The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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Considering a winter stay--January through March in Panama. tips and suggestions on how to proceed
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Hello,
You can drive for 1 year on your US license in France, then check if your state has an agreement to directly exchange for a French license - otherwise you need to take the test here. You can get auto insurance when you arrive, between $70-$100 a month. You could use your US license back home as long as it's still valid.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hi Jonathan,
You'll want to note each country's restrictions (if any) individually as they can vary. I can answer for Panama: once you become a legal resident Panama asks you to touch Panamanian soil at least once in a two-year period to maintain residency. That means you never want to go two years without a visit, plan to come down in plenty of time before that two-year mark.
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor -
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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what if we wsnted to stay in multiple countries throughout the year at most appropriate times within each cointry? Maybe three or four countries?
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You should join the Facebook groups for solo females over 50 and Panama expats. These groups will help you meet people and find like-minded communities. You will not be harassed in touristy areas. Panama is especially safe I rented a car and drove all over the country alone with no issues and friendly people everywhere.
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Hello,
In France, you can just get on the public system, which is, in my opinon, about just as good as the private. I've only used the public system and been very pleased. No age limits or pre-existing condition requirements. You just need a long-stay visa, which is not hard to obtain. -
Hello,
For France, you have to be in the country for 10 months of the year during the first 5 years in order to apply for a 10-year resident card or French citizenship.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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What are the biggest hurdles to overcome when moving to Panama from the US?
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It's 12:05 eastern. Are we starting soon?
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Hi everyone, Aine from IL here. If you're having trouble watching the video, please try refreshing the page and pressing the play button.
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Hello,
There are no age restrictions on healthcare in France. You arrive with the long-stay visa and you fill out a form online after 3 months of living in the country. Healthcare is open to everyone.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent -
What are the current requirements to gain citizenship in Panama and Portugal?
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Hi everyone
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Bonjour,
I've felt quite comfortable in France. I do feel that this is a country where the woman have a very strong role and are generally respected a lot. I travel alone frequently and have never had a problem... except for folks passing wishing me "bon appetit" when I'm eating a sandwich on bench!-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hi B,
You'll need to note each country's requirements individually.
In Panama: you can drive for up to 90 days on a US driver's license but no longer. You're generally allowed to stay for up to 180 days on a US passport but you can only drive for the first 90 of those days. Panamanian car rental companies generally require you to buy their insurance no matter what.
Most would agree Uber/the metro is preferable to driving in Panama City but outside of the city I do prefer to have a car.
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor -
Hi Jonathon,
Mexico allows you to come and go without restriction once you have obtained permanent residency. If you are doing the yearly renewal of temporary residency then you'll need to return each year to renew your residency.
Bel Woodhouse - Mexico Correspondent. -
Hello,
I think France could be a good place for you. There's a woman who was profiled for IL who is raising Golden retrievers on a farm in France. She found the transition with the dogs fairly easy.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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