The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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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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You could reach out the the US embassy: https://cr.usembassy.gov/
I am not sure exactly what you are asking. Can you give me an example of the type of information you are asking about?
I always suggest finding a laywer you can trust to help with any questions. It took me a while to find someone I trust and use (I went through various ones). I love sharing her info if you are interested.
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Hi Pat,
I'm a single woman living in Mexico for the last 8 years and have never had any issues or inappropriate behaviour from men. If anything it's the opposite, I've always found them to be very respectful and helpful. Hope that helps.
Regards,
Bel Woodhouse - Mexico Correspondent. -
Hello,
I think you could have some luck in many spots in Europe. Quite a different cultural mindset, worth perhaps spending some time in one city / town and seeing if it speaks to you.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hi Eric,
Panama doesn't require you to have health insurance but I urge everyone to buy travel insurance prior to any international travel and if you're living in Panama rather than just visiting I do recommend looking into locally underwritten insurance if you're under 64 or international insurance if you're over 64.
After the age of 70 it can be difficult to get into an int'l insurance plan but you can use the super-subsidized public system in Panama and/or pay for inexpensive private out of pocket as it's so affordable. (Most USCs keep some form of Medicare so they can return and be close to family in the event of anything major.)
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor -
In Costa Rica, you can get a liscense nowadays once you are a resident. However, before that, as long as your tourist visa is valid, you can drive on your US liscence showing your passport stamp, which can be good for up to 180-days, depending on what they gave you when you entered the country.
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Hello,
Well, there could possibly be budget questions... but overall, it's a good idea to rent for awhile, even up to a year, to see if the spot where you landed is a good fit.
-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hi Donald, I'm afraid the livestream isn't captioned however once we post the recording afterwards, it will include captions. Please check the page once the recording has been posted for captions.
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Is it cheaper and easy to ship a car to Panama, Costa Rica or Portugal or purchase a car in country?
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Female - 84 in February, 2025
Active and mentally alert/Multi-lingual
Somewhat limited financial resources
Any suggestions? -
France is great for live music! All around the country... Every June 21st, they have a national music festival where bands, singers, etc play all around France, even in small villages. Loads of jazz festivals, especially in the summer. Nice, Toulon, and Antibes, to name a few.
Check out "Fete de la Musique" on Google.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Are you recording this so I can share it with my Fiance' No need to answer live
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In Costa Rica, to maintain temporary residency, you depending on the type of residency you have, you need to spend 3-4 months in the country (I need to confirm with my laywer). Once you obtain permanent residency, you need to visit Costa Rica once a year to keep your status (for 3 days).
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Hello,
For France, the visa is not too difficult. Many IL readers have done it on their own. You can see the steps on the IL website. I do have attorney contacts if you need them. Also, Adrian Leeds is the French real estate expert if you'd like to contact her.-Tuula, IL France Correspondent
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Hi Wendy,
You'll need to note each country's particularities individually. Panama has one of the world's most stable banking centers so many expats have accounts in the US and here in Panama.
Research your US banks before a move abroad. Some banks—like Charles Schwab—may be able to offer you important perks like foreign ATM fee reimbursement. Others—like Capital One—may offer credit cards with zero foreign currency fees.
Best,
Jess Ramesch, IL Panama Editor