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Read about and learn from real-life experiences our expats have had in their new home countries, from health care to taxes, earning an income overseas to buying real estate…and much more.
"We can now have a lifestyle like Florida in the 1940s, but at a price we can afford. Our stress level is down and our satisfaction with life is definitely up… Living next to the water is something we always wanted to do but could never afford before now.”
I saw an interesting discussion in social media the other day. A blogger was convinced that the “retirement/travel industry” was hiding a deep, dark secret: Some people who retire overseas don’t stay forever. This was a shock, finding out my wife Rita and I had apparently signed up to live in Ecuador “forever.”
I remember the moment when the thought of moving to Italy first embedded itself in my head. My husband and I already loved the country after several trips there—but hadn’t considered anything beyond a few weeks’ vacation. We were in the lovely seaside town of Sperlonga, south of Rome, meandering along the delightful, squiggly lanes, when suddenly we walked into a small piazza, and a picture-perfect scene of daily life played out in about one minute.
In the right spots overseas, as little as $1,485 a month can bankroll a good life. This means that you can retire comfortably on a Social Security check alone. Retire sooner. Spend less. Live better. That’s the end goal. And there’s no question: You can do it. You can do it in all sorts of beautiful, welcoming, good-weather communities that dot the globe from Latin America to Southeast Asia to Europe.
Last weekend I was enjoying an icy mango daiquiri with my husband at our local pub, the Gekko Garden. It’s guarded by two very old teak trees, and the large leaves help shade us from the glorious sunshine. We ended up chatting to a couple vacationing in Chiang Mai. They asked us how long we were here on vacation, and their jaws dropped when we said that we live in Thailand. We were then bombarded with lots of questions on how we managed to do this.
Since arriving in the Costa Rican mountain town of San Ramón, John and Caryl Buford have done much to endear themselves to the local community. But they’re especially proud of bringing TubaChristmas to Costa Rica, which has performed favorite Christmas carols since 2011.
Becky and Ken Campeau have a busy retirement—and wouldn’t have it any other way. “I would love to tell you about being retired and enjoying our down time relaxing and playing,” says Ken. “But we stay active in community projects and socializing with our friends.
For Chuck and Susan Bussey, relocating to the highland town of Cotacachi, Ecuador, was the move that saved their retirement. They both had good jobs in Georgia, where Chuck was an airline mechanic for Delta Airlines and Susan was a dental hygienist.
Peru is fast gaining attention as a top retirement destination. My wife Nancy and I moved here almost a year ago, and we love the 300 days of sunshine a year, the excellent cuisine, and the highly affordable lifestyle. Although we choose to spend more (think $2,000 to $2,400 a month) a couple can live comfortably on $1,500 a month or even less.
My local dentist in Penang, Malaysia, completed his post-graduate training in Dallas, Texas. He is an honorary member of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. With credentials like this, you know you’re dealing with a professional.