International Living Community

Ed, I also want to emphasize that the locations I mentioned are places where you will not need a car. Many expat retirees use taxis, Ubers, or have private drivers they call on with regularity...very easy and affordable to do.

Hi there, I am sorry to hear about your wife's condition. For affordable long term care, I'd suggest Latin America. Mexico, Costa Rica, and Panama specifically. Keep in mind that for best medical care, just as in the US, you'll need to be close to a major metropolitan area. That means San Jose in Costa Rica and Panama City in Panama. You have many more options in Mexico. But if it were me, I would focus on either the Lake Chapala area--which is only an hour from Guadalajara--or Guadalajara itself. Foreign retirees have been flocking to Lake Chapala for many generations now and the healthcare industry that serves older English-speaking people there is superb. There are even very affordable assisted living centers (some with memory care) to choose from if you need to consider that.

It seems like almost every developed nation is now struggling with immigration issues. I think, though, if you are seeking to retire overseas or work as a digital nomad and you have the funds to do those...and you don't plan to overburden public resources intended for citizens, you will be welcomed. Definitely working on speaking French and integrating into the culture being an active part of the community will help.

Hi Kurt, I love Ecuador and have lived there off and on for many years over the last two decades. I have lots of friends there, primarily in Cotacachi and Cuenca (in the Sierras, yes) who report they feel very safe. I am looking to get back there perhaps in February and I am not concerned. I think things have settled down a lot since the issues of two years ago. I have friends with young kids who live in Cotacachi who regularly vacation on the coast without concern. I guess it all depends on your personal level of comfort but for me, I would feel safe in most of the country right now.

If you haven't already booked, check out La Posada Nueva.

You might try the Lake Chapala Society: https://lakechapalasociety.com And most real estate agents offer a "get to know lakeside" tour...

Hi Lynne, I wrote an article about medical tourism for IL and you can find it here: https://internationalliving.com/medical-tourism-how-insiders-afford-new-hips-hair-plugs-and-facelifts/ A great place in Mexico for cosmetic surgery is Guadalajara. I suggest you reach out to Lori Payne there, who is a healthcare facilitator: https://www.facebook.com/mymedicalconcierge?mibextid=ZbWKwL

My husband and I both go to Prisma Dental in San Jose, Costa Rica. I wrote an article about dental tourism for International Living which you can find here: https://internationalliving.com/where-to-get-top-notch-dental-care-on-vacation/

If you have a small income, I would definitely point you to coastal Ecuador, although I think you'll find that some of the mountain communities there are even more affordable as you won't need heat or AC and that's where food is grown, so it doens't need to be transported and it more affordable.

Yes, of course. Many "snowbirds" do exactly that... go abroad during winter months. (There are "sweatbirds," too--from states like Arizona, Texas, Florida--who flee to cooler climates in the summer.) The good thing about being a part-time expat is that you likely won't need a visa. Mexico, for instance, allows 180 days on a tourist visa. Other countries will give you 90 days but make it easy to go to immigration office for a 90-day extension. If this is what you want to do, go for it. You will be in good company.

Lots of countries also have some form of a "retirement" visa which do not require any kind of investment in the coutnry. You will, though, need to show that you have a certain amount of verified income each month...pension or social security, savings and investments, etc.

Hey Christine, I wrote an article about this part of Mexico in your IL magazine last year. You should easily find it in the magazine archives. Plus, there are many helpful Facebook groups to join, from "Expats in Tijuana" to "Rosarito Living", "Ensenada Expats", "Ensenada Living", and more. In Ensenada, reach out to Gabriela, whos specializes in rentals and sales: gabrielavictorica@yahoo.com

@SJE120656-0 Hi Susan, the answer is too long to do justice to here, but IL is just finishing up a report that should help you. You’ll need to get their health report and certificate of vaccinations done just before you travel. And of course, reserve a spot for them on your airline well ahead of time. There are lots of services that help with this kind of thing. Google “overseas pet transport” to get started.

@ELEANOR-ANGONE-0 HI Eleanor, you can start by looking on AirBnB, VRBO, etc. Keep in mind that in Panama City, some rentals legally require a minimum stay of 45 days. Others do not. Another option is to look at local realtor websites—they often have rentals. Look by location...in other words, Google “rentals Coronado.”

Another good resource is Facebook. I’m a member of a group called “Panama Real Estate Buy Sell Rent,” and you’ll often find properties there. And join specific Facebook groups such as “Expats in Coronado, Panama” and ask for rental agent recommendations

@JOROBB17-0 Hi there, my husband and I will be your neighbors! We, too, bought at Monte Rocella. I’d suggest two things: Grab a copy of Medicare for Travelers in the IL online bookstore, written by Ron Elledge. He is a Medicare specialist and can help guide you to the best supplement plan that will cover your overseas emergencies. And secondly, join a Facebook group for Baja expats (with a focus on Cabo) and see which doctors are most recommended by expats already living there. That’s a good way to start accumulating on-the-ground resources.

It has been a long while since I have been to Argentina but I loved Buenos Aires and Mendoza...and when I go back, I'd like to see Barriloche.

I think this Q is better suited for the real estate experts, so I will ask our tech guys to move it there...

Flexible dates is the best option...and play around with Google flights.

I start with Google lights and Kayak. I use the flexible date functions. And once I find some options, I go directly to the airline and search further. I ALWAYS book directly with the airline and not third-party vendors cause if you get stuck along the way, the airline is always your best resource to get you unstuck.

Start by reaching out to IL correspondents: Italy@InternationalLiving.com and France@InternationalLiving.com. And join specific Facebook groups such as "Expats in Florence" -- just search FB for the communities you will visit.