Best 5 English-speaking countries in Asia for expats

Alright, let’s tackle a question that pops up way too often: “Do Asians speak English?” Uh, duh—of course they do! In fact, you can totally get around most of Asia using just English. No, we’re not unpacking the tangled history of colonizers today (let’s save that for another time), but you might come across some unique blends of English and local slang that’ll take a minute to decode. Still, it’s super easy to navigate, so no stress! 

Now, in this blog, we’re spilling the tea on the top countries in Asia where English is on point. Well, actually, let’s be real—it’s more about the cities than the whole country. We’re using the English Proficiency Index as our trusty guide to rank the best English-speaking spots. Ready? Let’s roll! 

Singapore 

Alright, let’s talk about the superstar of English proficiency—Singapore! This little powerhouse is #1 in Asia (out of 23 countries) and #3 globally (out of 116 countries) on the English Proficiency Index. So, it’s no surprise that it was crowned the Best Asian City for Expats in 2024. I mean, with stats like that, Singapore is pretty much the gold-star student of the English-speaking world.  

As a former British colony, Singapore has been weaving English into its education system for ages. The city-state is super proud of its bilingual and multicultural vibe. Getting around is a breeze too—thanks to the super-efficient MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses, all decked out with English signs. Sure, you might bump into some Singlish (Singaporean English) that’ll make you go, “Huh?” But don’t worry, most folks will totally get what you’re saying in plain English. 

Oh, and let’s talk about safety. Imagine this: you can leave your laptop at a café, run to the restroom, and come back to find it still there. Yep, that’s Singapore for you—safe and sound. 

Now, the not-so-great bits: work-life balance can be a struggle, the cost of living is no joke, and entertainment options might feel a bit limited. But hey, if you ever get bored, you’re just a quick flight away from other Southeast Asian gems. Weekend trips? Totally doable. 

The real kicker? Rent. It’s crazy expensive, and there’s a big push to hire locals, which, combined with a slower economy, makes moving to Singapore way tougher than it was even five years ago. But if you can snag a job and find a place that doesn’t break the bank, you’ll settle into this city-state like a pro. 

Hong Kong 

Hong Kong is a hot spot for expats, much like Singapore—buzzing with finance, international business, and an electric city life. 

Now, don’t let its English Proficiency Index ranking fool you. Sure, 32nd out of 116 countries might sound just “moderate,” but in Asia? It’s holding strong at #4 out of 23. Not too shabby at all. 

A quick history lesson: Hong Kong was a British colony from 1842 to 1997, with English as its sole official language until 1974. This gave it an international reputation as an English-friendly city—even though 94% of the population is Chinese. Today, English remains widely used in universities, business, and government, but on the streets? Cantonese reigns supreme. 

So, why the “moderate” English proficiency? While all school-age kids learn English, there’s no universal standard for how much or how well they’re taught. That said, street signs, menus, and official documents are in both Chinese and English, and most locals understand the basics. 

What expats love about Hong Kong:

• Competitive yet balanced: The city’s fast-paced nature keeps you ambitious, but there’s still room for work-life balance. 

• High salaries & low taxes: Pay is solid (industry-dependent, of course), and taxes? Super low. In fact, filing a tax return takes just 5 minutes—no need to report interest, dividends, or extra income. 

• Tons of public holidays: More long weekends for spontaneous trips! 

• World-class transport: No car? No problem. Everything is close, efficient, and ultra-convenient with the MTR, buses, and trams. 

• Perfect travel hub: Need a quick getaway? You’re just a short flight away from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the rest of Asia. 

If you’re looking for a dynamic city with great pay, low taxes, and easy travel, Hong Kong might just be calling your name! 

Manila, Philippines 

Surprise! Manila outranks Hong Kong in English proficiency—#22 globally and #2 in Asia. Who saw that coming?  

Here’s a little history lesson (but don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun). The Philippines was an American territory from 1898 to 1946, and during that time, the U.S. introduced free, mandatory education in English. The result? English became an official language, alongside Filipino (which is basically standardised Tagalog with a mix of Spanish, English, and other local languages). 

And get this—Filipino nurses are in crazy high demand worldwide! You’ll find them in hospitals across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK, known for their strong work ethic and excellent English skills. 

Manila itself? A mega business hub with 60,000+ establishments across industries like finance, retail, real estate, media, tourism, and more. The catch? Traffic is next-level brutal. If you’re moving here, do yourself a favour—live as close to work as possible unless you want to spend half your life in a car. 

As for safety, it’s not “leave-your-phone-on-the-table-and-walk-away” safe like Singapore, but you won’t need to keep one eye over your shoulder either. Be street-smart, use common sense, and you’ll be fine. 

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

If you’re looking for big-city life without big-city headaches, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is the move! English is widely spoken, especially in business and urban areas, putting Malaysia at #26 globally and #3 in Asia for English proficiency. 

KL is also home to a massive expat community, and unlike Bangkok, Manila, or Jakarta, traffic isn’t too bad. Rideshares are everywhere (think Grab, not Uber), plus the train system connects most expat-friendly neighbourhoods—so getting around is way easier. 

Now, let’s talk cost of living—it’s competitive and affordable. Plus, KL is a foodie’s paradise. Expats also get access to EPF (Malaysia’s pension scheme), where companies are required to contribute—nice little perk! 

Need some fresh air?  KL has parks and trekking spots, but you’ll probably need a car to reach most of them. Otherwise, shopping malls double as social hubs, so expect plenty of coffee catch-ups and retail therapy. 

And visas? Malaysia makes it easy! You can go through visa agents to handle the paperwork, and as long as you have a solid academic and professional background, getting a Talent Visa or employer-sponsored visa is no big deal. 

Oh, and let’s not forget—Malaysia doesn’t really get hit by major natural disasters, and the warm weather all year round means no winter wardrobe, no seasonal depression, and no extra heating bills. Win-win-win! 

Hidden Gems: Expat hot spots with decent English 

Not every city aces the English Proficiency Index, but that doesn’t mean expats aren’t flocking there! Here are two rising expat favourites that might not top the charts in English skills but more than make up for it with their lifestyle perks. 

Bangkok, Thailand  

Ranked: 106 out of 116 globally | Asia ranking: 21 of 23 

Okay, so Thailand isn’t exactly known for being an English-speaking hub. But guess what? Bangkok ranked #6 on InterNations’ 2022 list of best cities for expats to live and work. So why do expats still love it? 

The truth is, you can totally get by with English—just depends where you are! In touristy areas, service workers speak enough to make things work. You can book a hotel, order food, and grab a taxi with minimal struggles. 

For expats, Bangkok delivers affordable rent, world-class healthcare, easy travel connections, and an insane variety of food—from Michelin-starred street eats to high-end international cuisine. 

The only real downside? Traffic. But with an efficient public transport system and English-friendly signs, you won’t be stranded in gridlock all the time! 

Denpasar, Indonesia  

Ever heard of Denpasar? Maybe not. But Bali? Of course! 

Bali is THE digital nomad paradise. Think laid-back beaches, epic surf spots, and a buzzing remote work culture. 

• C-Type Visa 211A lets digital nomads stay 2–6 months hassle-free. 

• Plenty of work-friendly cafés with strong WiFi so you’re never stuck in one spot. 

• Affordable, high-quality lifestyle—great food, fitness facilities, and outdoor activities like surfing and hiking. 
   

Top expat-friendly areas? Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak—each with its own unique vibe. 

So while neither Bangkok nor Bali might top the English charts, their expat-friendly lifestyle, affordability, and community vibe make them fantastic places to live!  

Before you pack your bags… Consider this 

Sure, English is a lifesaver—it spares you the mental gymnastics of translating every thought. Because let’s be real, no one wants to spend months sounding less sharp than they actually are, stuck on “Hello” and “Where’s the bathroom?” 

But let’s be real—there are bigger fish to fry! 

• Visa & work permit: No paperwork? No job? No move. Simple as that. 

• Housing: Rent is rising everywhere. Unless you plan on living in a hotel forever (ouch, that bill), locking down a place to stay is key. 

• Cost of living: It’ll feel expensive at first, but costs usually level out as you settle in. Your budget will thank you later. 

• Health insurance: Yeah, healthcare in Asia is generally affordable, but a solid insurance plan gives you access to the best care without financial stress. Because let’s face it, no one wants to be price-checking emergency rooms mid-fever. 

So while English helps, it’s not everything. Moving abroad is just adulting on hard mode—but with the right prep, you’ve got this! 

Before you go… Let’s talk money! 

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