Table of Contents
Preface 9
Introduction 11
Chapter 1 Preparation 17
Introduction 11
Where Is Paradise 18
Passports 21
Visas 22
Health 24
Culture & Customs 26
Money Matters 27
Insurance 30
Your Cost of Living 36
Prohibited Businesses & Occupations 38
What to Pack in Your Bags 38
Chapter 2 Keys to Survival 41
Introduction 41
Adjusting to a New Economy 42
Money Matters 43
Transportation 43
Working With the System 44
Tipping & Negotiating Discounts 45
Transferring Money Abroad 45
Local Contacts & Representatives 46
Support Groups & Networks 47
Beware the Common Pitfalls 47
Summary of Do's & Don'ts 49
Chapter 3 Buying an Independent Business 51
Start-Up Vs Buying an Existing Business 51
Using Business Brokers 52
Premises: Rent or Buy 58
Business Location 59
Business Development 60
Type of Business 61
Do You Need a Work Permit 62
Establishing an Investment Budget 63
Timing - The Best Time to Start 63
How to Evaluate Businesses 65
Total Investment 68
Business Valuation Methods 69
Adjustment of Net Annual Profits 74
Lease Terms 78
Location 81
The Seller 82
Morale 83
Asset Sale 83
The Reason for Sale 85
Due Diligence 87
The Business Evaluation Checklist 89
Property Prices 92
The Stages of Buying a Business 93
Sourcing Businesses 94
Looking for Suitable Premises 95
How to Deal With Sellers 97
The Offer to Purchase 98
Offer to Purchase Checklist 101
Completion 102
Recruiting Staff 104
Preventing Theft 104
Chapter 4 Buying a Franchise 109
Introduction 109
Are You a Suitable Franchisee 109
Franchise Evaluation Checklist 111
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Buying a Franchise 115
Franchise Categories 119
Contents of the Operations Manual 121
Case Study 122
Further Information 123
Chapter 5 Working Freelance 125
The Investment 126
The Office 127
Website & Email Address 127
Networking 128
Promotion 129
Advertising 131
Offshore Customers 132
Administration 133
Case Studies 133
Chapter 6 Alternative Approaches 135
Seeking Suitable Investors 136
Seeking a Suitable Employer 137
Seeking Sponsorship for Your Project 138
House-Sitting 140
Christian Organizations 140
Chapter 7 Popular Ways to Earn a Living 141
Employment With an International or Foreign-Owned Company 142
Teaching English 142
Owning a Local Tourist-Oriented Business 155
Real Estate & Business Brokering 155
Property Development & Management 158
Online Trading & Auctions 160
Freelance Consulting of Specialist Services 163
Writing & Publishing 164
Volunteering 168
Website Development 170
Import/Export & Manufacturing 179
Online Day Trading of the Financial Markets 181
Southeast Asia Directory 183
Brunei 185
Cambodia 187
East Timor 196
Indonesia 198
Laos 204
Malaysia 212
Myanmar 221
Philippines 223
Singapore 236
Thailand 249
Vietnam 260
Glossary of Terms 262
About the Author 263
