepreneur South East Asia would be my first choice. But not Singapore - people are wayyyyy to stressed in S'pore. I'd prefer Thailand or Malaysia. The economic development is almost on par and the lifestyle much more pleasant. They have more beaches, too
But be sure to check what you are allowed to do, own, create etc. as a foreigner. I know in Thailand foreigners can't own land or real estate. This may or may not be an issue for you.

I trade currencies like the Euro, Yen, USD, Aussie Dollar, etc. The land owning thing would be an issue for me, so I will investigate that. I'm perfectly happy renting at the moment, but someday I would like to buy or build a house.

[aelle]

Originally Posted by NoJobRob

I trade currencies like the Euro, Yen, USD, Aussie Dollar, etc. The land owning thing would be an issue for me, so I will investigate that. I'm perfectly happy renting at the moment, but someday I would like to buy or build a house.

I would also dig into the reasons why exactly you want to own land. I know it's part of the American dream, but in an expat life does it really make sense? If you're not a citizen of the country you live in, you're always somehow at the mercy of immigration services. Owning the house you live in can be seen as just a big hindrance to your exit strategy.
If you plant to actually emigrate somewhere new and get naturalized, it's a different story.

[NoJobRob]

Originally Posted by aelle

I would also dig into the reasons why exactly you want to own land. I know it's part of the American dream, but in an expat life does it really make sense? If you're not a citizen of the country you live in, you're always somehow at the mercy of immigration services. Owning the house you live in can be seen as just a big hindrance to your exit strategy.
If you plant to actually emigrate somewhere new and get naturalized, it's a different story.

Emigrating is the plan. I would no longer be a U.S. citizen, and become a citizen of the country I move to.