Macedonia.

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 4th, 2012, 5:25 am

Hey,

I have been thinking about Eastern Europe in general and I have two places that I am considering, Macedonia and the Ukraine (as far as living, not finding a wife or date). Which of these two offer a better quality of life and bang for your buck? I am leaning towards Macedonia, but dk. nyone know anything about Macedonia or Ukraine?

Contrarian Expatriate · July 4th, 2012, 10:45 am

Macedonian and Ukrainian women look very different. Macedonians seemed to be more dark-haired and more attractive IMO. Ukrainians are more slavic-influenced and most American men seemed to like them more.

Macedonia is smaller with less to offer, but the people are more warm like most balkan countries. Ukraine can be violent, nationalistic, and unwelcoming to foreigners, but not as bad as Russia. The winters are also far colder than Macedonia.

All in all, I would choose Macedonia without a second thought, but it depends on what you look for in a location. Beauty of the women and climate are high on my list.

Jester · Post by **Jester** » July 4th, 2012, 5:15 pm

My experience is limited but from people and things I know, I strongly agree with all of Contrarian's points.

I've heard Ukraine is a better country for older guys seeking younger women, and that Macedonia is a bad one for this. Since this isn't the focus for you at this moment, enjoy Macedonia.

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 4th, 2012, 9:05 pm

I have been reading Doug Casey (great commentator, even though I don't exactly agree on investment style per se) and he has said to diversify your basket. Invest in one country, live in another, get a marriage partner for yet another, etc. I am considering living in Macedonia, maybe visit Ukraine for dating, or perhaps not, but I want to have a backup SHTF plan. I heard that Macedonia was good for business (it helps it has a 15 % tax rate on income) , is this true? And how free is it in general? Are the police overly corrupt? How is it on economic and civil liberty?

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 4th, 2012, 9:08 pm

Also, what are the main spoken languages? Greek , Macedonian? And if so on the latter, what would be the best way to learn it?

djfourmoney · Post by **djfourmoney** » July 4th, 2012, 9:50 pm

Shrug.... There is really no escape from the pending financial crash and I am really tired of the pursuit of low taxes by those that want to be wealthy. That is the negative side of wealth, you SHOULD pay your fair share of taxes if you benefited off the "commons" or the public good to get your success.

When you're self-made and built all your own infrastructure then its acceptable to scream about taxes and tax rates.

Who is going to buy your product or services in Macedonia? What you are selling/offering has quite a bit to do with your success.

Define "free" and how many developing countries are free of corruption in politics or with the police?

Not many....

You should get a demerit for not using the CIA Fact Book.... https://www.cia.gov/library/publication ... os/mk.html

Jester · Post by **Jester** » July 4th, 2012, 9:50 pm

zacb wrote:Also, what are the main spoken languages? Greek , Macedonian? And if so on the latter, what would be the best way to learn it?

You should probably use google for your questions. It sounds like you have a lot. Greek isn't spoken there.

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 4th, 2012, 10:32 pm

I have used many different source, and have tried to find various forum posts on the subject, but they are kind of nill. I have checked the freedom index at Heritage. So I have done some research. Another thing is that I am not saying I will be able to do everything all at once, but more of a gradual drip. And I am not talking about all at once. I am just saying that I want to eventually be able to live comfortably, and part of that is diversification. But anyways, I figure in between some savings (properly invested in high yielding products) and also some online businesses, and the cost of living being what it is, that I will be able to live ok. I am not going to do anything right away (I am going to college for at least 2 years) but I do plan on saving in the mean time and maybe visiting.

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 4th, 2012, 10:36 pm

And the only reason I thought about Greek is like with the border cities and such.

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 4th, 2012, 10:40 pm

Also, I what I mean is that I can start a business relatively easily, be taxed fairly (10-15 percent, although that is kinda), not have police grope me, not have to worry if my communications are being compromised, stuff like that.

djfourmoney · Post by **djfourmoney** » July 5th, 2012, 5:12 pm

zacb wrote:I have used many different source, and have tried to find various forum posts on the subject, but they are kind of nill. I have checked the freedom index at Heritage. So I have done some research. Another thing is that I am not saying I will be able to do everything all at once, but more of a gradual drip. And I am not talking about all at once. I am just saying that I want to eventually be able to live comfortably, and part of that is diversification. But anyways, I figure in between some savings (properly invested in high yielding products) and also some online businesses, and the cost of living being what it is, that I will be able to live ok. I am not going to do anything right away (I am going to college for at least 2 years) but I do plan on saving in the mean time and maybe visiting.

Did you really say you checked the Heritage Foundation web site???

SMH....

I don't think I assumed you would be doing anything all at one time. I'm just not understand the allure of Macedonia, I'm positive there is some reason it is not high on many people's list. There are other places that are cheap enough to start your business without living on the streets.

Contrarian Expatriate · July 5th, 2012, 5:31 pm

Bottom line is don't put too much stock in other peoples' opinions. Go to each country and see them for yourself. Whichever one makes a better impression is the one you should choose.

zacb · Post by **zacb** » July 6th, 2012, 10:47 pm

Um, for business freedom, I would have to say that Heritage is ok (not that I agree with everything they say). And I guess I was thinking about Ukraine, but I don't know if the inexpensiveness would be worth it or not. Also, I am looking at not EU countries (since it might be easier to immigrate). Also, what are some great places for businesses, and is also inexpensive?

samurai_panda · Post by **samurai_panda** » July 7th, 2012, 12:23 am

Macedonia has a name feud with Greece. Greece views Macedonia as a rogue Greek territory and not a sovereign nation.

Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece all make claims on Macedonian lands.

Romania has hotter and more sophisticated women.