laptop entrepreneur

What are the best places in Asia to be a Laptop Entrepreneur?

In case you missed it, Gael and Mark from Authority Hacker already did an awesome podcast on this topic talking about some of the optimal places in the world to go as someone who participates in internet marketing.

If you’re looking for some ideas on ways that you can make money abroad, check out my guide on How to Make Money While Traveling. In this post, I want to elaborate a bit on the places they named in region of Asia, since that’s the main focus of this site at the moment.

chiang mai

The resources used to make their determinations were:

  • Numbeo: a site that compares the cost of living in different places.
  • Visa HQ: Explains the administrative processes involved in going to different countries.
  • Nomadlist: An incredible site that compiles information from the people who have lived in different locations.

First Recommendation: Chiang Mai in Thailand

chiang mai

More than a few travel blogs on this location have touted how inexpensive it is. Among some of the other notable qualities are some of the delicious Thai dishes, lots of festivities during local holidays, and cheap $5 massages. I think I could probably go for one of those right about now.

Nomadlist says that the cost for living cheap in Chiang Mai outside the center of the city and buying groceries and cooking at home should run you about $270 a month.

Living there long-term, like middle or upper-class local and renting in the center of the city should run you $528 a month. And living in Chiang Mai short-term, staying in cheap hotels and eating out 3 times a day would be about $747.

Second Recommendation: Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam

ho chi minh

Also known as Saigon, I’ve heard that this city is one of the best in the world for Laptop Entrepreneurship. From what I’ve read on David H’s blog, it’s got a lot to offer.

Some of the perks include awesome internet service, affordable living, and great communities. The language barriers aren’t too restrictive, there’s great food, and lots of employment opportunities on the side.

Third Recommendation: Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia

kuala

This location has a complicated identity, full of art and activism. Malaysia has a strong food culture, incredible shopping malls, and nightlife.

Last Recommendation: Singapore

singapore

Of course after mentioning Kuala Lumpur, Singapore would have to be mentioned. Some say that though Singapore is very hot and humid, almost everyone in Singapore speaks English.

It’s easier to visit other key Asian cities from Singapore, like Hong Kong and Thailand. And it has great food.

On the downside, the country is not a cheap place to live at all, ranked one of the 4th most expensive to live in for expats by Mercer’s annual cost of living survey.

Are there any other places on this list that you feel should’ve been included, but weren’t? Please comment below.