Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#131

Post by 3131s » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:45 PM UTC

knocte wrote: post #82

3131s wrote: post #64

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The enormous hassle for me is transferring money in and out of the country. My internet service in Phnom Penh is fairly steady fortunately. Let me know if you need any advice, translations, or whatever while traveling!

> The enormous hassle for me is transferring money in and out of the country. Did you try bitcoin?

It hasn't caught on here much and not many freelance employers offer payment in Bitcoin anyway. Most of the time it's Paypal, which you can't even access online in Cambodia. I have to have my dad log on to my Paypal account from the US, transfer the money to my US bank account, then either bite the bullet on the international ATM fees or do a wire transfer to my bank account here. The fees add up as you can imagine, especially if you find freelance work through some place like Upwork, who then take their own massive cut. It would be amazing if cryptocurrencies caught on, many hundreds of millions of people would benefit greatly from that. It would also be amazing if I had not spent the 400 or so Bitcoin that were once in my possession ;)

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#132

Post by askar_yu » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:46 PM UTC

jedilance wrote: post #107

askar_yu wrote: post #99

Istanbul, Turkey. Warm climate, fantastic food and friendly people. Modern city with developed infrastructure. I lived there between 2011 and 2013 and enjoyed every bit of it. Upon leaving, I knew that I would go back to live there again because I loved it so much. However recent events and overall political direction Turkey is taking is killing that wish within me. I really hope things get better in Turkey.

How did you handle the stress of traffic jam?

After one year, moved to a closer place to work (in a walking distance). Most companies in Istanbul have shuttle services, so even when I had to commute it was not that bad.

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#133

Post by sawmurai » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:51 PM UTC

StavrosK wrote: post #88

alinalex wrote: post #81

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks for your answer, @sawmurai. For me, the western part would be a better fit since I already have some working experience with french language. I would have to move with my girlfriend who is in the insurance business, so I guess Geneva would be a good fit for her as well

Apparently the costs are very, very high, though, and renting a flat is really hard (owners want your bank balance/history). At least that's what some friends who moved to Geneva told me.

True, the net rent is higher. But look at it this way: in Germany rent was 30% of my net income, in Zurich it is less than 20% (though it would be closer to 30% if I lived by myself)

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#134

Post by knocte » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:51 PM UTC

3131s wrote: post #131

knocte wrote: post #82

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> The enormous hassle for me is transferring money in and out of the country. Did you try bitcoin?

It hasn't caught on here much and not many freelance employers offer payment in Bitcoin anyway. Most of the time it's Paypal, which you can't even access online in Cambodia. I have to have my dad log on to my Paypal account from the US, transfer the money to my US bank account, then either bite the bullet on the international ATM fees or do a wire transfer to my bank account here. The fees add up as you can imagine,…

There are websites like Upwork which only work with cryptocurrencies.

For the existing employers, you could offer your employers a discount on your rate if they use bitcoin (or rather, ask them for a surplus percentage if they don't ;) ).

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#135

Post by vram22 » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:52 PM UTC

gpvos wrote: post #116

Canary Islands (assuming I can find work there). 20 degrees all year round is the perfect weather for me.

How's the Internet speed and cost and uptime there?

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#136

Post by herbst » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:54 PM UTC

knocte wrote: post #134

3131s wrote: post #131

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It hasn't caught on here much and not many freelance employers offer payment in Bitcoin anyway. Most of the time it's Paypal, which you can't even access online in Cambodia. I have to have my dad log on to my Paypal account from the US, transfer the money to my US bank account, then either bite the bullet on the international ATM fees or do a wire transfer to my bank account here. The fees add up as you can imagine,…

There are websites like Upwork which only work with cryptocurrencies. For the existing employers, you could offer your employers a discount on your rate if they use bitcoin (or rather, ask them for a surplus percentage if they don't ;) ).

Can you point me to some? All i've seen are fiverr like and have many sellers but no buyers it seems

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#137

Post by beowulf_cluster » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:55 PM UTC

Somewhere in Scandinavia. I don't know much about the area other than they score among the highest on self-reported happiness indicies[0]. I'm curious about what cultural differences are responsible for that result, and I suppose I'd like to enjoy them for myself.

[0]: http://www.medicaldaily.com/world-happiness-report-scandinav...

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#138

Post by praneshp » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 1:58 PM UTC

BigJono wrote: post #102

praneshp wrote: post #80

Earlier quoted context omitted.

(As an Indian) Pros: The MCG (As an Indian) Cons: India usually loses/struggles in boxing day tests.

Every few years I consider moving somewhere else, and then I remember I won't be able to go to the cricket and footy at the G anymore, or the tennis, or the formula one :( Melbourne has got to be one of the best cities in the world if you enjoy sports.

Ah, I forgot about tennis. I applied to UMelb and Monash back in 2011 when I was applying to grad school, but was scared off by some attacks on Indian students at the time. My sports watching life would've been so different if that had gone well.

I'd put London slightly above Melbourne, it's got Tennis, Football and Cricket among others.

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#139

Post by ad_hominem » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 2:03 PM UTC

btbuildem wrote: post #45

JonoBB wrote: post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you explain we what you mean by "all the benefits that come with being a Canadian city" please?

No guns and free healthcare are two things that come to mind.

Canada has guns. In fact Canada has some guns one can't get in the US due to import bans, like Norinco.

Re: Ask HN: If you could live and work somewhere, where would it be?

#140

Post by Insanity » Mon, Jan 02, 2017, 2:10 PM UTC

mathgeek wrote: post #122

It would be right where I am, which is where my extended family is. With a wife and kids and being in my 30's, I've learned that who you're with is more important than where you are.

Similar situation here, and I absolutely agree with you.