Whether your inspiration is Hemingway in Paris, Kerouac in Tangier, or another generation of American expatriates, there is something oh so romantic retreat abroad. There are also practical considerations: the male goes further in Costa Rica. At nearly half of Americans approaching retirement age do not have enough money saved, the best decision of retirement planning you can do will change planes in Florida is not settled there. More than 500,000 pensioners living abroad, and this number is increasing.Expatriates to make your dreams come true, however, will have a lot of research. An easy way is to flock to Boca with all the other snowbirds, quite another thing to deal with the place where English is spoken everywhere, the water may or may not drink SportsCenter is not even one of the premium channels. If you complain Obamacare, wait until you get a cataract surgery at hospitals that do not have a visa.
The good news is that there are hordes of Web sites, media, writers and bloggers who can guide you on the best places more affordable. CBS MoneyWatch.com considered the recommendation of a list of the most important manufacturers for their best tips and favorite destinations. We have also compiled a list of sources for further research, and explains how to use it.ontry
Country | Why It’s Popular | Keep in Mind |
Panama | Currency tied to dollar; retiree discounts; some hospitals have U.S. affiliations; favorable tax treatment on earned income and new homes | You may need to travel for top medical care; rural and quiet in many spots; some corruption and infrastructure issues |
Ecuador | Currency tied to dollar; super cheap; rated Top Retirement Haven by International Living; beaches; hiking | Limited health care outside major cities; political instability; some crime pockets |
Uruguay | Great beaches; Montevideo rated best in Mercer’s 2009 South America Quality of Living city rankings | You may want to head back to U.S. for serious medical issues; may be too quiet for urbanites |
Mexico | Easy to visit U.S.; many expats; good health care near big cities; can import household goods tax-free | Avoid border towns due to drug cartels; expect petty crime and corruption |
Costa Rica | Good economy; retirement income and real estate profits are untaxed; beaches and birdwatching; lush Central Valley | More expensive than other Central American countries; infrastructure is straining; Golson rates food variety a C+ |
France | Food and culture; No. 1 in 2010 International Quality of Life Index; health care rated best by World Health Organization | High taxes and maddening bureaucracy; prices high in Paris, Riviera and Provence |
Argentina | European vibe; low housing prices; English spoken freely; wine and tango | Though inexpensive, it’s getting pricier; red tape; cold in the south |
Italy | Food and culture; weather; best bargains are mostly in the south | Labor strikes; hot summers; big cities — and some regions aren’t cheap |
