The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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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/
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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
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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/ -
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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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 -
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.comBekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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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
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Hi P,
Retirement facilities like the one you describe aren't very common in Panama. There are a couple nicer ones including Wonder Years (https://www.facebook.com/WonderYearsPty/?locale=es_LA) but mostly families care for their elder members in the home, hiring at home help. You may well have more options in Mexico as described in the other replies here.
Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor -
Can you please make available the email addresses of the speakers? Thanks!
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Hi Mary,
Panama generally makes it easy to bring in dogs (or cats). The easiest way to do this is to contact a Panamanian relocation service or attorney, but you can also handle things yourself, just make sure you plan ahead as documentation is time sensitive. You’ll need to get health certificates for your pet(s) within 10 days of travel and get them certified by the appropriate local authority (USDA or Canadian Food and Inspection Agency) and a Panamanian embassy or consulate (or Apostille).
Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor -
Most private doctors speak English here in Costa Rica and I find there are a lot of alternative treatments available in this country.
The Central Valley and Arenal area has moderate teperatures, in my opinion, kind of like an eternal spring. Living in Atenas and Grecia in the Central Valley, you can get to a beach in about an hour. You are also close to the best healthcare in the country in these areas.
If you decide you are interested in Costa Rica, the conference in May 2025 is the best place to start and get a feel for the country.
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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what was the book?
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In Costa Rica, there are lots of concerts these days, so many more than in the past. I don't consider it a huge music scene, however, there are more options than in the past.
Maybe you can check out these places:
https://www.bandsintown.com/c/San-Jose-Costa-Rica?came_from=335&livestreams=true&genre_filter=Christian%2FGospel&genre_filter=R%26B%2FSoul
https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/56440-costa-rica-heredia
https://www.songkick.com/venues/80783-estadio-nacionalI just saw a few I would love to go to! Thanks for getting me thinking about this.
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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Hello,
Here's mine for France: france@internationalliving.com