Cheap Stays & Rich Culture: These 4 Asian Cities Are Perfect For Sunny Winter Getaways

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

The New Year has finally arrived! While many of us convince ourselves we’ll activate a hard reset at the turn of midnight with a sudden passion for the StairMaster, travel goals are always the most feasible.

Backed by a recent report showcasing the world’s best destinations to kick off 2025 with your budget in mind, Asia stands out the most.

Truth is, winter is an incredible time to globetrot, and not just nearby Caribbean Islands and Mexico’s hotspots.

Phnom Penh riverside at sunrise

Asia may seem like a far-flung land of bucket-list wonders, and it is, but let’s not take for granted how connected our skies have become.

You can travel to a majority of Asia’s metropolises with just a single layover from the U.S. For example, Thailand has no direct flights (for now), but still remains Southeast Asia’s tourism titan.

Offering visitors cheap stays and rich cultural experiences, in no particular order, these 4 Asian metropolises make for perfect sunny city breaks rather than shivering in your skivvies back home:

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Captivating Urban Sprawl

Tourist taking photo in Kuala Lumpur cityscape

How does 80 degrees in January sound?

Kuala Lumpur may not be a beach city, but it’s a sprawling metropolis brimming with wondrous sites, buzzing markets, and perhaps most notably, the Batu Caves, a vast cave system work the steep 272-step hike explore hidden Hindu temples and sweeping views of the city.

Malaysia’s capital is renowned for its safety, affordability, and phenomenal architecture, ranging from sky-scraping marvels to preserved structures of its former British colonization.

With an average price of $62/night, you’ll find cheap stays, no matter your preferred style of accommodations.

Rooftop pool in Kuala Lumpur

Luxury travelers will enjoy great rates at such places as 5-star Amari Kuala Lumpur for $71, and even the Ritz Carlton is only $160 on Priceline in February – unheard of!

If you do opt for opulence, check the amenities for rooftop pools like what Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur has to offer.

Bangkok: Real Estate May Be Surging, But Hotels Are Still Affordable

Truth be told, I’ve been keeping an eye on Bangkok’s condo market as an Airbnb investment, and I think I missed my chance to score dirt-cheap condos.

Bangkok floating market vendors

The good news for travelers, however, is Bangkok still offers an array of fancy schmancy hotels to high-rise condo rentals for an incredible value.

With temperatures in the high 70s at this time of year, Bangkok is a splendid destination before the summer humidity takes over.

Between floating markets, night markets, rooftop bars, never-ending temples, and incomparable nightlife, travelers never have an issue finding their niche in Bangkok.

However, my personal favorite district is Chinatown (Yaowarat) for action-packed people-watching, sensational eats, and cheap shops to haggle.

Tourist Admiring The View Of A Temple Across Bangkok River, Bangkok, Thailand, Southeast Asia

The Border Telegraph reports Bangkok’s hotels average out to $65/night, so visitors can easily treat themselves to high-end stays, such as the 5-star Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium beating the average at $61.

Ho Chi Minh City: An Insanely Cheap Gateway To Vietnam’s Wonders

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a vast urban jungle of sensory overload from the aromas of street food vendors, the sounds of an endless sea of scooters, and eye-popping sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral and intriguing museums like War Remnants Museum (only $1.57 admission)

A quiet street in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

There will never be a dull moment exploring this city, but most travelers prefer to run the gamut since there are so many more enticing destinations, from Da Nang’s beaches to Hanoi’s cultural delights.

No matter the reason for your trip, Ho Chi Minh is incredibly cheap, with sunny 78-degree days.

Like Bangkok, hotels average $65/night, but you can score great deals below the average, such as 4-star Odys Boutique Hotel for $36 or level up to a 5-star stay at Windsor Plaza Hotel for only $57 in February.

Phnom Penh: Southeast Asia’s Up-And-Coming City

Phnom Penh Night Market

Perhaps the least known on this list, Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s vast capital city but is typically overshadowed by tourist hotspot Siem Reap, a much smaller city beaming with history and impeccably preserved sites like world-renowned Angor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Phnom Penh is ready to take center stage, though, as the Los Angeles Times just ran a feature on Cambodia’s newfound fame as an up-and-coming destination.

Prices are jaw-dropping here. This city of traditional markets, grand palaces, and more-than-affordable luxury makes for a great base as you discover Cambodia’s lush nature, immaculate ruins, and temples.

Upscale hotel room with city views in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The weather hovers around 78, and hotel rates average an even $50/night, but believe it or not, you can score luxury hotels like Snowbell Hotel for just $37 on Agoda.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



[ad_2]

Source link

This Budget-Friendly Asian Paradise Crowned Best Digital Nomad Destination & Has A New Visa!  

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

Asia has long been a popular destination for digital nomads watching their budgets. It’s a great place to stretch your buck as far as possible.  

And now there’s a new budget-friendly hot spot to look out for.  

The Global Intelligence Unit has created a comprehensive report of the world’s best digital nomad destinations.  

Woman overlooking skyline of Taipei

The top-ranked Asian country where digital nomads live and work is officially Taiwan.  

Taiwan also came in 12th place overall in the global arena, meaning that it’s a destination well worth considering for digital nomads, especially for those who don’t want to flash the cash.  

Here’s why:  

Why Digital Nomads Should Consider Taiwan 

Taiwan is an incredibly beautiful country that ticks so many boxes.  

A subtropical climate, outstanding natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and modern vibrant cities too. Check, check, check, check!  

Colorful Zhengbin Fishing Port in Keelung near Taipei city, Taiwan at sunset

On top of all of this, living here won’t break the bank.  

On average, the monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei is between NT$8,000.00 and NT$25,000.00 ($263–$823).

However, if you choose an off-the-beaten-path destination outside of the city, your rent will be considerably lower.  

Eating out here is cheap too, and the street food is delicious.

Less than $5 will fill your tummy with a street food meal and some good company at the same time.  

Keelung Night Market, Taiwan

Locals are friendly and welcoming to foreigners and digital nomads: there are no anti-tourism protests here!  

Taiwan was also one of the first countries in the region to legalize same-sex marriage back in 2019 and has robust anti-discrimination legislation in place, making it a safe country for LGBTQ+ nomads to explore.  

Taiwan Is Small But Perfectly Formed  

From a practical point of view, it’s worth mentioning Taiwan’s small size.

The country is around half the size of Scotland for Brits like me. Or ever so slightly bigger than Maryland for U.S. readers.  

Rather than being a drawback, this could actually work to the advantage of a savvy digital nomad!  

Aerial View Of The Skyscraper-Dotted Taipei, Capital Of Taiwan, East Asia

You can explore absolutely everything the island has to offer with relative ease.

The capital of Taipei tends to be the most popular spot for digital nomads, boasts incredibly high internet speeds, and has the largest number of coworking spaces.  

But you aren’t welded to city life. Taipei is just 30 minutes away from the lush green nature of the Yangmingshan National Park.

There is no entry fee to explore this park, so if you’re on a budget, this is a great place to visit.  

And getting around Taiwan is a breeze, too, as the country has a reliable high-speed rail network.

In real terms, this makes what is already a small country feel even smaller and easier to explore.  

Train in Taiwan

Public transport is affordable. The Metro (known as the Mass Rapid Transit or MRT) costs NT $20 (61 cents) – NT $65 ($1.96) a ticket in Taipei.  

If you want to take the high-speed rail and explore the length and breadth of the country then you’ll pay between NT $35 and NT $2,500 ($1 – $76) depending on the journey you want to take and the class you choose with non-reserved tickets being the cheapest option.  

A New Digital Nomad Visa For Taiwan? 

Although full details of the scheme have yet to be released, Taiwan announced last month that it intends to launch a dedicated digital nomad visa.

This is great news as, up until now, there hasn’t been an official digital nomad visa in the country.  

A Pagoda Temple Crowned With Dragon Statues In A Pagoda Temple In Taiwan Overlooking The China Sea, East Asia

The new visa will make Taiwan an even more appealing option for digital nomads.  

Taiwan will be the 4th country in the region this year, after Japan, Thailand, and South Korea, to launch a digital nomad scheme.  

So far, we know that the visa will have a 6-month validity period and that the Minister for the National Development Council in Taiwan, Paul Liu, hopes it will attract new talent to the country.  

sunset kenting beach taiwan

Though this new digital nomad visa scheme has been proposed, it will not come into effect until it is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

In the meantime, prospective nomads can apply for an Employment Gold Card.

This is a work permit, residency permit and re-entry permit in one handy document that is relatively easy to apply for and allows professionals to live and work in Taiwan for up to 3 years.  

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



[ad_2]

Source link

White Sand Beaches And Incredible Temples! Why This Asian Destination Is A Hot Spot For Solo Travelers  

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

It’s the season for solo travel!  

And whether you’re looking for frantic cities, laid-back beaches, high-octane adventure, or cultural enrichment, there’s one destination that is attracting solo travelers in huge numbers.  

Thailand is having a real moment right now, especially among those thinking of going it alone.  

Wat Phra That Doi Phra Chan temple, Lampang, Thailand

Here’s why this Asian destination is a hot spot for solo travelers: 

Why Should Solo Travelers Choose Thailand? 

Thailand boasts an excellent tourist infrastructure that is easily accessible for solo travelers.

Getting around the country is straightforward, and finding places to stay as a solo traveler is also easy here.  

Thailand is also an incredibly affordable destination for solo travelers.

From hostels to higher-end hotels, you won’t break the bank when choosing somewhere to stay.  

woman with hat relax and sightseeing on Thai longtail boat in Ratchaprapha Dam at Khao Sok

If you’re new to solo travel or a seasoned solo traveler looking for some company, then there are plenty of small group trips throughout Thailand.

These are a great way to meet new people or to explore somewhere you might not feel comfortable going it alone.  

From tours of Bangkok noodle shacks to snorkeling tours of lesser visited islands, there are diverse options to choose from.  

I recommend booking a tour or two and combining this with your own solo adventures and seeing where the day takes you, so that you get the enjoy the best of both worlds.  

Bangkok Food Tours offers a historic Bangrat food tasting and culture tour that is ideal for solo travelers. Bangrat is a popular foodie destination for locals in Bangkok and is an area with a rich cultural heritage.

This tour costs 1650 THB ($) per person.  

Iconsiam indoor float market food court with all Thailand street food

While some people see eating as a social experience, the nature of dining in Thailand makes it ideal for solo travelers.  

The street food stalls you’ll find everywhere and casual ‘hole-in-the-wall’ restaurants mean that grabbing a bite and eating on the go, or taking a stool and sitting shoulder to shoulder with the locals, is the norm.  

A Diverse And Cultural Rich Destination  

Thailand is an incredibly diverse and multi-faceted destination.

If you want to relax on paradise-like white sand beaches, Thailand is for you. But you can also embrace the rich culture, bustling cities, and spectacular temples here.  

Thailand is a temple-rich (some might say temple-tastic!) destination, so if learning more about Buddhism and exploring its most spectacular temples is on your to-do list, then there is no better place to be.  

The most famous temple in Thailand is Wat Phra Kaew, and as it’s located right in the heart of Bangkok this is also one of the easiest to visit.  

Wat Phra Kaew Ancient temple in bangkok Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew is located within the city’s Grand Palace and its most noteworthy feature is the Emerald Green Buddha, considered one of the most sacred in Thailand.

Entrance costs 500 baht ($14) per person.  

For something truly unique, visit the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya.

This is a spectacular and intricately carved temple that has the distinction of being the largest wood building in Thailand.  

Entrance here costs 500 baht ($14) per person too, and your entry fee also includes a guided tour in either English or Thai.  

Thailand is also famous for its beachfront Full Moon Parties, which take place in Koh Phangan.

Up to 20,000 people gather on the beach here once a month when the moon is full.  

Full moon party in Thailand

This is a great place to be if you love to party and meet new people.

It’s a riot of fun and decadence. However, solo travelers should be aware of their safety at these parties.

Where there is drunkenness and excess there can sometimes be poor decision making.  

Being aware of your surroundings, and not leaving your drink unattended are both good tips.  

Other Reasons To Choose Thailand

You can’t talk about Thailand without talking about its people.

Thailand is nicknamed ‘Land of Smiles’, and for good reason.

Digital Nomad Working From Her Tablet In A Tropical Location In Thailand, Southeast Asia

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome when you’re in the city, which contributes to solo travelers feeling safe and comfortable in the country.  

It’s also worth noting that Thailand offers a high degree of safety for solo travelers, and this includes solo female travelers. 

The U.S. Department of State has awarded Thailand a Level 1 Advisory Rating. This is the lowest possible rating, and means that travelers should exercise normal precautions, but are otherwise free to enjoy their travels.  

The only exceptions are the regions of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla.

Due to civil unrest associated with ongoing insurgent activities, these provinces have a Level 3 travel advisory rating.  

Solo travelers are advised to avoid these regions when traveling around the country.

 

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



[ad_2]

Source link

Digital Nomads Can Stay In These 5 Asian Countries For Up To 3 Months Without A Visa

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

With its lower cost of living, fascinating culture that is unlike anything Westerners have grown up exposed to, and world-class city breaks, Asia is one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads right now, and it would probably be their go-to spot, were it not for one slight caveat:

Digital Nomad Working From Her Tablet In A Tropical Location In Thailand, Southeast Asia

Across a majority of Asian countries, complex visa regulations continue to discourage digital nomads from traveling and staying longer, be it Bali’s limited 30-day stay policy or Vietnam’s eVisa system that bars Americans from coming unless they’ve obtained authorization in advance.

Luckily for nomads––and more specifically, those who are U.S. passport holders––there are 5 Asian destinations where they’re welcome not only visa-free but for up to 3 whole months:

South Korea

Seoul, South Korea, East Asia

Famous for its K-pop and dorama rom-com exports, a plethora of ancient palaces, flavorful cuisine, and sprawling metropolises, with Seoul and Busan to name a couple, South Korea is one of the trendiest nomad hotspots in Asia right now.

According to Nomad List, you can live in Seoul for around $2,579 a month––cheaper than the average North American and European city––and with the country’s impressive infrastructure and friendliness towards remote workers, you’ll be in no hurry to leave anytime soon.

Thanks to the visa-free agreement with the United States, American nomads can reside in South Korea for 90 days at a time as long as they enter with a valid Korean Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA), which can be obtained online within minutes and lasts for up to 3 years.

For those ready to apply, you can use the official site here at this link.

Japan

Tokyo At Sunset, Japan, East Asia

Thanks to the weaker yen, which makes your dollars stretch much further, the significant drop in consumer prices, and increased Transpacific connectivity, Japan has become an increasingly popular destination for nomads country-hopping around Asia.

And while it can be pricey to get there, we have some good news. ZIPAIR just introduced nonstop flights from the U.S. to Tokyo from 4 major cities, and tickets are now on sale here.

Living costs across numerous metropolises is now under $3,000, including tried-and-true nomad faves like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and if you’re keen on lingering a while longer and assimilating into the local culture, you’ll be thrilled to learn you can:

Nomads can stay three full months in Japan without applying for a visa beforehand, so long as they fulfill two simple criteria: they must carry a valid biometric U.S. passport and not have been sentenced to one year or more of jail back home.

Taiwan

Taipei skyline taiwan at night

Taiwan is an independently governed island best known for its vibrant Taipei, where you’ll find night markets and street food galore, dramatic nature, with forested hills occupying over half of its landmass, and, most importantly, Western-leaning policies.

Unlike mainland China, Taipei has upheld democratic values, and Taiwan as a whole is very pro-U.S. This makes it an exciting place to be as an American with a passion for all things China who’s not exactly keen on forfeiting the comforts of living in a freer society.

That’s all nomads who venture into Asia want, essentially, and lucky for U.S. citizens looking to find a temporary home in Taiwan, local authorities grant them a 90-day stay without any sort of pre-entry clearance––all that’s required is presenting a regular passport.

On a day you aren’t cozied up in a coffee shop getting some work done, be sure to explore outside Tapei!

Tourists Launching Sky Lantern Along Railway Next to Shifen Train Station of Pingxi Line

We recommend Northern Taiwan, as it’s mind-blowingly gorgeous. To make it seamless, you can always take a tour like this one.

You’ll have a private day trip from Taipei exploring Northern Taiwan, marveling at the unique rock formations of Yehliu Geopark, and strolling through the historic streets of Jiufen, an inspiration for famous animated films like ‘Spirited Away’.

You’ll wrap up your day by releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi (pictured above), a tradition carrying wishes into the night sky.

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur At Night, Malaysia

Said to be one of the best-developed nations in Southeast Asia, Malaysia occupies a large portion of the lush Malay Peninsula, as well as parts of the island of Borneo, and Muslim-majority state with a surprising openness towards long-term guests:

Owing to its higher standards of living, multicultural scene, and a plethora of laptop-friendly cafés, Kuala Lumpur has become one of the continent’s most prominent digital nomad hotspots, especially when it costs under $1,350 a month to call it home, as noted by Nomad List.

Regarding visa policies, Malaysia is at complete odds with its neighbor and sibling nation Singapore, where the length of a tourist visa is capped at a restrictive 30 days: landing in Kuala Lumpur, Americans get issued a 3-month entry stamp.

Thailand

Smiling Remote Worker, Digital Nomad Checking His Phone As He Works From His Computer In A Cafe Setting, Unspecified Location

We’ve saved the best for last.

With established nomad hubs like Bangkok and Chiang Mai to its name, a whopping 1,956 miles of combined, pristine coastline, not to mention the hundreds of paradisiacal islands––does Phuket ring a bell?––Thailand is a safe haven of the sorts for digital nomads in Asia.

Occupying the top two positions on Nomad List‘s ranking of Best Places to Live in the continent, with Bangkok going as far as leading the global chart, it offers affordable month-long stays from as cheap as $1,012, and, most importantly, relaxed visa regulations.

Koh Chang Thailand

In case you aren’t aware, Thailand has recently eased its tourist visa rules further: previously, Americans could remain in the national territory visa-free for 30 days, in line with a majority of Asian destinations, but as of May 2024, 60 days have been added.

In effect, tourists get issued an automatic 60-day visa, which can be extended for 30 days prior to expiration, at the discretion of immigration officers––this means digital nomads can now settle temporarily in Thailand for 3 months visa-free if they don’t wish to pursue a long-term residence.

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



[ad_2]

Source link

Affordable Living And Incredible Culture: 3 Asian Countries Offering Digital Nomad Visas In 2024

[ad_1]

Share The Article

Last Updated

Asia is one of the most in-demand continents for digital nomads globally.

Not only is it inherently fascinating, boasting an immense cultural wealth certain to appeal to Westerners, but it is also, for the most part, far more welcoming towards foreigners and incredibly cheap to live in.

Digital nomad in Thailand on a tree overlooking ocean

If you don’t exactly fit in with the multi-million Dubai entrepreneurial crew, and Europe’s visa rules are far too complex to navigate, the Far Orient is the perfect home base for working while enjoying a higher quality of life––and spending far less on it.

On that note, here are 4 amazing Asian countries where both living costs can average $2,000 or under, and easy-to-apply Digital Nomad Visas are widely available:

Philippines

Aerial View Of Islands In The Philippines

An archipelagic nation in Southeast Asia hugged by teal-colored seas, the Philippines is an up-and-coming nomad haven offering affordable options for long-term accommodation, inexpensive food, and great weather for most of the year (minus monsoon season).

Some of its busiest workcation hubs include Manila, a vibrant capital combining Spanish colonial forts and modern skyscrapers, Cebu City, where you’re as likely to find European-inspired Baroque cathedrals as you are Taoist temples, and tropical island getaway Palawan.

Adventurous Kayaking in Coron, el nido, palawan, philippines

Based on Numbeo estimates, it costs roughly $869 per month to live in the Philippines with rent, with particularly-low prices observed for food and transportation: eating out in the Central Market in Manila, you can find a range of Filipino delicacies from only $3.57.

What Are The Requirements For The Philippines Digital Nomad Visa?

Normally, foreigners can only be in the Philippines for up to 30 days visa-free, but as reported by VisaGuide, nomads are eligible to stay for a rather-generous 2 years by applying for the Philippines Digital Nomad Visa.

Digital nomad working on the beach

Essentially, they must meet a certain income requirement, currently estimated to be over $24,000, provide a clean criminal record as well as proof of engagement in remote work, and health insurance covering the 2-year stay is also required.

The best part is nomads in the Philippines are considered non-tax residents, meaning they live in the country, but as they are not employed by a Philippines-based business, and thus not involved in local business activities, they aren’t subject to local income tax.

Thailand

Solo female traveler in Thailand

Up next is Thailand, affectionately called The Land of Smiles, with bustling national capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai, a UNESCO-listed, temple-dotted city, and a beach-fringed Phuket Island, with all ranking as popular workcation spots.

Out of those, Bangkok is the definitive winner, owing it to its thriving expat scene, abundance of laptop-friendly eateries, legendary nightlife––probably the best anywhere in Asia––and most importantly, remarkable inexpensiveness.

Wat-Arun-Temple-In-Bangkok-At-Sunset-Thailand

Living costs will typically total $1,290 in Bangkok, if you’re eating local and your Airbnb rental is a 1-bedroom apartment in a residential zone, and though prices can increase slightly on the islands, Thailand as a whole remains budget-friendly.

What Are The Requirements For The Thailand Digital Nomad Visa?

Thailand’s Digital Nomad Visa is pretty straight-forward, though it may not be suitable for middle-income workers: you must hold a passport currently valid for at least 6 months still and your annual income must mount up to over $80,000.

Digital Nomad at a Beach Cafe

It’s not like relocating to Thailand as a nomad is exactly a breeze, compared to the 2-month visa-free stay as a tourist, but if you have the money for it, it’s entirely doable, and once approved, you may then remain in the country for up to 15 years!

There is yet another appealing benefit: instead of the 35% tax rate applicable to regular residents, nomads are granted a major discount, paying only 17% in taxes, and in some cases, they could be eligible for tax exemption if their income originates from overseas.

Japan

male solo traveler looks at pagodas in tokyo japan

The darling of American in Asia, Japan is best-known for its sprawling urban centers, stunning nature, millennia-old rites and delectable cuisine, and despite not being as cheap as the other entries on this list, it’s been surging in popularity with digital nomads lately.

Whether it’s a neon-lit Tokyo, pagoda-dominated Kyoto, or an electric Osaka, there are co-working spaces galore, and if you’re not the splurging type, there are plenty of cheap eats in restaurants costing from as little as $6.95, not to mention monthly rental starts from $626.66.

tokyo tower illuminated at night with busy streets in japan

Overall, Numbeo reports it costs an approximated $1,641 – $2,215 to live on a budget in a major city––that’s definitely on the pricier end for Asia, but we don’t know a single nomadic American who wouldn’t be happy living in dreamy Japan on under $3,000 a month.

What Are The Requirements For The Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

As an American citizen, you can already enter Japan visa-free for up to 3 months, and there are no known restrictions on carrying out remote work from within the country, so long as your source of income isn’t Japan-based and your primary reason for traveling is tourism.

Smiling Remote Worker, Digital Nomad Checking His Phone As He Works From His Computer In A Cafe Setting, Unspecified Location

That being said, you may opt for the just-launched Japan Digital Nomad Visa, granting you a 6-month stay––double the tourist visa––and believe it or not, the financial threshold for eligibility is lower than Thailand’s!

Other than the usual documentation and background checks, like health insurance, a clean criminal record and proof of online job, you must earn a minimum 10 million Japanese yen annually (don’t worry, that translates into a reasonable $69,666 as of October 2024).

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.



[ad_2]

Source link