Most of my guests have traded their old lives for a new home in a specific country. But todayâs guest didnât just pick a new homeâhe built a portfolio of them.
In this episode, Iâm 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 didnât 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 âPortfolioâ 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 âchaosâ of Bangkok to the safety of the Westâand the answer might surprise you.
The Elephant in the Room: We tackle the clichĂŠ of the âwhite man in Thailand.â Benjamin gives a refreshing, honest take on the expat community there (itâs not what you think).
The âBurn Seasonâ: 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 freerâthis conversation is for you.
Find Ben Here!
Ben on Substack
Benâs Checklists
Pims Tea â Benâs Shop in Bangkok
âą TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS:
[00:04] â Meet Ben: From consultant to "Digital Citizen" â Benâs journey from Germany to Cyprus, UAE, and Thailand.
[00:06] â The Portfolio Life: Collecting 6 residencies (including Palau, Estonia, and UAE) and why Ben does it.
[00:08] â Dubai Residency Deep Dive: Costs, benefits, and why itâs a smart business move even if you don't live there.
[00:12] â The Tax Reality: Why having a residency doesn't automatically make you tax-free.
[00:13] â The Singapore Dream (That Didn't Happen): How COVID derailed Benâs original plan and led him to Cyprus.
[00:18] â Leaving Cyprus: Why island life was too quiet for a big-city lover.
[00:22] â Why Thailand? Weather, safety, and the incredible healthcare system.
[00:28] â Birth of "Digital Citizen": How a side hobby on Substack turned into a business.
[00:37] â Bangkok Life & Stereotypes: Ben addresses the "older white guy" clichĂŠs and explains who Thailand is actually for.
[00:40] â Cost of Living: Living in a luxury condo in central Bangkok for $1,000/month.
[00:46] â Chiang Mai & The Islands: Benâs favorite spots and the crucial "Burn Season" warning (MarchâMay).
[00:49] â Residency Rapid Fire: A breakdown of Benâs 6 specific visas (Cyprus Non-Dom, UAE, Estonia E-Residency, Palau, Thailand Elite).
[00:53] â Thailand Visa Options: Comparing the "Elite" (Golden) Visa vs. the Property Investment Visa.
[00:57] â Is This Legal? Benâs 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 youâd rather watch there đ
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 donât want to become a paid subscriber but enjoyed this episode, Iâd be every so grateful if youâd buy me a coffee as a one time donation. Regardless, Iâm thrilled youâre here!
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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.
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ExpressVPN: The VPN I use to keep my connection secure. Get three extra months with my link.
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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.
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