International Living Community

Hi Will, the good news is that there are many places to consider. If you have a look at "Mexico" under the 'countries' tab at the top of the IL webpage, you will find over 40 locations to cosider. All you have to do it scroll to the bottom of the Mexico page, and they are all listed there. Each place has complete information about each place so you can find out cost of living, amenities, health care options etc. If you have more questions, you can email me at: bwoodhouse@internationalliving.com. I hope this helps, cheers, Bel.

I am planning to retire next May and am getting truely obsessed with the idea of moving to Europe (right now it's Portugal, but who knows until I do more research). My plan is to rent out my home here in the US and rent in Europe for 1-2 years (or more if I love it). I want to use it as a base for travel to the rest of Europe. I keep reading that I'll be able to live off my soc security in Europe, I can't do that in the US. And I'm feeling more and more like this country is no longer my heart and soul.

Hi there! That's wonderful! What did your son study in the Netherlands? The job market in Spain is tough as the country suffers from high unemployment and low wages. Getting a visa sponsorship is difficult, however, some roles that are in demand may qualify for the highly qualifeid visa (tech, finance, senior management). An easier route to Spain is through the digital nomad visa (DNV). If Chris can get a qualifying remote job that is based outside of Spain, he could apply for the DNV and take his remote job to Spain. In this case he would not require a visa sponsorship. This is the most popular route right now for remote workers who want to move to Spain. After 2 years on the digital nomad visa in Spain, since he is a Colombian citizen, he could apply for Spanish citizenship. After applying for citizenship the waittime to a response/approval is generally 6 months to 2 years. I hope this helps! Please le us know if you have any quesitons. Cepee, IL Correspondent - Spain

Hi there! That's great that you're looking to spend the winter in Spain. Have you been to Valencia and Cartegena yet? If not, both are lovely options and quite different. Valencia is Spain's 3rd large city (population about 800,000) with a lot of culture, restuarants, arts, and entertainment, as well as mild winters, although lows can get into the 40s and highs are in the 60s. Cartagena is very lovely, however, a much different lifestyle than Valencia. It's a smaller city (around 200,000) and will be more laid back, and has much less going on. However, there is lots to see in and around the city. Spain has a wonderful public and private healthare system. Your wife being Italian, she may be able to get on a EHIC: https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies-and-activities/moving-working-europe/eu-social-security-coordination/european-health-insurance-card/how-use-card/spain-european-health-insurance-card_en Let us know if you have any questions! Cepee, IL Correspondent - Spain

Hi there, sorry you had some trouble finding the Dream Retirement Project—I realize the website can be confusing at times. You should be able to access it at this link. Let me know if you have any more trouble accessing it.

Thanks for your reply. Good luck.

Personally, I don't have any experience in this area. It does seem like dementia is a growing concern in the country. I would try contacting people here to look for more info: https://findahelpline.com/countries/cr/topics/dementia-alzheimers https://www.alzint.org/member/asociacion-costarricense-de-alzheimer-y-otras-demencias-asociadas-ascada/ a nursing home: https://nursinghomescostarica.com/ & https://verdeza.com/ Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.

We used StartAbroad. Zach is excellent and we highly recommend him as well as the people who have helped us once we landed in Costa Rica.

Looking for town but much to see and experience, laid back but totally fun, no cold weather, at least close to a beach, perfer walking, friendly and neigborly. Is that to much to ask? It is for my sister and I and we would like to move in the next year. Looking to spend no more than $2k a month for the both of us. Thank you. Perfer for a easy transition!

I got my answer. Post can be deleted.

Hi Randy, There are different healthcare options in Uruguay. All workers in Uruguay get comprehensive healthcare coverage as a social security benefit. The default plan is the public healthcare system. However, workers can move their social security covered healthcare plan to a private plan, called a mutulista, during open enrollments without paying any more. A foreigner who becomes a legal resident and does not work in Uruguay can buy coverage with a private mutualista for about $85 per month. However, they are private companies and can deny membership based on age and preexisting conditions. And each company's guidelines may be a little different. Another option is Uruguay's public healthcare system, which does not have any restrictions for age or preexisting conditions. The way you qualify for it is by becoming a legal resident. The cost for the public plan is also about $85 per month, and I understand it's free for people who make less than $2,000 per month. Here is a link to an article I wrote with more detailed information about your healthcare option in Uruguay: https://internationalliving.com/countries/uruguay/health-care/ In regard to other countries, I was recently in Argentina, and they also have private and public healthcare systems. Their public healthcare system is free to all legal residents of Argentina. Best regards, David

i also recommend Bangsaray or Najomtien, Thailand [image: 1746483452894_IMG_6630.jpeg]

no worries! thank you so much formthe information & good luck finding out your answers as well...

Hi Katherine, Good questions. There are not a lot of organized expat groups to choose from in Uruguay. A good strategy might be to just get to know some English-speaking expats and locals, and then gradually find individuals who share your values and interests. The only organized English-speaking expat group in Uruguay that I know of is Punta del Este Expats. They meet once a month. It’s common for expats from other areas to attend their monthly meeting. https://puntadelesteexpats.com/ Also, small group Spanish classes is another way to meet English-speaking locals (the teachers and staff) other English-speaking newcomers to Uruguay (your fellow students), as well a learning some Spanish. Through the school, you may also learn of locals who are learning English and may enjoy practicing with you. Piriapolis is a smaller town outside of Punta del Este that you may find interesting. The Internet is generally very good in Uruguay, with fiber-optic lines in many areas. With my basic home Internet plan, my plugged-in computer has a 408 Mbps download speed and a 31 Mbps upload speed. Good luck to you, David (P.S., We have a new "Uruguay" category on the International Living Community page, whuich is the first place I look for new messages each day.)

What stands out about the two countries to you? I live in Costa Rica and am IL's Correspndent. I know a good amount of artists. I just met a man who is a fine artist in Ojochal on an editorial trip. And this is a new gallery that is pretty popular in Guanacaste by Tamarindo (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568438617057)-- one of my friend's Johnny has his art there- https://www.solgallery.cr/artist/johnny-coopwood?fbclid=IwY2xjawJ-cHdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFuRkJYREY2NkpNRWtJZjFzAR75ya20koowP77MK4TWRi5p3i61RYnQcPd-4ARwvkr5GPKYgmKmGikXFPBvjw_aem_RxJfZubODKh_X5k7zu0u3g There are a lot of new pottery places in the area, like this one- https://www.instagram.com/almanos.ceramica/ There are people who do Sip and Paint nights which are pretty popular. And Lindsey just started opened her own gallery https://www.facebook.com/LindsayArte and a kids club art- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564976650338. Junior Rodrigues also has a place in Tamarindo - https://www.instagram.com/artgallerycafejr/?hl=en Enjoy your trip! THat is the best thing to do... go check out areas and see what they feel like to you! -Bekah Bottone, IL's Costa Rica Correspondent

Hi there, That's really exciting! I'm not familiar with Oviedo enough to know which areas to focus on, however, I would suggest reaching out to a local real estate agent to get insights from someone on the ground. Here is one suggestion - Agencia Alvarez: https://www.agenciaalvarez.com/ Since Oviedo isn't a popular city for expats it may be challenging to find a real estate agent who speaks English. Do you speak Spanish by chance? Idealista.com is a popular website to check real estate go get an idea of what's on the market, you can also see listings by individuals and agents. That may be a good place to find other agents to speak to. https://www.idealista.com/ Best, Cepee, IL Correspondent - Spain