Six Cheap Places to Retire Abroad, Would You Want To Live There?

Forget what I said about Costa Rica. If you want to go there be sure to rent for a year first. Apparently Americans don't remain happy there for long for various reasons.
 

Son_of_Perdition said:
The I-15 Retirement.

For ME it would be in a USED 32 foot mobil home. One time cost $12,000.
Kalispell, Montana for 4 months (Jun-Sep) space - $2,000.
Logan, Utah for 2 months (Apr-May) / (Oct-Nov) space - $1,600.
Laughlin, Nevada for 4 months (Dec-Mar) space - $2,400.
Average yearly costs $6,000 space + $1,350 Gas = $7,350.
Average monthly costs $612.50 includes utilities.
Average monthly temp 75.

Establish either Nevada or Montana as my home state - no state tax.

Edited: Adjusted my gas expenses. Total miles was less than I thought after searching mapquest.
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Snowbird! ;)
 
Lara said:
Forget what I said about Costa Rica. If you want to go there be sure to rent for a year first. Apparently Americans don't remain happy there for long for various reasons.
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Many people vastly underestimate the difficulties in moving abroad. It took one couple we know more than two years to do a permanent move to Panama, which is one of the most American-friendly from a tax/legal standpoint. And that's with the wife speaking flawless Spanish (she grew up in South America).

They do love it there, but it is a VERY different culture and lifestyle. Yes, everything's relaxed and casual...including services. Forget the "two hour window for appointments", you're lucky if the service guy shows up in two weeks - and that can mean your Net service, not just a plumbing repair or car.

Also, the climate varies tremendously depending upon elevation. The husband wanted to be by the sea, but found the summers absolutely unbearable (and he loved CA desert weather). They moved four times in two years before finding what they feel is the perfect place for them.

Always, always, visit multiple times before deciding on a new location, whether stateside or abroad. And then RENT, don't buy, for a while. Don't ever let anyone pressure you into, "Oh, prices are rising fast, if you don't buy now you'll regret it!"
 

Lara said:
Forget what I said about Costa Rica. If you want to go there be sure to rent for a year first. Apparently Americans don't remain happy there for long for various reasons.
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I had an online friend that had retired to Costa Rice. She loved it but then had serious health issues and wasn't happy with the hospital treatment. She wasn't getting better and felt she'd be better off in the US.

Quite a few years ago I thought it would be nice to retire to a warm climate like Panama or one of those. But then I realized that aside from the weather, the beaches and living luxuriously for cheap, there was nothing else. Those wouldn't be enough for me.

I love spending winters in Thailand and it would be a good place to live for a fraction of the cost, but I just couldn't have anything other than Scotland as my permanent home, even with the lousy climate.
 
After reading your various SF posts, I can understand why you love Scotland. It's beauty, it's people, their positivity and happy nature, their acceptance of you, and more. I have a little scottish in my family history. For a foreign country to genuinely accept you is special.

I've visited a number of caribbean islands and they only "like" you if you're spending your money. I jumped on a local bus with my children to experience the island, off the beaten path, and a woman blocked the last seat left. So I stood with my children. Next day I took a taxi and told him what happened. He said "that's because they want you to spend your money and not use their buses. I understand that tourists are their livelihood but there is a point where making genuine friendships across borders is what it's all about.
 
Lara said:
After reading your various SF posts, I can understand why you love Scotland. It's beauty, it's people, their positivity and happy nature, their acceptance of you, and more. I have a little scottish in my family history. For a foreign country to genuinely accept you is special.

I've visited a number of caribbean islands and they only "like" you if you're spending your money. I jumped on a local bus with my children to experience the island, off the beaten path, and a woman blocked the last seat left. So I stood with my children. Next day I took a taxi and told him what happened. He said "that's because they want you to spend your money and not use their buses. I understand that tourists are their livelihood but there is a point where making genuine friendships across borders is what it's all about.
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I haven't run into any anti-Americanism in Scotland but I have met expats who experienced it in England, especially London. Not to say everyone is anti-American there, but it does occur.

They just love us in Thailand. They are very friendly, polite people who never show anger. But they do love that we spend money there, and we also tip well. We respect the rules and try not to offend which they also like. So we feel very welcome there.
 
Having spent so many years in the orient (Vietnam & Indonesia) and actually visited there I'd go with Thailand but that would again involve getting on a dreaded 'big silver bird' so I believe I'll probably happily live out the rest of my days right here.
 
IKE said:
Having spent so many years in the orient (Vietnam & Indonesia) and actually visited there I'd go with Thailand but that would again involve getting on a dreaded 'big silver bird' so I believe I'll probably happily live out the rest of my days right here.
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Fear of flying?
 
Mexico and Central America are at the top of the list, if and only if, you're merely looking for just a cheap place to retire. Forget anywhere in Europe unless you are rich (it’s also not warm). In Caribbean, Dominican Republic is cheap. But this blog says that many Americans prefer to retire in Italy and Portugal. You may Google this up: Retirement Income Blog: "Looking to Retire? Get Organized for an Overseas Move"


In case you have not traveled much, you can pretty much get by with English anywhere other than the most isolated areas. I would love Vietnam or Thailand. Warm weather, many English speaking folks and very much affordable.
 
My daughter in law left Thailand for a reason. Yes if you are an American Male Expat you'll never come home...the beach scene sounds incredible...party central. But for the rest of us nah that's okay.
 
fureverywhere said:
My daughter in law left Thailand for a reason. Yes if you are an American Male Expat you'll never come home...the beach scene sounds incredible...party central. But for the rest of us nah that's okay.
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Plenty of places to party on Koh Samui. But those of us who want more peace and quiet, it's easy to find. It's quiet where we stay and there are areas on the southwest coast even quieter and less populated. We totally avoid the party beaches. I wouldn't live here permanently though. I love Scotland too much.
 

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