The Top 10 Best International Places to Retire in 2013

[MichaelB]

My $0.02, burundanga is an urban legend. There are some dangerous places in Latin America, but most are easily avoided. Going to live where you don't speak the language might be a problem for some. I've always felt the biggest risk is plain old doing something stupid when traveling, and there doesn't seem to be much one can do to minimize that. Even staying home doesn't help when you don't have common sense.

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelB My $0.02, burundanga is an urban legend. There are some dangerous places in Latin America, but most are easily avoided. Going to live where you don't speak the language might be a problem for some. I've always felt the biggest risk is plain old doing something stupid when traveling, and there doesn't seem to be much one can do to minimize that. Even staying home doesn't help when you don't have common sense.

I am sure you are right, Mike. It all goes together, doesn't it? Learn the language, stay alert and don't do dumb things.

[JustMeUC]

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Originally Posted by Ed_The_Gypsy I am sure you are right, Mike. It all goes together, doesn't it? Learn the language, stay alert and don't do dumb things.

Pretty well sums it all up right there! Seriously....

[JustMeUC]

Yes, most of these things have some basis in truth, but have probably been blown out of proportion. There are somethings which are going to happen just because you are in the wrong place at the wrong time, but that can happen anywhere in any country.

I will try to write up a short travel bio and my thoughts on Nicaragua in the thread you posted above and if anyone has any specific questions I will try to answer them. They will be based on my personal experiences and have my own personal bias of course so anyone who reads it, needs to keep that in mind. YMMV

[kcowan]

If you are serious about living abroad, the following forum has conversations by people actually doing it. They are more reliable than the anecdotes here. The problem is that everyone has different requirements.

Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad

I think kevink is one of the participants there.

[Purron]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ed_The_Gypsy Learn the language, stay alert and don't do dumb things.

The same could be said for living in New Jersey.


Note: No disrespect intended. I have family there and a great fondness for NJ.

[braumeister]

Having lived there for some time, I would definitely put Brazil (away from the two big cities) very high on my list. You would have to speak Portuguese, but much of the southern part of the country offers everything I would want.

[JustMeUC]

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Originally Posted by kcowan If you are serious about living abroad, the following forum has conversations by people actually doing it. They are more reliable than the anecdotes here. The problem is that everyone has different requirements. Expat Forum For People Moving Overseas And Living Abroad I think kevink is one of the participants there.

A great resource no doubt. The only problem with it is that most of the countries people are asking about here are barely covered on this website. It is however a terrific resource on Mexico!

[Midpack]

I am enjoying reading the comments, as I do other expat threads. But nothing is going to sway DW, so all I can do is admire others with an adventurous spirit...

[JustMeUC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braumeister Having lived there for some time, I would definitely put Brazil (away from the two big cities) very high on my list. You would have to speak Portuguese, but much of the southern part of the country offers everything I would want.

My very limited experience with Brazil was that it was extremely expensive and the prices were rapidly rising. But, I was only in the 2 major cities so perhaps I did not get a full picture.

However, I will say unequivocally that if the MAIN reason you want to move to a foreign country is the lower cost of living that you will be one VERY unhappy camper after the glow wears off. This is NOT a good reason to move out of your country. It is probably much much better to move within your own country to a lower cost of living area if possible.

[kevink]

As I detailed quite comprehensively in my earlier posts for those who want to live a reasonably comfortable lifestyle on the equivalent of a social security (only) income overseas retirement may well be the only realistic choice. I do agree with you though JustMeUC, that relatively few people are well-suited for full-time expat life.

Keith (kcowan) is someone who like myself actually lives as an expat for much of the year, and I second his recommendation to check on web forums run by and for expats in areas you are considering to get a more accurate feel for life in those areas. International Liviing, which published the Top 10 list that this thread is based on, is a notorious organization within the expat community: notorious for being all about pushing people to buy real estate and driving up prices in places like Panama and Ecuador through doing so. Meanwhile the first rule of thumb, as Ed and others have pointed out, for anyone contemplating overseas retirement is to always rent and never buy, and have a clear plan to pack up and get out should the need arise.

Lastly, board favorites Billy and Akaisha Kaderli have been living overseas in Mexico, Thailand, Ecuador, Guatemala, etc. for nearly 3 decades now and having the time of their lives doing so on less than 24K a year. There's more good info on their web site (Retire Early Lifestyle) than you'll find on any speculative threads written by folks who haven't been there and done that like they have.

[MichaelB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braumeister Having lived there for some time, I would definitely put Brazil (away from the two big cities) very high on my list. You would have to speak Portuguese, but much of the southern part of the country offers everything I would want.

And the people there are real nice, about the friendliest I've ever met. Off the beaten path for sure, but a good option.

[CoolChange]

Quote:

Originally Posted by braumeister Having lived there for some time, I would definitely put Brazil (away from the two big cities) very high on my list. You would have to speak Portuguese, but much of the southern part of the country offers everything I would want.

I may have the chance to spend some time in São Paulo completely funded by current employer. While I am not a fan of large cities in general, I do think this might be a nice option for doing some weekend exploration in a new country without dipping into my own stash.

[MichaelB]

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Originally Posted by CoolChange I may have the chance to spend some time in São Paulo completely funded by current employer. While I am not a fan of large cities in general, I do think this might be a nice option for doing some weekend exploration in a new country without dipping into my own stash.

If you don't like big cities you are probably not going to like São Paulo - it's a big city on steroids.

[kcowan]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevink Lastly, board favorites Billy and Akaisha Kaderli have been living overseas in Mexico, Thailand, Ecuador, Guatemala, etc. for nearly 3 decades now and having the time of their lives doing so on less than 24K a year. There's more good info on their web site (Retire Early Lifestyle) than you'll find on any speculative threads written by folks who haven't been there and done that like they have.

For anyone seriously considering retiring abroad, I would recommend Akaisha as a resource just because she takes the appropriate view to any new experience. Originally severing all ties with the US, they actually relented and got a mobile home site there. They also got a home in Argentina at one point ISTR.

I look at it as rolling with the punches, adapting to each new reality as it is presented.

[Midpack]

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Originally Posted by obgyn65 I would include Britain and France in the list.

Or not France...

Quote:

French actor Gerard Depardieu, who has had roles in about 180 movies including "Green Card" and "Cyrano de Bergerac," has renounced his citizenship in the country to protest France's high taxes. France's new President, Francois Hollande, wants to raise France's income tax on those making more than a million euros a year to 75% from 41%. That's apparently too much for the actor, who moved to Belgium in protest and has now renounced his French citizenship and been given a Russian passport.

[Meadbh]

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Originally Posted by Midpack Or not France...

Ya but....none of us earn over 1 million Euros a year (I think).

[MichaelB]

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Originally Posted by Meadbh Ya but....none of us earn over 1 million Euros a year (I think).

One of those probems I would love to have...

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

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Originally Posted by Purron The same could be said for living in New Jersey. Note: No disrespect intended. I have family there and a great fondness for NJ.

Joisie? What exit?

[Ed_The_Gypsy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcowan For anyone seriously considering retiring abroad, I would recommend Akaisha as a resource just because she takes the appropriate view to any new experience. Originally severing all ties with the US, they actually relented and got a mobile home site there. They also got a home in Argentina at one point ISTR. I look at it as rolling with the punches, adapting to each new reality as it is presented.

Kieth, would you be mixing them up with the Terhorsts? Cashing in on the American Dream: How to Retire at 35: Paul Terhorst: 9780553052893: Amazon.com: Books
I don't think the Kaderllis have ever made it south of Guatemala.