More Americans are making the move to Asia than at any point in history. Driven by the combination of remote work flexibility, rising US costs of living, and the appeal of warm climates and affordable lifestyles, the number of US expats in Southeast Asia alone grew by over 25% between 2022 and 2025.
This guide is written specifically for Americans — covering the unique considerations that apply to US citizens moving abroad, from the IRS's reach to Social Security, Medicare, banking, and which Asian countries make the most sense depending on your situation.
Why Americans are moving to Asia
The financial case is compelling. A retired couple living comfortably in a US city on USD 6,000/month can replicate or exceed that lifestyle in Thailand, Malaysia, or the Philippines for USD 2,500–3,500/month. A remote worker earning a US salary in Vietnam or Cambodia has the purchasing power of someone earning three to four times as much locally.
Beyond the financial argument: better weather, slower pace of life, adventure, and in many cases genuinely better healthcare than many Americans can access affordably at home.
The US tax reality: FBAR and FATCA
The most important thing Americans moving abroad need to understand is that the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live — unlike almost every other country on earth.
What this means: Even if you move to Thailand and never set foot in the US again, you are still required to file a US federal tax return annually. You are also required to report foreign bank accounts (FBAR — Foreign Bank Account Report) if the combined balance exceeds USD 10,000 at any point during the year.
What protects you from double taxation:
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) — in 2026, Americans living abroad can exclude approximately USD 126,500 of foreign-earned income from US tax. This covers most expat salaries.
- Foreign Tax Credits — taxes paid to a foreign government can be credited against your US tax liability, reducing or eliminating double taxation.
- Tax treaties — the US has treaties with Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, and other Asian countries that affect how income is taxed.
Our strong recommendation: work with a CPA specialising in expat taxation before you move. This is not an area to navigate alone. Organisations like the American Citizens Abroad (ACA) and services like Greenback Tax Services or Bright!Tax cater specifically to this.
Social Security abroad
Good news: Social Security payments continue regardless of where you live. You can receive your monthly benefit in a foreign bank account or maintain a US account and transfer funds. There are no restrictions for most Asian countries (North Korea and Cuba are exceptions).
Medicare, however, does not cover you outside the United States. If you are Medicare-eligible and relocating, you will need international health insurance to replace that coverage. This is a significant consideration for retirees.
The best Asian countries for American expats
Thailand
One of the most popular destinations for American expats, particularly retirees. Tax-free pension income if you qualify for the Thailand-US tax treaty provisions. The Thai Retirement Visa (Non-OA) requires proof of USD 21,000 in a Thai bank account or USD 1,750/month income. The newer Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa is available for retirees with USD 40,000/year income and USD 250,000 in assets.
Best cities: Chiang Mai (affordable, cooler climate, large expat community), Bangkok (cosmopolitan, world-class healthcare), Phuket (beach lifestyle).
Monthly budget: USD 1,500–3,500 depending on lifestyle and city.
Philippines
The only Asian country where English is an official language — a significant advantage for Americans. The Special Resident Retiree's Visa (SRRV) is one of the world's most accessible retirement visas: Americans 50+ with a pension can qualify with a USD 10,000 fixed deposit. No income tax on foreign-sourced income.
Best cities: Cebu (smaller, more relaxed, beach access), Manila (full urban amenities), Dumaguete (small expat community, low cost).
Monthly budget: USD 1,200–2,500.
Vietnam
No formal long-stay visa for retirees or remote workers yet, but 3-month tourist visas are easy to extend and a digital nomad visa is in development. No tax on foreign-sourced income. Excellent food, low cost, and a rapidly modernising infrastructure. Da Nang and Hoi An are particularly popular with American expats.
Monthly budget: USD 1,000–2,000.
Malaysia
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme offers long-term residency for qualifying applicants. Requirements were tightened in 2023 — applicants now need to demonstrate RM 1.5 million (approximately USD 330,000) in liquid assets and RM 40,000/month income. A Silver category has lower requirements. Kuala Lumpur is a highly liveable city with excellent healthcare, English widely spoken, and a large expat community.
Monthly budget: USD 1,800–3,500.
Japan
More expensive than Southeast Asia but offers extraordinary quality of life. No specific retirement visa — most Americans use a working visa, a spouse visa (if married to a Japanese national), or the start-up/business manager visa. Japan is generally not recommended as a first expat destination due to language difficulty and bureaucratic complexity, but Americans who make the effort find it deeply rewarding.
Monthly budget: USD 2,500–5,000.
Cambodia
The most accessible option for Americans who want maximum affordability and simplicity. E visa extensions can be renewed indefinitely with no income requirement. No tax on foreign-sourced income. Phnom Penh has an active expat community; Kampot offers a slower, more beautiful riverside lifestyle. Siem Reap suits those interested in history and culture.
Monthly budget: USD 800–1,800.
Banking as an American expat in Asia
FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) has made banking harder for American expats. Many foreign banks decline US citizens as customers due to the reporting burden FATCA imposes on them.
Practical solutions:
- Maintain your US bank account — this is the most important step. Keep at least one US bank account operational before you leave. Charles Schwab Bank is the gold standard for expats: no foreign transaction fees, reimburses all ATM fees worldwide, and has no minimum balance requirement.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) — not a bank but a multi-currency account that is invaluable for expats. Holds USD and local currencies, transfers at near-market exchange rates, and is widely accepted.
- Local accounts — once you have residency in your destination country, most local banks will open accounts for Americans. This is useful for paying rent, utilities, and local bills.
Health insurance for Americans moving to Asia
Medicare stops covering you outside the US. For Americans moving abroad, international health insurance is essential.
Options for American expats:
- Cigna Global — one of the most comprehensive and widely accepted international plans. USD 150–400/month depending on age and coverage.
- Aetna International — another major insurer with strong Asia networks.
- IMG (International Medical Group) — popular with American expats, good value.
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance — budget option popular with younger remote workers. USD 45–100/month; lower coverage limits but fine for healthy expats in lower-cost markets.
Healthcare quality varies enormously across Asia. Thailand (Bangkok especially), Singapore, South Korea, and Japan have world-class private hospitals that many Americans find superior to what they could access affordably at home. Cambodia and Laos have limited facilities; serious conditions require transfer to Thailand.
US driving licence in Asia
An International Driving Permit (IDP) from AAA (USD 20, same-day issue) is valid in most Asian countries for 3–12 months. For longer stays:
- Direct exchange (no test): Singapore and Thailand accept US licences with minimal paperwork
- Written test required: Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines (though many expats simply drive on an IDP and renew it)
- Full re-test: Japan and South Korea (expensive and time-consuming but achievable)
Bringing family to Asia
Asia is genuinely family-friendly as an expat destination, with some caveats.
Schools: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City all have excellent international school options (American, British, and IB curricula). Costs are significant — USD 10,000–30,000/year — but often manageable on a US professional salary in a tax-free or low-tax environment.
Safety: Most expat cities in Asia are notably safe by US standards. Street crime is low in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. The Philippines requires more awareness but is manageable with common sense.
Healthcare for children: Good private paediatric care is available in all major expat cities. Bangkok and Singapore are regional medical hubs.
Practical first steps for Americans moving to Asia
- Sort your tax situation first. Engage an expat CPA before you move.
- Open a Schwab Bank account if you don't have one — the fee-free ATM access worldwide is invaluable.
- Set up Wise for international transfers.
- Get international health insurance in place before your US coverage lapses.
- Research your target country's specific visa requirements — these change frequently and vary significantly.
- Keep your US address active — use a friend, family member, or a mail forwarding service. Many US financial and government services require a US address.
- Register with the US Embassy in your destination country via STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) — free, useful for emergencies.
Recommended reading
- IRS Publication 54: Tax Guide for US Citizens Abroad
- State Department: travel.state.gov
- FBAR filing: fincen.gov
- STEP enrollment: step.state.gov
- American Citizens Abroad: aca.ch
Explore cities by country
Use the AsiaCityMatch city guides to compare specific destinations across cost, lifestyle, visa options, and healthcare — all written for expats who are seriously considering a move.
Last updated: May 2026 | AsiaCityMatch — practical information for people considering a move to Asia