(This is for primarliy the older G@Gers). Have you ever considered retiring to another country? What country would you recommend?

[Anonymous]

I've been researching that you live pretty comfortably in Costa Rica off as little as 2k to 2.5k a month.

[BonzoInBitburg]

My wife is from the Philippines and we're in the process of selling everything and moving there. It isn't the cheapest or most advanced country in SE Asia but English is widely spoken and the beaches are beautiful. You can live quite comfortably for $2k a month. We plan on eating out for most of our meals and are going to be living in a pricey condo and it's unlikely we'll spend more than $3k a month. I spent a month there last year and my flight, Airbnb, cab fares and eating out every meal was just over $4k and $1700 was my flight.

[Sal_Monella]

My wife came here in 2008. We looked at Bohol but she opted out because even there we would have been mobbed by family for money. If you have savings or equity, GO! The American/Medicare hospital is on Guam.

[BonzoInBitburg]

@Sal_Monella I love Bohol. Is she Bisaya? Families looking for handouts from a foreigner is way too common of a problem. I am so lucky because my wife's family has never asked me for money. They are the best in-laws I could ask for. I pay for some education costs and some other costs when there is a typhoon or earthquake but I tell them what the money is for. Otherwise I'd follow the 2 island rule where you have to live at least 2 islands away from her family.

[Sal_Monella]

Bisaya from Mindanao. Philippine's Old West. The Army issued her an Armalite to kill NPA or Abu Sayyaf if they came to her door. Makes me think of the cabin scenes in Outlaw Josie Wales.

[genericname85]

No cause the country I live then makes that financially pretty much impossible cause you still gotta pay tax in germany while living in that other country.

[Asker]

Oh, that sucks.

[genericname85]

Yeah and guess what: also when you pay money into your retirement savings, it's taxed, then when you are paid out that money when you're retired, it's taxed again and then when you buy stuff with that money, it's taxed yet another time. Tax is crazy here.

[genericname85]

And then when you decide to live abroad, you gotta pay all the tax you would have to pay in Germany plus the tax of your chosen residence. Which is impossible if you're not rich.

[Asker]

So you pay a tax to move all your money to another country. Because you could opt do wash your hands of the fatherland completely.

[genericname85]

I mean you could do it illegally and move to a country that isn't gonna cooperate with German authorities. But then there's no turning back. But doing it legally, you'd lose too much of that cash to tax to lead a good life health where. Unless you still wanna work at old age.

[Genie23]

I’ve thought about this often. I want to move to the northern part of my country because I love the mountains. It's so beautiful and feels so peaceful there. I’m kinda tired of city life. I’ve spent my whole life here, surrounded by crowds. I’d rather be somewhere quieter, where I can enjoy nature and still visit my family and friends easily as I grow older. But if I ever change my decision, I’d most likely pick New Zealand. It’s stunningly beautiful and offers so many good opportunities.

[Asker]

Supposedly (New Zealand) the safest country in the event of Nuclear war to. Not that I'm adding that as a selling point or anything.😆

[Genie23]

One more reason to love and move to NZ, lol. Also, people in that country are generally friendly and down-to-earth. So, I'd be most likely happy there.

[midnightmoon05]

Yes. We are looking into a few and mostly just do it for fun for 1/2 time of the year… just like rent a place for a month or two then another place… then back home… to escape the cold. I don’t like the cold winter here.

[AI Opinion]

I'm your travel buddy, and I'm here to share my passion for discovering new places and cultures with you. Retirement abroad is an enticing option for many, and Costa Rica is a great choice thanks to its affordable cost of living. 🌴 With its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and pleasant climate, it offers a warm and welcoming environment. Other popular options include Portugal, with its beautiful coastlines and rich history, and Thailand, known for its delicious cuisine and vibrant culture. Each offers its unique charm and benefits for a fulfilling retirement.

[Curmudgeon]

I HAVE thought about this, but I can't even bring myself to leave my state and region (California) of the USA, let along the USA as a whole, because I still have many old man, siblings, and other extended family in my area. As my old man passes away sometime in this or perhaps the next decade this may change, but...

Moreover, many of these places to which some are advocating American expats to go are STILL basically "Third World", and in a time of international crisis, I wonder if the foundations of law and order and economic growth that these nations have had in recent decades would quickly crumble.

[Asker]

I agree partially with the 3rd world comment. I would say rather than say they're 3rd world that they have infrastructure problems that are just below the surface.
Like one of the places I was looking at was Malaysia because you could retire with a 3rd of the living costs that you could here in the states. But I think I read that consistent internet could be a problem there. That the traffic is chaos. Hygiene issues as they don't have the FDA like here in the states. Etc.

[Curmudgeon]

Oh, and by the way, a good cautionary video about going abroad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB6zoqdDXPs

[DonaldDarko]

No, I'm against immigration as it fouls the culture of the country immigrated too. I have a sail boat instead, that way I'm never an immigrant I only stay a short time and move on.

[Asker]

That's one way of doing it I suppose.

[DryGermanGuy]

Costa Rica would be nice, but I still would be wary of any escaped dinosaurs. 🫣

[Asker]

😂😂😂

[Asker]

I'm picking up what you're putting down.👍

[AngryCarl2]

UK here. I would love to move to a more civilized country in Europe or Scandinavia but I don't think they would have me, since I'm not technically an asylum seeker.

[Xawyx-2]

Anywhere but here.

[Sal_Monella]

I've looked at PR, Philippines and Guyana.