Greece or Thailand?
Posted by Loki2121@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 31 comments
Or other SE Asian countries? I'm trying to research living in these 2 regions. Greece is better weather, closer to Europe Ave the US, I have family there, speak some Greek. Thailand is tropical, more islands, beaches, and money goes so much further, plus it sounds like it's infinitely easier to date or find someone to spend time with.
GCrepax@reddit
My father is over 80 and was concerned about the heat and humidity here , too. After two weeks in Ko Samui he started to explore the possibility to move from Northern Europe to Thailand 😊 Thailand is a life changing experience…:
whatismypassion@reddit
If money is not an issue I would think about the weather
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I don't know about the heat and humidity in Thailand. People avoid going out in the day like vampires avoiding the sun, there
GCrepax@reddit
Not at all 😂. Temperatures on tropical islands in Thailand are quite OK . There is almost always a breeze here in Ko Samui for example. Only April - June it is really quite hot in day time .
whatismypassion@reddit
I was there in December and it was too hot. I couldn't live somewhere that it's hot all year long.
Papollix@reddit
December is cold season :-)
whatismypassion@reddit
🥵🥵🥵 There I was thinking maybe the summer months are a little cooler there! I loved Thailand but I wouldn't be able to stand the heat.
Papollix@reddit
Only 2 seasons here: hot and super hot in combination with warm rain or no warm rain.
Raneynickel4@reddit
Do you have EU citizenship?
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
No, but am working on getting it through family. Also have access to family visa in Greece
ImmediateCap1868@reddit
Family visa isn't a thing. What are you talking about?
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Oops, it's only for immediate family reunification. So I'm not eligible for that, only claiming my citizenship through my parents
ImmediateCap1868@reddit
That makes more sense - expect the process to take anywhere from 2-3 years depending on how quickly you can get an appointment at the consulate.
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I've read about it. It's a shame, and I'll probably have to get a lawyer too
ImmediateCap1868@reddit
If your parents are from Greece and you have all their paperwork and you're on the family record, you don't really need a lawyer, you'll just be at the mercy of the consulate.
knowerofexpatthings@reddit
Thailand is nice but you will always be an outsider. But you also need to think about what kind of visas you would be eligible to get. Thailand is pretty easy if you are going to invest in property there (note you can't own land but you can own a condo).
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Retirement visa in Thailand, citizenship or Family visa in Greece
knowerofexpatthings@reddit
Have you been to Thailand?
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Not yet
knowerofexpatthings@reddit
Then you should probably go for a trip before deciding if you want to live there. It's a great country but it has it's challenges
Brilliant-Salt-5829@reddit
Never been Thailand
Where in Greece were you thinking?
What do you want? City life? Island life? Expat community?
I know Thailand has more of a thriving digital nomad type community than Greece but it has a ton of social issues, if you get in trouble with the police or something goes wrong you are SCREWED. If you are male my male friends complained of being harassed by prostitutes if you are a woman it can be risky - Greece is v safe
I’m a woman and (don’t judge) I’ve hitchhiked in Greece all the time, no issue, my friends have all done the same (my tiny little blonde friend would accept lifts drunk at 2am and the guys would literally just drop her off at her house and wave her good night-😆)
Food standards and sanitary standards are obviously higher in Greece
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Very good points. I'm thinking Chania Crete, or Athens
Where in Greece have you spent time? Where did you like the best?
SelfishMentor@reddit
My advice to you is that before you decide to live there you should visit each place first.
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Yes, you are right. I've visited Greece a couple times and loved it. Planning to visit Thailand soon, but was looking for any info and input
jurgensdapimp@reddit
I live in Greece and travelled in Thailand for 1 month. Greece is more developed while Thailand not so much. Both places are amazing. Greece has so many islands. Thailand is more tropical. It's up to you to decide. Btw they both have cold coffee which is amazing.
FlyingBike@reddit
🤣 IDK why but this got me. It's true, I subsisted on their cold coffees in both places! But it wouldn't have even hit my radar as a commonality til you mentioned it
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Thank you. Plus, tickets to Thailand from Greece aren't that expensive, so trips there would be an option too
jurgensdapimp@reddit
Yea definitely, if you book early then you good. Pro tip, take only backpack with you. Buy cheap clothes in Thailand. Getting a luggage is so expensive, not even worth it.
DrunKeN-HaZe_e@reddit
You can try living in these 2 places for a month and then take a call.
gReAKfrEaK111@reddit
Depends on your economic opportunities
Loki2121@reddit (OP)
Edited my post. Will have stay middle class income from pension, investments, and retirement account