International Living Community

Thanks for reaching out to the IL community! Up in the highlands of Ecuador (in and around Cuenca and Cotocachi, for instance) expats report that they feel quite safe. I would recommend looking at expat Facebook groups for more up-to-date information about what’s going on.

Hi Diana! There are a plethora of places around the world that might satisfy these requirements. If you haven’t already, you might be interested in reading Ronan McMahon's article on luxury golf courses around the world, from our October issue. If you aren’t sure where you might like to go, IL’s Market Watch series is always a great resource for learning about new and exciting retirement destinations.

Hi there! I can’t speak from personal experience, but IL published a report in 2023 called “Hidden Land of Luxury” which has a few pages on Bali. Here’s what the report had to say about living there:

The cost of living in Bali is much more affordable than living in the U.S. This is probably why Bali is such a desirable destination for many expats. A budget-minded couple can live comfortably on as little as $1,100 a month or less. Up that to $2,100 a month and you’ll be living very well.

As for what life is like in Bali, this report also details one couple's experience in the town of Sanur. Here's an excerpt from that section:

Choosing Sanur was easy. “The beach path, the calm waters of the ocean, the ability
to sit and enjoy a meal with our feet in the sand, it was an easy decision,” Stephen explains.
And after his many surgeries, Sanur was the place he would visit with Kim to recuperate.

The tranquil surroundings have a special place in their hearts, Sanur is their “happy place.”
On Stephen’s last birthday, they could sit by the beach and watch as a group of
Balinese children were training for their soccer team. It’s being able to sit and relax like this,
enjoying local life, that makes it all worthwhile they say.

If you’re interested in reading more about visas and residence in Bali, you can find this report here. Bear in mind that it's an older report, and prices may have changed since it was published in 2023.

Hello DANIYEL.FIRESTONE

You'll find plenty of rentals in and around Bella Vista, along the waterfront and within a short walk of the bayside promenade called the Cinta Costera. Short-term you can try online listings sites like Airbnb or reach out to Pangea, contact info below. The longer you stay the more you can try to negotiate a lower rate. If and when you decide to rent long-term (a year) you'll encounter much lower monthly rates.

You can get car rental costs from larger outfits like National Car Rental and/or ask in specific expat communities outside the city about smaller local companies that might be cheaper; this will depend on which communities you visit. Some expats depending on length of stay did decide it would be more cost-effective to buy a used vehicle sourced through the expat grapevine and then re-sell it when moving on.

One of the most popular beach communities with easy access from the city is Coronado, that's about 65 miles away. Playa Caracol is about 55 miles. IL has resources that cover beach regions and other parts of the country, legal aspects of renting to avoid potential pitfalls, money matters, infrastructure, banking, healthcare/insurance, and other important considerations. See your IL products page if you've already got the Escape to Panama book or visit the IL Bookstore www.ilbookstore.com and/or consult your Panama attorney (info for an attorney below).

Enjoy your time in Panama!

Best,

IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch

Real estate/rentals: International Living does not sell/broker real estate/rentals. You can write to Pangea, exclusive real estate advertiser to IL, to request broker information or to ask questions about real estate, developments, and renting:
Email: info@pangearesearchgroup.com
Website: https://pangearesearchgroup.com

VISAS/ATTORNEYS: If you plan to live or buy a home here, you'll need a reputable, reliable Panamanian lawyer to assist you with legal matters. You can send legal questions (about residence, real estate, business, estate planning, etc.) to:

Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
www.mata-kelly.com

DAVID GOLD
Casco Antiguo Spanish School
US Tel: (203) 820-2234
Email: David@cascospanish.com
Website: www.cascospanish.com

Hi Lisa,

Nice to meet you! If you're still thinking of France, feel free to send me any questions you may have: france@internationalliving.com

The plus for France (besides all the great food!) is that it's fairly easy to obtain a visa to stay long-term, and the healthcare system is excellent.

Best of luck and please let me know if I can be of help.

Tuula, IL France Correspondent