BootsnAll Travel Community

My job in the digital arts field allows me to telecommute. Lately I've been asking myself why work from home when I can work abroad for six months out of the year?

I have a two year old daughter, and will be married this June. She is well traveled in resort-style vacations, but is open-minded to any sort of travel.

So my question: Where can I find a flat, food, all living necessities, transportation , etc, etc and a highspeed internet connection for around $1200 a month? We prefer it to be an english speaking country, or with a large english expat neighborhood, but thats not required.


Thanks for any suggestions!


PS. We're going to the UK for a two week honeymoon, spending several days on the Isle of Skye. I'll definately look for rental rates there.

Thailand?

That's more more more than enough for the Philippines, but you'd really want to visit here first to see if it's your cup of tea.

You could live well in Laos, but I'm not sure about high speed internet access. I think it is available, but I'm not sure of the cost. Quite a few speak English and since it is an NGO darling, there are lots of expats there.

I live here in Thailand, and while our high-speed connections are not that high-speed (512)they are pretty good, and getting better.

Where we are (Khao Lak) is a great family town, especially for expats, with beaches, jungle and lots to do. Living here is really cheap. Spending $800 a month is actually living really well. Phuket international airport is one hour south, and Phuket (a really horrible town - but has large supermarkets) is about 1 1/2 hours away. So all supplies and needs are easily obtained, without the corruption.

Mexico depending on where you want to live, most likely in the north since it's more english speaking because of its proximity to the US. Internet can get pricey though like 30-40 a month for high speed.

Thailand without corruption? Who are you trying to kid!

That was "without the corruption" regarding Phuket and it's unsavory attitude towards humanity. I was not referring to corruption in generak.
Though I must say, our business' here have never had a single problem with corrupt officials, shakedowns or petty harrasment by the police. In fact running our shop here has been far less of a hassle than in America!

I would think most countries in SE Asia and Latin America would fit your bill. English is spoken natively in Belize, although the accent is a bit tough to wrap your head around at first.

Panama is a good idea, as is Costa Rica. I remember the distinct thought "I could live here" in Penang, Malaysia.

A gorgeous 15th century white village in Spain! We lived on less than that this winter and could have done it with even less than we did,but we like a few luxuries.

The trick is to live like a local and the life is very good with mostly sun and gorgeous weather all winter and bargain off season monthly rentals ( that go by the week for big bucks in high season summer).Lots of English speaking expats nearby and charming rural feel with every major convenience and great restaurants within walking distance.

quote:

Originally posted by syd47421:
So my question: Where can I find a flat, food, all living necessities, transportation , etc, etc and a highspeed internet connection for around $1200 a month? We prefer it to be an english speaking country, or with a large english expat neighborhood, but thats not required.

There are a number of options, depending on your tastes. Most of northwestern Europe is out, as many lessors will want to see some type of residency status for a 6-12 month lease. (Americans are only allowed to spend 90 cumulative days in Schengen countries during a 180 day period.) Southwestern and Eastern Europeans tend to welcome under-the-table leases, however, as it allows them to avoid paying tax on the income.


You might also consider Argentina or Chile. English is not uncommon amongst the young and the affluent, and goods and services will resemble those familiar to you in the U.S. (a plus when seeking medical care for a 2 year old), but you'll have immersed yourself in a very different culture. You're dollar will go a lot farther, as well.