The 18 Best Places to Retire Overseas

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I am finding it difficult to get a simple definition of what is affordable and safe places to live. I am talking on a fixed income of a person of 72 yrs, of age, (retired nurse) who lives in the U.S. but currently looking for a cheaper living, affordable, by the water, ocean, etc; and less government & politics, taxes and all that other stuff that eats up your income such as health care coverage. I just want a comfortable no hassle retirement. I've worked all my life and gave my money away to others. So here I am, still wanting stress free living in a quiet, peaceful setting not worrying about bills to pay, etc; so be honest in what reasons you think such and such a place would be great for me & my guy or not my guy. Living on $2000 a month. Utilities, rent, owning, cost of living, weather year around. I do not like hot, humid weather, but an even temperature year around like CA. yes, I know that is an expensive state to live in but the weather is nice. Belize interested me after reading a novel based on that area, but there are some places not safe there. I'd have to visit to see what I may like about it, seems how real estate people don't always give you what you ask for, but what they want to sell you. Best to visit first, I'm told. I like the idea of yr. around farmer's market, fresh produce, grow your own, or shop around. An easy relaxing place where you don't have to learn another language to be understood. Also would like to hear about the coast of Maine.

Shirley Stahl of MI 12:50PM April 24, 2013

Uruguay is very overated . It is a thrid world country-very socialist, anti business.
Argentina is a nightmare with sky high inflation, currency controls and imminent bond defaults.
1/2 of Belize is claimed by Guatemala so thats up in the air.
Spain, Italy Portugal and France are bankrupt.
I love these cut n paste jobs on retirement havens when the authoir is shilling for business and/or done no in depth reasearch.
Tell the whole story if you want credibility!

HCee of FL 3:35PM April 17, 2013

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mommyko01 of IL 4:37PM April 11, 2013

My wife and I did a 2 week tour of Panama in January 2013 to see if it was a viable and less expensive option to Costa Rica, which we have travelled to ( and loved ) many times. We are Canadian, so didn't grow up learning Spanish but it's a bit easier than French so we have picked up enough to get by. I would recommend getting somewhat fluent before randomly traveling through this country for the first time the way we did. In Costa Rica the average person has much more patience for gringos with marginal Spanish than most Panamanians. This country has many beautiful places worthy of exploring and you will meet interesting people that are hard working and are improving their part of the country. You will also meet lazy, shiftless bums that think gringos are their own personal ATM. Driving along the Interamerican highway on several occasions we saw pickup trucks driving along with guys in the back throwing bags of garbage onto the shoulder of the road. Portobello, on the Caribbean side was in a beautiful setting, but in places resembled a landfill site. If you are adventurous people with some command of the language and some time and money you will find some appealing places with friendly people that could be a fun place to live for about half the cost of living in Canada or the States.

Steve 11:19PM March 13, 2013

I recently spent a month in Peru and dropped in on Cuenca, Ecuador in consideration of a move from Costa Rica where the beaurocracy drive most expats insane. Having traveled all over the world, I never felt so unsafe. A local warned me to put my camera away or "the boys with knives" would take it from me. A young European tracker told me he had been robbed at gunpoint and an elder couple told me that both of their laptops had been stolen. And in my brief 5-day stay I heard more stories.
The cost of living is a marginal concern without security of self and property. I have been so many places and never felt unsafe. My next trip is 6 weeks in Chili. I will buy a less professional looking camera.

John Sutherland 10:29AM March 05, 2013

Best option Sri Lanka, 'The Pearl of Asia' - A wonder to discover.
Virgin and fine white beaches and year-long warm sunshine.
Blueoceanresidencies.com provides affordable luxury apartments for overseas Professionals and Retirees from only 10M Rs. (78000 USD).

Blue Ocean Group 1:13AM March 04, 2013

Good Morning Folks,
Those of you seeking for an alternative to retiring and assisted living abroad. take a look at seniorlivingabroad.com. Hope that helps.

Norman of FL 10:00AM February 20, 2013

Id love to abandon the us NOW...but I have no idea where to even start besides a passport. Dont you have to apply for citizenship in whatever country you end up in and then there is the language barrier. I wish these articles would stop making it sound so simple. IF you had family there that would be a different story

Jesica'Jo of ME 12:36PM February 10, 2013

So... are there any places that are not hot and humid!? Ideally I would like a location that mirrors the weather in Monterey, CA. Any ideas?

Mike K of HI 7:27PM February 06, 2013

I have to disagree with Panama,why? 1. Basic services ;terrible,very few qualified or skilled workers. So if you need an electrician,you have to wait for days to get one,if you are not careful,that person will mess up even more,same with plumbers and so on. Though we found a very good plumber who was a former banker and run his own business.He comes personally to your home and fix things up but he is one of a find.
2. Most people here don't communicate in English, which is widely advertise as bilingual destination,a big lie, maybe you find one English speaker in 100. By the way, we live in the most touristic side of the city of Panama for years now.
3. Real estate is becoming more and more expensive unless you have money to burn, as well as basic commodities.
4. The people in the city are not friendly at all but go to the Indigenous areas,people are very welcoming.
5. People here are not mindful, they don't care at all, trash everywhere you look, we call Panama.
Ok,for the good:
1. It is forbidden to smoke(cigarette) in public places.
2. They still have rainforests, hopefully they continue preserving them.
3. There are doctors who can speak good English since most of them studied in the States.
Before you retire here, come experience the country for 6 months and see if it is for you. Don't be swayed by what you read on the Internet.
"It is better to be poor in your own country than to be poor in a foreign country"

Gosme 4:05PM February 06, 2013