Re:Ask HN: If you could live anywhere in the world, where wo...
by jimsojim on Tuesday August 11, 2015 @12:55PM
(#10042541)
Hey denny, I can tell you South Korea is great. I am studying here at a Uni. In particular, I would recommend seoul (ofc), its a great place to be in. Although, traditionally the Koreans are known for their hardware, the market for software developers is increasing here at a very promising rate. Night life is awesome. Food is great, too. Although culturally I had some problems, but as you mentioned you've been to Japan and enjoyed their culture, you won't have any problem in adjusting here. And as you might expect Koreans (chicks) are very fond of foreigners haha (if it matters to you at all?).
Hit me up if you ever plan to visit here.
Re:Ask HN: If you could live anywhere in the world, where wo...
by maclo on Tuesday August 11, 2015 @04:19PM
(#10044072)
What is the visa situation like in Korea for non-students?
Re:Ask HN: If you could live anywhere in the world, where wo...
by jimsojim on Wednesday August 12, 2015 @01:03AM
(#10046107)
Well, if you're US passport holder you can stay upto 90 days without visa (business/travel). For the rest of the cases, you need to get one. If you get a proper job, employers will sponsor your visa.
Re:Ask HN: If you could live anywhere in the world, where wo...
by artartart on Tuesday August 11, 2015 @02:21AM
(#10039381)
I'm currently in Bangkok and wanted to add that if you keep on the low and spend your money here there are no problems. It sucks as soon as you try to speak up, buy property, make money from this place, or do anything where the rule of law is important. You will miss the rule of law, i.e. republic, of well-established nations.
Re:Ask HN: If you could live anywhere in the world, where wo...
by dennybritz on Tuesday August 11, 2015 @02:40AM
(#10039421)
I'm currently in BKK as well. Hit me up if you want to grab a drink, email is in my profile.
Re:Ask HN: If you could live anywhere in the world, where wo...
by maclo on Tuesday August 11, 2015 @01:54AM
(#10039319)
I like the sound of living in Japan and Thailand. What type of visa did you use to stay in those countries? Travel visa?
Re:Ask HN: If you could live anywhere in the world, where wo...
by dennybritz on Tuesday August 11, 2015 @02:11AM
(#10039356)
Yes.
Depending on where you're from you can stay in Japan either 3 or 6 months at a time. Some people leave for a few days and then come back but that could be risky as your next visa may be denied.
Thailand has various visa options and is less strict with their policies. Many people keep renewing their tourist visas for years.
I believe that location is becoming increasingly irrelevant for software developers. Distributed teams are gaining popularity and there are lots of remote positions. So the question for me isn't really what's the "best" country for developers, but rather what's the country that fits my personality and cultural values the most? That answer will be different for everyone.
So far I've lived in (not travelled) Europe, Brazil, Thailand and Japan. Personally I'd move back to Japan if I could (currently can't since I was just there for 6 months). Japan sucks for software developers if you work for a Japanese company, but if you work remotely it's a great place to live. It's cheap (compared to the bay area), food is amazing, lots of stuff to do, and I like the culture. Thailand is another good place to live. You have a luxurious lifestyle on little money. An apartment that'd be $6000/month in the bay area is $1000/month in Thailand. Also lots of good food, nightlife, and beaches. South Korea is next on my list but I'm expecting the lifestyle to be quite similar to Japan.
In the list of countries I want live in the US probably wouldn't make the top 10. I love California, but there are so many other amazing places around the world.