Denny Goin, a returning guest who is currently traveling, talks about what it's like to travel internationally during a pandemic and gives insight into business ventures and acquiring residence in another country. He also discusses the use of English in foreign countries, challenges of setting up a business in Dubai, and the role of government in society. Additionally, the podcast explores topics such as COVID-19 regulations, flying in private jets, immigrating to the US, residency permits, challenges for Americans living abroad, and the potential of cryptocurrencies.
The speaker decided to leave the United States and travel to South Korea and eventually Georgia to find a country where he could stay and work.
The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the speaker's travel plans, with many countries closing their borders and imposing restrictions on entry.
Setting up a business in the UAE, particularly in a free trade zone in Dubai, offers flexible options and lower taxation.
The choice of location for setting up a business depends on various factors such as language preferences, cultural dynamics, and economic conditions.
Transportation practices vary in different countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with some countries returning to normalcy while others implement social distancing measures.
The episode delves into the speaker's exploration of business opportunities and residency permits in different countries, emphasizing adaptability, personal motivations, and the importance of aligning choices with personal values.
Deep dives
Georgia, South Korea, and Visa Options
The speaker decided to leave the United States and travel to South Korea due to the limited visa options available. He had some familiarity with Korean culture and felt it was a more predictable choice. When restrictions prevented him from doing a visa run to another Asian country, he decided to do a half-globe visa run to Dubai. The round trip flight to Dubai was cheaper than a one-way ticket to Honolulu, making it a cost-effective option. From Dubai, he planned to fly to Georgia, as it was one of the few countries open to Americans without a visa. Despite some uncertainty and conflicting information, he decided to take the risk and travel to Georgia.
Experiences with Airports and TSA
The speaker had a negative experience with TSA officers during his departure from the United States. He felt there was a lack of clarity and misleading information regarding health checks and visa requirements. After arriving in South Korea, he had to do a visa run to Dubai, where he encountered more uncertainty and difficulty in getting information from the Georgian consulate. Despite these challenges, he was determined to find a country that allowed him to stay without a visa, leading him to South Korea and eventually Georgia.
Impact of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions
The speaker's travel plans were greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many countries had closed their borders or imposed strict entry requirements, limiting his options for visa runs. He noticed differences in how different countries handled the situation, with some being more transparent and predictable than others. The constantly changing travel restrictions and conflicting information made planning and decision-making more challenging. Despite the disruptions, he remained determined to find a country where he could stay and work.
Reflection on Traveling during the Pandemic
The speaker acknowledged the risks and uncertainties of traveling during the pandemic. He compared the reactions and measures taken by different countries and speculated on the motivations behind certain policies. He shared his observations of how the pandemic affected different regions, and how the restrictions impacted individuals' movement and decision-making. While recognizing the challenges and limitations, he remained optimistic and adaptive in finding opportunities amidst the ever-changing travel landscape.
Setting up a business in the UAE
Setting up a business in the UAE, particularly in a free trade zone in Dubai, offers flexible options and lower taxation. It is important to find the right fit for your business goals and qualifications, as there are various schemes and regulations to consider.
Considerations for choosing a business location
The choice of location for setting up a business depends on various factors, including language preferences, cultural dynamics, and economic conditions. States like Florida and Texas in the United States, for example, offer favorable business environments, while countries like China may have certain restrictions or limitations.
Transportation and COVID-19 measures
Transportation practices vary in different countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While domestic air travel in the United States has seen a recovery, countries like China have returned to a state of normalcy, with packed airports, subways, and buses. In some places, like Georgia, social distancing measures are in place on public transportation.
Choosing between international destinations
When considering international destinations for business or freelancing, it is essential to assess the specific opportunities, local regulations, and cultural considerations of each location. Factors such as language preferences, business tax policies, and economic factors can influence the choice of destination.
Exploring Business Opportunities and Residency Permits
The podcast episode delves into the speaker's exploration of business opportunities and residency permits in different countries. They discuss the advantages of setting up a business remotely and the importance of obtaining a residency permit. The speaker highlights the flexibility offered in places like Dubai and Georgia, where entrepreneurs can find affordable living arrangements and low costs of living. They also touch upon the challenges of finding the right business model, considering possibilities in robotics, AI, and even starting a school. The speaker reflects on their personal journey and the importance of integrity and personal motivations in decision-making.
Living as an Expat and the Need for Flexibility
The episode emphasizes the lifestyle of being an expat and the need for adaptability and resilience. The speaker shares experiences of living in different countries and the vibrant energy found in places like Dubai and Georgia. They discuss the advantages of experiencing diverse cultures, trying new foods, and interacting with people from different backgrounds. The speaker highlights the difference in cost of living and the impact of government regulations and taxes on individuals. They stress the importance of making choices that align with personal values and pursuing opportunities that offer growth and personal satisfaction.
Reflections on Risk, Opportunities, and Personal Growth
In this segment, the speaker reflects on the concept of risk-taking and personal growth. They discuss the potential rewards of stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new experiences. The speaker explains their timeline and motivation for reaching their goal of living in Fiji. They also touch upon the challenges faced by expats, such as tax obligations and the limitations of certain visa processes. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of focusing on personal values and making choices that align with long-term goals.
A returning guest! He’s alive! He’s not in America! He’s in… WHERE?!
Without fail this is a good conversation but, as it had to happen, not without some political discussion. I encourage you to give it a listen as the political yik yak is interweaved with the real gold nuggest throughout the conversation.
Denny is no longer in the US, but I’ll let you listen to find out where he is right now (and that might change in another few months). All of that means that he is travelling and has seen what is happening around the world in these troubled times. He has a ground’s eye view of what’s going on and gives us some info how things are shaping up outside of the States.
A decent length this time, just under three hours, well worth the listen if you want to know more about what it’s like to travel internationally during a pandemic, what to look for in a business venture, and what course people should steer if they’re looking to acquire residence in another country.
