Retiring outside the USA

[hunters]

Belize is retiree friendly as well. Beautiful country. English is their language. www.belizeretirement.org

Panama has a good retiree program, better healthcare and uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. Spanish is their language though some English is spoken, especially in Panama City.

Both are only a couple hours plane ride from the U.S. for those concerned with being able to access Medicare.

I'm torn between the 2.

 

[James48843]

Thanks Hunter for the post about Belize. I hadn't thought about there. I'll have to look more into it. Sounds nice. It's 82 degress right now.....

 

[vol46]

Cross Ecuador off my list. Too rainy and chilly to retire in. Too much like San Francisco.
Took a week of spanish lessons and figgured I'd better stick to english.

Speaking of peanut butter. You think it's safe to eat yet. Got half a jar with the bad code still sitting on my counter. Just can't seem to throw it away.

Later, Vol46

 

[airlift]

vol46,
Did you get to check out Ecuador. I would appreciate your input on Ecuador. In fact, I would also appreciate anyone else's input on Ecuador as a retirement possibility. Thanks in advance!

As far as I know there is no place in the world where you can retire without Uncle Sam getting his cut.
Been looking for a retirement place now for a few years, asia, central america, and the carribean.
Heading down to Ecuador in a few weeks to check out the cost of living down there.
May not ever move but, it's sure nice to dream.
Later, Vol46

 

[BeaverState]

vol46,
Did you get to check out Ecuador. I would appreciate your input on Ecuador. In fact, I would also appreciate anyone else's input on Ecuador as a retirement possibility. Thanks in advance!

My wife has a friend who retired to Costa Rica two years ago. They had a upscale home w/ocean view built for $200,000. We haven't seen them in about a year, but last time we did they only had positive things to say about it. The only downfall they said at the time is there wasn't many Americans there so they had to learn Spanish.

I read in U.S. News not too long ago that some of the native people in Central American countries are starting to become anti-American because of all the gringos moving down there and developing the coastal areas. Buying the land cheap from the locals, developing it and selling it for a much higher price makes the locals feel like they were ripped off.

 

[vol46]

Airlift, check post #23. Ecuador was just too cold and the air is pretty thin for a heavy smoker like me. The dollar does go a long way down there, but you have to carry around a wad of $1's with you. No one had any change. I finally found out why there are so few gold $1 coins in the U.S.. They are all being shipped to Ecuador.
Heading to Thailand and Cambodia next month to check out some retirement homes. Been to Thailand a few times, but the U.S. dollar sure aint what it used to be. In 2002, I could get 42 baht to the dollar. Now it's only 35 to the dollar.
I've heard that Cambodia was really cheap, and they take U.S. dollars there. Don't have to worry about a bad exchange rate.
Later, Vol46


1217 days till retirement

 

[vol46]

My wife has a friend who retired to Costa Rica two years ago. They had a upscale home w/ocean view built for $200,000. We haven't seen them in about a year, but last time we did they only had positive things to say about it. The only downfall they said at the time is there wasn't many Americans there so they had to learn Spanish.

I read in U.S. News not too long ago that some of the native people in Central American countries are starting to become anti-American because of all the gringos moving down there and developing the coastal areas. Buying the land cheap from the locals, developing it and selling it for a much higher price makes the locals feel like they were ripped off.

I can understand their resentment toward Americans in Central America, Especially Costa Rica. Seems like a tidal wave of Americans are moving down there. Any place where a lot of Americans vacation or retire drives up the prices drastically for everyone, even the locals. You have to watch you back while traveling to Central and South America.
The Asians on the other hand are pretty friendly people and for a foreigner a much safer place to travel. Cheap also.
Later, Vol46

 

[CorMaGa34]

IMO Panama has the best retirement program for both locals and foreigners. Like you all know, they use the US$, most everyone speaks English, I just visited last Dec and it's amazing the ex-patriates that have returned to Panama to retire, and those who never went there just to visit ended up buying property, it's amazing!!!

90% of doctors in the country speak perfect English, a good % US educated. Unlike Costa Rica, Panama is used to seeing, living with, and doing business with Americans, Canadians, Europeans, you name it. The American community is huge, they love the new Johns Hopkins Hospital built in the city, state-of-the-art equipment, it's just beautiful, nothing to envy to any US medical facility... go check it out! If you need more info, let me know... it's my home and I intend to retire there... Cheers!!!

 

[Show-me]

I was just thinking about this thread as I watched the hurricane move toward that area.

 

[nnuut]

I think I'll just rough it out in the Ole USA!!
Red White And Blue for me!!
View attachment 2051

 

[khunk]

Airlift, check post #23. Ecuador was just too cold and the air is pretty thin for a heavy smoker like me. The dollar does go a long way down there, but you have to carry around a wad of $1's with you. No one had any change. I finally found out why there are so few gold $1 coins in the U.S.. They are all being shipped to Ecuador.
Heading to Thailand and Cambodia next month to check out some retirement homes. Been to Thailand a few times, but the U.S. dollar sure aint what it used to be. In 2002, I could get 42 baht to the dollar. Now it's only 35 to the dollar.
I've heard that Cambodia was really cheap, and they take U.S. dollars there. Don't have to worry about a bad exchange rate.
Later, Vol46


Have you returned from your trip yet???????

I will retire in Thailand, that is where my wife is from. We are still not sure exactly where within Thailand, but you can't beat the way of life over there. I know that the Baht is down, but I am still 10 to 15 yrs from making that move.

 

[James48843]

I watched the movie "SICKO" last night.

If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. While many people have issues with M.Moore, this movie is very thought provoking, and makes good discussion for why you would want to chose specific countries for a retirement place.

My 2 cents.

 

[Rustynutt]

Ok, just to BS (since it's flex Friday and the Rum is flowing), I'm going out at 56 and some months. Visiting Holland opened up my eyes like acetone was shot into them. But no way at 56 could I comfortable live there and still afford to get out and enjoy life like I hope to be doing then. So, Florence, Oregon may be the ticket. A lot like Holland for the Fiancée that will be arriving sometime next summer, dunes to ride the OHV's in, but small town atmosphere that I've been use to for the last 25 years. But....am thinking around age 62 or so, maybe a small apartment in The Netherlands, with a decent train system nearby might be the ticket for an old codger. Walk a couple of blocks to the train, and travel places I've only read about, then back to the safety of a 800 sqft cubicle.

The Beer Boat is cool!

Drat, 4 image limit!!!!

 

[vol46]

Just got back from Thailand/Cambodia. Below is a picture of Phnom Penh's version of the local walmart. Prices are cheap here but, you have to hold your breath browsing through the fish market. Still have 50 cent smokes, dolla beers and 50 cent cab rides in this city.



Pedestrians are pretty low on the totem pole here, so the bigger your vehicle the better.

 

[poolman]

Just got back from Thailand/Cambodia. Below is a picture of Phnom Penh's version of the local walmart. Prices are cheap here but, you have to hold your breath browsing through the fish market. Still have 50 cent smokes, dolla beers and 50 cent cab rides in this city.



Pedestrians are pretty low on the totem pole here, so the bigger your vehicle the better.

Wow, Sorta looks like a vacation resort from all the stress... Dolla beers and smokes sounds like I would save a ton in 1 week...

 

[vol46]

IMO Panama has the best retirement program for both locals and foreigners. Like you all know, they use the US$, most everyone speaks English, I just visited last Dec and it's amazing the ex-patriates that have returned to Panama to retire, and those who never went there just to visit ended up buying property, it's amazing!!!

90% of doctors in the country speak perfect English, a good % US educated. Unlike Costa Rica, Panama is used to seeing, living with, and doing business with Americans, Canadians, Europeans, you name it. The American community is huge, they love the new Johns Hopkins Hospital built in the city, state-of-the-art equipment, it's just beautiful, nothing to envy to any US medical facility... go check it out! If you need more info, let me know... it's my home and I intend to retire there... Cheers!!!

I've heard that Panama was a nice place to retire to. Almost made the trip to Panama City last year but, missed my flight in San Jose, CR ,said the hell with it and just ate the ticket. Will give it another shot some time in the near future.

 

[vol46]

"Hey, you guys should look at retirement in South GA....."

I considered retiring to GA, but have been told the language is too hard to learn.:laugh:

Have spent a little time in s. ga. Grandfather used to work for Robbins AF base. The thing that irks me about ga. is those darn package liquor stores.
Have to bring your own liquor when going to a bar. Not exactly Bourbon ST.

 

[nnuut]

In Georgia, Liqour Stores open until 10 PM, no brown bagging, free poor in bars. Hey Bubba get yer stuff right or get in yer truck and skeedattle!. EEEHHHAAAA!