The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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If you're not already signed up for and reading the free Field Notes newsletter you may want to sign up, they're very informative:
https://globalintelligenceletter.com/subscribe-3/Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
In most of the places we've featured here you can get by with English and a translator app but before scouting a country we recommend reading about it here on the International Living website so you at the very least know what language is spoken as the national language. We recommend learning as much as you can, starting with polite basics like "please" and "thank you," which will help you be a more respectful visitor and potential expat.
In Belize English is the national language, making it a great option for anyone who's very apprehensive about learning or dealing with another language. Read more about Belize here on the IL website (https://internationalliving.com/countries/belize/).
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Most expat communities share info about fun activities on expat Facebook pages. Search the name of the place you'll be visiting with the word expats (e.g., Boquete expats) and see which groups are active. You may also want to "follow" restaurants and other venues advertising live music.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
To the responses here I'll just add that in any country it depends on the city/town/neighborhood you choose. All the countries we've listed here today have excellent, safe communities. Research the countries you're interested in here on the IL website and then you can drill down into communities within your chosen countries. We have plenty of profiles on the website and in International Living magazine that highlight what life is like and how safe expats feel in specific neighborhoods/towns.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
While International Living generally does not organize tours or make introductions you will find rolodexes full of contact information in IL books (e.g., Escape to Panama, www.ilbookstore.com)
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Hello, you'll find a wealth of information right here on the IL website. Choose the country/countries you're interested in from the "Countries" menu. On the website, in IL Magazine, and on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@internationalliving) we also frequently feature super helpful slow-travel and multi-country articles.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Hello that's a big (and important) question; you'll find a wealth of information in IL Magazine and right here on the IL website, https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/. Generally each expat we interview shares thoughts on challenges in addition to all the things they like. In ultra-specific IL resources like our book Escape to Panama we go into very great detail, see www.ilbookstore.com.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
In Panama you need to be a legal resident for at least 5 years before you apply for citizenship. There are several options for residency to get you started. You can read about residency visas here on the IL website at https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/ and/or watch this video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Ab76QTi_Q&t=2s&ab_channel=InternationalLiving.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
In Panama it's very easy to buy. Shipping adds thousands of dollars in expenses so I generally recommend just buying locally and choosing a model that's popular so it's easy to get parts/repairs for. Foreign models of the same car may differ so it's almost always better to have the locally sold model.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
All the countries we've listed here today have excellent safe and active (and affordable) communities. Research the countries you're interested in here on the IL website and then you can drill down into communities within your chosen countries. We have plenty of profiles on the website and in International Living magazine that highlight what life is like in specific neighborhoods/towns.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
While International Living generally does not organize tours or make introductions you will find rolodexes full of contact information in IL books (e.g., Escape to Panama, www.ilbookstore.com)
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Baseball is indeed extremely popular in Panama. I don't know of any senior leagues per se but I'd be willing to bet you'd have plenty of takers if you came down and started one.
Have fun.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Generally wait times in all the countries featured here today are far better albeit we're typically talking about private not public care. Very affordable.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
It depends on the country.
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 EditorP.S. Each airline can have their own confusing/exacting requirements and block-out dates... check and double check everything with the airline(s) you're flying.
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I find that people order less online in Costa Rica in general. You can order from Amazon, yet often the taxes are very high. There are mail box services and shipping companies that charge per pound which many people use. I usually just shop when I travel to the US or have my friends and family mule things down for me when needed.
-Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent