How To Leave Your California Residency Forever

California residency has been proven to become a liability, especially as an Expat. I will show you the step by step process of leaving your California residency and domiciling in the state of South Dakota.
America's Mailbox - americasmailbo...
Special Thanks to my friend's Mo and Hannah for introducing me to SD/America's Mailbox, go check out their channel - • We Became South Dakota...
Business Inquiries - Contact me at [e-mail]
Book a Consultation with Me - www.forrestlee...
#ForrestLee #expat #california
Find me on Social Media:
IG - / mr.forrestlee
Twitter - / mrforrestlee

[@lloydc247]

I just returned from South Dakota with my new SD driver’s license. I was a resident of San Francisco until I moved to Mexico City last year. This video was immensely helpful. I stayed at the same hotel and went to the same DMV to get my SD driver’s license. Thank you Forrest!

[@Capitalcrypto1]

As an American who currently lives in Miami who has travelled a lot and lived in other countries. I have the same view that America has deteriorated dramatically post covid. You can have a much better life in Asia or parts of Europe. So many people are moving to Florida and I’m getting out and living abroad soon.

[@mcm95403]

It's not because of the Wuhan flu, it's the party in charge.

[@coolworl]

I have met several Americans from Florida who migrated to Asia in the past couple of years. The irony.

[@lostboi3974]

​@SHIFT_DEL .me too exactly. From Southern California to South Florida .

[@inquisitvem6723]

Texas is so much better. Insurance companies are leaving Florida. While property taxes are high in Texas, everything else is cheaper here than Florida. The gem in SE Asia is Vietnam or Cambodia. Thailand is too expatty if there is such a word. 😅

[@coolworl]

@@inquisitvem6723 I just came back from Cambodia, and I loved it. It reminded me of Vietnam 10 years ago. However, I am unsure if Cambodia and Vietnam will ever be as fun as Thailand due to the communist government. Thailand legalized weed. That says a lot about the vibe of a country. 😉

[@ibonka79]

Great move. I agree will all you say. Thanks for your honest thoughts. I moved from Illinois to Florida 3 years ago, and I have to say much better and significantly safer. The next stop is Thailand in November-till the next video.

[@Lat265]

Two words:black crime....

[@jomontanee]

Welcome you in advance!🙏🇹🇭

[@ibonka79]

@@jomontanee Thank you, bunch can't wait.

[@MrEKS-st6mc]

Good intel there - Gobro where your treated best ! - The new modified 60’s song is now titled “California Leaving” ! I was living there in the late 70’s when it was a paradise and went back recently to visit and I will sum it up as parasitic. 🤮

[@OneJuanWon]

Life long (50+ years) resident of CA's capitol city, you are 1000% correct Forrest about the vibe here. CA used to be a great place during the 70s and 80s, but sometime during the 90s things changed and its been going downhill ever since. I wasn't aware of S. Dakota as a domicile option, definitely "off the radar" compared to FL and TX which are getting more & more attention, its something I will look into. My plan is to relocate to SE Asia eventually, retirement is still a few years away. Financially the numbers aren't quite where they need to be, but its getting close. I hope the excrement doesn't hit the rotating oscillator too soon.

[@nino714]

You and I sound sound like long lost brothers in California. I just turned 50 and was born, raised and spent my entire career here. Im ready to jump ship when my finances allow in the next 3-5 years. SE Asia seems like a no brainer to relocate to and domicile in a no tax state. I don’t think I watched a KZbin video so closely as this one.

[@marciahille3155]

I hate living in California. I'm working on Thailand also. Think they will impact exit.

[@farleyendeman5002]

Am also an immigrant and can 100 percent relate to this video of yours .. bailing out of California and can’t do it fast enough at this point. We’ve lived there since the 1960’s

[@RandomIndie]

If you voted democrat and put Newsom and Pelosi into office, you can’t complain. This is what you voted for.

[@snozzlehead92]

Did they get voted in though? Or did they just print up a bunch of phoney ballots for themselves? The world will never know.

[@Lara__]

Pelosi is amazing. It's the crooked cheeto that is running a crime syndicate that we should be worried about

[@williamhartz8707]

Just like you voting for a orange, narcissistic Bimbo for president.

[@calvinluongvan9245]

What about Trump? 😅

[@RandomIndie]

@@calvinluongvan9245 democrats are doing a great job of getting him re-elected. 😂

[@Originalman144]

I’m glad you spoke on the bad liberal leftist socialist politics of California instead of glossing over it. Great to leave California but if people take their same bs politics with them to the next state they will ruin the next place too.

[@HansenSC]

Bay Area native here, Santa Clara to be exact and I have literally seen this state become worse than a third world country and it is absolutely appalling!! Back in the day, I would go to the City just about every weekend to enjoy everything it had to offer and it was a place you can be proud of. Today? You couldn't pay me to go there and it's a damn shame what was once a beautiful city has become, a total disaster riddled with crime, theft, drug abuse out in the open, homelessness, gargabe everywhere and yes, human feces to a point where they literally have an app to tell you where to avoid feces! There are no words to describe the horrific condition this city/state is in and unfortunatlely, it will continue to decline even more so if these radical, leftist lunatics are in power and people continue to vote them in!

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

Voting is rigged

[@robertnew4568]

You need to go live in a turd world country before you compare it to California! You are way off base with this stupid comment? Duh!

[@cb2022]

@@commonsenseisntcommon1776 Don't say that now they'll throw you in Jail if you do.

[@cb2022]

@@robertnew4568 Yet... Keep voting Dems and wait. Cancer tends to spread.

[@EP-qi8ed]

@@cb2022 Politicians aren't elected...they are appointed.

[@TheFirephoenix76]

You are doing a very important public service,sir... THANK YOU

[@mcm95403]

I moved to Nevada 3 years ago, or as I put it - I escaped from behind enemy lines. Just not paying Kalifornia state income tax pays my rent for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath house with a 2 car garage, which is less that what I paid for STUDIO in Santa Rosa. I got my CCW immediately as well. I still work for the same company and have to go to a couple of our offices there once or twice a month and every trip is a reminder on how great it is to NOT live there any more. I'll be retiring to Thailand in a few years and can't wait!

[@dudoji85]

May I ask if your income is really high (>$300K?), or just living in a low cost city in Nevada? I'm making around $200K, and not paying 'Kalifornia' income taxes (~$15K) would not even cover a 1BR in Vegas for the year.

[@nino714]

@@dudoji85That’s what I was wondering. There’s no way he was paying that high of state income tax to cover rent like that unless he was making high 6 figures. I get his point though.

[@vintageexcellence]

Imagine moving to Thailand, keep your properties in California as a safety net/passive income and the state says give us 20% of the value of your property to help pay all these reparations back to the slaves we never had. 🤦🏻‍♂️ yikes that’s me 😮

[@polygon2744]

Or puts in statewide rent control so you can afford to keep them up.

[@vintageexcellence]

@@polygon2744 yeah they are doing something like that coming up so all the landlords with low rents needed to jack up the rent to market otherwise they’d be locked in at a low rent and be stuck at those prices. Sold my California rentals - bye.

[@garlandlew1695]

I’m in the same situation holding property as a back up. I wonder if it’s worth it to establish residency in another state when you own property still in California? Do you know?

[@ardentglazier2867]

@@vintageexcellence Add in the restrictions on what background checks you can run on prospective tenants, restrictions on evictions, increasing costs for contractors across the board, increasing taxes and fees, etc., etc. Even in linear markets there's nothing whatsoever to suggest that circumstances are going to go positive for landlords any time soon.

[@AmyTee12]

I fled the Bay Area to Houston in 2021. Thai husband loves the southern hospitality and hot summers, though this one is brutal. I agree with you completely about the direction CA is heading. Awful. I miss my people. I miss the landscapes. Nothing else.

[@RandomIndie]

Yeah you better not be voting for more democrats in your new home….

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

Crime in Demorat Houston is out of control too

[@AmyTee12]

The suburb where I live is OK, thankfully.

[@Lex-rt7vd]

I'm currently flying to SE Asia, halfway way over the Pacific Ocean right now. Its nice to have wifi on the flight. Been waiting for this video, I'm currently living in California. Have the same opinion about the state. Just a few more months to go and i will be doing the same thing. What do you plan to do if you are called for Jury Duty? I think you would renew your S.D. license every 5 years. The first time can probably be done online. At the 10 year mark you might need to be physically present. I will be avoiding $1700 a year in California state tax if I pull enough to fill the 12% tax bracket from my tax-deffered accounts (401k).

[@Lex-rt7vd]

@@richard9492 Thank you. I definitely won't be bringing any California values to Thailand because I'm retiring to the Philippines. And I won't be bringing California values there either. Having lived in various southern eastern states for 13 years I've been tracking California's downfall since I first left in 2000. I only came back to CA recently for a tech job. What's really sad is family members that have no clue what they are missing by not leaving.

[@Lex-rt7vd]

@@richard9492 I'm glad you found Thailand to your liking. It's possible I could work remote, but I'm not sure where company policy will be next year. And no telling where the economy will be either. The company is doing well and no signs of mass layoffs to satisfy Wall Street expectations. Working remote is not a priority now as I delayed retirement about 18 months to build cash reserves and see if the stock market was going to have another 20% downturn this year. So I only plan to work remote if I'm bored.

[@Hector5257]

Just a reminder that FB is an international media, not an American one. So a great number of your viewers are not American, and couldn’t care less about American politics. People subscribed to your channel to hear about Thailand in general, and Bangkok in particular. Please keep to that if you want to keep your subscribers. Good if this video helped a small number of US subscribers, but I hope that is it with political US ranting. Most of us subscribers don’t give a sh*t about US polítics and your political leanings. We are here to hear you do what you have done best: talk to us about Bangkok and Thailand. Otherwise there is no reason for so many viewers to stay with you. Looking forward to future relevant Bangkok videos on your part. ✌️

[@garlandlew1695]

Skip the video then if it doesn’t apply to you.

[@Hector5257]

@@garlandlew1695 This video alone was not my point ! But forget it since you obviously don’t get it !

[@martypoll]

I moved to California in 1976, went to UC Berkeley, and worked and retired from UC Berkeley in 2011. I’ve seen the changes in California over the years. Living in CA over the years was good to me but I retired to Thailand in 2017. I didn’t have any complaints about CA. I just found Thailand and Bangkok to be a more interesting place to be. I get that people may not like what CA has become but be sure you really want to be in the place that you are going to. It is not all about money though the favorable exchange rate is nice whatever your income. Moving overseas is not for everyone. Don’t come here expecting it to be like the US only better and cheaper. Be willing and ready to adapt to a very different culture. I continued to maintain my ties to CA, including paying CA taxes, for my first 2 years in Thailand just in case things didn’t work out. I stopping paying CA taxes 3 or 4 years ago. The CA FTB lists the type of ties it considers as personal ties to the state of CA for tax purposes. I have no property in CA and plenty of evidence that I have been retired and living full time in Thailand for over 6 years. As a retiree I don’t feel a need to do as Forest did but if you are of working age it makes a certain amount of sense to consider the tax state you reside in whether you move overseas or not. As a Boomer I take the perspective that you should build a career and earn your American $$ and wait until retirement to move oversee. America is still the best place in the world to make money. However, I realize it is a very different work world than went I went to work in 1980. And I do feel a touch of envy at the young people exploring the world that I only saw on the occasional 2 week vacation. Good luck out there.

[@natetran9987]

was at cal 90's, lived near telegraph and channing way. miss my college days, but don't really miss berkeley; campus and northside was nice, but outside was kinda a hell hole actually.

[@martypoll]

@@natetran9987 I went to UCB from 1976-1983, off & on. One thing I can say is that there has been a lot of construction over the years and the campus is much improved in my opinion. I visited the campus a couple of months ago.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

The most leftist college in America

[@robertnew4568]

Berkeley is a special place. A fantastic college town in the boring East Bay. UCB 1975.

[@cb2022]

Yo Fellow Cali Native living in Thailand. I left in 2011 and Have never been back!! Screw the Politics, Gangs, Drugs, and Homelessness. Inmates running that whole Asylum.

[@mph6593]

I was born in China, since my childhood, the elders in my family have told me many stories about our family, from the Communist Party taking over our city in 1949 to the late 1970s. During this period, our family was scattered and struggled to survive under the rule of the Communist Party. They confiscated our assets, land, houses, and everything you can imagine. They labeled us as a "black five categories" family （landlords,rich farmers,counter-revolutionaries, bad elements, rightists) because we used to be wealthy. Some of our family members fled to Taiwan and Hong Kong, so we were considered "guilty" for having connections there. My grandfather was imprisoned twice during the Cultural Revolution, and they even placed him in a cowshed with animals, tortured him. But he remained strong and survived. In the mid-90s, we finally immigrated to the United States, Everything seemed wonderful… However, the reality now is far from the ideal place we had in our hearts. Seeing this great country deteriorate saddens me deeply. Two years ago, we decided to move to Thailand. Now, my family and I are living in Bangkok, cherishing every day here.

[@ellvtv2314]

Not to diminish your family tragedy, but California is on par with China if not worse accordingly to Forrest. lol

[@johnnygerard6605]

Im still here and you are 💯

[@theflightsimulationexperie6894]

Yup I feel you 💯. Moved out 2 years ago. I do miss California but all I need to do is take a look at the current affairs there and see what home prices are. NOPE, no thank you. It’s a great reminder why my wife and I left. We are in South Carolina now. I’m not in love with this place but at least we can buy a home if we so choose and our taxes have been cut more than half. Believe me South Carolina has its share of problems but nothing like the scale of California. At this point, California is it’s own little communist country.

[@Lat265]

Nothing wrong with communism or socialism. US the land of the free? You stole the land from the red man, citizens not allowed to visit Cuba.

[@elliegem8501]

Had friends that moved out of Florida. Florida has become very racist towards non-white people (they are half Caucasian and half Asia). Sad situation in all states lately...

[@Edgeofdavid]

Failafornia. I used to envy those from Cali, now I’m thankful to be from New England.

[@polster2]

In reality you wouldn't live in South Dakota more than 24hrs even if you come back to the States full time.. This is more about location arbitrage to get to pay the lowest income tax possible while still maintaining your American Citizenship while living abroad. The guise of putting your political spin on why you domiciled in SD is not needed as your real reason whether you think California is getting worse or not is just location arbitrage for financial gain... that's it... nothing to do with right wing or left wing politics.

[@renzen4318]

I totally agree with you Forrest. I too lived in Cali but would never go back. Now I live in Thailand and I love it! In my humble opinion, Thailand is how America (in general) used to be. Thai people grow up appreciating a good education and a good job. I wish America and California could be like Thailand is now. Keep up the great work here on your channel. Thanks

[@az9043]

Great move! I was in similar situation like you. Instead South Dakota, I bought a home in Florida in 2021 and sold my California home in the Bay Area in 2022. I quitted my tech career and moved to FL in 2022 as well. Since I have a home in FL, it was easy to break away from CA by filed a sworn Declaration of Florida domicile with the Clerk of the Courts and obtained Florida driver license. Year 2023 will be my first full year without paying California Franchise Tax, saving me more than 10% state tax. Btw, I did vote to recall Gavin Newsom in 2021. After he survived the recall, I had to plan my migration out of California. In a few years, my next adventure is to move to Puerto Rico for Act 60 to eliminate federal tax completely. "Go where you're treated best", quoted from Nomad Capitalist.

[@commonsenseisntcommon1776]

I guarantee he was recalled! But voting is fcking rigged!

[@Fzrox303]

@az9043 are you sure you can eliminate federal tax by moving to Puerto Rico? Aren’t US citizens taxed worldwide no matter where they reside?

[@TB-bb8ou]

Look into this. You end to start a business and it is not just moving there that is tax efficient

[@az9043]

@@Fzrox303 I'm not a tax adviser. If you're serious, talk to Puerto Rico tax lawyer. Although U.S. citizens are subject to worldwide taxation, from whatever source derived, IRC section 933 provides an exception for residents of Puerto Rico. Under that section, bona fide residents of Puerto Rico can exclude their Puerto Rico source income from U.S. federal tax. Generally, under IRS 937 and the regulations thereunder, a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico is an individual who: (1) Is physically present in Puerto Rico for at least 183 days during the taxable year (2) Does not have a tax home outside of Puerto Rico during the taxable year; and (3) Does not have a closer connection to the United States or a foreign country than to Puerto Rico. Under Act 60, if you're an investor, trader, and/or cryptotrader with high net worth, you have access to a tax haven, 100% tax exemption from Puerto Rico taxes on all dividend and interest income and short- and long-term capital gains accrued after becoming a qualifying new resident.

[@ToyHaunterAdventures]

Dont clump Cali in general with San Franciscos homeless problem. Thats not Cali in a whole. You dont need to agree with our beautiful state and we wont miss you. When you come back, go to a red state and enjoy that life. We wont miss ya, dont worry.

[@garlandlew1695]

Stop lying! Plenty of homeless everywhere in California. All cities in California have an issue now.

[@thanaang1455]

Personal income tax is even higher than the US but you do not get anything in return. Less than 6% of Thai pay personal income tax. My wife's uncle returns to Thailand after retirement, he has pension 1,500 USD/Month which is enough to live peacefully here.

[@jomontanee]

How come Thai personal income tax is higher than USA? Are you paying Thai tax? I make more than 1 M a year and I pay 20-30K THB tax per year due to tax exemption on buying RMF (pension fund) every year.

[@jpdurr]

I just saw where California has Renounced Forest Lee ! Wow!

[@bradley_Bradley]

I visit California (Northern and Southern) alot with work. In the late 80's it was great. After that i noticed Cali was in decline. Crime, insane regulations for business etc. My friend has a Delivery Service with 10 Vans(gas powered and customized) and now Cali tells him he can only drive them 100 miles per week or replace with electric. He told them he normally drives each Van 150 miles per day. They said "too bad, sell your Vans and buy electric". He said "who is going to buy my customized Vans with these Regulations"? They said "thats your problem and try selling them out of State". He doesnt have the capital to replace with all electric and says he will most likely see his 15 year old business fail. I have nothing against electric but not everyone can afford to switch over, especially the Mom and Pop small delivery businesses. I think the plan is to get rid of the little guys so the big guys can thrive

[@polygon2744]

Wow! That is totally insane!

[@afmomania]

Too much whining! Focus on the topic of the video.

[@SomeRandomIndvl]

I think this channel is getting too preachy for my taste.

[@emanstv]

Forrest, as a mid-30s, Asian-American from California myself, you are living my future dream. However, once I have enough money to live off of dividends, I don't know how to MOVE TO and STAY in Thailand...so, I'm kindly asking: how are you staying in Thailand for extended periods of time? Do you have a work visa / work for a Thai company? Love your content dude. Thank you for helping me out with the Thailand content.

[@robbatayaki5505]

I think he has some retirement from military

[@mlgneo2855]

Nobody wants to talk about their visas because it’s a tough thing to be generating income in Thailand as a foreigner.

[@nightowl7261]

So the solution is to run away. It'll follow you.

[@friedrichbythesea]

Awesome, thank you! I've been looking forward to this video. I was just watching news of a string of carjackings in Castro Valley moments ago. Stressed on purging 30 years of stuff, but ecstatic to finally be leaving San Francisco.

[@khouncher4389]

I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for putting it out there. Taxing the middle class to death! The policy makers are encouraging people to commit crimes.

[@dizzyreckless5991]

Great video mate. The only thing I'd say is, please don't confuse the current direction of most of the 'West', including and led by the US and the UK as anything 'leftist' or 'socialist'. There is nothing leftist or socialist about what is happening. It is straight up oligarchy and authoritarianism. My countries of origin are the same unfortunately. Since the full inception of neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism around '78-'82 depending on which 'western' territory, all benefits and profits have been siphoned upward, to the point these territories have reached. It will only get worse unfortunately, hence my wife and I planning our exit strategy.

[@jayma75]

FINALLY, a nuanced take on what's going on. Not everything is about 'WOKE', whatever that even means. I usually like Forrest's videos but lately he's been going a little too Fox News for my taste. If I wanted to watch someone complain about California, i'll just watch Fox.

[@bjdaniels4228]

Nothing wrong with California. Just a lot of people. You can find the things your complaining about in most major US Cities.

[@DamienYuen7718]

A lot of very bad and crazy people.

[@mmfong297]

I also grew up in CA and used to believe that it is the best place to lived in the world. No way I would ever be a CA resident again..unless some business miracle come up. It's a nice place for rich people, minimum wage workers, working under the table paying 0 tax, welfare recipients, illegal immigrations, druggies, criminals, thieves, etc.. I know a lot of middle class Asians cannot leave due to family ties, community bond or comfort zone, well then.. my advice is stay there and continue to get bullied by those in power - one party system.. very align to the one in China

[@NicolasD414]

There's nothing wrong with one party system. The problem is the leftist policies cater to the criminals rather than the honest, hard working citizens. Allowing crimes to run rampant and criminalize those that defend themselves.

[@roastnut]

I moved from California to China. You can't compare the CCP to the California Administration at all. The former is in a league of its own, perhaps along with N Korea...

[@jasonmiller3892]

@@roastnut this is how delusional these people are.

[@snozzlehead92]

@@roastnut Western governments are increasingly following the CCP model with their goose-stepping to Globalism and WEF directives. Maybe not on the same dictatorial level yet, but they are taking great strides. These cretins are pretty open about the fact that they want a one-world government with a singular leader/dictator.

[@snozzlehead92]

@@jasonmiller3892 You're the type who will trundle along in denial until it's too late for you. Only at that point will you kick yourself for not listening sooner and taking action when you had a fleeting opportunity.

[@xikefocus]

Yeah, more taxing is OK if we get good health care system like in Norway, Finland. Here, more tax, but we still end up paying crazy for health care or higher education.

[@ellvtv2314]

Those countries are too socialist for Forrest Gump.

[@mrchongnoi]

I have been out of the U.S for 25+ years. When I go back to the U.S, I count the days to return back to Asia. Thank you for the South Dakota information. I will switch from Texas. Cheers Stay safe. I love Thailand. 🙃

[@tmahan1234]

Forrest. Thank you for this video. I am a New York State resident and will be moving to Thailand in a few months. One of the things that I've been researching is that when you do your US taxes you have to declare a state of residence.... even as an expat. I had thought of changing my residence to Florida, but South Dakota sounds perfect. I think I'm going to make a side trip to SD while visiting family before I head off to Thailand. Thanks again

[@tonythaiger93]

Nys is super aggressive you need to have no ties to nys by selling everything

[@tonythaiger93]

@@chinobonito30 a lot of digital nomads are making money in Thailand. People can work remotely without getting caught pretty much.

[@tonythaiger93]

@@robertnew4568 I call them digital nomads wannabes if they are just pretending

[@jpdurr]

And, many thousands of people will uproot themselves from other places to pursue their California Dream. Yes, People are leaving CA but others are coming in.

[@Jake-u2o]

"Fools rush in" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@masterspin7796]

There are not very many who can afford to move to California unless it is a government handout...

[@NicolasD414]

Those that are moving in will have the surprise of their lives! LOL

[@snozzlehead92]

The only people willingly moving to CA are wannabe actors and Marxists who get off living under socialism. The former is a pipe-dream for most. And the latter is only a dream for masochistic leftoids.

[@robertw8666]

First let me say you probably did the right thing in regard to changing your residence. Why pay taxes to a place where you don't benefit from the services.? Having spent great deals of time in Thailand and California I would say both places do have their issues, but I would hardly refer to the entire state of California as a shithole. You seemed to be referring to the homeless population in San Francisco and Oakland as the reason the entire state is a shithole. In Carmel a shithole too? Santa Barbara? The Redwood Forest? It is a very big state and you have decided to focus in on the most extreme. I have heard Westerners refer to Bangkok as a shithole after being stuck in traffic. Thailand has its issues too. Low salaries for locals, human trafficking. and some of the worst air in the world. But I tend to overlook all of those things and enjoy what Bangkok has to offer. Forest, you have a privilege of being a westerner in Thailand. Imagine being there and living on a local wage of 10 USD a day. Try being there as a black man and see the racism the local are going to have. Do remember Thailand has a slightly higher murder rate than the USA. All this is to say it is best to not make sweeping statements about places or groups of people.

[@davidkmo1]

Not sure if that was his point, I think he wanted Forrest to be fair w/ his comparison. I do hope average salary for the local Thai people will catch up to US - when average salary there catches up to CA median house hold income of $84k, average house hold income of $119k. Would love to see where these people that are taking advantage of economic disparity while talking shit about their motherland- the hand feeds that them will run to next.

[@Tradewithkade]

Hi, this is the first time I’ve seen your channel. I live in Los Angeles and plan to fly to Phoenix in a couple of days. I’m going to the Mexican consulate to try to get my temporary visa, so that I can retire to La Paz Mexico in Baja next year. I am looking into doing exactly what you did but in Nevada. My mother and daughter live there and it’s easy to get to. Any reason why you picked S. Dakota over Nevada?

[@SteveHevel]

Okay, you’ve motivated me and beyond!! Everything you said is 100% true, plus worse if your here longer!!! On my way to SD!! Thanks buddy!!

[@kapteng]

haven't watch the video yet, but big thumb up just by the title itself

[@ErikBlair]

I'm from Hayward, CA, and I agree that the state is going to shit. In fact, the whole country is going down the tubes. But it's not because of some 'communist' takeover, and your blaming the 'liberal' California is basically not based in actual fact, but opinions. The whole country has very similar problems, including states that supposedly don't have 'liberal' leadership. I also agree with you that we should all take action to remedy our situations, which is why I am working on my own escape from the USA.

[@nastypiglosi1788]

You're still in denial.

[@snozzlehead92]

That is some epic cope. Dude, you're lecturing a guy whose parents fled Communist China to escape to the west about what leftistm, Communism, and Marxism entail. I think his family knows first-hand. Why not listen for a change, instead of interjecting with your hot takes, acting like you know it all? This is clearly leftism and globalism in action, and you'd do well to listen to people who fled it, and hear about their real-life lived experience.

[@wdeemarwdeemar8739]

Small world I am eating in a restaurant across from where the old Kaiser hospital was on Tennyson right now.

[@ErikBlair]

@@wdeemarwdeemar8739 very small world

[@RC94332]

Got a family member, complains like no other about CA, but wont leave. Says, "There is nowhere to go..."

[@norris007]

Got a coworker who moved all out of Cali to the east coast. Quality of life for him and his family have 100X

[@HANDSOME6673]

i live in California and been thinking of moving to Thailand too. I need to hook up with the right people to make this happen. California taxes is sucking me dry.

[@mattdecker6791]

Taxes, crime, addicts, politics . . . were out of California for WY, June 8, 2024.

[@marksawesomeadventures]

Yeah, I left San Diego 2021 during the end of the Pandemic, after they started burning buildings, Looting stores, burning Police Cars, and Legalizing Theft up to $950 I was out, I moved to Saipan Island, (No Federal Tax) only State Tax. (So my Tax people have told me) I am coming to Thailand next month 😁

[@OSS1956]

Folks need to really just grow up! NOTHING STAYS THE SAME, I was raised in a middle-class black neighborhood in New York, where some people lived, that you read about all the time. Things change, sometimes for the worse, but California has always bounced back, because where else are you going to go. THE ONLY OTHER CHOICE IS TO MOVE OVERSEAS, BECAUSE THE SAME LEVEL OR LARGER LEVELS OF BS IS ACROSS THE USA.

[@fastj1962]

Hey buddy, I saw and commented on your other video about your trip. My step father who raised me was born in SF. His aunt owned an embrodery shop that made the Hells Angels patches. She lived in a shit area in the 70s in SF. An area that would scare the shit out of me. If california was on the east coast it would be at least 5 states. ITs huge and because of that it has a lot of different areas. All the areas in california that suck now, sucked in the 70s there's just more people now. Yes, there are homeless. More in concentrations in the big cities than other areas. In SF, lots. In LA, lots. What rich people like about southern california and in other places, poor people love it too and thats the climate. (SF has shit weather compared to my 278 days of sunshine) Its literally a safe 20 minute bike ride to the beach for me contrary to the feel of the violent video you shared) There's a saying, "if you want trouble you will find it". Next time you come to cali, stay in Huntington beach. You will still complain because it will cost you, but you won't be complaining about crime and lawlessness. I see you shared the "Tracktours" video then mentioned crime is running rampent. Your next cut to be fair should be in front of Nana Plaza. If you aren't real, its a political propaganda video. On Tax liabilities, I can agree with you but as far as California being a shithole, thats bs. Its a shithole if you can't afford it because then you are living in crappy places. Same shitty areas are in thailand, its just much more affordable to live in better areas. Make a video about the Gas tax, I'll be high fiving you all the way to the airport. What I'll never agree with is moving from California because California is a bad option. If money wasn't the reason to leave California you would just move to Laguna beach, or any number of amazing beach communities. Even my City which has an amazing amount of asian food choices minutes from your front door is a great place. The only negative is Cost. Thats it. You could have had a hour flight from the bay area and been fine with no rainy season. No Nana, No visa runs, none of the negative thailand has. (I've never once had a problem, because I've never stayed more than a month) You and I shit talk California on the Tax thing but when you look at all things considered for the average man, comparing Cali to Texas for example, at the end of the month, californians have more money in the bank. Its a fact. Check out Nicholas Powers "the spread sheet". Its an excell sheet that has every metric you could dream of and it puts california as a winner against a lot of red states that people are moving from california to. It would be cool to see him compare BKK to the US states. South Dakoda is a great option. There are agencies that will recieve and open your mail for you or forward it to you. I have friends that use them. You will never have to worry about blue state people moving there because it sucks there. Very small population there, its not ever changing. We all have opinions. While my love for Thailand and BKK mostly aligns with you, the hyperbole in your comments about "California" I think is un needed. Clearly, its cheaper in thailand. If you live within a few miles of the beach in southern california and don't want readily available bar girls, thats really the only thing that sucks about my california. Easier to mountain baike, road cycle, snow board, surf, ride a street motorcycle and anything that requires it to be rain free. Man I wish I would have saved more money in my younger years.... Still working on keeping the house here and the house in Chiangmai. The dream would be Thailand Nov.-June and Southern California June-Nov. If I don't make it happen its Renting the house out here, and moving 100% to Chiangmai as a home base and doing lots of trips in the region.

[@kitesailor]

My wife and I have been spending Winter is Thailand since we retired in 2008 Our virst visit to Thailand was in 1987. We totally get your frustration with the situation in America, with Calfornia being one of the worst. Luckily for us, we moved out of a fairly large West Coast city that is as ugly as they get 18 years ago, and so happy we did. We also moved to a low tax burden state, so living half and half between Thailand and the USA is working for us. My questionis how do you deal with visa's. Did you spring for an Elite Visa or are you on a Multiple entry tourist visa (you appear too young for a retirement visa) and playing the extension/border crossing/flying game? The Visa issue, from my long term perspective of someone whose first visit to Thailand was 1987, is the most difficult part of full time residency in the land of smiles. Thai requirements for their retirement visa are driving some expats out of the country. Many embasies will not provide the 'proof of income' documentation that is now required and to some it appears as though they are purposely making it difficult to stay in Thailand. We have hopes that someone will see that making it difficult to stay long term, supporting the Thai economy is not a good thing.

[@JoeHeine]

Thailand is great. Got the oppurtunity to visit that beutiful kingdom twice while in the navy. Born in San Diego and grew up in the beach cities of LA... California isn't the same anymore. Tried starting two businesses here..bureaucracy, illogical, stolen taxes and made-up BS fees...

[@jehuhand8176]

Bear in mind that in the view of Californja taxing authorities, the state in which you have your DL is the least important factor in deciding whether you are no longer a tax resident. Owning property, where your children attend school, your employment (if you provide services to a California company, you must pay California income tax), civic organizations you belong to.....it is not so simple.

[@ForTheFLOL]

How To Leave Your FAILIFORNIA Residency Forever. #FTFY

[@gonesavage]

Has anyone in the comments who has done this ran into the jury duty problem? I called Dakota Post in Sioux Falls and they said once you get a South Dakota drivers license, you are responsible for Jury Duty. I googled it and some people say you just call in and say you aren't a resident but that defeats the purpose of going through all this. Wondered how some other ex-pats have avoided that problem. I get called all the time in California so I'm wondering if it's the same there or if they don't even bother sending to those with addresses at the mail forwarding places. Thanks Forrest for this great video.

[@JoseGomez-zg3tm]

Thank the Demorats and there policy and Governor Newscum

[@sasharadjenovic4230]

In the 2 1/2 years I've lived in SWFlorida....it too has become a cesspool.....the noise levels, the construction, the crazy drivers, high cost of EVERYTHING. Cannot wait to leave this craziness and the U.S. The only people I could imagine liking Florida, either numb themselves with alcohol, or drugs.....do not move here if you treasure your money and peace

[@chrissaw9242]

Hi Forrest, I have been scratching my head on getting out of California and getting to no state tax state to maintain USA residency while living abroad. Your video solve my dilemma. The step by step guide really help immensely. I will retire next year and will be heading to SD before I fly out to Malaysia and Thailand to live. Thank you so very much for putting out this video. California has lost its charm with the crimes, drug and robbery everywhere. I am tired of the all the news I hear and seen all the crimes in action. I will take my money and get out and no longer have to pay for the missmanage state high tax and doing nothing to curb all these daily crimes. California now become the place known for it’s drugs , crimes and allowing these Idiots to roam free to cause havoc to us that lives here. Thank you so much Forrest!

[@fleetadmiralofthe50centarmy]

Dang....to “leave“ the Cali system you can't just stop filing taxes, don't renew license and stop voting? 😅

[@TomGreese]

Cali was so amazing durning the 90's... not it's a shithole and it represents what is wrong with the US and the politics in general... so sad to see... but there are still cool places like Idao, Texas, Florida...

[@TheEndlessVoyage]

I could not agree with this video more. Thank god you got out before the REAL lunacy begins. I’m also in the process of leaving a less-than-desirable state.

[@kendrewreviews]

Why don't you particpate in democracy to make it desireable?

[@snozzlehead92]

@@kendrewreviews That's difficult to do when Leftoids rig and steal elections when the results don't go their way. Also, California is a Democrat stronghold. They'd never vote GOP unless it was for a total RINO like Schwarzenegger.

[@samueltan510]

"Umarika" ahahahahahahaha.......

[@jpdurr]

Seems like a Cut and Run. Giving Up.

[@novak4594]

Helpers bro. Sounds like you’re explaining Auckland NZ. It’s an absolute shit hole. I say this as I’m walking along Karon Beach, Phuket aka little India / Moscow lols. VN just issued the 3 mth multi visa. Phu Quoc island is a must. Have a good one

[@mlgneo2855]

Banks, Insurance and the IRS do not accept private mailboxes as legal addresses.

[@atkim122]

Forrest, I’m 10 years older than you and thinking of retiring in 3 years to Thailand. Also Californian. Want to renounce CA residency (thinking Nevada). But I heard CA tax board is catching on and making it harder to do what you did. Supposedly if I still own property in CA (turn my house into a rental), have a bank account at a CA bank, it won’t be enough to do what you did. Nevada also wants proof that you’re “socially” a part of NV by proving proof of a Nevada personal doctor and joining social clubs in the state. If anyone knows, am I then forced to sell my home if I’m gonna make this work? Or are there loopholes?

[@rob4n12]

Couldn’t agree with you more, I left California back in 2009 because I saw the toilet bowl swirling. Now the whole country is following suit. FJB

[@JoeHan268]

Agreed except your take on China. Don't know if you heard, but it is extremely safe, clean, and organized where their young people are highly educated/motivated. It's the only country that has companies that rival the US. We need to give credits to our ancestors people that stayed to rebuild our home country. 🙏

[@angelomariano9494]

The Greatness of USA is also their curse. Since is a great Country, many people want to get there...many people aiming at the same place=many problems (land price goes up, rent goes up, food up...). I talk from 25 years in Manhattan.

[@ForrestKesseler]

Hello Forrest, I am currently in the process of finishing my working life here in Northern California and Thailand is seriously on my radar. Q1) Have you encountered ANY static at all from The Franchise Tax Board of California by your changing your domicile to South Dakota? Q2) Can you recommend a town for a retired expat that is looking for a "soft landing" spot to get acclimated with the new environment? I would like to add that my immediate needs would be several different types of nearby budget restaurants that offer a variety of different cusines. I want to feed my face without a lot of hassle. I also don't want to be up north where the burning season is worst. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[@adamn4406]

I appreciate your experience, but this video would be a lot more informative without the political stance. What would be even better to know if if California will actually accept your residency change. i've heard it doesn't get recognized if you chance state residency after having maintained a home outside the US

[@jesuisrobert808]

I guess you didn't read far back enough to the hippy drug culture of San Francisco city in the 70s that made your wonderful upbringing of 80 and 90s. The 60 and 70 SF culture had open drug use, social justice, anti war.

[@ptroy72blue]

I dont know why I keep coming back to this video, maybe its greif and sorrow. I have never lived in CA but have visited many many times over several decades and have made friends with lots of folks from that state. I never viewed CA as something seperate from 'America' and never thought of CA residents not part of. Coming from the east coast everybody thought CA was where the cool kids were, surfing, skating, snowboarding, and hollywood. But now my views have drasticaly changed in recent years, I know longer think CA as cool or leading edge, nor do I think the states leadership wants to be 'part of' these United States. We may not like each other or believe the same things, and yes we all believe thats ok, its America your free to choose your own adventure. When the policies start turn on the residents and overall well being the state, which is aperant, then well... I dont know what to say, because I know longer feel sorry for the residents, remember 'THEY VOTED FOR THIS' it didn't just happne to them or the state. San Fran & Bay-area one the pretiest cities in America couple with its cool counter culture vibe has unfortunately become some sort of dystopian night mare. I just cant figure the WHY, I dont understand the WHY? Where does this total disregard and hate come from?

[@PK-pk7wq]

how come you do not mention of illegal immigration ?

[@offhamsterwheel2789]

the media dont use those 2 words for a while now, they refer them as 'migrants', see how they spin things

[@inCARSONate]

Horrible state - I’m in Thailand too. Not easy to stay here and leave Cali for good though. You need income to Nike vote.

[@John-ds6jz]

Thank you for your valuable advice and guidance. I have a question, does Thailand allow felons to get retirement visa ? I am a political prisoner now but hopefully I will be able to leave the country in future. Please let me know what you think? Thanks

[@tonegriffey9463]

Just please do not move to Idaho. Please don't. WA, OR, CO, UT. Much better states for your needs.

[@karlapatterson3693]

You can also do a revocation of electrician with the IRS & pay 0 federal taxes. I left CA for Idaho. I also revoked my CA drivers license online & voter registration.

[@DK-ty5ue]

Do banks and portfolio accounts accept these SD mailbox addresses? I need to retain these while living abroad.

[@itsjazzyjamtime4198]

It not just America that having these issues here in the UK thing are not much better, Which bring me to the question why is the west seem to be falling apart.?? I listen to the Rich Roll pod cast regularly, both him and guest all seem to speak highly of California apart from the traffic, you would think California would be a nice place to live with many of the tech firm within that area which bring to me, I really don't understand America ? America with mess land and it great wealth long with all it the large corporations Apple, Tesla , Google , Meta , Amazon, Microsoft , coke , Pepsi , long with oil and other large corps surly it should not been struggle, If all them companies gave 1% of there annual earning back to America for Infrastructure other needs within the country it should self efficient. It seem that the America as put it self first before it people and country, I will Amit that I am not the biggest fan of America with all it bully boy tactic and endless wars , dictating how other countries should live long with the rule all countries must use the dollar whether that be general currencies or Petrodollar, if not boom. crazy. I think sad that America think it rules the world but obviously it can't take care of own countries and more so it people which very upset that America put greed war before humanity. America is defiantly demonstrating that white elitism is very much alive in my opinion which probably be shown in the up and coming election year as always, what will drama be this time around ? In my opinion Western Greed as cause many of the issues that we seeing now, like 2008 crash pure greed, then all the pointless wars direct or indirect involvement no country should be making money from death and destruction of other countries, it wrong on all levels but goes on western corruption. Just image if all the America tech firm had not sold there product to other countries like China and kept all production in America and put county people before large profit how Prosperous America and it's people could be ? In no way I am say my country of UK is any better as it not we have greed and corruption that destroying too. Would it be better and easier as America citizen to move to one the many South America countries or Caribbean. many them offer great expat deals.

[@Fzrox303]

Instead of ‘moving to South Dakota’, change you DL and create an address there to proof to CA that you have left the state, can’t you use your address, bank statement and utility bills in Thailand for the proof?

[@mojeet8673]

Great information. I am a Chinese American from San Francisco living in pattaya for 18 years. I agree with everything your saying.

[@DanielLee-si8dz]

Can’t find good Chinese restaurants in California anymore. Come back y’all good cooks!

[@AustralianRadioindie]

As an Australian I always enjoy traveling in middle America and never go to California or New York

[@SoCalBrian]

Did you have to turn over your California DL card at the South Dakota DMV, or did they just hole punch the expiration date on the CA DL?

[@laffta6727]

I'm confused a little-lets say I have a great job as an x ray tech here in Los Angeles -so you suggest I get up and leave and work in Thailand -will I still pay taxes to Uncle Sam

[@melissapereira9879]

I just found this channel. It's given me a ray of hope. I'm in the UK dreaming of a life in Portugal. Western countries kinda of suck. So fed up of just existing and want to live. 😊 thank you for the info on this channel.

[@user-ex2wy6te5k]

I'm in SF. It's unbelievable. I'm too g to retire in Thailand and SE Asia. Thanks for the video.

[@WhiskeyThieves]

Likewise and it's such an overrated shithole even before the pandemic.

[@williamhartz8707]

I use to live in SD & have relatives there. Lovely people but don’t tell them you’re from California. Some locals are getting pissed off with “out of staters” moving in making the real estate prices go up. I realize you do not have a home there so no worries.

[@cheryls832]

I am so glad that you made the comparison between California and the CCP. This is spreading across the US. So many people are in denial.

[@arg888]

Moving abroad. Ok with a good bankroll and a remote job or work visa. How many Americans can “take control”?

[@toknnomad1424]

LOL.. these videos are comical at best. The hand wringing is both funny and sad.. says a lot about the IQ of the people that make them and the people that buy into the stupidity being spouted. Just more of the cliched "back in the good old days" crap. Been here since the 70's and not going anywhere... the more things change.. the more they stay the same.

[@DaBooster]

We are fortunate that it’s still a free country and people have the choice to stay or leave

[@Vincent-on8bd]

Which city did you stay in for your 1 day hotel stay? Does the city have a income tax rate(IRS) for tax return purposes?

[@jxudan]

I've looked and tried everywhere. I still love California though.

[@ewstuber]

Thanks for sharing about your family and past. Glad you escaped the Left Coast!

[@davidabitbol9487]

After you go to the South Dakota dmv how long does it take to physically get your new license? I don’t want to hand out there for weeks waiting to get it