Living and working in Asia is great even for Westerners, with the cost of living in most Asian countries much lower compared to in the West. Along with this, many of the countries in Asia are peaceful countries that are safe to live in, with a high priority on people’s safety and low crime rates. If you are thinking of relocating to an Asian country to live and work, then here are some of the best countries to consider.

Singapore

Singapore is one of the best countries in the world for ex-pats with clean air, clean streets, high levels of safety and one of the best public transport systems in the world. If you are planning to move here as a family, then you will be glad to know that around sixty percent of people who have moved to Singapore with kids say that they prefer the school system here.

It’s also the best place to start a business, and there are plenty of job opportunities if you apply before you arrive. The income tax rates are low, and people living in Singapore earn an average of $160k annually. Foreigners to Singapore are also welcome to purchase property here. You can find various types of home loans that ex-pats are eligible for, and certain property types such as condos. Find out more about the UOB home loan and how to apply at PropertyGuru. As the top property site in the country, PropertyGuru is the best place to find your perfect new home in Singapore.

South Korea

Moving to South Korea to live and work offers an exciting live in a country that is very advanced. This country combines modern living with natural beauty and is renowned as one of the leading countries in the world as a producer of technology and electronics such as computers, smartphones, and televisions. Moving here can provide you with an excellent standard of living with a reasonable cost, and there are lots of amazing things to do including twelve UNESCO Heritage Sites. Along with this, security is monitored quite highly here in public areas and the country is a very safe one to live in.

Malaysia

If you are interested in moving to a multicultural country in Asia, then Malaysia may be a good choice. While Islam is the dominant religion here, everybody is welcome as over the years, the country has attracted many immigrants and visitors thanks to its economic stability and uniqueness. There are plenty of opportunities for employment and you can also enjoy a relatively low cost of living. Expats in Malaysia are generally satisfied with the cost of living and say that they have settled in easily.

The Philippines

The Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking nations in the world, so it’s no surprise that it is a popular choice for Western ex-pats. The country has over seven thousand islands and varied geography that ranges from tropical beaches to mountains and volcanoes. The cost of living is relatively low with $700-$1200 per month easily covering all your expenses including housing, utilities, and food. The local government also provides numerous business opportunities for growth. You might also visit B2G (business-to-government) portals for the bidding process as the portal provides numerous philgeps opportunities to participate and win. It is also one of the top countries to retire in the world.

Japan

Japan is a country with more volcanoes than anywhere else in the world, and all the buildings have safety procedures for earthquakes. If living somewhere more prone to earthquakes worries you, then you will be glad to hear that safety here is at the heart of everything and homes are built with lumber to protect people from damage. There are lots of work abroad opportunities, business opportunities, and higher education opportunities here. With a high employment rate, it’s one of the best countries to work and live in around the world. And there is a very low crime rate; parents are comfortable sending their children to walk to school by themselves from a very young age because it is so safe.

Thailand

In recent decades, Thailand has undergone a lot of rapid development, mainly thanks to the growing tourism industry in the country. Like many other countries in Asia, the cost of living in Thailand is relatively low and you can easily cover all your expenses for around $1000 monthly. Along with this, there are plenty of options to live in either a bustling city or the quiet and peaceful countryside, and the country has an excellent healthcare system. Generally, there is a tropical climate in Thailand, so you can expect hot summers and mild winters, which is ideal for people who love the sunshine and the outdoors.

If you want a big change in your life, then relocating to Asia to live and work might be an ideal option for you. These are just some of the best and most popular Asian countries for Westerners to move to. Most offer a low cost of living, great job opportunities, a tropical climate, and welcoming locals.