The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025
-
how bad are mosquitos in Panama City?
-
I hear a lot about selling everything before a move abroad? Is that really necessary? Kindly elaborate.
Hello,
Every situation is different, but a lot of people prefer to sell most of their stuff before moving. The fees to ship, depending on the amount of things you'd like to bring, can be very costly - extra customs charges might also apply. I do know someone who moved all her belongings to France... it's a certain budget and a lot of paperwork, but can be done. I moved with just my clothes and a few momentos and restocked here. I could find everything I needed.
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
-
Hi All, if you are having problems with the live video playback, please refresh your screen and try again. Thanks.
i did it but theres no audio
-
About speaking English daily in these cities/countries?
-
when you move to another country, what happens to your MediCare? Do you lose it? If so, do you get it back easily if you return to the US? What about social security? Do you still get it? I have not taken mine yet. ( I am 63.) Should one get that started before moving out of country?
Your medicare is not usable outside the US. You will be able to use it anytime you return, even if you teturn for only a few days Social Security is received no matter where in the world you reside. As far as applying, I did mine completely on line. Your payments are also done electronically. If you have other sources of income, you should put off applying for social security as long as you can afford up to age 70. Also look into having a spouse that has the lowest income collect Social Security at full retirement age, and you can receive income based on your spouses Social Security. Your spouse can delay collecting their Social Security until they get closer to the age 70 so they receive a greater income. The only downside is if your spouse dies before you do, you will only collect the amount they would’ve received. Had they retired at the same age you did, not their extended retirement age. Do your research!
-
Im a single female looking for others in same position to set up some type of communal renting situation - think golden girls Looking most seriously at Panama Portugal and Motenegro
Hi Thanks for responding! Im at klarson417@gmail.com
-
Terry, I missed the first part of your presentation. Where is the region within Portugal you were talking about? I am interested in the north above Porto. Do you know anything about that region? Any thoughts or recommendations?
I'm talking about the Algarve which is in the south. The north is lovely but cold and wet during the winters, and we are warm weather people. Porto has a large expat population as do many others like Braga, Coimbra and more.
-
In Portugal's Algarve you can get by on only English but knowing some Portuguese is a sign of respect and besides that is good for our aging minds.
-
About speaking English daily in these cities/countries?
English is widely spoken in Portugal's Algarve.
-
Cant access the workshop unfortunately
-
In Mexico there are several places where you don't need to speak Spanish. Places like the Riviera Maya, Lake Chapala, San Miguelle de Allende, Puerto Vallarta etc where a lot of locals speak English.
Bel - IL Mexico Correspondent. -
This is very informative, thank you Are there concerns with crime in Panama City? I visited it years ago and recall that being an issue then
-
I would love information on mid-size towns in France, not big towns or cities that have an urban lifestyle and accessible to a train station and/or airport.
Hello,
I would say that Nice is my top pick. It seems like a big city, but it's actually not by US standards. Every time I've visited, I've walked everywhere and not needed public transportation - although it's available. There's an airport in the city proper which is a huge plus. The next would be Avignon. Great train service and a good mix between urban with a small-town feel. There was an interview in IL magazine about a woman who moved there from Los Angeles and loves it. Also, check out Pau. It's a completely different feel than the other two as it's in the southwest and not near the sea. Very urban, green city surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Tuula, IL France Correspondent
-
What are squatters rights in Panama? Our home would be vacant for many months at a time.
Can you name a city that is close to the rainforest area mentioned? -
About speaking English daily in these cities/countries?
In Mexico there are several places where you don't need to speak Spanish. Places like the Riviera Maya, Lake Chapala, San Miguelle de Allende, Puerto Vallarta etc where a lot of locals speak English. But it's fun to learn and always appreciated.
Bel - IL Mexico Correspondent. -
As a single woman, I am looking for safe locations to move to that will stretch my dollars. I am looking for strong expat communities for singles, if possible. I prefer to rent, as this will be my first time living outside of the US. Willing to go car-free. Also concerned about Panama.
-
Can one find a long term rental (3 to 6 months) in Portugal in order to get a better feel of the country?
Yes, search the Facebook groups that pertain to Portugal like Long Term Rentals Portugal or many of the others. Connect with expats on these groups who know people that have rentals. There are plenty of rentals available. Also look at Idealista.com a common website used here.
-
One of the best things for me about moving to France, Portugal, Spain or Montenegro is going car free. I have previously lived in the UK, Europe, Latin American and Asia and never owned a car in those years. So I don't want a place where I need a car, but I don't want a huge city with the expense, noise, etc. So what are the best car free places in those areas?
Hello,
I would check out Nice or Lyon in France. Most of the expats I know there don't have a car and take public transport... and also the train for visiting other parts of the country, and even other parts of Europe. Nice is especially interesting as it has an airport in the city.Tuula, IL France Correspondent