The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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What is a good way to handle automobile driving and auto insurance in my new place of retirement, as well as on those times I return to the US? Is it better to not drive in my new country, and to use rideshare services and car rentals when back in the States? Is my US driver's license good abroad and would a license from a foreign country be valid in the US?
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For longer stays abroad, what are the best options for health insurance, especially for those over 65 with pre-existing conditions, in countries that require private insurance?
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Do you have any suggestions on how to fast-track dual citizenship in Italy?
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Do you have any suggestions for how to fast-track dual citizenship in Italy?
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Is it practical, or safe, to drive from the US to Panama?
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Do any/all of the 5 countries require lengths of stay within the country to establish residency or can you come and go without restrictions?
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Spain - there is a strong feeeling against foreigners, especially British.
France - safety has become a very serious matter especially in Paris and on Cote d'Azur
These are things you should tell everyone considering a move to these countries, not that the sun is always shinning and everything is great -
I am single --only speak basic Spanish and not sure where to go where I can build community and not be challenged by the language barrier.
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How does or can one acquire health care/insurance in Portugal, Spain or France at age 75?
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Driving from the United States to Panama is technically feasible, with an estimated driving time exceeding 60 hours, depending on your U.S. departure point. However, such a journey would require traversing multiple countries, some of which have U.S. Department of State travel advisories at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) due to concerns like crime and civil unrest.
Travel Advisories for Countries En Route:
• Mexico: The U.S. Department of State advises exercising increased caution due to crime and kidnapping in various regions. Violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are prevalent. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services in many areas, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is restricted. 
• Guatemala: The advisory level is at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) due to crime. Violent crime, such as armed robbery and murder, is common. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. 
• El Salvador: The advisory level has been updated to Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) due to crime. While there has been a significant reduction in gang-related activity and associated crime in the last two years, violent crime remains a concern. 
• Honduras: The advisory level is at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) due to crime. Violent crime, such as homicide and armed robbery, is prevalent. The government has limited capacity to address crime in many areas. 
• Nicaragua: The advisory level is at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) due to civil unrest, crime, and limited healthcare availability. Political tensions and demonstrations can occur without notice. 
• Costa Rica: The advisory level is at Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) due to crime. While generally considered safe, petty theft and other crimes do occur. 
• Panama: The advisory level is at Level 2 (“Exercise Increased Caution”) due to crime. Some areas have increased risk. Given the extensive travel time, the necessity to traverse multiple countries with varying safety concerns, and the presence of Level 3 travel advisories, such a journey poses significant risks. It’s essential to consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories for each country on your route and consider alternative travel methods. Due to the potential dangers, I would not recommend undertaking this drive.
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What's the best way to handle my social security payments abroad? I'd prefer to set up an account in the US before I move overseas. Are there any "safe" international banks I can do this with? I'm primarily looking at Schengen area countries. Thank you!
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What is it like living as a SINGLE WOMAN in your best places? I spent a semester in Rome, Italy a long time ago and remember the papagali (Italian men just "standing on the corner watching all the girls go by") were quite annoying., Of course I am no longer a bella ragazza but a 77 year old. But I still like to shop and even eat out alone and I worry about being harrassed especially in "latin" countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Portugal, France, Mexico and yes Italy. I will be moving alone leaving my family behind, with no men to "protect" me. I guess that makes me a scarlet woman.
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I live in a CCRC currently. That is a Continuing Care Retirement Community. If you are not aware, that is an independant living community with attached assissted living and rehab and nursing care sections. I had what I thought was a good deal because all maintence and utilities except telephone were included in the monthly fee aa well as a 20% discount on any stay in assissted living or nursing care. Also I liked the feeling of security it gave me. Is anything similar available abroad? I am still independant and relatively healthy.
It's too long a story for an email, but this CCRC has had a bankruptcy and the "life care" contract I signed is not worth the paper it was printed on! My deposit refund and the 20% discount on the medical section are gone. I consider it a fraud, but it is legal. I have an unbreakable lease for a year. Then I could stay here or move to another CCRC here in the States, but I have learned my lesson! I am looking for another option that would make me feel secure - perhaps a gated community? -
I want to take my 20 pound young dog. What's required for these ideal retirement spots?
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I want to visit and maybe live in Portugal where its warm not the north where it's cold and damp. But the housing prices or rent is very high.
Are there places in the warm area yet have cheaper houses or rent.
I love what I have read about the southern part of the country. I lived in Brasil for almost 3 years and learned some Portuguese and I know there are some differences but it is a start.
Thanks, Nora -
Are there cheaper houses in the southern part of Portugal? inland? That is safe and warm not like the north where it came be damp and cold.
I've read all prices have shot up because of expats. -
Two questions. First, I am a single man, almost 87, who is in excellent health. I think that, more important than where you live is the human relationships you form. That said, finding a female partner in a country where more than half the people voted for a criminal, traitor, and overall despicable person as president is very difficult. I hope to find an educated, more enlightened woman in the expat or native population of the country I move to. What areas are best for cultivating female friendships that may lead to a relationship?
Second, I am a writer and author, and want to continue plying my avocation where I relocate. In what spots would I most likely thrive? -
As a US expat, is it necessary to have an address in the US for matters of federal/state tax, Social Security, Medicare Advantage coverage, etc.? If so, do the mail screening and forwarding services that provide you the US address, that is not a P.O. Box, an effective and practical solution?
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Im wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of buying vs renting property
also, Im not much of an urbanite. I prefer to live within reasonable distance to town, but would prefer living in a quiet riral area, in a small bungalow-type of home. Im having a hard time finding a website to begin a search
thank you in advance
Brucieil_admin said:
The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
Our Annual Global Retirement Index Explained
If you’re looking for your just-right place overseas, this roundtable discussion is for you. Here at International Living, we’ve been exploring the world’s best options for better living abroad since 1979. Each year, we create a useful tool with our Annual Global Retirement Index—comparing, contrasting, ranking, and rating the 20 top countries for retirement living across seven key categories.
Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor, together with expats who live in the countries that snag the top five spots in the 2025 Index—Tuula Rampont in France, Bel Woodhouse in Mexico, Glenda Cole in Portugal, Bekah Bottone in Costa Rica, and Jessica Ramesch in Panama—will discuss what life is like in their respective countries and dive into the benefits that make them top contenders. You’ll discover how they compare when it comes to healthcare, cost of living, day-to-day lifestyle, climate, and more, plus take a look at those under-the-radar perks that make these places special.
Our experts will be online answering your questions, below. Please type your questions, and we’ll get you the insights you’re looking for.
Monday, December 2, 2024
12:00 Noon Eastern Time -
Is Ireland affordable on a fixed income of about 90,000 (for a couple)? 68,000 if I go alone.
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