Category: Short Term Living Overseas

Short term living overseas. This is unlike retirement village living. 3 months visas are common. Find somewhere in Asia or the world. Stay short periods together. Find good company, share costs, see the world.

Surgery and patient care overseas

From requests to organise groups overseas for patient care, we are looking at organising a few interesting talks for SilverHairs, who are interested in knowing what are the advantages and costs in considering surgery and patient care overseas.  At the moment, we are looking out for reputable overseas international hospitals which are prepared to give us a presentation on this topic.

Obviously, there are pros and cons.  For those who are keen to listen, please drop your name here. 

If you know of such a hospital, please share your contact.  I would assume the talks would be conducted next year, or sooner when more information is available.

If you are a member or ex-member of the medical profession, please let us know, so that you can help moderate or lead these talks.

Terence Seah

Blue Helmet – 1st brainstorm session

Background to Blue Helmet, click here.

I would be calling the first brainstorm meeting on Blue Helmet on Thur, Sept 21 at the Capital Tower, right at Tanjong Pagar MRT.  1500 hrs to 1700 hrs.  I shall send the invitations to those who have offered to participate.  If you like the idea, and would like to join the brainstorm session, simply let us know here.  I must apologise I am not able to change the above date, due to my travel schedule.  But, there will be many other sessions to follow through.

Agenda:

  • Identify the objectives of Blue Helmet.
  • Brainstorm on the needs of retirees, with the focus on a meaningful, mentally active and financially acceptable lifestyle.
  • Brainstorm on broad ideas of how organisations and governments can tap the wide experience and knowledge of SilverHairs who have retired from full time employment. 
  • Brainstorm on an acceptable return to the retired SilverHairs.
  • Identify how SilverHairsClub can create a structure and the process to move ahead with Blue Helmet.

cheapest city

 KL RATED ONE OF THE CHEAPEST CITIES IN THE WORLD- TODAY PAPER PAGE 19

ANOTHER PLACE TO STRETCH YOUR DOLLARS.- AFEW MONTHS IN THAILAND, MALAYSIA,PHILLINES – NO NEED TO WORK TILL DROP DEAD. THINK ABOUT IT. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. DO NOT WORK AND JUST BUILT YOUR RESERVE  . TOWARDS THE END YOU HAVE TO PAY  MANY  MANY FEES.. YOU GOT OPTIONS  NUMEROUS OPTIONS. EXERCISE IT .LIVE WHEN YOUR LEGS ARE STRONG AND HEALTHY. AFTER THAT NOTHING MATTERS.

Eco Travel to Europe Anyone ?

Hi SHC members,

I am planning to make trip to UK, Europe not only to sight see , but also on a Eco-village discovery tour. Such Eco-villages are under  GEN ( Global EcoVillage Network) and are endorsed by United Nations. They have all- year volunteer programmes and also conduct courses on various topics on Eco-village Matters  that are also endorsed by UN. Overall, i would say, the intention is to travel not to just the towns but also the countryside, and  learn from people of different cultures, on the Main issue of living and doing something to care for the environment that is around us. Singapore, in many ways is quite pro-active in being ECO- friendly , from the ways we recycle water,  to be self sufficient and the concept of making a greener Singapore with rooftop gardens, etc.  A very few like Ivy Singh-Lim has even started Singapore’s most well-known back-to-nature countryside living and have expanded into the farming business “Bolloywood veggies”.

Right now, for me it is just to travel and visit  other countries that i have not been to, while i am still strong and healthy. There are many such Eco-villages all round Europe, England, Italy, Spain ,  that have all-year round volunteer programmes,, that you will probably take a life time to visit. Right now,i t is almost the end of summer so it is the right time to visit Europe and then maybe Australia and New Zealand after Dec.   Estimated cost, will be the air tickets, train tickets, and basic meals cost, and hoping to save as much on hotesl by getting free lodging volunteering in the Eco-villages.  I think it is better than staying at some expensive hotel for a night, this way you can meet friends and  stay longer with them.  You get to see and experienced a lot more and you can learn a lot more, of the food, culture , ideas  and at the same time  leaving a healthy life in the countryside.   I believe the Eco-village concept should start with our own body first.  The first village is our body ( it holds our mind and soul )  that we have to keep healthy to serve us for the many years down the road.  So if anyone of you, is free, after retiring and feel you are healthy and strong enough to take on such travel, do consider, to join me.  You are invited to join me at any stage and at any place while i am on the move in Europe,as i may be there for 3 months or more.

Cheers, maybe i will learn how to make heathlier Sheppard’s Bread by then.

Retirement Resort

Here is a very good discussion on minimum sum.
http://info.channelnewsasia.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=33132&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=395fc2f5b76d2e1f0bab0686eabd4573

It is a complex issue in itself. But for the purpose of this discussion, the impact of this is that you will be obliged to keep back S$120K for which the government will pay you $711 per moth between the ages of 62 to 82. If that’s all you have, try not to die before or after that age.

Let’s first concentrate on staying in Singapore. In five years time, you will find it impossible to maintain even a basic conventional lifestyle in Singapore for that sum unless you take a vow of poverty.

Here is the best Plan B for Spore retirees. This is in the form of new Elder Studios coming in at a projected $190K per unit by some estimates. You can downgrade releasing the difference in capital value to supplement your savings. You would be wise then to minimally put savings up to $500K in annuity to create an additional $2K per month for life. Together with the CPF minimum sum provision you will have up to 2.7K per month from 62 to 82 and $2K for the balance of time. You should be able to maintain a reasonable standard of living in Singapore.

If you cannot raise this amount here are few additional tips. If you need to, sell your car to scrap together this amount. If you do not wish to downgrade, you can consider putting your existing property into a reverse mortgage to raise the shortfall.

If you are still short of this sum then you can turn a page to a still controversial proposal Plan C. Terence has provided the lead. We expect that the new Elder Studios will eventually come under a new management corporation (MC) structure. Unlike present MC which tend to focus on maintenance of fixed assets and running of the estate, this MC will have extended mandate to run the estate like a retirement village or full service apartments. The MC like any organisation can then have economies of purchase. They can also provide extended services like maid services, common kitchen and transportation. If this can be achieved then we can see a stretching of the dollar and our hope for a more leisurely lifestyle here.

I would like to hear views, opinions, experiences and recommendations on living and retiring abroad. Many members have expressed interest in an alternative lifestyle.

We have been told that it is possible to live in Thailand for under SIN$500. Places like Chiangmai, Chonburi and Krabi have been cited as possible locations. Some members have even visited possible locations for a taste of the possibilities.

Here is a chance for us to collate details and share  information specifically on middle and long term experience of living abroad.

No frills trip to Thailand (Chonburi)

Vincent Khoo is currently leading a group on a one week trip to Chonburi.  This is the 2nd trip organised this year.  Chonburi is one of the largest provinces in Thailand, with a large Chinese community.  Vincent has based the group at a beach side resort, with access to supermarkets, hospitals, public transport and a wide variety of food and amenities.

The trip follows an earlier SilverHairsClub discussion on how to stretch the Singapore dollar during one’s retirement years.  The target set is SGD 500 per month, inclusive meals and board.

Vincent’s next trip is to Chiangmai.  Members interested, please contact Vincent by SMS at +661 555-9950.or +65 9194-5377.  He does not have email access. 

Short Term living overseas

Transferred to this category for convenience:

The idea of living overseas for a short period of time, say 3 months, comes up once in a while when we start thinking about retirement.  What does it cost us to spend 3 months of our retirement in Singapore, compared to what we would have to spend over the same period.  And what are the other considerations?  Where are the countries?

We are looking for members who would like to chair this topic.  If you are already into this topic, give me a buzz, and we shall get the topic moving.

Terence Seah

 

12 Responses to “Living & travelling overseas”

  1. Evelyn Tan Says:
    December 31st, 2005 at 12:23 pm e

    We can live in Thailand for about $500 (SIN) per month, as stated at 30Dec meet – sorry I missed out the speaker’s name. I’m interested to know more as I do not mind staying away from SIN for short periods at such affordable costs. Who or where can I get more infor.

  2. terence Says:
    December 31st, 2005 at 12:54 pm e

    Evelyn,

    The person is Vincent Khoo. I guess the best way is to have a chat. May I would organise a discussion with him in January, and we could meet up.

    Terence

  3. Evelyn Tan Says:
    January 2nd, 2006 at 12:05 am e

    Terence, Thanks for identifying Vincent Khoo. It would be nice to meet up and discuss more on this issue. May I suggest we rope in Chow Weng (refer to Forum) who appears to be interested in this too. Also, if all of you feel my suggestions are worth considering(see my response to Chow Weng’s)we can meet at my home where we discuss details on what we’ll do, how, when and so forth. Must warn you though that my house, which is near Changi prison, is not within walking distance from any MRT but accessible by bus from Tanah Merah, Tampines and White Sands MRT.

  4. terence Says:
    January 3rd, 2006 at 12:34 am e

    Evelyn,

    There has also been requests to discuss Thailand, following Vincent Khoo’s talk that he can retire in Thailand for as little as $500 per month.

    I know Vincent for many years, and he is thrifty. I had spoken with him, and he would show us how he lives with $500 (12,000 Baht) in Thailand. It is possible, if we look at 2 or more persons sharing a place, travelling by bus and leaving outside Bangkok, without sacrificing all urban life.

    I remember there is a Tigerairways promotion Sin-Bkk promotion for $150 return for Feb and March. We have to make our way to Bangkok. A week would be just nice. For those who are interested, we can sit to have some coffee, have Vincent present, plan a week, and have a discussion on his more than 15 years in Thailand experience. I would also be keen to be part of this visit, and Vincent can share with us his secrets. Definitely no frills, exciting, and seeing and knowing Thailand, the travel agencies will not bring you to.

    I shall discuss with him a date for the meeting and revert. Likely 11 or 12 Jan.

    What do you think?

    Terence Seah

  5. Evelyn Tan Says:
    January 4th, 2006 at 4:03 pm e

    Hi Terence, Looks like you and Vincent have started a “hive” of activities! This is good! When you are able to “hit” people with topics/subjects that excites them and get such responses, the SHC will become effective and vibrant. Keep things up! Yes, I’m definitely interested about the talk/discussion which you’re planning to organise for those who are interested. Meeting on 11Jan (anytime of day) or 12 Jan evening is fine with me. If its a small group of around 10 persons & you need a place where we can talk freely, make notes, photo copy etc, we can use my home where I have an informal “office”. You can call me at 65452386 if you like. Looking forward to getting more news and hearing from you. Thanks! Evelyn

  6. terence Says:
    January 9th, 2006 at 6:55 pm e

    Following Vincent Khoo’s comments that he can live in Thailand for SGD 500 per months, there has been interest to discuss how one can live overseas for this amount.

    Vincent has organised a 1st meeting to take the brainstorming process further. The group includes Evelyn, Ann, Vincent, Richard, Li Mei, K C Lau and Terence. 1st meeting organised at Doby Ghout MRT, 11th January.

  7. Kaushal Says:
    February 24th, 2006 at 9:06 pm e

    Hi Vincent,

    I missed the meeting on 11/01, however I am interested to know what was discussed in the meeting and would like to attend the next meeting.

    Capt. Kaushal Srivastava

  8. KC Lau Says:
    February 28th, 2006 at 8:48 am e

    Anyone interested in joining the 1 week tour to Thailand from 21/3/2006 – 27/3/2006?

    It is a short trip for orientation on retiring in Thailand which is much cheaper than here.

    There are 3 seats left, please response immediately to 9684-2286

    Best regards,

  9. Administrator Says:
    March 1st, 2006 at 4:11 am e

    Trip itinery:

    1) Day 1 Arrive Go straight to Chonburi, have lunch then check in . Rest Dinner, then look around environment.

    Day 2 ) Morning Breakfast , Visit Bangsaen – seaside resort for locals, move around , Dinner , see other accommodations.

    Day 3) Breakfast , visit hospital etc , visit local market, have lunch , move around , Dinner, massage etc.

    Day 4) Breakfast, visit local Hospital etc. Visit local market. Have lunch, move around. Dinner, massage etc.

    Day 5) Breakfast , visit ‘Wat’ Thai Temple, visit big dept store a) Big C b) Tesco.Lotus

    Day 6) Breakfast, visit ‘Ang See La’ – local seaside, seafood, visit ‘Sattahip’ see big Chinese Temple.

    Day 7) Breakfast, get ready to go home , to Bangkok, then Singapore.

    Vincent Khoo

  10. Administrator Says:
    April 23rd, 2006 at 11:13 am e

    Vincent is organising another trip. Date: Tue May 23 – Mon May 29. Vincent can be contacted at 65 9194-5377, 661 555-9950. You can also SMS him.

  11. terence Says:
    April 24th, 2006 at 12:34 am e

    During communications with Silverhairs, and in our SilverHairsClub monthly meeting, the ability to stretch the dollar has been raised as a key focus, during the SilverHairs years.

    The SilverHairsClub hopes to be this platform where members can meet one another and make more friends. As we get to know one another, we feel more comfortable to go out together. Hopefully, some of us will become friends, and spend short periods of time eg 3 months outside Singapore. Hopefully too, we have the money, and stretch these dollars.

    Some of us support Vincent Khoo’s idea of short term stay outside Singapore. I am supportive of this idea too.

    If other SilverHairs have ideas on Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Thailand, please share your thoughts here. If you are an organiser, better still.

    Terence Seah

  12. terence Says:
    April 24th, 2006 at 12:46 am e

    There is a list of traveller friends. If you have that travelling bug in you, and you love organise trips, join the list of traveller friends.

    Search for “list traveller”. Try this, I think it works.

    Terence Seah

Vincent Khoo initiates Thailand orientation trip

A brainstorm meeting was held on Wed 11 Jan 2006 at Atrium Orchard, Dhoby Ghout MRT. Present:  Evelyn, Ann, Vincent Khoo, Ronald Lee, KC Lau and Terence.  Patrick Ang and Richard Kwok participated briefly.

The group looked at short term stays, with a target of SGD 500 – 600 per month, covering shared rental and food. Other topics include retirement village, comparing with retirement homes in Singapore at SGD 1,000 per month. Living costs were discussed, and while it sounded cheaper to stay for short periods, there was general agreement that most will consider Singapore their real home.

There was strong interest to organise short "no frills" travel to see and understand Thailand’s culture and opportunities.  Other interests include organising meetings with International hospitals.

Vincent takes the lead, and a Thailand trip "No fills" has been organised.  The date and time is set for March 21, 2006, Tuesday 12 noon to March 27, 2006, Monday 12 noon.  SilverHairs to organise their own air tickets.

Only 8 persons can join this program.  To take part, simply add your name, by putting a comment to this posting.  Based on first come basis.

Vincent Khoo

First brainstorm meeting on living overseas

Following Vincent Khoo’s comments at the Nov gathering, that he can live in Thailand for SGD 500 per months, there has been interest to discuss how one can live overseas for this amount.

Vincent has organised a 1st meeting to take the brainstorming process further.  The group includes Evelyn, Ann, Vincent, Richard, Li Mei, K C Lau and Terence.  1st meeting organised at Doby Ghout MRT, 11th January.

Li Mei cannot come, last minute something on.  Instead,  Ronald Lee is attending.

Join me for a drive from Chiangmai to Chiangrai and Golden triangle

Fri, Dec 09 to Dec 12.  Start from Chiangmai and drive to the Golden Triangle.  The Golden Triange is where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meets.  Mae Sai – entrance to Myanmar from North Thailand.  Doi Mai Salong – beautiful drive to moutainous northeast, a countrified Chinatown, settled 50 years ago.  Interested to join, contact Terence Seah at terence@silverhairsclub.com.

Living in Thailand

I have lived in Thailand since 1990.  In Thailand, Singaporeans have two communities, Singapore Club of Thailand and Singapore-Thai Chamber of commerce.

Many Singaporeans are expatriates, though there are also equally long stayers who have lived, worked or have business in Thailand.

As for me, I travel alot in Asia, and so I spend many weekends in Bangkok.  If you are interested to live in Thailand for short periods, join some of our weekend activities.  You might like the culture and way of life.

If you like travelling in Thailand, not the expensive way, please let me know. There are people who can keep you in the looop.

Terence Seah