01
Visas & Bureaucracy
Stop guessing about immigration rules. We break down the latest Digital Nomad Visas, Special Resident Retiree Visas (SRRV), tourist visa extensions, and the real-world process of border runs in the Philippines and Vietnam.
Field Notes / Expat Life
Expat life & digitalnomad guides.
Your boots-on-the-ground resource for relocating, working remotely, and thriving in Southeast Asia.
The Reality
The plane ticket is the easy part.
Moving to Asia is a dream for many, but the reality of relocating involves a lot more than buying a ticket. From navigating visa runs and finding long-term housing without getting scammed, to figuring out which cities have fiber fast enough for your Zoom calls — the logistics can be overwhelming.
At Visit Asia, we cut through outdated forum advice. Our expat guides are written by digital nomads and long-term residents currently living in hubs like Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Cebu, and Da Nang. Radical transparency on the true cost of living, the best neighborhoods for foreigners, and the practical realities of building a life in the East.
Explore
Expat topics.
The four pillars of every successful relocation.
02
Cost of Living Breakdowns
How far does $1,500 a month really go? We track our actual monthly expenses — rent, groceries, utilities, and nightlife — to give you a realistic budget for cities across Southeast Asia.
03
Housing & Neighborhoods
Where should you actually live? We review the best expat-friendly neighborhoods, how to negotiate a lease, what to look for during a viewing, and how to avoid rental scams targeting foreigners.
04
Remote Work Infrastructure
You can't work if the power goes out or the Wi-Fi drops. We review the best co-working spaces, the most reliable internet providers, and the best cafes for deep work in major Asian cities.
The Journal
Latest expat guides & resources.
Visa Comparison
14 min read
The Ultimate Digital Nomad Visa Guide: Philippines vs. Vietnam (2026 Update)
Both countries are competing for remote workers, but their visa programs differ wildly. We compare costs, requirements, and tax implications of the Philippines' new remote work visa versus Vietnam's e-visa and investor routes.
Read the comparisonManila Budget
10 min read
How Much Do You Really Need to Live Comfortably in Manila?
We tracked every peso for 30 days in the capital. The unfiltered truth about rent in BGC vs. Makati, grocery costs, and the hidden fees of expat life.
View the budgetHousing Playbook
11 min read
Finding an Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City: A Step-by-Step Guide
Facebook groups, local brokers, and walking the streets. The exact playbook we use to find high-quality, foreigner-friendly apartments in HCMC without paying the "expat tax."
Read the guideConnectivity
8 min read
Internet Speeds in Southeast Asia: Where is the Wi-Fi Actually Reliable?
We tested upload and download speeds in 20 cafes and co-working spaces across Manila, Cebu, and Da Nang. See which cities handle heavy video calls and which will leave you frustrated.
See the results
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