6 Places To Retire Abroad and Save Money

| March 24, 2013

oldcoupleWhen you retire, where do you see yourself? I see myself on my fishing boat on the  middle of a beautiful lake. I am looking for some serenity but that may not be for everyone.  Some people may be looking for a more exciting time and one place to have a little more excitement may be enjoying your retirement abroad.
Making the move overseas isn’t like taking a vacation, there is a lot more planning involved. While researching some of the best places to retire abroad I came across the United Nations World Tourism Organization 2012 publication and read of their top six recommendations for living abroad.

If you are a bit of an adventurer you may find overseas living intriguing. As you do your research you will find many web sites, media outlets, authors, and bloggers who can help you find what’s best at a reasonable price.

Mexico.

The closest destination to the U.S. and already a favorite with retirees for its inexpensive standard of living, Mexico is a good choice. Mexico has up-to-date medical facilities near big cities. Many retirement and vacation communities have  been operating over the last 20 years and you will have no trouble find well established and comfortable places.

Panama.

A little South of Mexico is another warm destination looking to attract the  investor and retiree. The currency is tied to the U.S. dollar, there are retiree discounts, and favorable tax treatment on income and new homes. Though it is mostly a rural country with no major metropolitan areas, you may need to travel to receive more specialized medical treatments. The weather is always warm and tropical.

Italy.

What could you say bad about Italy. You have the great food, culture, and the Mediterranean weather is very attractive to visitors. Try the southern areas for more inexpensive living destinations and again staying in the country side is going to save you a lot of money. Like most metro areas you will be paying a premium for city life.

France.

Another great place for terrific food and culture. France was rated as superior in the 2010 International Quality of Life Index. Their health care is also rated as very good. On the downside they do have high taxes, a difficult bureaucracy, and high prices. So it’s better to find yourself a place outside the larger cities.

Turkey.

Though on the edge of the European landscape, they consider themselves more Western than Middle Eastern country. Soon to become part of the European Union they are one of the top growing economies in the region. You can find retirement destinations in the mountains or at the seashore. Buy property in turkey if you want an exciting retirement or vacation.

Costa Rica.

A small country in Central America that is already the home to many people that have chosen the laid back life style. It has a good economy and a stable government that encourages the foreign dollar to its shores. Retirement income and real estate profits are untaxed, combine that with lush beaches and country side living, you have a perfect destination.

This is only a short list of all the possible destinations to retire at. You need to consider other obstacles to living abroad like language, government stability, and living standards. These and many other things need to be considered for such a big move.

Living overseas is going to give you the adventure of your life. It takes a certain mindset to leave you home country and live abroad. Maybe after a while you may become homesick. There is much to consider in living overseas.

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Category: Retirement

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  1. Bob says:

    It would be nice to be an expat and a retiree… Not having to work, chilling on the beach or on the porch. You do have some options that you can learn about at http://www.mutualfundstore.com/best-places-to-retire. Take a look and see if your paradise might be there.