Few points about your country...

Indonesia

A long chain of islands with a massive variation in cultures and styles.
From the busy capital of Jakarta to tiny villages with no electricity - it's all here.
Earthquakes are known in many areas, as are volcanoes.

You can live here for a song, or you can go wild and spend more than you would in the middle of London. You decide your lifestyle.

Public transport varies from very nice Silverbird taxis, right down to very dangerous microbuses, but transport is easy to find. There is an extensive train service, and easy island hopping by air and sea. Safety isn't always the main concern, so be careful what you travel on or in.

Safe to travel alone
Country is safe to travel alone for both men and women, but petty crime can be a problem, especially on crowded buses. Many ladies have reported men taking the chance of a quick grope when things get tight on public transport.

Dangerous people.
It would be foolish to deny the existence of dangerous people, but I'm happy to say they are few in number. We have religious extremists and other criminals, but you are very unlikely to have the misfortune of meeting them.

BRAZIL
Largest nation in South America with separate time zones. The country offers a variety of stunning natural attractions, regional cultures and a wonderful tropical climate year round in most locations except the extreme south.

Lack of Natural Disasters while we are not subjected to such things as earthquakes, volcanic erruptions, or hurricanes we do have torrential rains each year that cause massive flooding and landslides in many areas. In the south there is a slight risk of tornado activity.

Low Cost of Living compared to most developed nations Brazil enjoys a lower cost of living, especially if you compare it to North America, the UK or Europe. Foods are generally less expensive. Imported goods are extremely expensive here since they're subjected to a 60% import tax on top of all the other built-in taxes.

Transportation is not very good except for the largest cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Brasília the public transportation systems in this country are horrible or non-existent. There is really no national rail system for passenger travel so that leaves visitors with only two options, the airlines for national flights, or bus lines. Airfares here are extremely high and there are few direct flights between destinations due to the way airlines arrange their routes. Strangely flights having flight connections cost much more than direct flights, unlike in most other countries where it's the other way around. Buses are reliable and usually depart/arrive on schedule, they're relatively inexpensive, but take much longer. Buses are also subject to terrible road conditions in parts of the country.

Safe to Travel Alone? no, it is not safe to travel alone in Brazil unless you're well experienced with this country and speak Portuguese well. There are slums (favelas) in most cities where you simply should not go at any time, and if you are unaware of where they are you can end up in serious problems. It is not safe to venture out alone (or even in very small groups) at night anywhere in Brazil. If you do, then travel to and from where you want to go by authorized radio taxi.

Cheers,
James     Expat-blog Experts Team

Fred wrote:

Indonesia

It's not something I'd expect to read in the travel brochures, Fred, but let the present Conference note that my son was conceived in Indonesia - in either Java or Bali, where we vacationed in 1974. I attribute his dark wavy hair to the experience...

Gordon Barlow wrote:

It's not something I'd expect to read in the travel brochures, ...

All the time travel brochures do not talk 100% truth. They try to make  each country a paradise. But when we travel, we may face the opposite mostly. That's why it is very important to get direct and true details from expats. Because we can trust members more than brochures.

Gordon Barlow wrote:

Fred wrote:

Indonesia

It's not something I'd expect to read in the travel brochures,

Bali, Lombok and the like are great for beach and sun tourists - they'll love it.
The rest of Indonesia is great for tourists with an open mind and a sense of adventure.
Eight years in and I still find something new every day.
I love this place with a passion.

Singapore
Small Island Nation and one of the most well-organised, clean and modern societies in the world. Many are aspiring to be like Singaporeans (or live in Singapore), though some see it as too sterile, over-organised and stifling creativity. It is certainly a great deal apart from the other metropolises in the region, with their chaos, dirt and poverty. Most tourists, however, just come for the casinos, shopping and great food. The average visitor uses it as a base to explore the region and stays just three days.

Lack of Natural Disasters - there simply are none, ever!

Cost of Living - Consistently ranked as one of the most expensive places on earth, there are not many baragains in Singapore, although food is reasonably priced and shopping for branded goods can be worthwhile.

Transportation - Perfect public transport system with commuter trains (MRT) and buses that bring you from one end of the country to the other in just over an hour. Besides, there are plenty of taxis.

Safety - Having one of the lowest crime rates in the world and no "dangerous" areas to avoid (at any time of the day or night), safety in Singapore is no concern at all.

Germany
Economic Powerhouse at the Centre of Europe - Known for its traditional culture (think castles, beer festivals and pretty towns), Germany has far more to offer any visitor: From cosmopolitan metropolises, where cultures mix freely, to untouched natural reserves, from world-leading high-tech industries (ever heard of Mercedes, Porsche, BMW?) to great museum about almost any aspect of life.

Natural Disasters - Apart from occasional flooding and landslides, the country is safe. Emergency services are very efficient, so even if you are hit you are in good hands!

Cost of Living - Germany's prices are in line with its European neighbours, which might appear high to some visitors. Labour is a major cost factor, you may avoid it if you want to save - e.g. eat from the supermarket instead of a restaurant and don't get a haircut in Germany.

Transportation - A wide range of public transport options are available almost anywhere. Prices are high and information sometimes confusing (especially if you don't speak German), but the service and coverage are very good. Look out for promotional deals!

Safety - With low crime and good enforcement, there's little to worry, although pickpocketing does occasionally occur - so be careful in crowded spaces!

ECUADOR

The major cities for Expats including Quito and Cuenca are high up in the Andes.  Get travel insurance if you are a senior or have health challenges.  Some cannot adjust to the altitude.

Cost of living
COL is low in comparison to North America and most South American countries.  Check COL stats at numbeo.com ... In the cities, two-dollar lunches with multiple courses are commonly available.  Rents for Expat-suitable apartments in Quito and Cuenca start in the $300s.  Bus fare is 25 cents.  Taxis between El Centro (old town Quito) and most of Expat-heavy Mariscal Sector charge about two dollars a ride in the daytime.  Eggs are about 14 cents apiece in the tiendas.  Like Indonesia Fred said, you can live for a song or spend as lavishly as you want -- in Ecuador, doing so at fancy Hotel Gangotena, Marriott high-end restaurants, hostess nightclubs or Gringolandia apartments in the capital with panoramic Andes views from wrap-around terraces.

Life is a Beach
The beaches on the Pacific Ocean are 90 minutes by ground transport from Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil.  Expats are flocking to live at beach towns including touristy Salinas (high season is December to May, more or less) and Bahía de Caráquez.  Do not be tempted to buy or build on property in Latin American countries, including coastal Ecuador, until you have lived in the target area for at least a year.  Various arriving Expats and non-resident dreamers on this blog have been buying unprepped lots and 'fixers' in increasing numbers lately with visions of creating a dream house at the beach, and could be in for a rocky ride.

Quito, the capital, has year-round springlike weather due to its unique location at 9,350 feet above sea level at the Equator.  Daily highs year-round are around 20 Celcius and high 60s Fahrenheit.  Cuenca is slightly cooler and rainier.  Highland homes typically have no air conditioning or central heating due to the mildness.  Quito is Ecuador's second largest city and has about two million inhabitants.  Crime is present, but predominantly purse snatching and grab 'n go.

Cuenca, an Expat magnet, has only one sixth the population of the capital but a higher percentage of Expats, partly due to its elevation, which is about 1,100 feet lower.  Four rivers, plentiful culture, an abundance of Gringo-welcoming activities and a low crime rate make Ecuador's third largest city a natural draw for North American and European retirees.

Diversity
Ecuador has four regions...the coastal lowlands...the Andean highlands or Sierra...the Oriente (rainforest) and the famous wildlife-rich Galápagos islands, 600 miles west of the Pacific coast.

Guayaquil, the largest city, has a popular suburban area known as Sambo, but otherwise is pretty much to be avoided.  GYE is hot, humid, not at the beach, and has the country's highest crime rate.  However, its airport is a gateway to the Pacific Coast towns.

Catholicism is the foremost religion with about 90 percent of the population.  Christmastime is an exceptional period of the year to visit and witness the activity involving parades and participation at the remarkable churches of Quito's old city.  Easter is another special time.  A papal visit in early July 2015 has been drawing much interest at the time of this posting.

Health care
The government IESS program has been expanded as of last year to allow virtually all Expat residents to participate, for $73 a month, or about 12 bucks more for a couple.  Cuenca in particular has been getting high marks from posters for its IESS medical services.

Becoming a Resident
The most popular residential and permanent visas call for an Expat applicant to show Social Security or pension-type income of $800+ per month plus $100 per month per dependent...or to invest at the 25K+ level in a bank CD or real estate.  The CD is generally recommended because it is easier to obtain and allows one to apply almost immediately for the investment visa.  Residents who are seniors get major discounts for healthcare, transportation, utilities and certain events.  The government website listing all available permanent visas is www.cancilleria.gob.ec and has an English option.  Non-immigrant visas are available for students, volunteers, and Expat visitors from most countries who wish to extend their stays while in-country for up to six months.

The favorite sport in Ecuador is futbol, meaning men's soccer.  A women's national team recently began playing soccer competitively.

Other popular places for Expats include Cotacachi, a highlands leather-making town...Loja...and nearby Vilcabamba, the latter being a magnet for New Agers, vegetarians, and Gringos of many other stripes, in the rich-soil Valley of Longevity.

For more information, visit the Ecuador forum by typing Ecuador forum into the Search Expat.com box at the top of the page and clicking on the search icon to the right of this box.

cccmedia in Quito, Ecuador

Dominican Republic

Larger Caribbean island - here in the DR we have it all, saltwater lake,  tropical areas, desert like areas,  stunning Caribbean beaches,  crashing waves along the Atlantic Ocean coast................ there is something for almost everyone. AND we are close to the USA, making it an easy trip over.   Our weather is hot or hotter,  pick one. 

Natural disasters- We are subject to hurricane season but we have areas that are almost immune to them.  In addition, as we all will remember the major earthquake that hit Haiti,  we are on a fault line.

Lower cost of living- Cost of living here will depend on your lifestyle.  You can live very well on much less here.

Transportation
Roads are not all good but they are getting better.  Driving is not for the  timid!  But there is a pretty good transit system depending on where you live.  The capital has a subway system, plus taxis, carros publico and gua guas.  In smaller places you also have the motorcycle taxis called motoconchos. Intercity transit - we have air conditioned highway buses at low cost.

Safe to travel alone
It  is safe to travel alone but you must be careful and aware.  Coming on vacation to a resort - no issue.  Coming on vacation to a city by yourself - be careful.  And the most pervasive predator here, 2 legged sankies looking for their next sugar momma or sugar daddy. Make sure NOT to flash jewelery or money, that is asking for trouble.

From Darlene & Bob K

planner wrote:

The capital has a subway system, plus taxis, carros publico and gua guas.... And the most pervasive predator here, 2 legged sankies looking for their next sugar momma....

A guagua is a minibus.

A sanky is a male sex worker.

Source...Wikipedia.

Capital city is Santo Domingo and the definitions,  I did that on purpose.

A Sanky is not a sex worker here - they are con artists male or female who prey on the emotions of their victims for money or visas or goods.  Sex workers generally dont do that, its a straight exchange....

What a terrific idea for a discussion! I'm commenting so I can come back & read later. Cheers.

TAIWAN

SMALL ISLAND: Slightly smaller than Sri Lanka and it's beautiful country. The country where one of tallest building in the world stand ( 101 building). Although it's a small country Taiwan has a series of mountains range right in the middle of its island. It over you great scenery too.Taiwan has a very unique seasonal food during summer, it's bamboo shoot season. Starting the end of June and last until the August you could spot bamboo shoot everywhere across the country. I found it really cool.
Taiwan also has a very famous dish it called cou tou fu (smelling bean curd ) a dish you must tried when you travel to Taiwan.

COST OF LIVING : is standard not too expensive and not that cheap as well. You can survive in less then 3000ntd ($ 100 usd) for a month that's for food. For housing is still pricy for my pocket .

TRANSPORTATION : very well organized . Easy to get bus , taxi, and tube .The fare also cheap. Now even has a public bicycle as a transportation.

SAFETY : is safe enough for a single traveler to wander at night.


SEASON: Taiwan has 4 seasons, spring , summer, autumn and winter . But spring and autumn get mixed together with summer and winter because the changing temperature can't feel obviously. You can only feel summer and winter ( a mild winter)   


Bidara

Attention, Pamplemousses District and vicinity...

How about a report on that jewel of the Mascarenes ... Mauritius ?

Surely you're not trying to keep it a secret!

cccmedia in Ecuador

                                 .

UGANDA.

Oh Uganda may God uphold thee- Thats the first stanza of our Anthem.
Located in East Africa, west of  kenya, North of Tanzania. A population of over 40million pple. Also known as the Pearl of Africa for the  ever green Vegetation and amazing climate.
Amazing flora- Please take some time and visit, a lot of forests, thick canopies, tree variations.
The country is gifted Naturally.

Fauna-All those animals you read about in books, so many natural parks and Game reserves. One of the 2 countries in the world that inhabits Mountain Gorillas.

The source of the longest River in the world - River Nile, so many lakes and rivers.mountains , Riftvalleys and hotsprings.

Cost of living - oh.oh.its high, our economy is screwed but again we are fighters, tooth and nail we shall conquer. Survival for the fittest.

Hospitality at its best. Ugandans are welcoming, watm, a guest never leaves without a full stomach. Varieties of good. Over 10 species of Bananas.



Very Gorgeous women.curvaceous (excluding moi). I blame my ancestors. So for optical nutrition, go visit Uganda.oh and the ladies make good partners and can cook better than anyone you know.

Our men.yes our men- they are gifted (I will leave that toyour imagination).


Religious tolerance- No state religion,  everybody has a right to believe and worship according to what the heart wants.


We dont stop the party till e Dj says good nighttttt.




Uganda uganda, my  motherland.

*Drops Mic

PAKISTAN

Okay... I think I will enjoy writing this one just because of the shock value, for the surprise it may generate. (Yes, we know about the media portrayed Pakistan), but here's some facts we probably didn't know! : ) So here goes

Adventure
Pakistan boasts world's highest range of mountains with 5 of the 14 highest peaks are located in the world. Also, K2, which is the 2nd highest peak in the world, while retaining the highest climbing difficulty level is located in Pakistan.

Also, the highest paved international road Karakoram Highway is in Pakistan going to China. It is often dubbed 8th wonder of the world.

The second largest salt mine is also located in Pakistan and exploring its caves is a real adventure.

The Northern area in Pakistan is extremely green and scenic to discover.

Sports
Pakistan has a strong sports goods manufacturing industry. Around 50% of the global footballs production is in Pakistan. It is always worth visiting Sialkot to get a good baseball bat or football of your choice.

Playing sports? The whole nation is super crazy about cricket!

Also, the highest polo ground is in Pakistan and the annual Polo festival draws people in by thousands.

Low Cost of Living compared with a lot of countries in the world, the cost of living is very low in Pakistan. 2USD can often buy you three times decent meal in the day if you are not going to a fancy restaurant. Go figure! : )

Bad Transportation The public transportation if more often than not late. And not so reliable. There are very few services which offer on time transportation.

Bad Governance For past couple of decades, we have been facing bad governance, which means corruption can be rampant in the country. This has resulted in some really bad damage to infrastructure.

Safe to Travel Alone Yes, despite what you hear, it is pretty safe to travel alone if you avoid the border areas. For girls, it is good to have a make partner, though quiet a few of my European and American female friends have traveled in Pakistan alone as well..

Hope this clears some picture. If you guys have any questions or ambiguities, please feel free to shoot a question any time!
Enjoy the evening!
Zeeshan

Xeeschan wrote:

Five of the 14 highest peaks...The second largest salt mine...

Never mind the salt mine.  On the way up these Pakistani mountains, are there mild-weather communities that Western Expats would find comfortable, and where they could find gatherings sponsored by Expats already there?

If so, what are the top mild-weather communities of 20,000 or more?  At what altitude?

Is the food in Pakistan half as good as India's food?

cccmedia

HAHAHHAHAHAAAAA.. Okay, this cracked me up really good. Well CCCMedia,  if you liked Indian food, you will 'LOVE' Pakistani food, that is for sure.. I say that because we have the similar spices, but we also have meat in our dishes.. so most of the dishes you will find in India, would be available in Pakistan, plus their variations with meat And standalone meat dishes... That should be appetizing I guess? (unless you are a vegetarian!!) = )

(That reminds me, I have to stop by at my Indian friend's place to see if he made something! Ciao!) : )

cccmedia wrote:

Is the food in Pakistan half as good as India's food?

cccmedia

Well, Pakistan is geographically fortunate enough to have all four seasons running throughout the terrain. And there are locals who are frequently shift to the mountains post retirement. Whether there is gatherings supported by expats, I will have to look them up to give you the right answer. Great that you asked this question! 

cccmedia wrote:

On the way up these Pakistani mountains, are there mild-weather communities that Western Expats would find comfortable, and where they could find gatherings sponsored by Expats already there?

If so, what are the top mild-weather communities of 20,000 or more?  At what altitude?

cccmedia

Xeeschan wrote:

Well CCCMedia,  if you liked Indian food, you will 'LOVE' Pakistani food, that is for sure. I say that because we have the similar spices, but we also have meat in our dishes.. so most of the dishes you will find in India, would be available in Pakistan, plus their variations with meat.  And standalone meat dishes...

cccmedia wrote:

Is the food in Pakistan half as good as India's food?

Judging by my favorite Indian restaurant in town, Indian food is not vegetarian fare.

Maybe beef and pork are out, but I had Indian dishes there recently with chicken, fish and borrego, which is lamb.

cccmedia in Quito, Ecuador

Hi everybody,

Just to inform you that some off topic posts have been removed.

Thanks,

Priscilla