Preface

If you are thinking of leaving your home country to live in paradise to improve the quality of your life, this book is for you. Over 6 million of America’s best citizens are already thriving overseas. A common regret of expats is that they didn’t leave their home country earlier. The biggest obstacle to their freedom is fear which is usually misconceived.

This book has been written by seasoned expats and travelers who are thriving in Southeast Asia. The tips and guidance will save you thousands of dollars and many hours of your time. The author will guide you through established ways of successfully supporting your chosen lifestyle anywhere in Southeast Asia.

This book prepares you for the big escape - and change of lifestyle - by guiding you through the practicalities of passports and visas, health issues and money matters. The book is full of guidance on how to survive in a foreign country and earn a good living doing what you enjoy.

The process of buying an independent business or a franchise is explained. If you have specialized skills and a penchant for networking you must read the chapter about working freelance. There is even a section dedicated to creative pioneers about alternative approaches to making a living and cutting domestic expenditure.

The 12 most popular ways to earn a living in paradise - which are explained in chapter 7 - are: employment with an international or foreign-owned company; teaching English as a foreign language; owning a local tourist-oriented business; real estate and business brokering; property development and management; online trading and auctions; freelance consulting of specialist services; writing and publishing; volunteering; website development; import/export and manufacturing; online day trading of the financial markets.

There are unlimited opportunities for resourceful people to make a living in Southeast Asia. There are lots of teaching opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam; work with NGO’s in Indonesia, Myanmar and Laos; while adventurous business pioneers are being attracted to Cambodia and Vietnam.

This guide book will help you transform your dream into reality.

Good luck in your honorable quest for freedom and fulfillment! And if you have any questions, do drop me a line. My email address is Philip@philipwylie.com.

Philip Wylie

Chiang Mai January 2010