The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

I think France is a good bet! Also Spain, Portugal, Italy... many places in Europe are very safe.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

Hello,
In France, you look on the town hall website, or really just go to the center of the village and ask at the cafe. There's always something going on, music-wise.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[BEKAHBOTTONE 0]

Not all airlines allow dogs these days to Costa Rica, but I have heard these airlines still allow them in cabin or as luggage: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Lufthansa.

There are also companies that have private charters for pets you can research.

I know a lot of people who have brought their pets along to join their new life! I know a woman who works at a vet and I can have her send me the guidelines. If you want more info, send me an email: bbottone@internationalliving.com

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

[JUDITHYHALL]

my husband and I are 76, so social contacts would be very important should we move away from our family.
Can you recommend locations in France, Spain, Italy and Spain where there are large english speaking populations.

[JEN]

This little discussion of places for folks retiring solo might be helpful: https://internationalliving.com/can-you-advise-me-on-the-safest-countries-for-a-single-woman-to-live-in-qa/

More in-depth is this piece Jess wrote for us a little bit ago -- lots of good advice in here: https://internationalliving.com/singles-guide-to-fitting-in-and-making-friends-overseas/

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

Hello,
In my opinion, I would take as little as possible. It can get expensive to ship, plus any additional customs fees... and paperwork to deal with. Shopping online is a breeze in France. I am a happy Amazon prime member. Shopping currently for Christmas! I haven't seen HSN or QVC, but we have a lot of discount shopping sites. See Showroom Prive, my favorite.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

Bonjour !

[BEKAHBOTTONE 0]

I suggest establishing a virtual home address in your home country as many people say family and friends is not ideal-- although I use my parent's address still, after MANY years.

For Costa Rica, you can look into Correos de Costa Rica (with a box in Miami) and these options too: Access USA: myus.com / Earthclassmail.com

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

[JEN]

Colombia is still a good option. It's on our Global Retirement Index... and here's a recent piece that will hopefully give you some insights -- reasons you should (and should not) retire there. https://internationalliving.com/countries/colombia/

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

Hello,
I can see my general practicioner the same day for an emergency, common here when you establish a relationship with them. Other wait times are a few weeks for most serves, a bit longer for an MRI or special test. If you have a procedure to do, that will be a few months. Otherwise, I call around if I need to get in somewhere quick and usually manage to find a spot - even if it's the next town over.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[JEN]

Yes, my colleague Ted Baumann does this -- he's our Global Diversification expert and does exactly what you're talking about... he helps people sort through their best options for residency, investment, how to hold real estate, tax considerations, etc.
https://internationalliving.com/author/ted-baumann/

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

Hello,
I believe that info will be on the IL website, by country. For France, you need to have your pet microchiped and have the vet sign-off. When you arrive, there is no quarantine period.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[JEN]

LOTS of people speak English in Panama, but if I were a betting woman, I'd say southern Portugal would find you among more English speakers, just because of the huge population of British and Northern Europeans there. That said, if you settle in Panama in a spot where there are lots of N American expats, you'll find many, many English speakers -- Boquete and Coronado, for instance, are two places you might consider.

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

Hello,

For France, there are many English speakers in Paris, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Lyon, Toulouse, the Dordogne and Lille - to name a few!

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[JEN]

Watch your January 2025 issue of International Living magazine -- we're coming out with a brand-new Regional Index that takes a deep dive into exactly what you're asking about.

I think your list is a good one (though Oaxaca is going to be warmer, possibly, than you'd like). I'd add San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to your list as well.

[ROGERSOL]

Mostly referring to papersork requirements, for visas, residency, insurances etc. The lawyer referral would be nice.

[TUULARAMPONT 0]

Hello,
If you contact the IL correspondent where you'd like to visit, they can usually point you in the right direction.

-Tuula, IL France Correspondent

[jramesch]

Hi Pat,

As you know the world's been changing since you did that semester in Rome. Imagine all the change you've witnessed wherever you live now; in the 1970s US women often needed a man's signature to get a bank account or credit card. That couldn't be farther from the truth today, right?

All the other countries we're talking about today have been progressing, too. I remember my first visit to Italy in the 90s and today more than 20 years later it's a very different experience.

That said let me comment on Panama, where I live. In parts of Panama yes women will often be catcalled (generally women under 40), but in 2018 a new law and public campaign raised awareness and put sanctions in place, and that led to improvement. The wealthier Panama gets, the more educated and less prone to that sort of thing people are (today Panama is the wealthiest country in Latin America by PPP). Like other countries, Panama has evolved and continues to do so.

Is it a welcoming place for women? In my experience, yes. It's pretty respectful (and by the way, elders are generally respected here and treated with more courtesy than in the US). For me it's also a positive sign that there are women in high positions, as industry leaders, at the top in STEM careers, etc (Panama voted in its first female president in the 90s whereas the US has never had a female president).

I go out alone, even late night, and I have traveled the entire country (half the time on my own, driving my own car). Naturally I frequent nice areas and use the same blend of common sense and street smarts that keep me safe when in the States, but I am generally less worried when I am in Panama.

There may still be some challenges, here and no matter where you go, but as a single woman (and a POC) I feel safe and free to live my life in Panama, that's a big reason why I love it and continue to live here.

Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor

[BEKAHBOTTONE 0]

I always suggest renting to check out the different areas, especially in Costa Rica, were climates can be so different so really spending time to find what fits your life best is recommended.

Are you a beach person or do you love mountains? Are more comfortable at higher elevations? What is the best temperature for you to live in? What activities do you want to have as part of your dalily life? Do you need to be close to the best healthcare? These are all important to consider.

Many people move around to a few places and stay for a month or so in each place to get a really get a feel for it. It is key to meet people living in the area to find deals and get a sense of what everyday life feels like. I love connecting with new people via Facebook groups-- they are a great resource.

Of course, buying a place as an investment or a rental for part of the year is also an option. I would love to have a condo as an investment, personally.

If you are interested in Costa Rica, I could give you some recomendations if you answer the above questions.
bbottone@internationalliving.com

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent

[BEKAHBOTTONE 0]

I know many gay couples in Costa Rica and gay marriage is also legal here.

Walking down the street in San Jose, I have seen the pride flag flying high by the Costa Rican flag, which I love.

Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent