It seems Taiwan is the latest haven for expats seeking semi/permanent residency in Asia. Is it a better destination compared to Thailand in terms of quality of life per cost of living? Asking since I assume it’s relatively cheaper in BKK/Thailand.

Taipei has a much better quality of life than Bangkok (actually good public transportation!) and is surprisingly affordable too.

For instance, when I was last there a year ago, a friend talked to me about his apartment and how expensive it supposedly was. IIRC, it was a two-bedroom condo right in the center of the business district. The price was 16,000 NTD and at the time NTD and THB exchanged 1 for 1, so it seemed to me that Taipei was actually one of the few Asian capitals where rent could be cheaper than here (to be verified).

However, every foreigner I know who lives in Taiwan said that while getting a visa for a few years is relatively easy, living there long term is much more difficult.

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