Retiring Abroad
- Thread starter Darts
- Start date
There is a magazine, I think it is called International living, which routinely ranks countries for this purpose. They do the homework for you.
I found it.
internationalliving.com
I like the look of Portugal.
But I don't think I would move abroad permanently unless this country got just too kooky for my liking.
You never know.
I found it.
All Destination Guides - Find Your Dream Destination
Whether you’re looking for sand and sea, a skyline full of high-rises, or a secluded mountain retreat--you have good options.
internationalliving.com
I like the look of Portugal.
But I don't think I would move abroad permanently unless this country got just too kooky for my liking.
You never know.
Let me know how it goes? I’ve always wanted to visit Ecuador for an extended period.
Interesting. Don't mind visiting an arid island but would probably prefer to retire in a tropical one. I remember watching a tv show regarding an island(I believe it was the Carribean) that was tropical on one side and had cactus on the other side. Wish I could remember the name.
Last edited:
As others who have also worked, lived and travelled abroad extensively and for extended periods of time have said, living in another country ,in a foreign culture and not being a fluent native speaker. the reality is not the same as your hopes.
In addition to being a native Canadian citizen, I have EU citizenship/Schengen Passport and an unlimited duration US E-2 Visa. So I have many options to choose from.
But there really is no place to live like Canada. I love living in Toronto but I will often rent a place in a foreign country that interests me for 2-3 months every year or three. It gives me some variety and broadens my perspectives and experiences to make for a more fullsome life.
I know lots of people who sold everything and became "ex-pats". They bought condos in the DR, bought land and built a house in Costa Rica, bought small business' like little Bnb's or small hotels on the Caribbean, and moved to Thailand, Philipines to find a "traditional"(younger!) woman that is out of their league.
All ,and I mean ALL, have moved back.
And I've heard many more stories from ex-Pats when I was spending time in those places for a few months. After a few years, they all want to move back because the reality was way less enjoyable than their fantasy .
But they REALLY have a hard time selling their properties. Their cash is pretty much stranded in properties and business' that take a LOOOOOOOONG time tosell.... to the next dreamers.
In addition to being a native Canadian citizen, I have EU citizenship/Schengen Passport and an unlimited duration US E-2 Visa. So I have many options to choose from.
But there really is no place to live like Canada. I love living in Toronto but I will often rent a place in a foreign country that interests me for 2-3 months every year or three. It gives me some variety and broadens my perspectives and experiences to make for a more fullsome life.
I know lots of people who sold everything and became "ex-pats". They bought condos in the DR, bought land and built a house in Costa Rica, bought small business' like little Bnb's or small hotels on the Caribbean, and moved to Thailand, Philipines to find a "traditional"(younger!) woman that is out of their league.
All ,and I mean ALL, have moved back.
And I've heard many more stories from ex-Pats when I was spending time in those places for a few months. After a few years, they all want to move back because the reality was way less enjoyable than their fantasy .
But they REALLY have a hard time selling their properties. Their cash is pretty much stranded in properties and business' that take a LOOOOOOOONG time tosell.... to the next dreamers.
Provo. Is expensive, I had a house I bought in 1990 down there. The island is very small, water is in short supply, and Healthcare is very expensive and hurricanes knock the shit out of it every few years.
Over the years I've met many Portuguese and Italians. Most of the ones who were originally born and raised in the old country said they want to return. Fast forward to 2022 and they are all still here.
Actually, one family did return to Portugal with their Canadian born kids only to return 2 years later.
I also met some Hong Kong Chinese who came to Canada in the 1990's strictly to get their Canadian citizenship and then return to Hong Kong. I wouldn't want to live in Hong Kong with it now being a SAR of the PRC.
Actually, one family did return to Portugal with their Canadian born kids only to return 2 years later.
I also met some Hong Kong Chinese who came to Canada in the 1990's strictly to get their Canadian citizenship and then return to Hong Kong. I wouldn't want to live in Hong Kong with it now being a SAR of the PRC.
That is exactly my approach.
Why get bogged down in just one place?
I also like your time-span, although for me it is more like a month. But the key is to rent some kind of residence, not a hotel. Just to live there, not to be like a tourist.
I would go to Spain, some small town not far from a major coastal city. You cannot complain about the weather, transportation, access to sea, other beautiful countries nearby, plus escorting is legal so you can hobby as much as your bank will allow you to.
Singapore (and probably Australia and New Zealand) to me is not a "foreign" country per se.
Russia, Italy, Germany, The PRC, India, Brazil, Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, etc. are foreign countries. I can't imagine myself living in those countries.
Russia, Italy, Germany, The PRC, India, Brazil, Tunisia, Egypt, Iran, etc. are foreign countries. I can't imagine myself living in those countries.
I would consider Portugal Spain or Italy but not full time. 5 months max. Keep my banking in Canada and if there are any health concerns I'm back in 8 hours. Relatively inexpensive to live , the food is fantastic and there's plenty to do to keep you occupied.
Looking at a boat for about 7 years. So we can travel. Mainly Caribbean, Europe, Grand Loop, maybe the West Coast if we feel confident to do the Canal.
Met a senior couple who traveled the Caribbean in their boat. One day they were attacked by pirates.
There are sites that track these things. We plan to pay close attention to them. Basically avoid Jamaica and Haiti unless in a flotilla.
Are there any Caribbean countries that people recommend staying during the winter months?
I have dual Canadian-Jamaican citizenship, but I would rather not live in Jamaica.
Because of treaties, Jamaicans can reside in most Caribbean countries permanently (I would be staying only for a few months).
Which country do people recommend?
Someone earlier mentioned Aruba, but I doubt that the treaty applies to that country.
I have dual Canadian-Jamaican citizenship, but I would rather not live in Jamaica.
Because of treaties, Jamaicans can reside in most Caribbean countries permanently (I would be staying only for a few months).
Which country do people recommend?
Someone earlier mentioned Aruba, but I doubt that the treaty applies to that country.
My wife keeps suggesting we sell our house in GTA and move to Spain.
I have been to Spain a couple of times and it's a beautiful country.
But NO for several reasons:
1. Most importantly, it would mean that I would spend 90 percent of my time with my spouse. That's not going to work.
2. My Spanish is limited to ordering a restaurant meal. I would not be able to make friends with the locals; limited to ex-pats
3. I have activities and friends here that I enjoy. I would miss those.
4. I would miss by SB .... LOL
I have been to Spain a couple of times and it's a beautiful country.
But NO for several reasons:
1. Most importantly, it would mean that I would spend 90 percent of my time with my spouse. That's not going to work.
2. My Spanish is limited to ordering a restaurant meal. I would not be able to make friends with the locals; limited to ex-pats
3. I have activities and friends here that I enjoy. I would miss those.
4. I would miss by SB .... LOL
