The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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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?
I suggest establishing a virtual home address in your home country as many people say family and friends is not ideal-- although I use my parent's address still, after MANY years.
For Costa Rica, you can look into Correos de Costa Rica (with a box in Miami) and these options too: Access USA: myus.com / Earthclassmail.com
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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Interested in Colombia to retire, is this not an acceptable place any longer?
Colombia is still a good option. It's on our Global Retirement Index... and here's a recent piece that will hopefully give you some insights -- reasons you should (and should not) retire there. https://internationalliving.com/countries/colombia/
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UK has horrendous waits to see a dr. how are wait times in the countries you mention?
Hello,
I can see my general practicioner the same day for an emergency, common here when you establish a relationship with them. Other wait times are a few weeks for most serves, a bit longer for an MRI or special test. If you have a procedure to do, that will be a few months. Otherwise, I call around if I need to get in somewhere quick and usually manage to find a spot - even if it's the next town over.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Does International Living offer one-on-one consultations to help me narrow down which countries would suit my family's situation?
Yes, my colleague Ted Baumann does this -- he's our Global Diversification expert and does exactly what you're talking about... he helps people sort through their best options for residency, investment, how to hold real estate, tax considerations, etc.
https://internationalliving.com/author/ted-baumann/ -
what plans to make to bring a pet into your country?
Hello,
I believe that info will be on the IL website, by country. For France, you need to have your pet microchiped and have the vet sign-off. When you arrive, there is no quarantine period.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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LOTS of people speak English in Panama, but if I were a betting woman, I'd say southern Portugal would find you among more English speakers, just because of the huge population of British and Northern Europeans there. That said, if you settle in Panama in a spot where there are lots of N American expats, you'll find many, many English speakers -- Boquete and Coronado, for instance, are two places you might consider.
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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.Hello,
For France, there are many English speakers in Paris, Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Lyon, Toulouse, the Dordogne and Lille - to name a few!
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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I would love to live in a place with constant spring like weather. I don’t like hot humid tropical climates. My initial research suggests the following:
Lake Chapala or Oaxca in Mexico
Boquette Panama
Medellin ColumbiaCould you compare the pros and cons of these places? Could you include things not usually covered byIL, insects, disease, crime etc. Are there other places I should consider?
ThanksWatch your January 2025 issue of International Living magazine -- we're coming out with a brand-new Regional Index that takes a deep dive into exactly what you're asking about.
I think your list is a good one (though Oaxaca is going to be warmer, possibly, than you'd like). I'd add San Miguel de Allende, Mexico to your list as well.
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In Costa Rica is there a government information entity to answers questions if we spend a month looking around before making a possible move?
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Do you have anybody at the different locations that could be hired to give a tour and show someone around the area and explain things tht are needed ?
Hello,
If you contact the IL correspondent where you'd like to visit, they can usually point you in the right direction.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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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.
Hi Pat,
As you know the world's been changing since you did that semester in Rome. Imagine all the change you've witnessed wherever you live now; in the 1970s US women often needed a man's signature to get a bank account or credit card. That couldn't be farther from the truth today, right?
All the other countries we're talking about today have been progressing, too. I remember my first visit to Italy in the 90s and today more than 20 years later it's a very different experience.
That said let me comment on Panama, where I live. In parts of Panama yes women will often be catcalled (generally women under 40), but in 2018 a new law and public campaign raised awareness and put sanctions in place, and that led to improvement. The wealthier Panama gets, the more educated and less prone to that sort of thing people are (today Panama is the wealthiest country in Latin America by PPP). Like other countries, Panama has evolved and continues to do so.
Is it a welcoming place for women? In my experience, yes. It's pretty respectful (and by the way, elders are generally respected here and treated with more courtesy than in the US). For me it's also a positive sign that there are women in high positions, as industry leaders, at the top in STEM careers, etc (Panama voted in its first female president in the 90s whereas the US has never had a female president).
I go out alone, even late night, and I have traveled the entire country (half the time on my own, driving my own car). Naturally I frequent nice areas and use the same blend of common sense and street smarts that keep me safe when in the States, but I am generally less worried when I am in Panama.
There may still be some challenges, here and no matter where you go, but as a single woman (and a POC) I feel safe and free to live my life in Panama, that's a big reason why I love it and continue to live here.
Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor -
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 TimeI always suggest renting to check out the different areas, especially in Costa Rica, were climates can be so different so really spending time to find what fits your life best is recommended.
Are you a beach person or do you love mountains? Are more comfortable at higher elevations? What is the best temperature for you to live in? What activities do you want to have as part of your dalily life? Do you need to be close to the best healthcare? These are all important to consider.
Many people move around to a few places and stay for a month or so in each place to get a really get a feel for it. It is key to meet people living in the area to find deals and get a sense of what everyday life feels like. I love connecting with new people via Facebook groups-- they are a great resource.
Of course, buying a place as an investment or a rental for part of the year is also an option. I would love to have a condo as an investment, personally.
If you are interested in Costa Rica, I could give you some recomendations if you answer the above questions.
bbottone@internationalliving.comBekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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As a gay couple, my wife and I would love to live abroad in our retirement. What countries are welcoming and which should we avoid?
I know many gay couples in Costa Rica and gay marriage is also legal here.
Walking down the street in San Jose, I have seen the pride flag flying high by the Costa Rican flag, which I love.
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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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?Hi P,
Retirement facilities like the one you describe aren't very common in Panama. There are a couple nicer ones including Wonder Years (https://www.facebook.com/WonderYearsPty/?locale=es_LA) but mostly families care for their elder members in the home, hiring at home help. You may well have more options in Mexico as described in the other replies here.
Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor -
Can you please make available the email addresses of the speakers? Thanks!
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Hi Mary,
Panama generally makes it easy to bring in dogs (or cats). The easiest way to do this is to contact a Panamanian relocation service or attorney, but you can also handle things yourself, just make sure you plan ahead as documentation is time sensitive. You’ll need to get health certificates for your pet(s) within 10 days of travel and get them certified by the appropriate local authority (USDA or Canadian Food and Inspection Agency) and a Panamanian embassy or consulate (or Apostille).
Best,
Jess Ramesch
IL Panama Editor -
We don't speak any language but English. I've tried to learn, but perhaps we need better tools. I know a few words of Spanish. I have health issues that require a combination of regular and alternative treatments and meds. And we'd like a place with moderate temps that is affordable and maybe within an hour of a beach. Is all that even realistic in any of these destinations? If we visit places first, do you offer help to visit the best areas to live for expats?
Most private doctors speak English here in Costa Rica and I find there are a lot of alternative treatments available in this country.
The Central Valley and Arenal area has moderate teperatures, in my opinion, kind of like an eternal spring. Living in Atenas and Grecia in the Central Valley, you can get to a beach in about an hour. You are also close to the best healthcare in the country in these areas.
If you decide you are interested in Costa Rica, the conference in May 2025 is the best place to start and get a feel for the country.
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent
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what was the book?
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We are big music people. What countries/cities have the best nighlife (as in live music, not "club" music).
In Costa Rica, there are lots of concerts these days, so many more than in the past. I don't consider it a huge music scene, however, there are more options than in the past.
Maybe you can check out these places:
https://www.bandsintown.com/c/San-Jose-Costa-Rica?came_from=335&livestreams=true&genre_filter=Christian%2FGospel&genre_filter=R%26B%2FSoul
https://www.songkick.com/metro-areas/56440-costa-rica-heredia
https://www.songkick.com/venues/80783-estadio-nacionalI just saw a few I would love to go to! Thanks for getting me thinking about this.
Bekah Bottone, IL Costa Rica Correspondent