Why SettleHappy exists
Because “move abroad” is not one decision
It is schools and visas, tax and healthcare, excitement and a surprising amount of admin. SettleHappy brings the whole move into one honest family view.
The mission
Make a complicated move easier to understand
Most relocation content covers arrival: where to live, what it costs and which visa might work. Families also need to understand the tax, healthcare, financial and property questions in the country they are leaving.
SettleHappy covers both. The aim is not to make every move look easy. It is to make the choices, costs and consequences visible soon enough for a family to act on them.
Deliberately focused
A narrower site makes better answers
- Five destinations
Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia (Bali) and the Philippines
- One clear audience
Families planning a move to Southeast Asia, wherever they are starting from
- Both halves of the move
Preparing to leave home and building a workable life in Southeast Asia
How we research
How we check the information we publish
Useful research should show where the information came from, when it was checked, what it applies to and where the answer has limitations.
See how we score destinations- 01
We start with the responsible source
Visa rules start with the issuing authority, departure-country tax starts with the relevant tax authority and school fees start with the school. Other commentary can add context, but it does not replace the source responsible for the information.
- 02
Changing information is dated
Visa requirements, fees, travel options, exchange rates and tax processes change. We show when this information was last checked so you can decide whether to confirm it again.
- 03
We include the drawbacks as well as the benefits
No destination is perfect for every family. Strong schools can be expensive, and easier everyday English may come with other compromises. We keep both sides of the comparison visible.
- 04
Budgets reflect family life
International school is often one of the largest family expenses. Leaving it out would make the headline figure look better but make the guide much less useful to parents.
Commercial independence
A grade is not for sale
SettleHappy plans to earn revenue from its own products and services, with carefully selected affiliates as a later addition. Any paid or affiliate relationship will be disclosed where it appears. It will not determine a destination grade or remove an important caveat.
Common questions
Questions about SettleHappy
Who is SettleHappy written for?
SettleHappy is written for families considering a move to Southeast Asia, wherever they currently live. The destination research is international. Departure guidance is organised separately for the UK, United States, Australia, Canada and Europe, with worldwide guides for families starting elsewhere.
Is SettleHappy a relocation agency?
No. SettleHappy is an independent information platform. It does not currently arrange visas, place children in schools, sell property or act as an immigration representative.
Do you provide financial, tax or immigration advice?
No. The site explains public information and helps families organise decisions. Individual circumstances can change the answer, so relevant pages identify where a solicitor, tax adviser, regulated financial adviser or authorised immigration professional is appropriate.
How are country grades decided?
We assess every country using the same seven family factors: cost, international schooling, visa accessibility, healthcare, everyday use of English, international connectivity and expat-family community. The complete method and the meaning of each grade are published openly.
How does SettleHappy make money?
The planned model includes SettleHappy’s own digital products, tools and paid services. If affiliate relationships are introduced later, relevant pages will disclose them clearly. A commercial relationship will never be allowed to buy a grade or remove an important drawback from a guide.
How can I report an error?
Email hello@settlehappyabroad.com with the page, the statement you think is wrong and, ideally, the primary source supporting the correction. We check important corrections against the source and update the page's verification date when that review is complete.