Most of my guests have traded their old lives for a new home in a specific country. But today’s guest didn’t just pick a new home—he built a portfolio of them. In this episode, I’m bringing you a conversation that redefines what it means to be an expat. I sat down with Benjamin Hies, a German entrepreneur and a true global citizen who didn’t just move abroad, he diversified his entire life. Benjamin currently holds six different residencies (including Dubai, Cyprus, and Thailand). He treats borders like suggestions rather than barriers. We go deep into why he Germany, why he believes Southeast Asia offers a superior quality of life for the cost, and the nitty-gritty of how you can actually do this yourself. In this episode, we cover: The “Portfolio” Approach: Benjamin breaks down his 6 residencies (from the UAE to Estonia) and which ones are actually easy for Americans to get right now. The $1,000/Month Lifestyle: We discuss his life in Bangkok. He lives in a luxury high-rise in the city center for a fraction of what a studio costs in the US, EU or UK. Safety & Healthcare: For those whose safety is non-negotiable, Benjamin compares the “chaos” of Bangkok to the safety of the West—and the answer might surprise you. The Elephant in the Room: We tackle the cliché of the “white man in Thailand.” Benjamin gives a refreshing, honest take on the expat community there (it’s not what you think). The “Burn Season”: The one time of year you absolutely should not visit Chiang Mai. If you are sitting in the US (or elsewhere) right now, looking at your cost of living and wondering if there is a way to live better, safer, and freer—this conversation is for you. Find Ben Here! Ben on Substack Ben’s Checklists Pims Tea — Ben’s Shop in Bangkok ⏱ TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS: [00:04] – Meet Ben: From consultant to "Digital Citizen" – Ben’s journey from Germany to Cyprus, UAE, and Thailand. [00:06] – The Portfolio Life: Collecting 6 residencies (including Palau, Estonia, and UAE) and why Ben does it. [00:08] – Dubai Residency Deep Dive: Costs, benefits, and why it’s a smart business move even if you don't live there. [00:12] – The Tax Reality: Why having a residency doesn't automatically make you tax-free. [00:13] – The Singapore Dream (That Didn't Happen): How COVID derailed Ben’s original plan and led him to Cyprus. [00:18] – Leaving Cyprus: Why island life was too quiet for a big-city lover. [00:22] – Why Thailand? Weather, safety, and the incredible healthcare system. [00:28] – Birth of "Digital Citizen": How a side hobby on Substack turned into a business. [00:37] – Bangkok Life & Stereotypes: Ben addresses the "older white guy" clichés and explains who Thailand is actually for. [00:40] – Cost of Living: Living in a luxury condo in central Bangkok for $1,000/month. [00:46] – Chiang Mai & The Islands: Ben’s favorite spots and the crucial "Burn Season" warning (March–May). [00:49] – Residency Rapid Fire: A breakdown of Ben’s 6 specific visas (Cyprus Non-Dom, UAE, Estonia E-Residency, Palau, Thailand Elite). [00:53] – Thailand Visa Options: Comparing the "Elite" (Golden) Visa vs. the Property Investment Visa. [00:57] – Is This Legal? Ben’s new app for checking weird laws (like tattoos in Japan or gum in Singapore). You can also find a video of this podcast on YouTube if you’d rather watch there 😃 Thank you so much for listening! My podcasts and articles on Substack will always remain FREE. I will not put them behind a paywall. If you don’t want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, I’d be every so grateful if you’d buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, I’m thrilled you’re here! Treat me to a coffee? Are you planning a move abroad or do you want to explore the possibilities? I have many offerings! Work With Me Ready to Plan Your Own Move? My goal is to help you make your dream of moving abroad a reality. Here are a few ways I can help: Personalized Consulting: I offer à la carte Consultations, an asynchronous Async option for busy schedules, and comprehensive Packages. Online Class: Learn my entire framework in my “How to Move Abroad” course, designed to take you from start to dream destination. Free Resources: If you’re just starting, check out my free “How to Live Abroad” series. I also have some amazing offers from International Living that may interest you! If you’re specifically interested in moving to Portugal, this is a great resource: Portugal Made Easy There’s also a wonderful guide to help you Live Better Overseas And this!!! How to Move out of the US My Expat Toolkit (The Tools I Use & Trust) Banking & Money: Wise: For transferring money internationally. Use my referral code for a fee-free transfer up to $600. Charles Schwab: The best bank account for expats. No foreign transaction fees and unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide. Chase Sapphire Preferred: My go-to credit card for travel hacking and earning points, with no foreign transaction fees. Travel & Connectivity: ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link. eSim Nomad: The most reliable eSIM I’ve found for staying connected on the go. Housing & Petsitting: Trusted Housesitters: How I find and book amazing petsitting opportunities. Kindred: The home exchange platform I used to stay in a gorgeous L.A. bungalow for three weeks. Join the Community Leave a Comment: What are your biggest expat money challenges? Share them below! Join the Chat: Connect with other readers in my free Subscriber’s Chat. Share this Article: If you found this helpful, please share it with a friend or on social media. It makes a huge difference! Get full access to Expat on a Budget at expatonabudget.substack.com/subscribe
