The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025
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Many US residents of Panama keep Medicare thinking they will fly back to the States where they can use it for anything major. In the meantime while here in Panama many use an inexpensive Panama insurance OR pay out of pocket for minor health expenses because it's so affordable even sans insurance.
(Right now some hospitals in Panama are now saying that they can bill Medicare Advantage directly which could be extremely helpful, but note that this isn't guaranteed, just a possible new perk, we'll see how well it works.)
As mentioned above WHEN to take social security is a question you do not want to deal with lightly, it's something you want to be very informed and strategic about (getting your information from a verified expert and not just friends and family much less unknowns online).
A lot of helpful information has been shared by experts in International Living Postcards, International Living magazine, and on the International Living Bookstore.
It's great that you're thinking about this now, keep it up - the more informed you are, the more you lay out in a plan, the better and more empowered you will feel. (It's a wonderful feeling!)
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Is the Seminar over?
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I'll just add that far-right movements have had periodic resurgences in a wide range of European countries every decade since WWII. The spectre of this type of nationalism is always there, one part of a broad and varied political landscape. I wouldn't necessarily let yourself be turned off of France because of what the media is saying today about any "Putin effect" if you love France. Take all opinions (including mine) with a grain of salt, keep asking questions and reading articles by people like Tuula who actually live in France, and do your own "macro perspective" study - you can have a lot of fun with it and you'll feel empowered to make the right decision for yourself.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Note that Panama does not have large high-end assisted living facilities as most families here (as is customary in most if not all of Latin America) choose affordable in-home care instead. There are some smaller options being talked about and I do hope to see more options added but at present there isn't a huge demand... yet. You may want to join Facebook groups for expats in Boquete to keep abreast of any specific news about this particular topic and it's great to see how potential expats gather info and post questions.
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
is there a replay link for todays call and video? Thanks
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Thank you for posting this question - one common misperception about Panama (because of its famed pensionado or pensioner's program) is that it doesn't welcome younger expats or expats without pensions. However, Panama actually has great programs for non-pensioner expats, including the friendly nations program (for permanent residence) and a digital nomad option (for temporary residence) for people who want to test-drive life here for 9 or even 18 months.
The Friendly Nations Visa opens the door to professionals and entrepreneurs from countries that “maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relationships” with Panama. Created in 2012, the program is open to potential expats from dozens of countries, including the US and Canada.
It's great because you can choose one of the following options to qualify:
Option A: Invest $200,000 in real estate.
Option B: Open a three-year fixed term deposit account in a bank in Panama - at least $200,000 but there is no requirement to spend those funds on real estate or any other investment. (The money remains yours.)
Option
Show evidence that you require permanent residency for work purposes. (You will need an employment letter and work contract from a Panamanian company with a business license)For more information on exciting, welcoming Panama visit the IL Website and choose Panama from the countries menu. Happy reading...
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Ted Baumann did a piece on the latest requirements, here: https://internationalliving.com/countries/malaysia/visa-and-residence-in-malaysia/
Mind you, this MM2H program has been in flux. Keith Hockton, our Malaysia correspondent, says thatiIt seems like this state of affairs is here to stay--but one can't be absolutely sure!
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What about Colombia with Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota ?
I don't see it in the list -
Hi Denise, I see someone's replied here already but I'll add that on the International Living website we have a wealth of information about the different regions of Panama (outside Panama City) - there is a ton to choose from, including the mountains with their cooler, springlike weather and the beaches and islands of the Pacific and Caribbean.
Here are some links to get you started
https://internationalliving.com/up-and-coming-retirement-regions/
https://internationalliving.com/my-2900-a-month-california-girl-lifestyle/
(read article and scroll down to watch a new video)
And there's lots more great info on the website, as you'll seeAnd if you're wanting /able to act now there may still be time to sign up for IL's Feb 7-9 conference in Panama (See https://internationalliving.com/events/)
Best of luck with all your Panama plans...
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
We have beefy itineraries for many countries here in our bookstore: https://www.ilbookstore.com/Search?q=itineraries
And our big Escape to guides--these include everything you need to know to go, retire, invest, travel get healthcare, etc. (they're each several hundred pages long)--for each country all have suggested travel routes in them, too: https://www.ilbookstore.com/Search?q=escape+to
And if you look on our website, you'll find lots of details about specific communities worth investigating... for instance:
Silver Coast, Portugal: https://internationalliving.com/countries/portugal/the-silver-coast-portugal/#how-to-spend-seven-days-on-portugal’s-silver-coast
France: https://internationalliving.com/countries/france/travel/
Spain: https://internationalliving.com/countries/spain/travel/
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Hi Bob, we love Uruguay and you'll find quite a few articles here on the International Living website and a book called Escape to Uruguay in the International Living Bookstore. We also recently ran an article about different regions of Uruguay in International Living magazine, go to the member's site or use https://members.internationalliving.com/magazine-issues/2025/ and search "Uruguay" or click on the May 2024 issue. See also Dec 2024 issue. Happy reading.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
sadly, I didnt see the email of this event until 2:25pm. Would have been nice a couple days earlier so i could put it on my calendar. Was it recorded?
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Hello MAINEFUNCTIONALMED,
You can fly to Boquete if you're pressed for time, it's just an hour, see www.AirPanama.com.
Your best spot to see the Panama Canal is probably Panama City, you can stay in the city and Uber to the Miraflores Visitor Center on the city's far western edge.
There's tons to do all over the country, whether or not you choose to stay around Panama City, here are some recommendations and there's tons more on the International Living website, start here: https://internationalliving.com/things-to-do-in-panama/
Have a wonderful time
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Hi LIZZANZE,
US citizens do not need a visa to come to Panama for up to six months. Though I can't predict the future exactly I can definitely say we don't anticipate this changing anytime soon. We don't expect Panama residency options to change over the next four years either. Keep reading IL Postcards, International Living magazine, and the Interational Living website for real-life accounts from Panama - we love Panama and will continue to dedicate ourselves to keeping you informed about this great little isthmus.Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
When it comes to South America and affordability, I'd look to either Ecuador or Colombia. We recommend Uruguay as well, but things (while still costing less than in the US, are more expensive than in those first two options).
Cuenca, Ecuador and Cotacachi, Ecuador are excellent options
https://internationalliving.com/countries/ecuador/cuenca/
https://internationalliving.com/countries/ecuador/cotacachi-ecuador/Medellin, Colombia and Pereira, Colombia are excellent options as well
https://internationalliving.com/countries/colombia/medellin/
https://internationalliving.com/countries/colombia/pereira-colombia/And, too, I'll simply say that smaller communities in Mexico can be very affordable as well. You might consider, for instance, the Lake Chapala area (that's over near Guadalajara), Queretaro (in the colonial highlands) or the northern Baja like Ensenada (that's just south of San Diego).
https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/lake-chapala-mexico/
https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/queretaro-mexico/
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/may_2023/4094025/ -
At an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, Boquete is a near-perfect refuge located at the base of Panama’s tallest peak, Volcán Barú. The Caldera River rushes through the middle of town, while lush green hills and waterfalls surround it. Though banana, mango, and passionfruit trees abound, this is coffee country. The climate is perfect for it, and Panama’s brews—especially the ones from this region—are world-renowned.
Thanks to the elevation, day¬time temperatures are generally in the 70s to low 80s F, and nights are cooler (though 60 F is about as cold as it gets). The spring weather makes Boquete ideal for full-time residents and snowbirds alike.
Like every expat destination, it has its pros and cons. It gets a lot of sunshine, but it also gets a lot of rain—up to 100 inches a year. (This is true of any mountain town in Panama). The upside: the frequent misty rain keeps everything green, so you can grow just about anything.
The community—mostly Panamanian, with a sizeable contingent of foreigners from different parts of the world—is the definition of welcoming. People of all colors, religions, and orientations live here. And though you’ll see expats everywhere, it retains a very traditional Panamanian feel. Parents walk their kids to and from school, and families spend Sundays together. As they say around here, life is tranquilo…tranquil.
Read more about Boquete on the International Living website and in International Living magazine. Here are some links to start and you can search for more:
In the magazine: https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/july_2023/4110329/
Happy reading....
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
You mentioned assisted living communities in Panama, but what about independent living communities or CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Commuities, that have assisted, independent and nursing and rehab in one spot). I am a single woman, retired, 77 years old. I still am independent, healthy and still drive, but I am thinking ahead. I would like the feeling of security that a retirement community can give. Perhaps a gated community would do it?
It seems from the comments that you could do a webcast on living abroad for single women.