Are you considering relocating to Asia and want to know what the best countries are for English speakers?
There are many advantages and benefits that come with living in a foreign country, as well as plenty of cultural experiences.
However, it can be hard to decide which country is the perfect fit.
To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to live in Asia for English speakers.
Singapore
Singapore is another great destination for those considering moving to Asia.
It has one of the highest standards of living in the region and offers excellent job prospects for English speakers.
Plus, Singapore has a diverse culture that makes it easy to feel at home—whether you’re looking for delicious food, vibrant nightlife, or cultural attractions.
Singapore is known for its modern infrastructure and efficient public transport, making it an ideal place to call home.
It’s also a great option if you’re looking for a safe environment with low crime rates and excellent healthcare.
Education is also highly regarded in Singapore, so expats can rest assured that their children will receive the best education possible.
In addition, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from shopping malls and theme parks to art galleries and historical sites.
Finally, Singapore has one of the most business-friendly environments in Asia, making it a great destination for entrepreneurs and digital nomads.
Overall, Singapore is an attractive destination for English speakers who want to enjoy all the amenities of a modern city while still being close to nature.
Thailand
Thailand is a great option for English speakers looking to move abroad.
The country is well-known for its friendly and welcoming locals, fantastic food, and stunning beaches.
Even better, English is widely spoken throughout the country, so expats won’t have any difficulty communicating with locals or accessing services like banking and healthcare.
Plus, it has an affordable cost of living compared to other popular countries in Southeast Asia.
Living in Thailand is a great place for those who love the outdoors. From stunning national parks to tropical islands and pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone.
The country also has a thriving nightlife scene and is home to some of Asia’s best shopping destinations.
For entrepreneurs, Thailand offers plenty of opportunities for investment, as well as a number of incentives for setting up businesses.
Phuket
Phuket is a beautiful island located in the south of Thailand with stunning sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
It’s known for its vibrant nightlife, excellent shopping options, and world-class restaurants.
The cost of living in Phuket is quite low compared to other destinations on this list, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. Plus, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Phuket is also a great destination for those looking to learn Thai or take part in cultural activities like cooking classes and Muay Thai boxing lessons.
English is widely spoken throughout the island, making it easy for expats to settle in and integrate into. So it’s worth traveling to Phuket with all these awesome things you can do.
Chang Mai
Chang Mai is a beautiful city located in northern Thailand. It is known for its ancient temples and stunning landscapes, making it a great destination for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors.
The cost of living here is relatively low compared to other destinations in Asia, so expats can enjoy an excellent quality of life without breaking the bank.
English is widely spoken throughout Chang Mai, so expats won’t have any difficulty communicating with locals.
The city also has a bustling nightlife scene and plenty of restaurants to choose from. There are lots of activities for those who are looking for adventure, from hiking in the mountains to biking down ancient trails.
Bali
Bali is another great destination for English speakers looking to move abroad.
The country is well-known for its vibrant culture and friendly locals. Plus, the cost of living in Bali is relatively low compared to other Asian countries.
English is also widely spoken throughout the island, making it easy to communicate with locals and access services like healthcare and banking.
Bali has some of the most stunning beaches in Asia, as well as a rich cultural heritage that makes it a great place to explore and learn about traditional Balinese customs and traditions.
And if you’re looking for a job or investment opportunity, there are plenty of businesses that cater to tourists, from restaurants and hotels to eco-tourism ventures.
Having the beach views is awesome making it ideal if you’re planning on living in Bali.
Overall, Bali is a great destination for those who want to experience the traditional culture while still having access to modern amenities.
Japan
Japan is another top choice for English speakers wanting to relocate abroad.
On top of its rich culture and unique cuisine, many cities across Japan are home to international schools and networks of expats, making it easy to find a community and feel at home.
While the cost of living in Japan is higher than in other Asian countries, there are plenty of job opportunities for English speakers and many government initiatives to help encourage tourism.
Japan also has some of the most advanced public transportation systems in the world and public safety policies that make it a safe place to live. Plus, Japan is home to traditional festivals, hot springs, and amazing temples.
Japan is safe and has an abundance of attractions, making it very worth living in Japan.
Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world. It is an exciting place to live that offers a vibrant mix of modern amenities, cultural experiences, and traditional architecture.
English is widely spoken throughout Tokyo, making it easy for English speakers to communicate with locals and access services like banking and healthcare.
The city is home to some of the most advanced public transportation systems in the world, as well as convenient shopping centers and a vast selection of international restaurants.
Overall, Tokyo is a great choice for English speakers who want to experience the culture and modernity of Japan without feeling isolated from their home countries.
South Korea
South Korea is also becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a vibrant city lifestyle with plenty of shopping, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
Plus, South Korea has one of the highest rates of English proficiency in Asia, so language barriers won’t be much of an issue.
On top of that, it boasts some of the world’s best universities and offers generous scholarships to international students.
South Korea, such as its lower cost of living compared to other countries on the list, its public transportation system, and its thriving tech industry.
Also, South Korea also has a much lower cost of living than other countries on this list, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money without sacrificing their quality of life.
It also has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, making getting around easy and affordable.
Plus, it’s home to a thriving tech industry with plenty of job opportunities for English speakers.
From high-tech startups to established corporations like Samsung and LG, there’s something for everyone in South Korea.
With all these awesome attractions, it’s worth living in South Korea as a froeigner.
Seoul
Seoul is the capital of South Korea and one of the most populous cities in Asia. It’s a vibrant and exciting city with a mix of modern amenities and traditional culture.
English is widely spoken throughout the city, making it easy to communicate with locals and access services like banking and healthcare.
The city has a comprehensive public transportation system that makes getting around easy, as well as plenty of shopping centers, nightlife venues, and cultural attractions to explore.
Plus, Seoul is also home to some of the world’s leading universities and research institutions, making it a great place for students or anyone looking to advance their careers.
Overall, Seoul offers a great mix of convenience and culture that makes it an appealing destination for expats from all over the world.
The Philippines
The Philippines is an attractive option for English speakers looking to move abroad and to live in the Philippines.
Not only is the cost of living low, but there’s a large expat community and plenty of work opportunities for those wanting to teach English or work in IT.
And with its stunning beaches, mountain ranges, and tropical islands, it provides all the natural beauty you could want from living overseas.
The Philippines is also home to a rich culture, with plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, and is worth traveling in the Philippines.
What’s more, the Filipino people are incredibly hospitable and friendly, so you’ll never be short of friends.
Finally, the government is very supportive of expats and there are plenty of visas available depending on your circumstances.
Boracay Island
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise, then Boracay Island in the Philippines is definitely worth considering.
It’s one of the most popular beach destinations in Asia and offers plenty of activities to keep you busy, from paragliding and snorkeling to shopping trips and cultural tours.
Plus, it’s home to a vibrant expat community, so you won’t have any trouble making friends either if you plan on solo traveling Philippines.
The cost of living on Boracay is also very affordable, and most locals speak English so communication isn’t an issue.
Overall, Boracay Island is a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxed and laid-back lifestyle in an idyllic island setting.
Baguio
For those looking for a more rural experience, the city of Baguio in the Philippines is a great option.
It’s renowned for its cool climate and lush mountainous landscape, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
Plus, most locals speak English, so you won’t have to worry about language barriers.
The cost of living is also relatively low, and the city has plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, and other amenities to keep you occupied.
Cebu City
Cebu City is another great destination for English speakers in the Philippines. It’s a vibrant and exciting city with plenty of restaurants, bars, shops, and cultural attractions to explore.
Plus, it’s home to some of the best beaches in Asia, as well as a variety of outdoor activities like diving and sailing.
The cost of living is also affordable and most locals speak English, making it easy to communicate with people and access services like banking.
Overall, Cebu City offers an exciting lifestyle for expats who want to explore a new culture in a beautiful setting.
China
China is an increasingly popular destination for expats looking to move abroad and to live in China.
It has rapidly grown into a global economic powerhouse and offers plenty of job opportunities for English speakers.
Plus, there are many different cities to choose from with unique cultures and attractions—from bustling metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai to beautiful cities like Hangzhou and Guilin.
China is also known for its low cost of living, making it easy to live comfortably even on a budget.
The public transportation system is extensive, so getting around is easy, and the healthcare system is reliable and affordable.
Finally, China has some of the world’s oldest cultural attractions and is worth to travel in China to get that immersive experience—from The Great Wall to the Forbidden City—so there’s plenty to explore.
Shanghai
Shanghai is one of the most popular cities for expats in China and for good reason.
It has a thriving economy, with plenty of job opportunities for English speakers as well as a vibrant cultural scene.
The city also offers great public transportation, reliable healthcare, and an affordable cost of living—all while being surrounded by stunning skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and picturesque parks.
In addition, the locals are incredibly friendly and welcoming to foreigners, making it easy to make new friends and get settled in quickly.
Overall, China is a great destination for expats looking to experience a unique culture while reaping the benefits of an exciting economy.
Malaysia
Malaysia is an ideal destination for English speakers looking to move abroad.
It has a low cost of living and plenty of job opportunities—especially in the tech industry and teaching English.
Plus, it’s home to some stunning natural beauty—from rainforests to tropical beaches—so you can take advantage of all that Malaysia has to offer.
Malaysia also boasts a rich culture and heritage, so there’s always something new to experience.
The government is welcoming towards expats and there are numerous visas available depending on your circumstances.
Finally, public transportation is reliable and affordable, making getting around easy and convenient.
Taiwan
Taiwan is an often overlooked destination for English speakers looking to move abroad. It boasts a modern infrastructure and excellent job opportunities in the IT sector.
Plus, it’s known as one of the world’s leading tech hubs, making it attractive for digital nomads and entrepreneurs alike.
Taiwan also has some stunning natural attractions—from breathtaking mountains to dramatic coastlines—so there’s plenty to explore.
The healthcare system is reliable and affordable, and the government is welcoming towards expats from all around the world.
Plus, Taiwanese people are incredibly friendly and hospitable, so you’ll never feel like an outsider.
Finally, living costs are low compared to other countries in Asia.
Vietnam
Vietnam is an increasingly popular destination for expats looking to move abroad.
It has a thriving economy and plenty of job opportunities for English speakers. Plus, it’s home to stunning natural attractions—from serene beaches to majestic mountains.
The cost of living is also low compared to other countries in Asia, making it easy to live comfortably even on a budget.
Vietnam has excellent public transportation and reliable healthcare, so getting around and staying healthy is easy.
Finally, the locals are incredibly welcoming towards foreigners, so you’ll feel right at home no matter where you go.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam and a great destination for expats looking to move abroad. It has plenty of job opportunities, especially in the tech and finance sectors.
The city also offers an exciting nightlife scene and a vibrant cultural atmosphere, with numerous temples, pagodas, and historical attractions to explore.
Plus, living costs are incredibly low compared to other major cities in Asia—making it easy to live comfortably even on a budget.
Public transportation is reliable and affordable, with buses and metro lines connecting different parts of the city. The healthcare system is also excellent, with quality services that are accessible even to those without insurance.
Finally, the locals are very welcoming towards expats from all around the world—making Ho Chi Minh City a great place to call home.
Hanoi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam and a great destination for expats looking to move abroad. It’s home to numerous historical attractions, from ancient temples to colonial-era buildings, so there’s plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.
The city also boasts a vibrant cultural atmosphere with an array of museums, galleries, and restaurants offering up traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Plus, job opportunities in the tech sector are abundant—and living costs are incredibly low compared to other cities in Asia.
Public transportation is reliable and affordable, so getting around is easy and convenient.
The healthcare system is also excellent—providing quality services that are accessible even without insurance.
Finally, Hanoi is known for its welcoming locals who make expats feel right at home no matter where they go. All of these factors combine to make Hanoi an attractive option for expats looking to move abroad.
Thoughts and Conclusion
Living in Asia can be a rewarding and enriching experience, and each country has its own unique culture to explore.
Overall, Asia offers plenty of opportunities for English speakers looking to move abroad. Whether you’re looking for a thriving tech industry or stunning natural beauty, these five countries are sure to have something that suits your needs.
Whether you’re looking for an affordable lifestyle, rich culture, or ample job opportunities, the best places to live in Asia for English speakers are Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.
With their diverse cities and friendly locals, all three countries offer something special that makes them worthy of considering when deciding where to live abroad.
So, research each country thoroughly and make sure to visit before making your final decision.
