Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

There are countless YouTube videos detailing with what retiring as an American expat is like in virtually any country you can name. Be sure to note when it was posted. I'm sure lots of information has changed this past year. Here's an example of Equador.

Latin America...at least the Southern cone and areas away from the drug trafficking routes...is looking better and better.

Fertility rates have been coming down every decade, education rates improving and political stability increasing.

Also, Advances in poverty reduction in Latin America over the last decade and a half have been remarkable. The region's population living in poverty fell from 45 to 25 percent between 2000 and 2014.

Belize is a nice place for foreign born English speaking expats. Also, apparently costa rica has seen an up tick in U.S. and Canadian residents.

"About 75,000 Americans live in the country. American retirees, many of whom are Baby boomers, flocked to Costa Rica's tropical beaches to retire as they're drawn to its biodiversity, the political stability, and its relative low cost health care. The number of Americans who collect their Social Security checks in Costa Rica has jumped 67% since 2002."

Met a guy several years ago with a Filipino wife (mail-order apparently) that was going to retire back there. Said one could live like a king on 1-2k a month. Maid, cook, driver, very nice house (by that country's standard I presume), etc. They weren't going to stay forever either.

73s de N4WJP said:

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There are countless YouTube videos detailing with what retiring as an American expat is like in virtually any country you can name. Be sure to note when it was posted. I'm sure lots of information has changed this past year. Here's an example of Equador.

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I subscribe to their channel. I was hoping to hear from more who have...thanks.

Found a good website:

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/

fadskier said:

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Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

---

In theory, I"m a dual passport national, and have a 2nd domicile, but here's my .02 cents.

Actually, your biggest challenge is....health insurance. Get that covered and plan on making trips to the US for medical care and this is very doable. There are only a few countries whose health systems are on par with the US. There just isn't a good reason to give up US health insurance. Our system is world class, the rest of the world is hit and miss at best. I would ask a truly professional health insurance agent about insurance policies that allow you to live on local care in a chosen country but be able to opt in for expensive stuff in the US. It's a small niche, but someone has gotta be selling it.

The cost-of-living issue is on a case by case basis, but I can say with some certainly that it's an absolute, meaning as long as you don't go hog wild, it will be cheaper. But find a community of expats if you're going to do it, there is no better help than an American currently lving in that particular country. But to get you past the real question, yes, it's more scenic is a long list of places in the world, it's just a lot of due diligence to find the one that's right for you. Expat communities will be your best resource.

There is the visa issue....you'll need to hustle for that, but once it's done, you're all good. I can't speak to Latin America, it's not on my radar.

TellMeYouLoveMe said:

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fadskier said:

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Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

---

In theory, I"m a dual passport national, and have a 2nd domicile, but here's my .02 cents.

Actually, your biggest challenge is....health insurance. Get that covered and plan on making trips to the US for medical care and this is very doable. There are only a few countries whose health systems are on par with the US. There just isn't a good reason to give up US health insurance. Our system is world class, the rest of the world is hit and miss at best. I would ask a truly professional health insurance agent about insurance policies that allow you to live on local care in a chosen country but be able to opt in for expensive stuff in the US. It's a small niche, but someone has gotta be selling it.

The cost-of-living issue is on a case by case basis, but I can say with some certainly that it's an absolute, meaning as long as you don't go hog wild, it will be cheaper. But find a community of expats if you're going to do it, there is no better help than an American currently lving in that particular country. But to get you past the real question, yes, it's more scenic is a long list of places in the world, it's just a lot of due diligence to find the one that's right for you. Expat communities will be your best resource.

There is the visa issue....you'll need to hustle for that, but once it's done, you're all good. I can't speak to Latin America, it's not on my radar.

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These are reasons that we are looking at Costa Rica and Ecuador. Heath Care is very good and reliable there. I have and am continuing to do research on expats...Cuenca and Salinas in Ecuador especially.

fadskier said:

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TellMeYouLoveMe said:

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fadskier said:

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Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

---

In theory, I"m a dual passport national, and have a 2nd domicile, but here's my .02 cents.

Actually, your biggest challenge is....health insurance. Get that covered and plan on making trips to the US for medical care and this is very doable. There are only a few countries whose health systems are on par with the US. There just isn't a good reason to give up US health insurance. Our system is world class, the rest of the world is hit and miss at best. I would ask a truly professional health insurance agent about insurance policies that allow you to live on local care in a chosen country but be able to opt in for expensive stuff in the US. It's a small niche, but someone has gotta be selling it.

The cost-of-living issue is on a case by case basis, but I can say with some certainly that it's an absolute, meaning as long as you don't go hog wild, it will be cheaper. But find a community of expats if you're going to do it, there is no better help than an American currently lving in that particular country. But to get you past the real question, yes, it's more scenic is a long list of places in the world, it's just a lot of due diligence to find the one that's right for you. Expat communities will be your best resource.

There is the visa issue....you'll need to hustle for that, but once it's done, you're all good. I can't speak to Latin America, it's not on my radar.

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These are reasons that we are looking at Costa Rica and Ecuador. Heath Care is very good and reliable there. I have and am continuing to do research on expats...Cuenca and Salinas in Ecuador especially.

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Costa Rica would be doable and I'd probably just jump head first into that one. I don't trust Ecuador, but I'm ignorant on that matter, so my contribution is nil.

As you've discovered, yes this is doable, all that matters is the country! Haha, easier said than done. I can retire in some European countries, but not others, and I say that because I've met plenty of expats, retirees or otherwise. But Costa Rica is just far enough back from some of the problems in Lat America and the expat community is probably as good as any outside the US.

TellMeYouLoveMe said:

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fadskier said:

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TellMeYouLoveMe said:

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fadskier said:

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Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

---

In theory, I"m a dual passport national, and have a 2nd domicile, but here's my .02 cents.

Actually, your biggest challenge is....health insurance. Get that covered and plan on making trips to the US for medical care and this is very doable. There are only a few countries whose health systems are on par with the US. There just isn't a good reason to give up US health insurance. Our system is world class, the rest of the world is hit and miss at best. I would ask a truly professional health insurance agent about insurance policies that allow you to live on local care in a chosen country but be able to opt in for expensive stuff in the US. It's a small niche, but someone has gotta be selling it.

The cost-of-living issue is on a case by case basis, but I can say with some certainly that it's an absolute, meaning as long as you don't go hog wild, it will be cheaper. But find a community of expats if you're going to do it, there is no better help than an American currently lving in that particular country. But to get you past the real question, yes, it's more scenic is a long list of places in the world, it's just a lot of due diligence to find the one that's right for you. Expat communities will be your best resource.

There is the visa issue....you'll need to hustle for that, but once it's done, you're all good. I can't speak to Latin America, it's not on my radar.

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These are reasons that we are looking at Costa Rica and Ecuador. Heath Care is very good and reliable there. I have and am continuing to do research on expats...Cuenca and Salinas in Ecuador especially.

---

Costa Rica would be doable and I'd probably just jump head first into that one. I don't trust Ecuador, but I'm ignorant on that matter, so my contribution is nil.

As you've discovered, yes this is doable, all that matters is the country! Haha, easier said than done. I can retire in some European countries, but not others, and I say that because I've met plenty of expats, retirees or otherwise. But Costa Rica is just far enough back from some of the problems in Lat America and the expat community is probably as good as any outside the US.

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Both Ecuador and Costa Rica have sizable expat communities and Ecuador uses the dollar as currency so no having to learn a new system!

Health care seems to be a little better in Costa Rica but only if you live in San Jose or the outskirts...

Be sure you're prepared to lose convenience and the over-the-top customer service culture of the US. Also, look into the air conditioning, plumbing, and internet situations before choosing.

Lived in Costa Rica for a year '87 - '88. Would definitely live there again but the "media naranja" says it's too far from the grandkids (she's right). There's a good reason the national slogan is "Nothing but Life." Laid back, great food, good healthcare, people generally warm and welcoming to US citizens, gorgeous scenery. Crime against persons is low, pickpocketing is a concern in crowded contexts. Hopefully this contributes.

syme said:

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Be sure you're prepared to lose convenience and the over-the-top customer service culture of the US. Also, look into the air conditioning, plumbing, and internet situations before choosing.

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Already ahead of you on that...medications, cell service, etc.

Actually, according to expats, Ecuador has better internet that we do as it is all fiber...

canoso said:

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Lived in Costa Rica for a year '87 - '88. Would definitely live there again but the "media naranja" says it's too far from the grandkids (she's right). There's a good reason the national slogan is "Nothing but Life." Laid back, great food, good healthcare, people generally warm and welcoming to US citizens, gorgeous scenery. Crime against persons is low, pickpocketing is a concern in crowded contexts. Hopefully this contributes.

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Where did you live?

RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

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fadskier said:

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Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

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Good for you, fadskier. I certainly understand your pursuit of greener pastures. Please keep us posted on your journey. The wife and I certainly love our country, but should the Democrats transform it into a Socialist cesspool, we may follow your lead.

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We'll find a cul-de-sac somewhere! Paint it green and gold!

fadskier said:

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RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

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fadskier said:

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Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

---

Good for you, fadskier. I certainly understand your pursuit of greener pastures. Please keep us posted on your journey. The wife and I certainly love our country, but should the Democrats transform it into a Socialist cesspool, we may follow your lead.

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We'll find a cul-de-sac somewhere! Paint it green and gold!

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I have an ret. USAF friend who has visited Boquete and really liked it..He's in his 80's, but pretty darn spry..Just thought I'd put this up in case you haven't come across this one..I've never visited there, so I can't give a first hand recommendation.. https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/boquete/

Bexar Pitts said:

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fadskier said:

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RD2WINAGNBEAR86 said:

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fadskier said:

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Due to rising costs and the pitiful political conflict for the past four years, my wife and I have begun to explore the possibilty of retiring to another country (maybe for a while, maybe forever)

Anyone know someone who has done this? I have heard Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador. Cuenca, Ecuador looks amazing and has alot of expats there...

any information or thoughts are appreciated...

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Good for you, fadskier. I certainly understand your pursuit of greener pastures. Please keep us posted on your journey. The wife and I certainly love our country, but should the Democrats transform it into a Socialist cesspool, we may follow your lead.

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We'll find a cul-de-sac somewhere! Paint it green and gold!

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I have an ret. USAF friend who has visited Boquete and really liked it..He's in his 80's, but pretty darn spry..Just thought I'd put this up in case you haven't come across this one..I've never visited there, so I can't give a first hand recommendation.. https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/boquete/

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Thanks!

fadskier said:

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canoso said:

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Lived in Costa Rica for a year '87 - '88. Would definitely live there again but the "media naranja" says it's too far from the grandkids (she's right). There's a good reason the national slogan is "Nothing but Life." Laid back, great food, good healthcare, people generally warm and welcoming to US citizens, gorgeous scenery. Crime against persons is low, pickpocketing is a concern in crowded contexts. Hopefully this contributes.

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Where did you live?

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In a suburb of San Jose called San Francisco de Dos Rios, a couple of blocks away from Parque El Bosque. Very little wheeled traffic back in the day, anyway. Very quiet, safe and pretty neighborhood.

Top three are looking to be (in alphabetical order) Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama

Looked at Denmark (they do not allow retirees and I understand why)

Also looked into parts of France...that was a no go.

Panama and Ecuador use the US dollar so they get points for me not having to learn a new money system if I end up pulling the trigger...

fadskier said:

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Top three are looking to be (in alphabetical order) Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama

Looked at Denmark (they do not allow retirees and I understand why)

Also looked into parts of France...that was a no go.

Panama and Ecuador use the US dollar so they get points for me not having to learn a new money system if I end up pulling the trigger...

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Note my edits above on Costa Rica.

Have a friend that retired to Costa Rica. He lives for around $500 a month that includes a housekeeper and a cook.

He loves it.

I want to rent a place in Tuscany for 1-2 months and see what it's like

I have lived in Thailand , China, UAE Laos and Cambodia and still think if I have enough time may live there or Vietnam again, but not China or UAE.

I am retiring again this May and will move to Mexico. I will find a place in Cancun. PdC or Puerto Morales and maybe look for a job. I will probably stay there a few years or longer. Panama, Eduador, Costa Rico and Venezuela all look good too.

I have found the magazine International Living to be very helpful in comparing the ways different countries treat retirees. Be sure your info is current. For example, Thailand has made retirement a little more difficult while Cambodia has become more welcoming. A residence Visa in Mexico is very doable.

I would suggest the idea of leasing and not trying to move your household. Usually its cheaper just to buy what you need when you need it and when you get there. 3 years ago I moved to Alaska with my big purple suitcase. In 4 more months I will move to Mexico with a backpack and my purple suitcase.

Also.dont fret too much about where you land. Try it out for 3 or 6 months and move somewhere else if it doesn't work. Everyplace in the world has positives and negatives.

I do have a lot of experience and will be happy to share more either here or on the private message function.

BellCountyBear said:

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California is foreign country now...does that count?

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Yeah, but nobody wants to move there any more.

Limited IQ Redneck in PU said:

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I have lived in Thailand , China, UAE Laos and Cambodia and still think if I have enough time may live there or Vietnam again, but not China or UAE.

I am retiring again this May and will move to Mexico. I will find a place in Cancun. PdC or Puerto Morales and maybe look for a job. I will probably stay there a few years or longer. Panama, Eduador, Costa Rico and Venezuela all look good too.

I have found the magazine International Living to be very helpful in comparing the ways different countries treat retirees. Be sure your info is current. For example, Thailand has made retirement a little more difficult while Cambodia has become more welcoming. A residence Visa in Mexico is very doable.

I would suggest the idea of leasing and not trying to move your household. Usually its cheaper just to buy what you need when you need it and when you get there. 3 years ago I moved to Alaska with my big purple suitcase. In 4 more months I will move to Mexico with a backpack and my purple suitcase.

Also.dont fret too much about where you land. Try it out for 3 or 6 months and move somewhere else if it doesn't work. Everyplace in the world has positives and negatives.

I do have a lot of experience and will be happy to share more either here or on the private message function.

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Exactly. I would only rent for a few years to make sure we like it. All of our kids are grown so it was just be the wife and I. While I respect your decision, I could not do Mexico. I would not feel safe there. At this point, we are looking at Ecuador, Costa Rica or Panama...or Amarillo...where two of our kids live.

Mexico is not for everyone. The border towns are dangerous and Mexico City is not a place for most. However, there are some very good places. Merida is a nice colonial town. Veracruz is a good sized city with everything you could want. Quintana Roo has several nice cities. Some like PdC and Cancun are known as tourist cities but I always stay either with local friends or by myself in the local area. I never venture to the hotel zone. I can get a one or two bdrm air conditioned, wifi and twice a week maid service on the beach for under 400 a month with plenty of small eateries all around.

I dont think would stay in Ecuador more than a month. The food is bland and the cost of living isnt cheap. The people have a rep for being nice. I think the best is its near Columbia and Peru. two countries I think I would like better.

A fellow wanderer I worked with in the UAE told to avoid Costa Rico. Panama sounds nice but its down on my list.

My tip for staying safe is dont flaunt your wealth. I dont wear a watch, keep my phone in my pocket, keep a little money in one pocket and my cc hidden in another pocket. I have has more then one person tell me I dont come across as having much and what little I do have wouldnt be worth hassling me about.

Good luck and have fun. I salute your sense of adventure

Limited IQ Redneck in PU said:

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Mexico is not for everyone. The border towns are dangerous and Mexico City is not a place for most. However, there are some very good places. Merida is a nice colonial town. Veracruz is a good sized city with everything you could want. Quintana Roo has several nice cities. Some like PdC and Cancun are known as tourist cities but I always stay either with local friends or by myself in the local area. I never venture to the hotel zone. I can get a one or two bdrm air conditioned, wifi and twice a week maid service on the beach for under 400 a month with plenty of small eateries all around.

I dont think would stay in Ecuador more than a month. The food is bland and the cost of living isnt cheap. The people have a rep for being nice. I think the best is its near Columbia and Peru. two countries I think I would like better.

A fellow wanderer I worked with in the UAE told to avoid Costa Rico. Panama sounds nice but its down on my list.

My tip for staying safe is dont flaunt your wealth. I dont wear a watch, keep my phone in my pocket, keep a little money in one pocket and my cc hidden in another pocket. I have has more then one person tell me I dont come across as having much and what little I do have wouldnt be worth hassling me about.

Good luck and have fun. I salute your sense of adventure

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Okay, I would appreciate a little more info on Mexico. Like where are you talking in reference to the beach?

I have found in researching and talking to expats, that Ecuador is very cheap with good quality. For example, I messaged with some expats who live in a three bedroom apartment for $450. They sold their car and take public transport or taxis. They can work remotely and their internet is better in Cuenca than it was in Denver. They've given me a rundown of prices and with all expenses, it's about $1,700 perm month.

I'll admit that I've done very little research on Costa Rica...would be interested to know more there if you have something.

Apparently, Panama's health care is pretty impressive and my wife has been there once, so she didn't freak out when I threw that country in there.

To be honest, I'm a little worried about retirement. I don't really have hobbies Nd can see myself just sitting around.

My sister wants us to retire to Temple/Belton. She lives in Georgetown and Temple was where most of our family was from (no one really alive there anymore.) of course, Templt/Belton would get me closer to Baylor activities but if T/B became a front runner, I'd just move to Waco.

Quintana Roo is the state along the Mexican Riviera. Search real estate not AirBnBo resorts. There are several thriving towns with Walmarts and malls all kinds of stuff to do from ruins to cenotes to the beach to shopping. The have a pretty strong police presence and a few locals told me the cartels even provide protection. Its a tourist driven area and one of the more prosperous places in Mexico so it is in everyones interest to keep crime down to maintain the tourist cash flow. Google apartment rentals

https://internationalliving.com/the-best-places-to-retire/

Any thoughts on Estonia? I don't want to live anywhere that gets hotter/more humid than Texas.

BellCountyBear said:

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Any thoughts on Estonia? I don't want to live anywhere that gets hotter/more humid than Texas.

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If you live in Boquete, Panama or Cuenca, Ecuador...you don't need to worry about heat or humidity.

When I was shown my apartment in Guiyang I asked where the control was for the heater/air thermostat. The girl said there was no heat or air because the temp was always under 80 and above 50. I slept with a fan and open windows the whole time I was there. It did dip down in the 40s a few nights but not often.

I would need air con in Ecuador..