Laos.

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Tyrone Jenkins
6 years ago
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1 Laos

2 Laos There is a saying in Southeast Asia that the Vietnamese plant the rice, the Thais sell the rice, and the Lao listen to the rice grow...

3 At A Glance Population 6.5 million (July 2011 est.) Median Age / life expectancy 21 / Official Language Lao Currency Kip (LAK) GDP per Capita (PPP) $2,449 (2010 est.) Climate tropical monsoon - rainy season (May Nov.), dry season (Dec. - April) Natural Hazards floods, droughts Government Communist state

4 What about... Vientiane Population 740,000 (est.) Developing and modernizing quickly The main urban area in Laos the hub of transportation and best infrastructure in the country Beautiful Buddhist temples and serene locals Best shopping, entertainment, and grocery selection in Laos Many volunteering opportunities

5 Vientiane The laid-back capitol of Laos Live Live Invest Invest Overseas, Inc. Inc Live and Invest Overseas, Inc.

6 Vientiane The laid-back capitol of Laos

7 Cost of Living Vientiane, Laos Rent Furnished 2-bedroom house US$400 HOA Fees N/A 0 Property Taxes N/A 0 Transportation Bus, tuk-tuks, taxis 50 Gas For cooking 5 Electricity, water, trash Moderate a/c use 31 Telephone Prepaid cell phone with Tigo, 100 minutes 11 Internet Unlimited access 32 Cable TV Basic plan w/ English language channels 2 Household Help Allow $100 if full-time maid is required. 0 Food Groceries for two people 200 Entertainment Frequent meals out, miscellaneous expenses 150 Visa fees Monthly for two people 70 TOTAL (At 8 LAK to 1 USD) US$951

8 Property Costs Vientiane, Laos Rent for US$400 to US$1,000 per month It is easy to rent and you get a lot for your money Rentals are usually large, detached single-family homes in low-density areas Best rents available when you pay for the entire lease at the signing (no deposit required if paying in full in advance) Short-term leases are available in Vientiane Foreigners can't own property in Laos

9 Laos Pros Deep-rooted Buddhist culture Calm, peaceful, relaxed, unhurried Friendly, social, accepting people Vast tracts of unspoiled jungle, forest, and mountains Respect for elders Many opportunities for meaningful volunteer work Fascinating ethnic minorities and culture Low population density Significant expat population in Vientiane and Luang Prabang

10 Laos Pros

11 Laos Cons Laos is one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia Infrastructure outside of Vientiane and Luang Prabang is minimal Must go to neighboring Thailand for other than basic medical issues Import dependent economy Little concept of time or timeliness Low-level corruption is pervasive

12 Laos Cons

13 Residency There is no official retirement visa for Laos Visas, issued for 30 days, are available upon arrival You can stay in the country indefinitely with monthly visa runs to other countries Vientiane is directly across the river from Thailand a day trip into Thailand satisfies the requirement of leaving the country for visa purposes Business Visas of a one-year duration are very easy to get on the gray market. They run about US$500 a year

14 Medical Care Fair to poor in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, poor to non-existent elsewhere Most foreigners living in Laos go to neighboring Thailand for their medical and dental care No prescription requirement for most medications, but there is a risk of receiving fake or expired medications Expats usually go to Thailand for their pharmaceutical needs

15 Taxes No double taxation treaty with the US Taxes in Laos are rarely collected for individuals and can often be negotiated!!!

16 Accessibility Daily flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), and Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane No direct access from Europe or North America Easy overland access to Vientiane from Thailand by bus or train Road access from China and northern Thailand is improving Many small, regional airports serve the country Boat travel along the Mekong is possible from Thailand

17 Accessibility

18 Retiree Benefits Laos does not have a formal retirement program for foreigners at this time...

19 Recreation Beautiful scenery with vast tracts of unspoiled wilderness Caves, waterfalls, rafting, trekking, wildlife watching... Nightlife in Vientiane and Luang Prabang Make friends among the international community Take up meditation in a Buddhist wat Volunteer with one of the many NGO's active in the country Learn to watch the rice grow...

20 Recreation

21 Is Laos for You? If you're not in a hurry If you're adventurous and love the outdoors In good physical health Can adapt to living in a developing country A fascinating culture and relaxed lifestyle Enjoy a variety of excellent restaurants and cheap beer, socializing, and watching movies Also consider Luang Prabang for an area rich in natural beauty, Buddhist life, fine restaurants

22 Is Laos for You?

Perpetual Traveler.

Perpetual Traveler. Perpetual Traveler 2011 2012 Live Live and and Invest Invest Overseas, Inc. Inc. At a Glance Population 7+ billion. (The United Nations Population Fund estimates the world s population reached the 7 billion