International Living Community

Hi Kurt, I love Ecuador and have lived there off and on for many years over the last two decades. I have lots of friends there, primarily in Cotacachi and Cuenca (in the Sierras, yes) who report they feel very safe. I am looking to get back there perhaps in February and I am not concerned. I think things have settled down a lot since the issues of two years ago. I have friends with young kids who live in Cotacachi who regularly vacation on the coast without concern. I guess it all depends on your personal level of comfort but for me, I would feel safe in most of the country right now.

If you haven't already booked, check out La Posada Nueva.

You might try the Lake Chapala Society: https://lakechapalasociety.com And most real estate agents offer a "get to know lakeside" tour...

Hi Lynne, I wrote an article about medical tourism for IL and you can find it here: https://internationalliving.com/medical-tourism-how-insiders-afford-new-hips-hair-plugs-and-facelifts/ A great place in Mexico for cosmetic surgery is Guadalajara. I suggest you reach out to Lori Payne there, who is a healthcare facilitator: https://www.facebook.com/mymedicalconcierge?mibextid=ZbWKwL

It won't attach here. If you want me to send you a list of clinic phone numbers, send me an email here - bbottone@internationalliving.com

RAY 0 said: Hello from the Land of Smiles (LOS). I'm Ray, residing in one of the quiet suburbs of Pattaya - no, it's not all wild parties, alcohol, and neon. I've come over on a bare-bones budget, so I'm learning how to navigate Visa, housing, healthcare and finance issues quickly, efficiently, and cheaply. So, if you're waiting for everything to be just right, don't. And by the way, if you're a Veteran, you'll also find V.F.W. and American Legion posts in town, with plenty of people willing to offer advice (even if you didn't ask for any- LOL). Enjoy your stay in Thailand. Thank you Ray! This will be a bare-bones budget for me as well! Best of Luck!

Hi @KAKIFRY_DP Thanks for your question! We’ve checked in with Glenda Cole to get an answer to your question, here is her response, Like much of the world, temps have indeed increased in Portugal over the last few years. This kind of heat is unusual, but we had a similar heat wave across central Portugal and Spain two summers ago. I live in the beautiful Algarve on the southern coast, where the sea breezes offset this heat.

With the information you provided, any of the three countries would be a fit, although they are also very different. Some things to consider are the language (which would you prefer to learn), the culture and lifestyle, and if still unsure look at the taxes you will be paying in each county. If you like all three, this could be a deciding factor. Make a list of all the things you want and then a list of the cities/towns in each country that fit that list. Then go visit these places for as long as you can. You are allowed 90 out of 180 days to visit. When you go, don't look at the places through the lens of a tourist. Think about if you would like to live here every day. It is very different from being somewhere on vacation and living there. I agree with Chip, get off the beaten path a really explore each country. You will probably be surprised with the places you find and the people you meet. Enjoy the journey to finding your new home. Sally Pederson International Living, Spain Correspondent

Hello, I don't believe there is a "#1 place to retire." It is impossible to pick one country, let alone one place. There are going to be people who absolutely love Almunecar and others who don't. The best advice I can give is to really think about the lifestyle you want, the things you enjoy doing, and the weather you prefer. If this region still fits that, then go there and spend a few months there. You have up to 90 days out of every 180 days in the Schengen Agreement countries. Use that time wisely and to your advantage to find which place is best for you. -Sally Pederson IL Spain Correspondent

Hello, I spent 5 years living in Spain. I'm there casually now. I don't recommend people to do things the way I do, unless they are single. I was traveling a lot at the time, and after spending three days in Barcelona, I decided to make it home base for me. It was not my first (no last) international move. It was a great city and I quickly made many friends by going to events and co-working spaces. Like every country, there are pros and cons. My recommendation is to really think about exactly what you want. Then go to both Portugal and Spain and visit several areas to find which one will be best for you. Regards, Sally Pederson IL Spain Correspondent

Hi Mike, Since you would have done some research, may I know how is the housing market and how much it would cost with per month with the taxes and utilities on average. TIA Abid

Welcome Deb, it’s great to have you! Remember you can access and search the International Living Magazine Archive and reach out to IL Customer Service about your membership benefits. You’ll find information on books and other products and upcoming events. In this forum you’ll find helpful posts on different countries (and we invite you to post questions you don’t find the answers for). Again, welcome to the Community… you’re an ILer now. Here’s to thinking… and living… internationally

My bank's debit card will not work overseas, and even if it did, I would have been subject unfavorable exchange rates. An option that I, and several other expats I know use, is creating an account with Wise. com. Although not exactly a bank, they allow you to hold amounts in several currencies which can be a useful option. Plus, the exchange rates are competitive.

Hi Robert, Here is the link to access 'The Best Ways to Find Rentals Overseas' report: https://bit.ly/3SAzr5I Millie, IL Community Moderator

Dennis, take a good look at the northern half of Italy. From Florence or Bologna north to a line that goes through Venice and Milan to the west. If you go farther north most of the time you will love the climate but winters in the Dolomites and north of Lake Como, Lago de Garda, and Maaggiore can be cold and snowy. Look carefully at the Provinces of Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, Lombardia, and Piemonte. Italy is so mountainous that some parts of any mountanous province can be a lot colder but I think those four provinces are a good starting place. Jess's answer is a good one and considering that Italy taxes by "residency" or those who are there more than 183 days a year, her Idea of going back and forth may be excellent for you! Chip Stites, Italy Correspondent, International Living Magazine.

IL Moderator said: Hi @GCOMM Thanks for your question! We’ve checked in with Glenda Cole, our expert in Portugal to get an answer to your question. This was her response, In the Algarve, pretty much all private docs speak English. In Lisbon and Porto, it requires a bit of research on their websites to find a doctor that speaks English. If you are moving to Portugal, you want to research a general practitioner who speaks English. They will then refer you to any specialists you need, keeping in mind that you need an English speaker. My doctor is South African. She speaks better English than I do. Thanks for the information about researching a general practitioner.

You can also look at Vrbo. This has retnals-- but I think more long term options: https://www.point2homes.com/ As for Facebook Groups, I would look for specific smaller groups in regions, like these: https://www.facebook.com/groups/puertoviejovacationrentals https://www.facebook.com/groups/756500642604738 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1990512857886393 To be honest, for short notice, a few days short term rentals, I would use Airbnb and Booking. Are you heading over to the Tamarindo area? Feel free to send me a message on WhatsApp if you are +506 8962 9593 and we can meet up for a sunset.

Hi Kathleen, thanks for reaching out. For all customer service inquiries please go to the Contact Us page on the International Living website https://internationalliving.com/contact-us/ and use the form to submit your question. You can also check out our FAQs here https://internationalliving.com/page/faq/ From Team IL. Millie, IL Community Moderator

Thank you. Sounds like they make it complicated, and will require keeping track of investments and gains from those. Still probably worth continuing conversions overall though.

Welcome John, it’s great to have you! In this forum you’ll find helpful posts on different countries. Our Portugal section is a place dedicated to navigating life in Portugal with valuable insight, tips, and shared experiences which you may find useful for your journey! Again, welcome to the Community!