Living an International Life: Geo-arbitrage at its Finest
I’m a firm believer in living a rich life. I believe for some the best opportunities sit outside of the USA. So living globally is a good way to live. Culturally you get to experience a different point of view and can make friends with people all over the world. It’s a great way to get appreciation for the human race and realize that we are more alike than different. Yet the small differences are helpful to learn new things and provide a small piece of the puzzle in understanding your life better.
For those business minded, going global is a must. I’ve been fortunate to have done well investing in startups and public stocks of companies from outside of the USA. It’s the ultimate alpha. Hungry international founders and businesses who are able to crack the US Market.
But at a larger global level, much of the future economic growth will also happen outside of the USA. So things like commodity & energy stocks or real estate are big opportunities as population & middle class growth happens there. I’ve said it before and will say it again: very bullish on markets like Japan, Mexico, Vietnam, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Argentina and most of Central Eastern Europe particularly Poland, Czech Republic, Romania and Ukraine.
It’s also great to be able to vacation or even base yourself for a few months of the year where you can arbitrage the strength of the US Dollar or Euro which goes further to enable you to live a far better lifestyle than back in the USA.
Following the Sun: Weather is a big determinant of happiness. I hate extreme cold and heat. I noticed that I thrive in mild Mediterranean temperatures. Spending the summer in Taiwan this last year showed me how unenjoyable the experience was. I equally dislike staying in Canada during the winter.
Yes, I recognize that this makes me sound like a spoiled first-worlder. But in my older age, I find myself very negatively affected by extreme temperatures.
Going forward I will try to do a better job of optimizing the timing of where I go and when I go. It will be mainly Canada and Northern Europe during the summer. And the Middle East/ Latam during the winter. Asia is best for me during spring and Fall.
Healthcare is an important aspect of life. Unfortunately, US healthcare is a disaster zone. An absolute travesty. But going global is the way around this. Going elsewhere for treatments is common and medical tourism is becoming even more popular. I got a full body health check in Taiwan at the full price of $600 usd. This would be multiple times more expensive in America. Mexico and Thailand are also places that have a great reputation for excellent but relatively inexpensive health and dental care.
Eating is better outside of the USA too. I might add, the quality of meats, fruits and vegetables is so much better. As a self proclaimed foodie, there are so many good food places in the world. I love the cuisine in Taiwan, Japan, Mexico, and Thailand. It’s also very good in most parts of Europe and the Middle East. Canada and Australia have pretty damn good restaurants too. And goes without saying, it’s almost always, great value compared to life in so-called Tier 1 cities in the USA.
Despite all this, I’m unabashedly pro America. It’s an amazing place that has given me a lot and I think the world is a better place with a USA led world order. But I recognize its shortcomings as well.
At the same time, it’s the best place for business and where one can keep their edge of competitiveness. I have the best conversations and meet the most impressive people anywhere in the world. (I should note it’s also where I’ve met some of the most awful human beings in the world too).
It’s why America will continue to be my home. Tax wise it would be better living elsewhere but living a rich life is living where you want to that’s not just driven by money. America will be my hub as I explore the world looking for business opportunities and living well like the wandering investor. All the opportunities you want are out there, you just have to get off your butt and leave your comfort zone to get them.