TikTok and American Expats

https://www.npr.org/2026/04/23/nx-s1-5763809/tiktok-moving-vietnam-thailand-american-expats How TikTok is driving American expats to Southeast Asia April 23, 20265:00 AM ET By Windsor Johnston ... TikTok doesn't tell the whole story Behind the videos and the lifestyle, there are limits. Many expats say their lifestyle is made possible by earning or saving in U.S. dollars while spending in local currencies — an advantage that doesn't translate to most Vietnamese or Thai citizens. Making a living locally can be difficult. In Vietnam, foreigners are typically limited to a narrow set of jobs, most commonly teaching English, where pay is often significantly lower than what they could earn in the U.S. As a result, many rely on remote work, savings, or U.S.-based income streams — a dynamic that allows them to benefit from lower costs without participating fully in the local labor market. Some point to lower health care costs. Moore says she recently paid about 200,000 Vietnamese dong — roughly $8 — for a dental cleaning, X-rays and a checkup. But access and quality can vary, especially outside major cities. Long-term needs like schools, visas and stable residency can be more complicated for foreigners. Many Americans in Vietnam are living on tourist visas that are typically valid for up to 90 days. That means leaving the country regularly and returning — a process known as a visa run. "You can take a bus to the border, walk across, get stamped, and come back," says Moore. In Thailand, visa options can vary, but long-term residency can still be complicated. Even after years there, Michaels said he's aware of where he stands. "I'm a guest in this country," he said. "I will always be a foreigner."