| Retire Overseas - How to Find the Perfect Spot |
| Written by Johna Snyder |
| Friday, 04 December 2009 09:20 |
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You first have to ask yourself the important question of where are the best places to retire overseas. If you are an experienced traveler retiring abroad may not be quite as challenging as it would be to the novice looking for the most comfortable and relaxing place for expatriate living. Before making the important decision, especially if you are a greenhorn, you should live in the place you have chosen as your first option for a while to see what living as a local is like. You need to be sure that this lifestyle is all that you expect and will be desirable for you to settle for a while. A good plan is necessary before making this decision and the minimum amount of time I recommend that you live abroad - before fully retired and ready to settle - is at least six continuous months. Then you can be sure you will make the right choice and that will be happy with your decision in the years ahead.
You first have to ask yourself the important question of where are the best places to retire overseas. If you are an experienced traveler retiring abroad may not be quite as challenging as it would be to the novice looking for the most comfortable and relaxing place for expatriate living. Before making the important decision, especially if you are a greenhorn, you should live in the place you have chosen as your first option for a while to see what living as a local is like. You need to be sure that this lifestyle is all that you expect and will be desirable for you to settle for a while. A good plan is necessary before making this decision and the minimum amount of time I recommend that you live abroad - before fully retired and ready to settle - is at least six continuous months. Then you can be sure you will make the right choice and that will be happy with your decision in the years ahead. Typically, when searching for locations to retire overseas, the retiree has certain basic expectations and needs that must be met. While making plans for your new expatriate living reflect upon these factors: the cost of living must be reasonable; the climate, culture and infrastructure must be livable; the standard of living and the amenities must be acceptable; and most importantly, the area must be secure. Added benefits, including special benefits and discounts specifically for the retired community, are huge selling points. Listed below are three locations that meet or beat these expectations. Retirees - boomers, those folks who want to retire early or retire young, and those who simply want to live abroad - looking for a great place to live should give serious thought to Panama City. You get the advantages of living in a big city yet none of the disadvantages. Compared to similar housing in the U.S., property prices are a bargain. You can also shop in a variety of stores while enjoying pleasant winters, beautiful beaches, and low costs. Best of all, retirees with a monthly income of $500 of greater ($600 for couples) need only receive this money from a private pension program or a government program such as Social Security to qualify for a wide array of benefits. Some additional perks can apply to you. You can import a new car without paying an import duty every two years. Many excellent discounts can be found for movie tickets, concerts, sporting events, restaurants, hotels, and transportation. If you want to buy land here, your closing costs will be 25 percent lower and your interest rate on the mortgage will be one percentage point lower. Panama is known for extremely hot weather, and this may be a good time to plan to visit your children in the states to avoid the summer months. Although many residents speak English, language may be another obstacle for you unless you speak the native Spanish language of your new adopted country. I strongly encourage all expatriates to learn to speak Spanish even though it may not be entirely mandatory. This will be a strong deterrent in avoiding culture shock in your new environment. When you learn the language and culture of your new home, you will feel more like a local and less like a tourist. You will be better able to integrate with the inhabitants and make your expatriate life more pleasurable. New Zealand, a land of naturalistic beauty and mountains that seem to soar into the sky, appeals to many individuals from all parts of the globe. This attraction becomes all the more enticing when you consider the great real estate bargains and opportunities to be had and no capital gains taxes! Auckland, the New Zealand capital, offers all of the amenities of a major city, such as shopping, entertainment, and a host of other activities to enjoy while experiencing a low cost of living. Unfortunately for older retirees and seniors, the New Zealand immigration policy favors younger immigrants to the island. As a result of this difficult process, some seniors may opt to reside part time in New Zealand and part time at another location. Young people and early retirees can bypass these issues based on the aforementioned immigration process. Fortunately for U. S. retirees, New Zealand summers and winters fall at opposite points of the calendar from those in the U.S. and other locations in the northern hemisphere. Known to a large number of Americans as a retirement paradise, Mexico is a prime choice for expats. Some of the attractions of Mexico to retirees include location; it is within driving distance of the U.S. and fairly simple to get there. Also, the economical cost of living allows your money to buy more for you and your family in Mexico. If you are interested in history or cultural traditions, you will find the Spanish culture is very prevalent. The Spanish colonization of Mexico continued on for more than 300 years, so the area has much to offer. Finally, Mexico is widely recognized for the great food that is readily available. Mexican food is well known for its spices and intense and unique flavors, Mexican cooks are very talented and know just the right amount of spice to add to a dish to make it mouthwatering. Not to mention the beautiful colors of the food in Mexico, no only does the food taste delicious but it also looks very vibrant and colorful. About the Author: Before you retire overseas, follow these tips to guarantee you experience safe expatriate living |