Best countries to live in outside of UK?

[Syed1]

Not sure how US is even featuring in this discussion. The competition is between welfare states like UK, Canada, Australia, Scandinavian and Nordic countries that look after their citizens. Not a capitalist hell hole like US, which btw has one of the largest income disparities in the world between the rich and the poor. That itself is a slap in the face of being called a 'welfare state'. A country that doesn't even provide health coverage to her citizens cannot be classified as a welfare state. Heck third world poor and undeveloped Pakistan is starting to provide health insurance to her less fortunate citizens. Last I heard about 60 million people had been covered and provided the Sehat Sahulat Card.

 

[ahsan17]

- We don't have universal healthcare but there is private health insurance which all middle class professionals have, also America has some of the best hospitals, doctors, medical staff, medicines, and treatments.

I think this is by far the biggest sticking issue for me. The private health insurance in the US doesn't let you pick your plan, restricts you from the doctors and hospitals you can see (in-network/out of network etc), makes it hard to start a new business. Not to mention, the ridiculous negotiations you have to do with your health insurance company, the ridiculous deductibles and co-pays and whatnot. It is truly an archaic system that no other developed country has. I mean for gods sake, US is paying 2x per capita as other developed countries. I really hope Bernie wins and gets rid of this abomination.

The media and their constant right-wing spin on single payer healthcare is just cringeworthy. How hard they try to defend the existing system (I wonder if it's got something to do with the insurance companies paying for ads on their networks) by using right wing talking points and insurance companies talking points.

 

[ahsan17]

It doesn't lol. Harry had to choose Canada because they have the British monarch, Canada is part of their realm whereas America overthrew the monarch in 1776 thus America won't provide state sponsored security to Harry and his wife whereas Canada being a dominion of the Queen are obligated to provide security to their prince so in reality Harry only had a choice between Canada, Australia, New Zealand and few smaller nations that still have kept the Windsors as their monarch. America was never an option or if it was it'd be costly and Americans would be annoyed cause we wanted nothing to do with the monarchy since independence.

Not really. Canada doesn't recognize anyone besides the Queen. They are unlikely to get any assistance from the government.

 

[Pakistanian]

Not really. Canada doesn't recognize anyone besides the Queen. They are unlikely to get any assistance from the government.

Uh the recognize the Windsors as their monarch, the Queen is the current head of the throne and she appoints the Governor-General. Once she passes, then Charles will replace her will be the next King of Canada. Canada is officially is a dominion. Old stock canadians know this .

 

[Pakistanian]

Not sure how US is even featuring in this discussion. The competition is between welfare states like UK, Canada, Australia, Scandinavian and Nordic countries that look after their citizens. Not a capitalist hell hole like US, which btw has one of the largest income disparities in the world between the rich and the poor. That itself is a slap in the face of being called a 'welfare state'. A country that doesn't even provide health coverage to her citizens cannot be classified as a welfare state. Heck third world poor and undeveloped Pakistan is starting to provide health insurance to her less fortunate citizens. Last I heard about 60 million people had been covered and provided the Sehat Sahulat Card.

America does have Medicaid for the extreme poor and Medicare for the elderly, the problem is that most people that aren't eligble form medicaid can't afford health insurance and even then health insurance is very complicated and isn't the best. Pakistan's "sehat card" is nothing compared to Medicaid, Idk if you can discuss American healthcare if you didn't even know what that is. As for a "sahulat card" lmaoo, I hope you realize America has SNAP EBT aka food stamps which is a huge program with a lot more funding. You're really ignorant about America, of course we aren't a welfare state but do have significantly more welfare programs than Pakistan.

 

[Pakistanian]

It's hilarious that syed1 is bragging about a few small scale welfare programs that Pakistan just recently introduced (success and efficiency is yet to be seen) when America has had these programs for decades and are actually very successful, of course it's far from perfect and there are not enough programs to eradicate poverty but it's not like there's "nothing".

 

[Pakistanian]

Btw America also has social security, have to mention before Syed1 claims that America doesn't have a pension programs for its seniors.

 

[Syed1]

It's hilarious that syed1 is bragging about a few small scale welfare programs that Pakistan just recently introduced (success and efficiency is yet to be seen) when America has had these programs for decades and are actually very successful, of course it's far from perfect and there are not enough programs to eradicate poverty but it's not like there's "nothing".

Your lack of comprehension skills is a testament to the quality of America's public school system. I compared America to UK, Canada etc and said even Pak which is miniscule in terms of economy has some degree of health insurance. Please improve your level before deciding to debate and argue.

 

[imrankhannsu]

IMO its not the whole of UK is that a bad place to live. In a city like London there are decent and indecent places to live in. Although I do agree quite a few places in the UK make you feel you are in a underdeveloped Eastern European or Asian city

I dont mind the UK, particularly London when compared with other Western and European countries.

- Education in our area is really sought after which is why its a bit pricier and its free
- Health care is decent, particularly the pregnancy ones. thats also free. Alot of people who are ill dont have to pay for medicine. But yes like any metro city the health care is over subscribed
- Benefits to students during school is very good. A child doesnt need to pay for travel
- The best London sights are free like Museums
- Allhamdulilah a mosque is not that difficult to find
- Halal chicken atleast is a norm
- Not much pollution
- General food items are cheap especially essentials
- Apart from some well known bad areas there is a general feel of safety on the streets

I tried to place myself in another country but cant see much change in the quality of life. I spend the weekends with my family. Allhamdullilah I dont think of seeing myself anywhere else

 

[dhump]

- We don't have universal healthcare but there is private health insurance which all middle class professionals have, also America has some of the best hospitals, doctors, medical staff, medicines, and treatments.
- There is a gun control, just not strict enough. Assault rifles are still legal in most states however most of the 'blue states' have banned them.
- Schooling? Schools are free from Kindergarten till 12th grade, most Americans attend public schools. You only have to pay for college which is indeed expensive and is an issue that is on the agenda for Democratic politicians, that said for now community colleges are very cheap so you can complete 2 of the 4 years of a bachelors for no debt and then transfer to a mid tier state college where tuition is affordable (>$10,000) if you commute from home.
- Agreed
- That's a big generalization.

If you see from my POV everything I wrote above makes sense to me. These health insurance and education with if's and but's and gun control with that many school shootings every year.

 

[kk1992]

For Canadians.

Gun violence exist in Canada.

Health care is provided in US, it is called affordable care act aka Obama care, but agree, US need universal health care and it’ll happen, just matter of time.

Racism is prevalent in Canada, have experienced it plenty of times in GTA, I’m sure it is worse in different provinces.

Disparities between rich and poor also exist in Canada.

Child benefits are provided in US in terms of tax credit instead of monthly allowance.

Point is Canada and US aren’t different.

People need to chill with comparison when Canada is heavily depended on US and have population less than of California state.

 

[JaDed]

- No health care
- No Gun control
- Massive prices for schooling and education
- The government in hands of a total *****
- Country and its people act solely based on media that is far from neutral

I can continue.

The last two points aren’t true , first two and no free universal healthcare are true.
America is free in a different way though , you can choose states you wanna be part of based on your politics and taxes , earn as needed , it’s a big market people from all around the world move here and assimilate.

 

[JaDed]

Your lack of comprehension skills is a testament to the quality of America's public school system. I compared America to UK, Canada etc and said even Pak which is miniscule in terms of economy has some degree of health insurance. Please improve your level before deciding to debate and argue.

It’s not as bad as you are making it sound bro, the only Canada is good for family life , shaanth types but ambitious ones States is really good, there is no ceiling to how much you can grow..

 

[JaDed]

For Canadians.

Gun violence exist in Canada.

Health care is provided in US, it is called affordable care act aka Obama care, but agree, US need universal health care and it’ll happen, just matter of time.

Racism is prevalent in Canada, have experienced it plenty of times in GTA, I’m sure it is worse in different provinces.

Disparities between rich and poor also exist in Canada.

Child benefits are provided in US in terms of tax credit instead of monthly allowance.

Point is Canada and US aren’t different.

People need to chill with comparison when Canada is heavily depended on US and have population less than of California state.

I think both are pretty different and they have different things to offer and to each his own..

 

[kk1992]

I think both are pretty different and they have different things to offer and to each his own..

Beside Universal health care and cheap education what else Canada has to offer that is different than US?

I am yet to see a difference other than that.

 

[JaDed]

Beside Universal health care and cheap education what else Canada has to offer that is different than US?

I am yet to see a difference other than that.

Better Food Quality, less corporate lobbying, better water, Higher HDI.. the regulations across the industries are very strict, esp in East which also discourages business so its a double edged sword but creates a better environment for family as the population is really low.

Makes it more socialist and left to the centre imo esp the tax structure of most provinces except for Alberta which I haven't been to yet but seems to be like nicer version of Texas.

 

[kk1992]

Better Food Quality, less corporate lobbying, better water, Higher HDI.. the regulations across the industries are very strict, esp in East which also discourages business so its a double edged sword but creates a better environment for family as the population is really low.

Makes it more socialist and left to the centre imo esp the tax structure of most provinces except for Alberta which I haven't been to yet but seems to be like nicer version of Texas.

Better food Quality? beside more concentration of ethnic food in GTA, food quality is similar.

Better water? Do not know what you are talking about.

Higher HDI, is correct, but that is easier with a population of 36 million but Canada does emphasize on HDI and that is probably one of the best quality that US can't match.

Tax structure would be changed if US were to implement Universal health care and cheaper college tuition.

 

[JaDed]

Better food Quality? beside more concentration of ethnic food in GTA, food quality is similar.

Better water? Do not know what you are talking about.

Higher HDI, is correct, but that is easier with a population of 36 million but Canada does emphasize on HDI and that is probably one of the best quality that US can't match.

Tax structure would be changed if US were to implement Universal health care and cheaper college tuition.

https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Canada/United-States/Environment

Air quality 78.85
Ranked 6th. 5% more than United States 74.96
Ranked 8th.

Clean water 66.34
Ranked 13th. 23% more than United States 54.13
Ranked 22nd.

Drinking water pollution 19.02
Ranked 53th. 29.66
Ranked 41st. 56% more than Canada

Water pollution 33.66
Ranked 47th. 45.87
Ranked 38th. 36% more than Canada

 

[JaDed]

I do have an idea about what I’m talking about but as i said before both countries offer something different and the way I see it is diff from its citizens, because I have compared the countries as an immigrant .

I have a residency in one and still choose to work in other with work visa that should tell you about what is my preference . but the comparisons are almost clear..and I wouldn’t want USA to be Canada or vice versa..

 

[kk1992]

https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Canada/United-States/Environment

Air quality 78.85
Ranked 6th. 5% more than United States 74.96
Ranked 8th.

Clean water 66.34
Ranked 13th. 23% more than United States 54.13
Ranked 22nd.

Drinking water pollution 19.02
Ranked 53th. 29.66
Ranked 41st. 56% more than Canada

Water pollution 33.66
Ranked 47th. 45.87
Ranked 38th. 36% more than Canada

So you do not drink water coming out of facet when you are in Taxes?

 

[JaDed]

So you do not drink water coming out of facet when you are in Taxes?

Not at home, I don’t use it to cook either..just washing dishes do you drink that water directly without filtering for lead?

 

[faraz39]

Uh the recognize the Windsors as their monarch, the Queen is the current head of the throne and she appoints the Governor-General. Once she passes, then Charles will replace her will be the next King of Canada. Canada is officially is a dominion. Old stock canadians know this .

Canada does indeed recognize the Queen and anyone who succeeds here. But anyone else from the Royal family is not entitled to financial support upon visiting Canada especially in a private capacity. This is exactly why there is an uproar in Canada that the Sussexes might be looking for financial support and public opinion is very much against it.

 

[faraz39]

Beside Universal health care and cheap education what else Canada has to offer that is different than US?

I am yet to see a difference other than that.

American visitors to Canada especially from the South have often mentioned to me race relations appear to be much better than in the US (not perfect but better). Also we don't have the same level of in your face patriotism I've seen in the US.

 

[faraz39]

For Canadians.

Gun violence exist in Canada.

Health care is provided in US, it is called affordable care act aka Obama care, but agree, US need universal health care and it’ll happen, just matter of time.

Racism is prevalent in Canada, have experienced it plenty of times in GTA, I’m sure it is worse in different provinces.

Disparities between rich and poor also exist in Canada.

Child benefits are provided in US in terms of tax credit instead of monthly allowance.

Point is Canada and US aren’t different.

People need to chill with comparison when Canada is heavily depended on US and have population less than of California state.

My brother in law, born in NY and raised in Florida, just moved to Canada because of:

1. Health Care. He had insurance coverage in US but still had to pay a sizable deductible for a routine surgery. Whereas I've 3 kids and not paid a dollar upfront for their birth (paid via taxes).

2. Racism. Even a multi cultural state like Florida is rampant with in your face racism. Canada has racism but it's subtle.

 

[Knight_Rider]

If Canada is such a wonderful place, than why most Canadian Desis (and others) dying to move to US at first opportunity?

Its a known fact that during 90s, ppl who couldnt get to any other Developed country ended up in Canada. I know of many, who migrated to Canada but couldnt find a job. I was shocked to find out that the extortionate property prices in 3rd class Toronto suburbs. In some US TV program, they were calling Canada a ‘parking Lot’ ��

 

[ahsan17]

If Canada is such a wonderful place, than why most Canadian Desis (and others) dying to move to US at first opportunity?

Its a known fact that during 90s, ppl who couldnt get to any other Developed country ended up in Canada. I know of many, who migrated to Canada but couldnt find a job. I was shocked to find out that the extortionate property prices in 3rd class Toronto suburbs. In some US TV program, they were calling Canada a ‘parking Lot’ ��

Mostly due to the weather, and that in Canada it's harder for immigrants who don't have Canadian education to find job. But on the fundamentals Canada is far better.

 

[ahsan17]

Beside Universal health care and cheap education what else Canada has to offer that is different than US?

I am yet to see a difference other than that.

Those two are some of the biggest things people have to deal with in day to day life. They are literally more important than many of the other considerations combined.

 

[kk1992]

My brother in law, born in NY and raised in Florida, just moved to Canada because of:

1. Health Care. He had insurance coverage in US but still had to pay a sizable deductible for a routine surgery. Whereas I've 3 kids and not paid a dollar upfront for their birth (paid via taxes).

2. Racism. Even a multi cultural state like Florida is rampant with in your face racism. Canada has racism but it's subtle.

Health care is a huge issue, i am not denying it and US does need universal health care.

I am saying beside health care and cheaper education there is not much of a difference between Canada and US unless you want to be selective about every little detail

Sure, for parents health care and affordable education are the primary concerns for their kids after providing food and roof over their head.

Also, did not deny racism in US, remember Trump, lol, just highlighted that it exist and it is more often than most Desi Canadian on this forum try denying it.

 

[faraz39]

Health care is a huge issue, i am not denying it and US does need universal health care.

I am saying beside health care and cheaper education there is not much of a difference between Canada and US unless you want to be selective about every little detail

Sure, for parents health care and affordable education are the primary concerns for their kids after providing food and roof over their head.

Also, did not deny racism in US, remember Trump, lol, just highlighted that it exist and it is more often than most Desi Canadian on this forum try denying it.

You are right that on the surface both countries appear very similar but there are very profound differences. One example is working conditions. It's very common for one parent to take 12 to 18 months off after a new born and actually get paid by the government during that time off. Additionally, the mother gets a certain amount of $$ monthly for each child under the age of 10. This can be as high as $3000 monthly based on your family income.

Every family is able to take advantage of these things. This is just one example but since everyone goes through it, they see the benefits of it.

Yes, we have crappy weather and our corporations are not as big as in the US but that's the tradeoff for a semi socialist welfare state where income disparities are nowhere as wide as in the US. We are not a sexy country but we look after our own (for the most part).

 

[JaDed]

You are right that on the surface both countries appear very similar but there are very profound differences. One example is working conditions. It's very common for one parent to take 12 to 18 months off after a new born and actually get paid by the government during that time off. Additionally, the mother gets a certain amount of $$ monthly for each child under the age of 10. This can be as high as $3000 monthly based on your family income.

Every family is able to take advantage of these things. This is just one example but since everyone goes through it, they see the benefits of it.

Yes, we have crappy weather and our corporations are not as big as in the US but that's the tradeoff for a semi socialist welfare state where income disparities are nowhere as wide as in the US. We are not a sexy country but we look after our own (for the most part).

US has rights too and they don’t make you poor, US expects its citizens to be more productive and competitive , entrepreneurial than most other countries, it enables business , all the corporations the ones at silicon valley were set up by individuals coz they could..

Divorces happened jus so that the first iphone could be launched , Mobile phones skipped a generation coz that.

While Canada is great for its citizens its just a good place.. that has lost its way in corporate scientific excellence eventhough individual brilliance exists but corporates are really looked down upon, the way Quebec or BC call Oil as dirty clearly angered Alberta that was driving the Canadian growth.

Also check fdi inflow and outflow from Canada since 2013.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/busine...nada-isnt-the-happy-story-ottawas-telling/amp

If canada keeps losing corporations it would have a very hard time, check the wexit supporters growing.

Semi socialist welfare system works when immigrants/citizens don’t work on cash jobs.. govn is very lenient on them because of its bias.

 

[kk1992]

Not at home, I don’t use it to cook either..just washing dishes do you drink that water directly without filtering for lead?

Yes! water is not contaminated where i live.

I thought Texas didn't either.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Not sure how US is even featuring in this discussion. The competition is between welfare states like UK, Canada, Australia, Scandinavian and Nordic countries that look after their citizens. Not a capitalist hell hole like US, which btw has one of the largest income disparities in the world between the rich and the poor. That itself is a slap in the face of being called a 'welfare state'. A country that doesn't even provide health coverage to her citizens cannot be classified as a welfare state. Heck third world poor and undeveloped Pakistan is starting to provide health insurance to her less fortunate citizens. Last I heard about 60 million people had been covered and provided the Sehat Sahulat Card.

To be fair, the US doesn't even pretend to be a welfare state. I quite like their honesty about it. Here we get white locals who think they are owed a living despite being bone idle and living off govt handouts. US was always a country of immigrants, I might have considered going there myself to live if I there was anything there which I don't get here. Good weather is overrated. You can go on holiday if you need some sun outside of summer.

 

[corneredtiger85292]

The western world is DONE. Set up base elsewhere while you still can.

Asia is the present and the future, all things considering..South east asia is currently the best value. Look at singapore and malaysia, especially malaysia where the standard of living is amazing and the cost of it all is very very resonable.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Hot on Harry’s heels: Brits plot their move to Canada

Hot on Harry’s heels: Brits plot their move to Canada

Harry and Meghan are doing wonders for Canada’s profile, writes Hugh Graham.

The country, long mocked for being dull and cold, was the focus of a 70% jump in property searches on the Rightmove website in the seven days after it emerged that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would spend more time in North America.

There were 15,075 searches for homes in Canada from January 8 to January 14, up from 8,867 the previous week. The top five locations were Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax, Calgary and Montreal.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/...turn-of-vulnerable-harry-and-meghan-cd3j3dr7r

What's wrong with Britain? Millions of people on the outside are dying to live here, and we get home grown ingrates who are looking to move abroad and live as immigrants in some foreign land.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Boris is the reason

 

[Robert]

What's wrong with Britain? Millions of people on the outside are dying to live here, and we get home grown ingrates who are looking to move abroad and live as immigrants in some foreign land.

Brexit sending the economy into slow long-term decline. Authoritarian hard-right government. Racism and xenophobia on the rise.

I would prefer liberal, multicultural Canada now.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Brexit sending the economy into slow long-term decline. Authoritarian hard-right government. Racism and xenophobia on the rise.

I would prefer liberal, multicultural Canada now.

Is Canada just so large it can accomodate everyone? Would it not make more sense to divert Syrian refugees or migrants from Africa there instead of cooping them up in Calais?

 

[Robert]

Is Canada just so large it can accomodate everyone? Would it not make more sense to divert Syrian refugees or migrants from Africa there instead of cooping them up in Calais?

It’s bigger than the USA, with half the population of the UK.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

It’s bigger than the USA, with half the population of the UK.

I would imagine that a lot of it is undeveloped or unsuitable terrain for day to day living, although I don't know that much about Canada so perhaps I am wrong. Or is there an open door policy for immigrants to Canada because their population is so low compared to land mass?

 

[shortbread]

I think the UK is a bit of dump now. The infrastructure is very old, backdated inc public transport and the road system.

Hospitals are no better than those in 3rd world nations. Some towns with a hundreds of thousands of people don't have a hospital with a maternity ward.

Schools are over stretched, 1 teacher to upto 25-30 pupils. Going to uni will put you in massive debt now.

Policing, it's a just a joke.

Jobs - Yes there are many jobs in the UK but it's only great if you need one.


For me it would have to be Europe because it will allow me to fly back to watch Liverpool FC. I

Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark , Norway, Sweden, Finland are the most advanced and modern nations in the world.

Which one would you move to if you wanted out of ex-Great Britain?

Technically not outside the UK (yet!), but Scotland is a lovely country. It has the best of what Britaon has to offer and is somehow fenced off the undesirables.

Edinburgh - Easily among the world's most beautiful cities and has excellent infrastructure. Albeit expensive and property costs are rising due to heavy demand and lack of supply. That said the salaries are good especially if you are in finance or tech. It is still a busy city tho therefore has its own drawbacks. The Airport has excellent connection especially if one has to travel regularly.

Glasgow - Nowhere near as nice as Edin but very mixed culture and accommodates people of various ethinic backgrounds. Reasonably priced property and the city centre is well managed. Granted it has a poor reputation and some of the outer zones are still benefit fed zombie-lands.

Dundee - miss

Aberdeen - Europe's Oil and Gas capital and houses a lot of wealth. That said the Oil downturn has has its effect. Asset prices have comedown and are now more reasonable. Has all the perks of a modern city but is not overpopulated. Beautiful highlands are just a drive away.

If the job is not geographically bound (i.e the work from home option), the the further north you go the more spectacular it gets.