Changdian, China

With a population of just 49,772, Changdian is hardly the glitzy metropolis many expats dream of. The reality is a gritty border town where the Chinese and North Korean worlds collide. Navigating the bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the border security is notoriously heavy-handed - in 2014, seven people were killed by North Korean guards who had crossed over seeking money. If you're not prepared for a high-friction environment, Changdian may not be the locale for you.