Which is better Thailand or Malaysia. How to move to Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia or Malaysia? Work, permanent residence
Czech climatic conditions are very favorable. The territory of this country is located in a zone where the Central European maritime climate passes to the continental East European. Thus, the Czech Republic is located in a climatically favorable region of the Northern Hemisphere - the temperate zone. The Czech climate is more or less even throughout the country, however, its regional features may depend on the topography of a particular area.
The Czech winter can be considered quite mild. The average temperature at this time of the year is rarely below -5°C. Quite rarely, frosts down to -15 ° C occur. No more than once in a few years. It happens that on the streets of Czech cities you can meet blooming flowers until the New Year. However, the average Czech winter is snowy. Therefore, many skiers head to the mountains, where many popular ski resorts are located.
Winter in Czech December is felt weakly: the weather conditions are closer to late autumn, the temperature stays around 0 ° C, although warming up to +10 ° C often occurs and even green grass can be seen in some places. Winter makes itself felt only in short days and long nights - after 4 pm it gets dark. In December, snow rarely lies, it rains more often. However, at the end of the month, when preparations for the New Year and Christmas are already in full swing, the weather can please the inhabitants of the country and numerous tourists with a fairly comfortable temperature and light fluffy snow. The streets of all towns are decorated with multi-colored lights, decorated Christmas trees appear in the squares, folk festivals and fairs take place. The temperature in the mountains in December is in the range of -3-6 °C, which means the start of the ski season.
January is traditionally considered the coldest month in the Czech Republic. At the same time, the weather is very sunny, and the average temperature is in the range from 0 to -3 ° C. The temperature can drop to -10 °C only in mountainous areas. In the flat part of the country there is little snow, in the mountainous regions it falls by an order of magnitude more. After the New Year and Christmas holidays, the sales season opens for shoppers. Also, tourists are attracted by an amazing and very beautiful natural phenomenon: in the Czech Republic, just in January, the flowering period of fragrant viburnum begins.
February is traditionally considered the most sunless and uncomfortable month in the Czech Republic. During the day, the temperature outside is up to +10 °C, and at night it drops to -1 °C. Snow rarely falls, and the chance of rain is also low. But as soon as you climb a little into the mountains, the snow-covered Czech Republic will immediately appear before the travelers in all its glory. It is worth noting that February is the most favorable month for skiing. In addition, this is a great time to visit balneological clinics and year-round sanatoriums in the Czech Republic. On those days when the weather leaves much to be desired, it is time to get acquainted with the rich cultural program, which includes visits to numerous theaters, museums and galleries.
There is an opinion that the Czech Republic in general and Prague in particular are especially good in the spring. In fact, spring comes already in mid-February, while some flowers, shrubs and trees begin to bloom and bloom as early as March. Spring in the Czech Republic becomes quite tangible in March! The weather is quite warm and clear, the singing of birds is heard louder and louder. The number of rainy and sunny days is about the same. On average, the temperature ranges from +5 to +10 °C, but sometimes there are warming up to +20 °C. In mountainous areas at this time, the temperature is stable around 0 ° C and the ski season is still ongoing.
The real spring comes to the Czech Republic in April! It can be felt in the fragrant and sun-warmed air (temperature within + 10-15 ° C), abundant flowering, birdsong. At this time, the season opens in Czech health centers located near lakes and healing mineral ones. As well as in most of the countries of Europe, it is in April that the tourist season starts for travelers who most of all prefer to get acquainted with the architectural sights of ancient cities and sightseeing holidays. Tourists who prefer hiking should be aware that the April weather is still quite changeable, so cool rainy days are still possible.
In May, the weather is almost windless and really warm. Even in the evening the temperature does not fall below +7 °C, and the daytime temperature is within +14-20 °C. This period of time is ideal for walks in numerous parks and hiking tours. Summer in the Czech Republic is very warm and mild, as the mountains surrounding the country around the perimeter do not let the wind through.
On June days in the Czech Republic, a pleasant light breeze blows, and the temperature reaches + 20-25 ° C. It gets cooler in the evenings, and nighttime temperatures can sometimes drop to +7-10 °C. June is characterized by high cloudiness. Cloudy days are regularly replaced by sunny ones, and it can rain quite abruptly and unexpectedly.
There are a lot of sunny days in July. The temperature ranges from +20 to +30 °C. It does not fall below +15 °C even at night. Sometimes it can even be quite hot and stuffy. Despite this, even on a sunny July day, a downpour with a thunderstorm can quickly fall, after which the sun will come out again.
For many Czechs, autumn is their favorite time of the year, and tourists quickly begin to understand why. A whole sea of pleasant memories can give magnificent autumn landscapes, comfortable weather, as well as hiking and excursions. Sometimes in the autumn months there are much more tourists in the Czech Republic than even in the period from May to August.
"Golden autumn" in the Czech Republic begins in September. This time is ideal for a measured and relaxing holiday. Everything around is painted in crimson and gold colors, which even slightly shade the ancient architecture. However, the sky is still as blue and the sun as bright as summer. The air is warmed up to +15-20 °C, but in the morning it already drops to +10 °C. However, do not forget that it is still autumn, and sunny days can easily change to cool and windy. Thunderstorms and heavy rain often occur.
October weather in the Czech Republic is very changeable. Warm sunny days with temperatures up to +15-17 °C may well change to +10 °C in autumn. It often rains regardless of the temperature. Therefore, October is the best time to visit theatres, galleries, museums, ancient castles or get acquainted with traditional Czech cuisine and drinks. By the way, prices in October are much lower than during the height of the holiday season. Many come to the Czech Republic in October for treatment. After all, all resorts, including the famous Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne, are still open to tourists.
November is considered to be far from the most popular month for holidays in the Czech Republic. There are fewer tourists, prices are lower. At the same time, you can get a discount on accommodation and services, as well as on purchases. Many stores are having a sale with up to 50% off. The temperature in November is around +5 °C, but can rise to +10 °C, although night frosts also occur. Snow falls extremely rarely. And, without stopping, it melts. It rains much more frequently. And although it becomes less and less possible to enjoy hiking, nothing prevents you from getting to know Czech
I've been there for New Year's Eve. In Thailand, the service is better, and the people are friendlier .. They are used to Russians there and some even speak a little :) If you need the sea, then you need to go to the islands in Thailand, it's dirty in Pattaya. If you have any specific questions - you can write to the soap [email protected]
We were also in Thailand (in Pattaya and Phuket), and in Malaysia. The latter we visited together with Singapore in March of this year. Rest in these countries, in my opinion, is different. , but in Malaysia it’s more expensive. Excursion in Tae is richer. Service is good everywhere, Asia, though. cafes and restaurants than in Malaysia (in particular, on Langkawi, we ate mainly at the hotel in a Thai restaurant), and I liked the cuisine in Thailand more. But both countries deserve attention and visits. Therefore, determine what is more important for you on vacation and choose a country.
Absolutely agree with Iruley. As a person who has lived in Thailand for 4 years, I can say that she expressed a VERY competent and fair opinion. I have been to Malaysia (Penang) three times, many of my friends have been to KL. There are a lot of interesting things in both countries, Thailand is closer for me, because I know it better and live here, but I’m just sure that there are a lot of things worth seeing in Malaysia. SE Asia is unique. And those who have been here will understand what I mean.
And bird flu is a fairy tale for uninitiated simpletons, so that people go to other, familiar summer destinations. It really is up to you to decide!
In general, Langkawi is a very relaxing holiday, there is no city fuss.
We stayed there for 9 days. We just slept for a couple of days, got up for dinner, ate and went to the beach. This was due to a long flight and 2 days of excursions to Kuala Lumpur. By the way, we rested at the Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi: a good hotel, territory, SPA center. When the body returned to normal, we rented a car for 2 days and drove around all the sights on the island, they are marked on the map, which can be taken at the reception or from the guide: funicular, waterfalls, seven wells, an aquarium, Kuah , scenery for the film "Anna and the King" (I was struck by how films are filmed on 3 square meters (conditionally) in Hollywood). The roads are good, there were no problems driving a car due to left-hand traffic, there are signs everywhere. on a yacht through the mangroves, with the feeding of eagles. We did not go to the island of a pregnant woman. we have already seen a lot and decided that this excursion would not surprise us. Most of the time we spent at the hotel on the beach: it’s so good - the sea is noisy, the birds are singing, the eye is pleased with the riot of greenery around and we don’t want to twitch and run anywhere. In the evenings at the hotel after dinner, three girls sang in a bar near the reception: not bad, good voices, knew a lot of songs, sang often on request, it was just nice to sit with a cocktail.
I am not competent in this matter and, unfortunately, I cannot give any recommendations. I would advise you to take an interest in THE DATAI hotel, Putin stayed there for 2 days after the international summit. We wanted to see it while driving, but it didn’t work out- closed territory. At the time when we went, it was about $ 250 more expensive. The only thing I can help is at the beginning of the next week (when my husband arrives from a business trip), give you the address of Mikhail with whom we communicated in KL. You will write to him and he may be able to advise you something else, a rather competent, educated young man, very pleasant in communication. I hope that we will find a business card.
— writing our opinion about Malaysia, Thailand and Bali (Indonesia). It requested a comparative analysis of these countries. Which we will do.
Our opinion is not the truth in all instances, it is just an opinion. It may change over time, but as long as it is what it is… Reality is subjective. It is quite possible that after visiting these 3 countries, you will come to completely opposite conclusions. Dima's thoughts first, then Olya's. 🙂
Sputnik1818 — Dima
Housing
Bali- cool houses, both for the long term and for the short. In terms of price / quality of housing in Bali, they are ahead. Houses from 6000 rubles per month. Daily good guesthouses from 200 rubles. For 6,000 rubles, they even offered us two-story mansions, but far from more or less busy places. For 10,000 rubles.
Malaysia- I won’t say anything for a long time, I only know that it’s inexpensive - prices are comparable to Tai. The rental of apartments is developed, more than houses. In Kuala, I would not stop at all. - there daily from 300-400.
Thailand- houses and apartments for every taste, there are no problems with renting for any period. Apartments (we are talking about really good rooms) from 4000. Houses from 6000 and above, depending on where you rent and the quality of the house.
Outcome: 1st place: Bali, 2nd place: Thailand, 3rd place: Malaysia
Food
Bali It's not all bad, but it could be better. We prefer to cook at home, as it is cheaper and tastier. Olya ate vegetables and fruits, and she cooked for me what I asked. 🙂 The biggest drawback is that traders in the markets inflate the price, you have to spend time and energy to bring it down to an acceptable one. Therefore, we decided not to take a steam bath, to buy vegetables, fruits and everything else in the supermarket. Good .
Malaysia we wrote. Malaysian food - they did not really understand this concept. Their local is tasty, but every day I would not eat. Already Indian or Chinese food is much tastier there.
Thai food- delicious, we have a whole section devoted to, although we rarely write there. Having ordered something in a cafe, there is almost a 100 percent guarantee that it will be delicious or very tasty. We ate in Thai cafes about 300 times already (I figured in my head), there were punctures with food only three times. Agree, this is a good indicator? In Thailand, the cult of food. Fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets cost a penny.
Outcome: 1st place: Thailand, 2nd-3rd place: Bali and Malaysia. But! There is an abyss between the first and second places.
Cloth:
Thailand- for every taste and a lot. Very cheap, the proximity to China affects, and they have a good production. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy new than to wash...
Chatuchak market in Bangkok
Malaysia- subjectively, the clothes are even better, in terms of quality, than in Thailand, but also a little more expensive, although not always.
Bali— I can’t say anything, we didn’t shop there. We were offered much more expensive than in Thailand. But with a couple of phrases, that I was not interested in anything, I brought down the price to almost Thai or so. But it never came to a real purchase.
Outcome: 1st-2nd place: Thailand and Malaysia, 3rd place: Bali
Internet:
Bali— Great post about the Internet in Bali on the blog of our friends hanging out in the Philippines. As they say, do not subtract, do not add. Although I will write in a separate post how we solved the problem of the Internet. The general conclusion is that so far everything is bad with the Internet in Bali, but for a long time and in busy places it can be solved.
Malaysia- seems not bad. Wherever they lived (5 different places) there were no problems with fast Internet.
Thailand- everything is more than good, but this is due to the huge choice of housing. Whoever seeks will always find - if you need the Internet, then you can and should find a fast one.
Outcome: 1st-2nd place: Thailand, Malaysia, 3rd place: Bali
Visas:
Bali- for 1 month at the entrance - 25 bucks, prolonging hemorrhoids of all.
Malaysia- 1 month free of charge upon entry, then it seems that you can renew for money, but it’s also not clear to me what is there and how.
Thailand- 1 month free of charge upon entry, it is easier to obtain visas and everything is written up and down on the forums.
Outcome: 1st place: Thailand, 2nd place: Malaysia, 3rd place: Bali
Beauty of places, attractions, nature, weather:
Bali Everything is picturesque and beautiful. There are many sights, but in a month you can see everything worthy of attention (if you set such a goal). But the humidity was wild when we lived. Linen dried for 2-3 days. The sea is calm (you have to look for it), but there is one where active sports are welcome, because there are waves.
Malaysia- beautiful country. We were there 4 times at different times of the year - all the time it was humid and stuffy.
Thailand- a beautiful and different country, everyone will find a climate to their liking. The sea is also for every taste. Lots of places where you can and should stay for a long time.
Outcome: no rating. We are good everywhere in this regard and everywhere there are sights, except that Thailand stands out for the better with its climate, but it doesn’t matter.
Verytruth - Olya:
I repeat Dima's words: reality is subjective. For me, it is this: Thailand is my home. 🙂 I already wrote that on our very first visit to Thailand (it was a year ago), we had the feeling that we did not come to a new country for ourselves, but returned home! Over the course of the year, this feeling became even stronger. I am far from Thai culture, religion, customs, etc. But the country itself, the locals and the atmosphere just work wonders. 🙂
On Bali I liked our house and the fact that the island is very green. I didn't like everything else (beggars, pesters). As Dima already wrote, the locals are only thinking how to snatch more money from tourists. I understand them, if you don’t deceive, you won’t live.
In small villages, you can buy cheap fruit, but it takes effort. What for? If in Thailand fruits and vegetables are much cheaper and sold at every corner. In Bali, I ate oranges (imported from Africa), local black grapes (relatively cheap), tomatoes, cucumbers and some fruits. In Thailand, the choice is much more, so I get high!
IN Malaysia in small towns you can live with no less comfort than in Thailand. But the country is Muslim, communication with the locals is no longer the same, and it is not open to everyone and not immediately. Yes, Malaysia needs to be rediscovered every time. And Thailand is so simple and naive that no effort is required. 🙂
In principle, we are good everywhere, the main thing is that we are together. But in Thailand a feeling of relaxation is well added to this (you don’t worry about the safety of things, the adequacy of local people and tomorrow) and a certain euphoria. It is comparable to when you arrive at your childhood home and pleasant memories come flooding over you. I am sincerely happy for those who feel the same way about Thailand.
I do not idealize this country and do not exaggerate. I just live. In Russia, I had to survive. So it was only in Thailand that I realized what it was like to live. Live here and now. 🙂
I wish everyone to find their country.
Foreigners most often live in Thailand on work, business or long-term retirement visas. The number of applicants for the Thailand Elite program is growing every year.
Thailand
Economy
Over the past 40 years, Thailand has evolved from a poor country to a developed one. Thanks to competent management, the poverty rate has fallen significantly, agriculture, health care, the production of machinery and cars, and jewelry are rapidly developing. In terms of GDP growth, Thailand is in third place among Asian countries, following China and Indonesia. Moreover, the state, regardless of imports: 44.5% is occupied by industry, which employs 14% of the working-age population.
17% of GDP is occupied by tourism, and the number of people who want to relax in this country is growing at a tremendous pace. If in 1967 400,000 tourists came to Thailand, then in 2016 there were 32.5 million! A , which is 23% more than the previous year and 10 times more than in 2008.
Real estate
As a result of the tourist boom in places that vacationers are interested in, the Thai authorities have begun to develop infrastructure. Now it is mainly due to foreign investors who receive a good income both from renting out housing and from selling the property in a few years.
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But in terms of acquiring real estate in Thailand, there are several nuances. A foreigner has the right to buy only 49% of the property, the remaining 51% must be owned by a Thai citizen or company. It would seem that a completely unprofitable option. But there is a way out - buying an apartment in a residential complex. In this case, the house is considered as one object, in which 49% of the apartments can be bought by foreign investors, and 51% by local ones.
Under current laws, 49% can be purchased in full ownership (freehold), and 51% can be taken on a long-term lease for 90 years (leasehold). In reality, the second scheme provides the developer with only a formal right of ownership, but in reality the buyer has every opportunity to dispose of housing: sell, rent, inherit, etc. In addition, such apartments are 10-20% cheaper, so this purchase scheme is becoming more and more popular. If we are talking about a villa, then the investor receives the house in full ownership, and the land is leased for 90 years.
Although the conditions have been greatly simplified. Previously, there were many restrictions for foreigners in the Vietnamese real estate market. But on July 1, 2015, a law came into force that allowed any foreigner who entered the country on a tourist visa to buy housing on a leasehold basis for 50 years (after the permit is extended for the same period). A foreign owner has the right to fully dispose of his property: resell, lease, mortgage, inherit.
Tourist visa
If you do not plan to stay in Vietnam for a long time, it is quite possible to get by with a tourist visa for a period of one to three months (both single and multi-entry). And do not forget that you have 15 days left during which you can stay in the state without a visa. After the end of the permit, it can be extended for the same period. But if you want to settle in the country for more than six months, it is more profitable and more reliable to think about a residence permit.
How to move to Vietnam
Getting a residence permit in Vietnam is not an easy task: the country is run by the communist party, which does not particularly trust foreigners who want to stay here for a long time. But nothing is impossible! You just need to choose "your" option:
- Marriage with a local. It makes it possible to obtain a residence permit, but not citizenship.
- Opening your own company. Even if we are talking about a small private business with minimal investment. Quite a few Russians moved to Vietnam in this way: many open travel agencies, auto repair shops, catering establishments and provide accompanying services to visitors.
Employment. There are many low-skilled workers in the state, but there are not enough specialists with extensive experience and suitable education. Since the country is now pursuing a policy of industrialization, workers in the mining, oil, and metallurgical industries are most in demand. We need engineers, pharmacists, chemists, specialists in the field of shipbuilding.
It is also quite realistic to get a job as an interpreter, service personnel in institutions focused on Russian and English-speaking audiences. In Vietnam, there are many international companies, for which knowledge of the local language is not required for enrollment. In addition to competence, the future employee must be in good health and have no criminal record.
A Vietnamese company can hire a person for up to three months without additional approvals. After that, you will need permission from the regional department of the Ministry of Labor, which is valid for 36 months. Renewal requires an employment contract.
However, when getting an official job in Vietnam, do not count on the European level of salaries. Although, in fairness, living here is also not so inexpensive.
After living in the country for five years, if you have a residence permit, you can apply for citizenship. A prerequisite is knowledge of the Vietnamese language.
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The easiest way to travel to Bali is with the KITAS work visa. For pensioners, immigration is also simplified.
Indonesia
Economy
Like many Asian countries, Indonesia has become increasingly popular among tourists in recent years - holidaymakers account for 6.2% of the local economy. The main part of GDP (about 45%) is occupied by the service sector, followed by industry and, to a lesser extent, agriculture. The unemployment rate in the country is at the level of 6-7%, and economic growth is about 5% per year. As of 2015, the poverty rate here is only 11.2%, and the literacy rate is almost 99%.
Indonesia has a long-term development plan for 2005-2025, divided into five years. Now the part is being implemented, where the main emphasis of local authorities is on improving the infrastructure in the field of education and healthcare.
Real estate
It is easy to move to Malaysia on a work visa, especially for experienced professionals. There is also an investor program.
Malaysia
Economy
Malaysia is a country with a poverty rate of only 0.6% (for 2015), unemployment - 3-4%, literacy - 98.4%. There is a fairly large middle class, well-developed networks and telecommunications, and economic growth is a stable 5-6% per year due to high domestic demand. Most of the economy (56%) is the service sector, slightly less (35%) - manufacturing and very little - agriculture.
Local authorities are trying to attract foreign investors to the country, but in some sectors (telecommunications, finance, transport, oil and gas industry) there are still restrictions in the form of a limit on foreign shares. Meanwhile, the country is among the ten most advanced states in terms of the development of the financial market.
Real estate
Malaysia is the only country in Southeast Asia (with the exception of Singapore and, albeit with reservations, Thailand) where a foreigner, upon purchase, receives freehold ownership for an unlimited period. However, there is a minimum “threshold” for entering the local market: a citizen of another country can purchase a home for no less than a certain amount. Depending on the state for MM2H visa holders, this amount varies between $86,000 and $740,000 (only Kedah has no minimum threshold). For other foreigners, housing should not be cheaper than $98,500, and in Selangor this figure also reaches $740,000.
Now for foreign citizens in the country there is a profitable mortgage program, which, together with the improvement in consumer sentiment, allows foreigners to. Local authorities are making a lot of efforts to.
Foreigners are not limited by the type of housing they buy, but they cannot buy property in a certain price category, on the lands of Malaysian Reseved Land, and also of national interest. There are also two types of purchase here: freehold (full ownership) and leasehold (long-term use for 99 years). But the foreign owner does not have the right to resell his property earlier than three years after the conclusion of the transaction.
The yield from renting out housing for a long-term lease varies between 7-10% per annum.
Tourist visa
As in other Asian countries, in Malaysia there is a “corridor” of visa-free entry, which for Belarusians, Russians and Ukrainians is 30 days: upon arrival at the airport, a stamp is stamped in the passport for free. If you are planning a longer stay in the country, a two-month visa will have to be issued in advance through the Consulate. After on the spot, its validity period can be extended for another two months.
To obtain a residence permit in the country, you can use one of the options:
- Studies. Works for both you and your children. If you enter a local university, get ready to pay about $5000-6000 per year. An international school for a child will cost $1500-3000. In both cases, an annual visa is issued with the possibility of extension on the spot. There is also an option to take language courses in the country, which will require about $ 800 for three months (a visa is issued only for six months).
- Marriage. There are some nuances here: only a foreigner who married a Malay can count on citizenship. If the opposite is true (the marriage is concluded between a Malay woman and a foreigner), only a long-term visa can be obtained. But even in this scenario, a foreign woman will be deprived of citizenship if the marriage breaks up in less than two years. In addition, you will have to give up the passport of your country and, possibly, convert to Islam, since most of the locals are Muslims.
Employment. A real option only for highly qualified foreigners aged 27 and over with at least three years of experience. Malaysia constantly requires doctors, teachers, IT-specialists (at least 23 years old and with experience of two years), engineers, specialists in the field of tourism, gas and oil production. You also need to be fluent in English, as due to the diversity of cultures, most people here speak English.
The visa is issued for 3-5 years. If you change employer, the document will need to be re-registered. You can do this without leaving the country.
Own business. Reliable but expensive option. If the associated costs are only $400, then the authorized capital when opening your own company in Malaysia should be at least $40,000 per person. Also note that the board of directors must include a Malay. The only exception is an IT company, which can have only foreigners, which will not need to pay taxes for several years and go through complex procedures when obtaining work visas for employees.
There is an option to open an offshore company on the island of Labuan and get a visa for two years. In this case, the costs are more modest: $2,500 for registration, $1,000 for a director's visa, and $300 each for visas for family members.
My Second Home (MM2H). An investment program that allows the applicant and his family members to obtain a 10-year visa to the country. Depending on age, the conditions vary slightly: an investor under 50 must have assets of at least $135,000 and have a monthly income of $3,000 or more; over 50 years old - $95,000 and $3,000 respectively.
After conditional approval, an applicant under the age of 50 must deposit at least $80,000 into a local bank account (half can be withdrawn after a year, half remains until the end of the visa); over 50 years old - $40,000 (you can withdraw $13,000 in a year).
As you can see, there are many reasons for moving to the countries of Southeast Asia. The main thing is to decide in which state you want to settle, and for a start to live here, limited to a tourist visa. The mentality, culture, traditions, way of life of Asians are fundamentally different, as is the humid tropical climate, to which you adapt far from the first day. Therefore, to begin with, it is better to evaluate life here “from the inside”, and then make the final decision. In any case, staying in any of these places for a while is a great experience and an opportunity to gain new knowledge and impressions.
