The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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Hello,
If you contact the correspondents, they can usually set you up with some expat contacts that live in the spot you'd like to visit. In France, there's an app where you can search for English-speaking doctors, if that's helpful.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hello,
No, there are no health restrictions for France.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hi,
Most places in Mexico are very open to foreigners and the warmth of the Mexican people means it's easy to meet people and form friendships or something more.
As for being a writer, I myself am a writer and have never had any issues. We have excellent internet, and places like San Miguel de Allende in Mexico has a wonderful creative expat community full of writers. They also hold an annual literary festival which attracts thousands of participants from all over the world so I'm sure you would meet some amazing people in San Miguel.
Regards,
Bel - Il Mexico Correspondent. -
I have a unique question...I started playing Senior Softball here in Florida last year, and I really enjoy it. Does Panama have any Senior Softball leagues or pickup games? I know baseball is popular there. I'd be interested to see if Mexico or Costa Rica has Senior Softball also, but I would tend to think not...Thanks!
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In Mexico, you'll find options in San Miguel de Allende and in Lake Chapala. Here's a piece we ran a little bit ago with Three Case Studies for Long-Term Care in Mexico that should give you some insights:
https://members.internationalliving.com/articles/three-case-studies-on-affordable-long-term-care-in-mexico-mag-10-2019/Tuula mentioned they exist in France as well.
Related: you might find this article useful, too, just FYI... Medical Tourism: How Insiders Afford New Hips, Hair Plugs, and Facelifts https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/october_2023/4138620/
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Hello,
You should have some luck with France. They have in-home health aides and care homes if that is a needed. You could start to do some research to find what's available in the area of the country where you'd like to move.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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I love how someone recommended Facebook groups. I would totally see if there are any single or expat groups where you want to visit to reach out and see what is available.
I am a single woman in Costa Rica; I have always felt safe here, even when I was young.er I always compared Costa Rica to Jamaica, where I was horrified at what the people yelled at me on the street-- it was so vulgar compared to what I had experienced in Costa Rica prior to that trip.
I always suggest not meeting people alone and being in a group setting in a busy place, not walking at night alone, and following one's gut feelings.
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Hello,
I think France is good... especially the south of France or Paris. There are several gay expat couples that I know who have moved here. They found the south the most welcoming outside of Paris.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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UK has horrendous waits to see a dr. how are wait times in the countries you mention?
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Hello,
Yes you can. I know retired expats in France who are receiving their US social security.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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A good resource that'll give you a sense for what's available all over the world is Idealista.com -- if you search "Idealista" with "Spain," or "Panama" or whatever country you're curious about, that'll give you a realistic feel for what's available. And in most places, you can search by specific area in the country.
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Hello,
You can contact the IL correspondent of the country you are interested in and they will help you.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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We'll be sure that the replay has captions. Our apologies for not having that turned on at the first
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Hello,
The French visa is pretty straight forward, you could do it on your own if you wish. Otherwise, the IL country correspondents can give you attorney contact info.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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what plans to make to bring a pet into your country?
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I think France is a good bet! Also Spain, Portugal, Italy... many places in Europe are very safe.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hello,
In France, you look on the town hall website, or really just go to the center of the village and ask at the cafe. There's always something going on, music-wise.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Not all airlines allow dogs these days to Costa Rica, but I have heard these airlines still allow them in cabin or as luggage: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Lufthansa.
There are also companies that have private charters for pets you can research.
I know a lot of people who have brought their pets along to join their new life! I know a woman who works at a vet and I can have her send me the guidelines. If you want more info, send me an email: bbottone@internationalliving.com
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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my husband and I are 76, so social contacts would be very important should we move away from our family.
Can you recommend locations in France, Spain, Italy and Spain where there are large english speaking populations. -
This little discussion of places for folks retiring solo might be helpful: https://internationalliving.com/can-you-advise-me-on-the-safest-countries-for-a-single-woman-to-live-in-qa/
More in-depth is this piece Jess wrote for us a little bit ago -- lots of good advice in here: https://internationalliving.com/singles-guide-to-fitting-in-and-making-friends-overseas/
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