Teaching English Abroad: Can You Afford a Car?

It’s a question many aspiring TEFL teachers ask themselves before packing their bags: Will I make enough money to own a vehicle? You’ve probably scrolled through countless YouTube vlogs of expats teaching English in bustling cities like Bangkok, Santiago, or Madrid, and you might have noticed a pattern. Almost none of them seem to own cars. So, is there an unspoken rule that English teachers just can’t afford four wheels? Let’s break down the reality of car ownership in the TEFL world.

The City Life Factor

The most common destinations for TEFL teachers are vibrant, densely populated cities. Think Seoul, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, and Prague. In these urban centers, owning a car often makes little practical sense. Public transportation is frequently cheap, efficient, and reliable. A monthly metro or bus pass can cost a fraction of what you’d spend on car insurance, fuel, and maintenance. For many teachers, walking, cycling, or using ride-hailing apps is not just cheaper—it’s faster. Traffic jams in major cities can make a car more of a burden than a blessing.

The Salary Reality Check

Let’s talk numbers. Entry-level TEFL salaries in many countries range from $800 to $2,000 per month. While this is often enough for a comfortable lifestyle—covering rent, food, and travel—it rarely leaves room for the upfront cost of buying a car. In countries like South Korea or Japan, import taxes make foreign cars extremely expensive. Even used local cars can represent a significant chunk of your yearly salary. Add in parking fees, insurance, and unexpected repairs, and the dream of driving can quickly turn into a financial headache.

Cultural and Legal Hurdles

Beyond money, there are logistical barriers. In many countries, getting a local driver’s license is a process. You might need to pass written exams in a new language, complete mandatory driving courses, or jump through bureaucratic hoops. Even with an International Driving Permit, you’re often limited to a short period before you need to switch to a local license. Some countries, like Thailand or Vietnam, also have different driving cultures and traffic laws that can be intimidating for newcomers. For many teachers, these steps simply aren’t worth the effort.

A Different Kind of Freedom

Here’s the upside: not having a car often leads to a richer experience. Without a vehicle, you’re forced to engage with your local environment. You learn the bus routes, stumble upon neighborhood cafes, and walk through markets you might otherwise drive past. Many teachers find that the money they save on car expenses goes toward weekend getaways, flights to nearby countries, or deeper cultural immersion. That freedom to explore without the burden of ownership is part of the appeal of the TEFL lifestyle.

When a Car Makes Sense

Of course, there are exceptions. Teachers in more rural areas—for example, in the countryside of Spain or a smaller town in China—often find a car essential. If your school is located far from public transport or you have a family, owning a vehicle can transform your daily life. In Saudi Arabia or the UAE, where public transit is less developed, a car is almost a requirement. In these cases, employers sometimes provide a car allowance or assistance with purchasing a vehicle.

The Bottom Line

The lack of car ownership among TEFL teachers isn’t about poverty. It’s about lifestyle choice. Most teachers prioritize experiences, travel, and flexibility over the financial commitment of a car. If you’re moving to a major city with great public transport, you probably won’t miss driving. But if you’re heading to a more remote location or simply can’t imagine life without a car, it’s still possible—you just need to budget carefully and check local regulations.

So, can English teachers afford a car? Sometimes yes, but often they choose not to. And that choice opens the door to a different, and often more adventurous, way of living abroad.