Best Places to Live in Asia For Expats: 6 Hotspots You Don’t Want to Miss

The appeal of Asia as a destination for expats has always been there – with the allure of a better quality of life on the same wage, the booming economy, better education for their children, and in some cases the amazing tropical weather.

But whereabouts in Asia is the best place for expats to head to? Considering that Asia is the largest of the world’s continents, there are plenty of candidate nations to choose from!

To help you focus on your search for the best place to live in Asia, we have put together a list of the 6 best places (picked by your fellow expats) to choose from!

Taiwan

Number 1 in the list, is Taipei, having come in top for two years in a row now, in an International Survey by thousands of expats.

Reasons why Taiwan is so beloved by expats include:

• The Amazing Quality of Life – thanks to their affordable and delectable street food, well-operated public transport system, accessibility, and availability of healthcare amongst others.
• Safety – The fact that it ranks as the 2^nd safest country in the world is something female expats and those with children might take into consideration.
• Inviting and welcoming place – Taipei locals are famous for their friendliness and hospitality worldwide.
• LGBTQ friendly – Considering that Asia countries are overall more conservative than their Western counterparts, Taiwan’s gay-friendly stance is extremely appealing to expats who belong to that community.

 

Singapore

With a vibrant community of 110, 000 expats and 7,000 multinational companies (with many of their regional and global headquarters based out of Singapore), it is easy to see why this economic epicentre is also topping the list.

Here are some other reasons why expats choose to live in Singapore:

• Gateway to Asia – Its central location within Southeast Asia makes it the perfect base for travel to nearby countries for work or leisure.
• Year-Round Tropical Weather – Hate the cold? Then Singapore’s balmy tropical weather will be ideal for you.
• Native English-Speaking Population – Worried about finding your footing in Asia? Not to worry at all, since Singapore is the rare Asian country where almost everything operates entirely in English.
• Safety – One of the safest countries in Asia thanks to the strict and harsh laws in place. It is safe enough that women are comfortable walking the streets late at night without fear for their safety.
• One of the Best Education System in the World – When it comes to your child’s education, why settle for second-best?

Hong Kong (SAR China)

A cosmopolitan and business-oriented city with a long track record of attracting expatriates, Hong Kong (SAR China) continues to appeal to expats all over the world.

Here are some reasons why expats continue to flock to Hong Kong:

• It is an Economic, Financial, and Global Hub – perfect for an expat looking for international career progression and growth.
• Efficient and Modern Public Transport – a convenient and safe way to get around and to and from work.
• Exciting Nightlife Scene – A great way to unwind and socialize with other expats in the community.
• Quality Education System – one of the better education systems in Asia
• Access to Other Expat Hotspots in the Greater China Region – Shanghai and Beijing are in such close proximity – we would love to go more into detail, but these places deserve a special article on their own.

Japan

While the Japanese culture can be a polarizing one, there are many other reasons why Japan still manages to come in 3^rd in place for the best places for expats to live in Asia.

Reasons why expats love to live in Japan include:

• One of the Safest Places in the World – If you have heard stories of people who lost their valuables in public only to have them returned with nothing stolen, you have an idea of exactly how safe the country is.
• An Incredible Cultural Experience – Japanese culture is so incredibly multifaceted that the best way to experience it is to live in the country. And also, the amazing cuisine, how could we forget!
• A Nation of Efficiency and Convenience – Public transport that arrives on schedule, convenience stores, vending machines, and 24-hour eateries at every corner – something hardly found outside of Japan.

 

South Korea

5^th on the list, South Korea is a fascinating place to live in – with plenty of sights, culture, and adventure to explore – a reason why it is increasingly appearing on the radar of expats.

Here are some reasons why expats choose to relocate to South Korea:

• An Incredible Cultural Experience – Very much like Japan, many expats flock to South Korea to immerse themselves in the culture that is so incredibly diverse and experience it themselves first-hand.
• Excellent Public Healthcare – Modern and efficient Western and Eastern medical practices are easily accessible and affordable.

Vietnam

Last but not least, Vietnam is our last popular destination which expats flock to. Amongst the various places on the list so far, it has the cheapest cost of living – making it easy to see why it is so popular with expats.

More reasons why expats are increasingly moving to Vietnam:

• Plenty of Career Prospects – With the Vietnamese economy liberalising and growing, more job opportunities are popping up that make it attractive to expats looking for an international move.
• Incredibly Cheap Cost of Living – Beers can cost as little as a dollar, a meal for a dollar or two, and most importantly an apartment for under USD 200 a month. Enough said.
• A Vibrant Network of Expats – Worried about being away from home alone? Vietnam has a vibrant community of expats from all over the world who socialize with each other regularly so you will be sure to find your people here!

Which Country Is the Best Place for You?

While there is a ranking of the various places in Asia on their appeal to expats, the real question you need to ask yourself is: Which place is the most suited for your needs?

Depending on your personal or family requirements, some of these places might appeal to you more than the others.

Hope this article has helped guide your decision-making process!