I've spoken with a number of people over the last 10 years or so who have moved to other countries from the US. Some moved to retire where living expenses are cheaper. Some moved because of their work. I've been looking at leaving the US for cheaper living and for - well, being 55 I'm considering seriously changing my life. I've visited several 'Expat' forums and have read about places like Bali and Thailand. I have friends who live outside Guadalajara up on the lake.

I'm interested in hearing from any 'expats' - Not necessarily US Expats. Even folks who moved to the US from their home country.

There was a time (30 years or so ago) when I seriously considered moving to Hawaii to live on a big 100' + sailboat. I never considered changing my residence to a foreign country.

I often marvel at the life changes (and even hazards) folks go through to relocate to America. I have a large extended family living throughout the U.S. We stay in touch, but we rarely see each other except for major events (weddings & funerals) and then we reconnect as if it had only been a few weeks since we saw each other last. Only a few of them moved to their present location to retire (and then usually to be near a sibling or child who was still working.) Almost everyone else of the family who moved did so because of work (theirs or a spouse's.)

My major concerns about moving to a foreign country for retirement would be availability and quality of health care. I'm healthy, but many of my contemporaries are not and some are alive today only because of the miracle of Emergency Medical Technicians, heart surgeons, pacemakers, and donor hearts, livers, and kidneys.

I'm not sure a lower cost of living in a foreign country could offset that concern about health care.

Heck, I can go to some counties in Illinois where my family income would make us one of the wealthiest families in the county and houses the size of mine would go for 20 or 30% of what mine is worth in a north suburb of Chicago. housing cost is one of the big ticket items in most family budgets.

The downside, of course, for getting such a low housing cost is the lack of infrastructure (no world class museums, orchestras, opera, restaurants, theaters, shopping centers, etc.) A high quality hospital might be 100 miles away. Access to an international airport might be four hours driving time. Few opportunities would be available to work, except for being an author or an internet industry baron.

Arthur C. Clarke (author of 2001: A Space Odyssey and creator of Hal the evil computer) is an ex pat who has lived in Colombo, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon - name changed in 1972) since the 1950's. He managed to collaborate with Stanley Kubrick BEFORE the internet to write 2001 in the 1960's.

My major concerns about moving to a foreign country for retirement would be availability and quality of health care.That's interesting because there have been a lot of articles recently about people in the US flying to places like the Phillipines, Thailand and India for major surgery and other 'expensive' procedures. I know one fellow who goes to the Phillipines every year for a 'complete' physical. The cost of the 'visit' is super cheap with the added aside of a short vacation.

I think you're confusing the cost of health care with the quality of health care. Your post implies that doctors and hospitals in other countries are inferior to those in the US and I disagree with that implication.

The bottom line is;
If your happy with your decision, then it's a good decision for you.
I immigrated for the UK (Scotland) to Canada and, I'm glad I did. My major consideration was employment, health care and ammeneties. These three things tend to be integral to each other regarding being available at an easy reach.
No, I never moved away from a troubled country yet, If I were to consider retiring to a non English speaking country; I would certainly consider the consequencies regarding Culture, Faith perceptions and politics. Like it or not, these things affect us.
Wallace.

I think you're confusing the cost of health care with the quality of health care. Your post implies that doctors and hospitals in other countries are inferior to those in the US and I disagree with that implication.
In my mind, the thrust was meant to be the "instant availability and variety of available procedures."

My impression is whether you live in rural Illinois or the outer rural islands of the Philippines (Western Mindanao with its surrounding islands in the South Pacific is a densely populated, poor region. Health indicators reveal a high infant and maternal mortality, frequent tropical and infectious diseases, and low life expectancy. Health manpower is in short supply, and 70% of the population live in poorly accessible rural communities.), you have a difficult time getting access to health care for the kind of emergencies old folks like me worry about: heart attack, stroke, broken hip, etc.

Couple the accessibility problem with being separated from family members who can look out for you (or your spouse) if either of you start to get some debilitating condition like Alzheimer's and also consider the availability of treatment drugs like Aricept.

Ultimately, each person makes his own value decisions. Personally, in terms of saving money, I'd rather cut back on living expenses by moving to smaller living quarters, dining out at less expensive restaurants, watching more TV than live stage shows, buying less expensive clothing, etc. than moving to a "tropical paradise" where the nearest trauma center is hours, not minutes, away.

Based upon friends and family, I understand. Most of the places I have looked at aren't all that 'remote' so access to 'decent' medical facilities isn't a significant issue. But then again, I don't expect to live to 100 so.... There's no Alzenheimer's or cancer history in my family and so far no one going back to my grand parents ever broke anything or had any serious problems so I guess I'm hoping I go like my dad and most of the family - heart attack in the middle of the night and just didn't wake up.

One fellow who is a pilot based out of Hawaii just bought a house in Thailand and really loves it there. I've touched base with Paul Robere who has lived there since 1988 and may take a 'business trip' there in the near future to check out the situation.

I moved to USA in 1996 to marry an American lady. I like America very much but the only troubling thing for me is the health care system and its costs for my old age. Looking at the recent figures (in major publications) for deaths caused by wrong medications prescribed, bungled/ poor operations, mis-diagnosis and so forth plus my personal observations of the quality of care delivered to my wife's family, the cost, overbilling, double dipping and so on give me little confidence. The cost of insurance plus copay plus medications can be a staggering amount. As is often said in the USA, in its own media, "You are only one major illness away from bankruptcy". After a life time of hard work, paying taxes, and careful saving it is not a nice thought you may be cured of an illness then to enjoy the remainder of your life on skid row while your doctor orders his new Lexus.

Remove my health care concern and I would not return to Scotland.

Allen, you bring up an interesting point, but I hesitate to ask this question because of the politics that may become involved, so please folks, play nice.

My question is this: Are any of you are aware of any valid studies that compare the number of medical mistakes in socialized versus non socialized medical structures? The study would hopefully control for things like comparable income.

Allen, you bring up an interesting point, but I hesitate to ask this question because of the politics that may become involved, so please folks, play nice.

My question is this: Are any of you are aware of any valid studies that compare the number of medical mistakes in socialized versus non socialized medical structures? The study would hopefully control for things like comparable income.

Honestly - No. I would be most interested in such data myself. As I said, Craig, I am not otherwise inclined to return to UK and have not made a firm decision either way yet. Health is the ONLY factor that might swing me one way or the other. The crematoria seem the same! And I really enjoy the freeway system, the bookshops and (occasionally) the beer - when it is not too chilled.

So, I can only be guided at present by the experiences of my own family here in the USA and over on UK, as well as what I have personally experienced regarding my own health treatment. I can certainly say I think the dentist I presently have, a gentleman shall I say, "of my own generation" is great and I think the best I have ever had. If he should retire, I hope his sons in the same practice are up to his standard - I think they are. The price for dental procedures e.g. a crown seem not to different from what I paid in UK.

I've spoken with a number of people over the last 10 years or so who have moved to other countries from the US. Some moved to retire where living expenses are cheaper. Some moved because of their work. I've been looking at leaving the US for cheaper living and for - well, being 55 I'm considering seriously changing my life. I've visited several 'Expat' forums and have read about places like Bali and Thailand. I have friends who live outside Guadalajara up on the lake.

I'm interested in hearing from any 'expats' - Not necessarily US Expats. Even folks who moved to the US from their home country.
As an immigrant to the U.S. from a Central American republic, I am waiting on retirement age to be an "expat" living in the USA.

So far I am satisfied.

Jaime

END OF JUMJPING ON HOWARD IN THIS THREAD. DO IT IN A PM OR E-MAIL. I'm not going to address his comment in this thread. I'm not even sure if by saying "Thats the end of me here" he means he will not return.

Anyway... This thread, and this forum, are here because I want to broaden the forum to address some other issues and expatriot issues is one area of interest and one I think will play a growing part in many of our lives - And not necessarily US expats. Many people live and work in countries other than their 'country of origin'. This forum is to discuss living in other countries - Not to complain about other countries or other peoples.

Based upon friends and family, I understand. Most of the places I have looked at aren't all that 'remote' so access to 'decent' medical facilities isn't a significant issue. But then again, I don't expect to live to 100 so.... There's no Alzenheimer's or cancer history in my family and so far no one going back to my grand parents ever broke anything or had any serious problems so I guess I'm hoping I go like my dad and most of the family - heart attack in the middle of the night and just didn't wake up.

One fellow who is a pilot based out of Hawaii just bought a house in Thailand and really loves it there. I've touched base with Paul Robere who has lived there since 1988 and may take a 'business trip' there in the near future to check out the situation.

I have been to Thailand a few times. Living standard is very low. The downside is the heat. I live in Phoenix and summer temperature is around 107. The summer in Thailand is hot and humid and long. The only months that I would stay there is December till May. You may want to find a cooler spot for the rest of the year , like Phoenix.

I thought everything was funny Howard. My skin is rather thick and my brand of humor rather different.

I was an expat for a bit, I lived in California, but I reswore my oath of alligience and moved back to Arkansas

Howard - Please note that no one who's been around here for a long time took any offense. We know you to be quite a gentleman and took your banter for what it was. (PS - the joke being that the American soldiers took all the girls - that's all)

Your apology was most gracious. :agree:

Hello,
You asked about Expats, well I came to know quite a few French, Belgian, Swiss, German and American expats in Senegal, West Africa.
For the most part they all seemed very content living in Senegal. Theirs over their health care didnt really seem to bother them so much. Dakar (the capital) is one of the leading African cities in the area of health care. Security didnt seem to bother them either. Once in a while we heard about someone getting robbed by theft or mugging but tourists seemed to be the main target.
I assume that you have no children that would be leaving with you so it isnt a concern of yours but it is a major concern of most families.
The cost of living for people in Senegal was wild. We lived pretty well on about $5000 a year and pocketed the rest of our salary. Beaches that were open year round didnt hurt the cause either.

I thought everything was funny Howard. My skin is rather thick and my brand of humor rather different.

I was an expat for a bit, I lived in California, but I reswore my oath of alligience and moved back to Arkansas


I know, I know us Cal-ee-fornins all eat pine nuts, hug trees, have silicone implants, think an 18yr old girl with Botox is normal, drive Benz's and take our coffee as a half caff, decaf, lite whip with silk and ethiopian bean, but an ex-pat?

OK maybe I see your point, Arkansas is a whole 'nother world.

You know you are in CA, when...

1. Your coworker has 8 body piercing's and none are visible.

2. You make over $300,000 and still can't afford a house.

3. You take a bus and are shocked at two people carrying on a conversation in English.

4. Your child's 3rd-grade teacher has purple hair, a nose ring, and is named "Flower."

5. You can't remember . . . . is pot illegal?

6. You've been to a baby shower that has two mothers and a donor.

7. You have a very strong opinion about where your coffee beans are grown, and you can taste the difference between Sumatran and Ethiopian.

8. You can't remember . . is pot illegal?

9. A really great parking space can totally move you to tears.

10. Gas costs $1.00 per gallon more than anywhere else in the U.S.

11. The guy you see at 8:30 am at Starbucks wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses who looks like George Clooney really IS George Clooney.

12. Your car insurance costs as much as your house payment.

13. You can't remember . . . . is pot illegal?

14. It's barely sprinkling rain and there's a report on every news station: "STORM WATCH."

15. You pass an elementary school playground and the children are all busy with their cell phones or pagers.

16. It's barely sprinkling rain outside, so you leave for work an hour early to avoid all the weather-related accidents.

17. HEY!!!! Is pot illegal????

18. Both you AND your dog have therapists.

19. The Terminator is your Governor.

20. If you drive illegally, they take your driver's license. If you're here illegally, they want to give you a driver's license

Seemed like this thread need some comedy relief. As for ex-pats. My wife's aunt and uncle are ex-pats. They were business owners and upon retirement decided to travel the world. They fell in love with Turkey and Croatia. They have since moved to Turkey and are treated like royalty. The one thing they mention the most is how helpful and gracious people are there. They are so kind, so attentive and just plain nice. I have read many an article regarding Bali, Thailand and the Phillipines. More and more of these countries are starting to cater to ex-pats because they have MONEY and it is disposable income (for the most part)

I am interested to read more.

This is developing into an interesting thread but, bearing in mind the Cove may be operated from the USA it is an international forum. In which case, for Covers who IS an "Ex-pat" and what then would be an "Ex-pat" location?

I know, I know us Cal-ee-fornins all eat pine nuts, hug trees, have silicone implants, think an 18yr old girl with Botox is normal, drive Benz's and take our coffee as a half caff, decaf, lite whip with silk and ethiopian bean, but an ex-pat?

.

About 30 year ago when I was to be sent to some meetings in San Jose California, which I had never previously visited, my then Texan boss, in our Zurich office, told me all US states have a name e.g. Missouri is the "Show me" state etc. He told me CA was known as the "Muesli" state and I almost fell for it. ("Coz its full of flakes, fruits and nuts," he drawled!)

Up until the handover many military retiree's settled in the Panama Canal Zone. Living was very nice, weather fantastic, the Panamanians were great people (still are BTW), and you were just a couple of hours from the US by air.

Personally, Ireland has always intrigued me but I wouldn't want to be another "rich American" trying to discover his roots.

I've never really though much about where I'd like to live other than here, but anything is possible.

Very interesting thread, that I missed originally because I was receiving some training from AIAG last week.

No experience being an expat, though if a job or money came together I'd leave Pennsylvania in heartbeat, even though there are at least 3 different families of ancestors who have been here since shortly after the American Revolution. (If family stories are true, there are others with a longer residency.) I'd probably tend towards the states of Maine or Washington - whenever I've visited I've always felt at home in those states. If I wanted to stay in Norh America, but leave the United States, I'd also consider Nova Scotia and Vancouver.

I'd like to at least see Ireland & Great Britain, but no real desire to repatriate to where most of my ancestors are supposedly from. I'd also enjoy seeing Australia & New Zealand - not enough knowledge of either to say whether they'd be acceptable as an ex-pat location. I'll be 53 this year, so retirement though not near is no longer far.

Requirements for expat for me would include access to decent health care (personal family history tends towards congestive heat failure/heart problems - both sides in general don't seem to get much past 82), English speaking community, decent climate - I hate the combination of heat & humidity, decent political system including personal liberty/responsibility, and the availibility of interesting activities/hobbies.

Looking forward to seeing additional posts.

If I were to be an Ex-pat it would be Panama or Costa Rica. I still have friends that live in both places. However, does one have to live the U.S. owned regions to have this type of weather? U.S. Virgin Islands come to mind. My brother moved to MO around Springfield to stretch his retirement dollars and he seems happy.

All in all, what factors is one looking at for a retirment location?

Craig.

My retirement plans include a tri-hull catamaran and the US as "country of origin" other than that whim and fancy shall be my guide.

I can't speak personally because I'm "only" 41 with no near-term plans for retirement. But my dad is an expat living in Oaxaca, Mexico. Apparently Oaxaca has attracted a sizeable expat community because of the low cost of living, vibrant artistic community, and the quality healthcare in the area.

He was able to build a nice, big house on a hill for a fraction of what it would cost here. On the other hand, the builders took a lot longer, though (3 yrs, I think?). He called them the Manana Construction Company. So if you plan on retiring abroad, you can stretch a dollar pretty far and have a nice life, but plan ahead.

The one thing I have heard over and over is that if you want to live an American lifestyle abroad, it will often cost you as much, or more, than it would in the US. Instead you should aim to live a nice native lifestyle abroad.

I don't think I could ever leave Canada. Not permanently, anyway.

Having lived outside the US (3 years in Scotland) and having visited a number of other places, I find that I enjoy being spoiled. I enjoy central air, reliable energy sources, accessibility to almost anything and a change in season.

For a long time now my plans have been to retire in Arizona but I now I find myself leaning more towards Tennessee around the Nashville area. Beautiful golf courses, beautiful country, all 4 seasons, a slower pace of life, White Castle & Krystal burgers and Hooters. What more can you ask for????

Somewhere away from snow! I never planned on staying this far north permanently, but with kids now we have to wait until they all graduate. My oldest is on his way to Austin Texas for college. I could live there in a heartbeat. My guess is we will end up somewhere convenient to all our kids wherever they may end up.

As soon as I win the Lotto and Mega Millions, I suspect I might have two homes.....one in Ecuador, about 100 meters from the beach, and the equator itself will divide my simming pool.....I will keep a Norman Rockwell postcard for the once a decade or so that I want to see snow.....I'll look at it for five minutes then put it away again.....the other house will be in or near Vegas.

Hershal

Of course if you win the mega millions you can afford to fly all of us Covers down on your lear jet!

Weird how some of my fellow Filipinos keep looking outside for "better" opportunities.

Philippines is a great country. The problem is, we have one of the most "hyper-active" media, in my opinion. Yes, the standard of living is not up to par with western nations, but that doesn't mean that quality services are absent. In a country where $100 is the minimum wage, you could avail of top medical services for $5. Medicine costs are low, and if you have $1000 a month, you could retire here in comfort -- e.g. beaches all day, bars all night.

Westernized, you won't miss any McDs or lack any American shows to watch. You won't have to hire a translator everytime you go out as everyone knows English here. You could live in an exotic asian environment without undergoing tremendous culture shock!

You won't even have to bring your families here :yes:. Filipinos adopt neighbors as their own family... :agree1:

A fellow I know flies to the Phiippines for his yearly medical checkup and medical services. He really likes it there. But his business is here but he keeps saying he will move there when he retires.