The Uninhibited Lifestyle of the Ultra Rich in Developing Countries: Convenience, Safety, and Challenges

Living as an ultra rich individual in a third world developing country comes with its own unique set of advantages, inconveniences, and challenges. Drawing from personal experiences, this article provides insights into what it is like to be wealthy in regions with developing economies, specifically focusing on the ease of conveniences, safety concerns, and cultural dynamics.

Conveniences of Ultra Rich Life in Developing Countries

Access to Everything: High net worth individuals like me, with assets over $30 million, often find that living in third world developing countries offers significant conveniences. In my case, I am Indonesian but reside in Singapore, a safe and stable haven known for its ease of living and doing business.

Supportive Network: A personal assistant, driver, and maid are usually inexpensive, allowing for everything to be done for you. For instance, obtaining a driving license in my home country, Indonesia, is far from a hassle. A runner takes care of the process for me, queuing for a brief period to have my photo taken, and the license is mailed to me the following morning.

Visa and Passport Facilitation: Applying for visas and passports can be a breeze, especially with a local runner or intermediary. Paying a small fee of $10-$20 can ensure smooth processing, without needing to engage in lengthy bureaucratic procedures.

Handling Government Issues: Dealing with government-related issues, such as making passport and driving licenses, can be easily handled by professionals. If needed, paying a fee to a runner ensures that the process is expedited, ensuring that one can carry on with their business without any delays.

The Convenience of Hiding from Media

Anonymity and Protection: The article provided an example where a friend was caught with drugs when entering an airport, and using a small sum, his father managed to resolve the issue quickly, allowing the friend to leave the country. Similar situations arise when the individual is not in the spotlight, but if exposed, the consequences can be severe.

Realities of Life as an Ultra Rich Individual

Safety and Rule of Law: Despite the many conveniences, safety and the rule of law are the main concerns. However, in many third world countries, individuals may feel safer than in certain developed nations. For example, my experience in South American countries like Ecuador, Uruguay, and Paraguay suggested that the situation was more secure than in various parts of the United States or Australia. Despite the challenges and risks, my family still had the resources to ensure safety.

Education: The quality of education can vary widely. While the public school system in many developing countries may be poor by developed world standards, I was fortunate to have attended an “American” school from kindergarten to 9th grade, focusing on English instruction and providing a robust extracurricular environment. This level of education and extracurricular activities often comes at a premium, showcasing how the rich and influential can create a more enriched educational experience for themselves.

Lifestyle: Growing up with a supportive network of grandparents, personal staff, and access to luxury hotels and entertainment provided a high standard of living. However, the lifestyle is also one of dependency, where basic household chores and responsibilities are outsourced. Despite these conveniences, a lack of diversity in the local culture and entertainment can be a drawback, compared to the rich variety available in more developed countries.

Challenges and Security Concerns

Security Threats: Living in a developing country comes with security risks. My family had to increase security measures frequently, employing bodyguards and residential security dogs. The police force was also poorly regarded due to corruption and inefficiency. Personal safety remained a constant concern, leading to the provision of bulletproof jackets and other protective measures.

Conclusion

While the ultra rich in developing countries enjoy significant conveniences, it is not without its challenges. The ability to outsource many tasks, coupled with the promise of safety and stable living conditions, makes these regions an attractive option. However, the constant need to maintain a high level of security and deal with occasional inconveniences due to less developed systems is the price one pays for the luxuries.