The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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Hi CTFANDJCF,
It's possible and you can find accounts online from people who've done the drive but because of safety concerns around certain border areas like Honduras it's not something I would ever want to do, being risk averse myself. That said the Panama-Costa Rica border is safe and busy every day, that's a drive you may someday want to do in your own car (or you can take the easy border buses or Ticabus as they're called).
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor
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Hi Mark, I'm Bel, the Mexico Correspondent and bringing a dog to Mexico isn't a problem. All you need is 3 things: proof of rabies vaccination, a health certificate from your vet and that your pet is microchpped. Then you're good to go.
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What is a good way to handle automobile driving and auto insurance in my new place of retirement, as well as on those times I return to the US? Is it better to not drive in my new country, and to use rideshare services and car rentals when back in the States? Is my US driver's license good abroad and would a license from a foreign country be valid in the US?
Hello,
You can drive for 1 year on your US license in France, then check if your state has an agreement to directly exchange for a French license - otherwise you need to take the test here. You can get auto insurance when you arrive, between $70-$100 a month. You could use your US license back home as long as it's still valid.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Do any/all of the 5 countries require lengths of stay within the country to establish residency or can you come and go without restrictions?
Hi Jonathan,
You'll want to note each country's restrictions (if any) individually as they can vary. I can answer for Panama: once you become a legal resident Panama asks you to touch Panamanian soil at least once in a two-year period to maintain residency. That means you never want to go two years without a visit, plan to come down in plenty of time before that two-year mark.
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor -
What is it like living as a SINGLE WOMAN in your best places? I spent a semester in Rome, Italy a long time ago and remember the papagali (Italian men just "standing on the corner watching all the girls go by") were quite annoying., Of course I am no longer a bella ragazza but a 77 year old. But I still like to shop and even eat out alone and I worry about being harrassed especially in "latin" countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal, France, Mexico and yes Italy. I will be moving alone leaving my family behind, with no men to "protect" me. I guess that makes me a scarlet woman.
You should join the Facebook groups for solo females over 50 and Panama expats. These groups will help you meet people and find like-minded communities. You will not be harassed in touristy areas. Panama is especially safe I rented a car and drove all over the country alone with no issues and friendly people everywhere.
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For longer stays abroad, what are the best options for health insurance, especially for those over 65 with pre-existing conditions, in countries that require private insurance?
Hello,
In France, you can just get on the public system, which is, in my opinon, about just as good as the private. I've only used the public system and been very pleased. No age limits or pre-existing condition requirements. You just need a long-stay visa, which is not hard to obtain. -
Do any/all of the 5 countries require lengths of stay within the country to establish residency or can you come and go without restrictions?
Hello,
For France, you have to be in the country for 10 months of the year during the first 5 years in order to apply for a 10-year resident card or French citizenship.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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What are the biggest hurdles to overcome when moving to Panama from the US?
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Hello,
There are no age restrictions on healthcare in France. You arrive with the long-stay visa and you fill out a form online after 3 months of living in the country. Healthcare is open to everyone.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent -
Hi everyone
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What is it like living as a SINGLE WOMAN in your best places? I spent a semester in Rome, Italy a long time ago and remember the papagali (Italian men just "standing on the corner watching all the girls go by") were quite annoying., Of course I am no longer a bella ragazza but a 77 year old. But I still like to shop and even eat out alone and I worry about being harrassed especially in "latin" countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal, France, Mexico and yes Italy. I will be moving alone leaving my family behind, with no men to "protect" me. I guess that makes me a scarlet woman.
Bonjour,
I've felt quite comfortable in France. I do feel that this is a country where the woman have a very strong role and are generally respected a lot. I travel alone frequently and have never had a problem... except for folks passing wishing me "bon appetit" when I'm eating a sandwich on bench!-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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What is a good way to handle automobile driving and auto insurance in my new place of retirement, as well as on those times I return to the US? Is it better to not drive in my new country, and to use rideshare services and car rentals when back in the States? Is my US driver's license good abroad and would a license from a foreign country be valid in the US?
Hi B,
You'll need to note each country's requirements individually.
In Panama: you can drive for up to 90 days on a US driver's license but no longer. You're generally allowed to stay for up to 180 days on a US passport but you can only drive for the first 90 of those days. Panamanian car rental companies generally require you to buy their insurance no matter what.
Most would agree Uber/the metro is preferable to driving in Panama City but outside of the city I do prefer to have a car.
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor