Sailing, golf, good weather most of the time. The success of Silicon Valley and the unparalleled bull market of the past decade has ensured a steady influx of would-be millionaires eager to live the American dream. A quick and dramatic improvement in lifestyle is best achieved in the countries of Asia, Africa and Central America. The further ahead of the expatriate pack the prospective resident is, the better. Some pundits are even betting that Cuba will be the next big draw, as soon as foreigners are able to buy homes.
Most countries require that foreign residents prove a regular external source of income.
In all three locations, foreign residents are not taxed on income earned outside the country or territory. The CIA's World Factbook contains basic information on all countries. The consular presence in Chiang Mai includes a Chinese Consulate General, as well as British, Indian and Japanese consulates. Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, France and Sweden have appointed honorary consuls. Compares purchasing power in various cities.