Anyone here know someone who has retired say in Costa Rica, Paraguay, Thailand or any other country that is below the cost of living of Canada? I'm aware there's many things to consider, but I'm curious to speak with anyone with some first hand knowledge. My husband knows a guy (drywaller actually) who bought land in Paraguay and is moving there at age 45 - early retirement! But still I'd like to hear from others.
[quote][cite] Shaynelle:[/cite]Anyone here know someone who has retired say in Costa Rica, Paraguay, Thailand or any other country that is below the cost of living of Canada? I'm aware there's many things to consider, but I'm curious to speak with anyone with some first hand knowledge. Katherine[/quote] I've been to a few places where people like to retire to. My first consideration would be the standard of living and health care. When you're older, that is what matters most. Second is the cost of travel to and from family. Commercial travel can be very expensive to out of the way places. Third concern is political stability. A lot of low cost "paradise" options are rather iffy.
In retirement, health care becomes THEE issue. Unless, of course, you couldn't care less about having a minor heart attack and dying. Cheap booze and beautiful beaches don't do much if an ambulance or hospital is nowhere to be found.
I think I would like to retire to Jamaica, stay in the country, live in a mansion with marble floors and lots of land, watch the rain come from across the valley...
I lived outside of Canada for nearly 18 years. With all the travelling I lost about one year as a resident of anywhere, but 12 years in Wellington, 4 years in Auckland, briefly in Vancouver, one year in Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan, living as an innkeeper on a large boutique winery. I have had quite a life of living in "paradise", but as I aged, I saw the writing on the wall and recognized I needed to be closer to my family, as well as save for my retirement and settle somewhere I could survive being poor. I chose the North End, because it was the only place I could afford to buy a house large enough to accommodate my mother too, in separate but spacious accommodation. I delibertly chose the North End, because I wanted to give something back and felt I could.
I haven't found anywhere as good as Winnipeg. I am still free to travel, but I wouldn't move away. This is my retirement home.
when i was in Honduras (Roatan Bay) there was lots of gated communities catering to US and Canadians. They were lots avaialble for about 30k, houses for 150k and many came with a helper (maid/servant/cook). very nice place. my cab driver that we paid to give us a tour stopped by these to show us. I'm sure he gets a commish to drive the tourists through! Some of the best diving around is in that area
I've also been to Belize and theres lots of nice places there.
[quote][cite] Jimmytufish:[/cite]In retirement, health care becomes THEE issue. Unless, of course, you couldn't care less about having a minor heart attack and dying. Cheap booze and beautiful beaches don't do much if an ambulance or hospital is nowhere to be found.[/quote]
I think that's why you don't want to wait too long if you're going to retire someplace warm. Belize sounds like an interesting place. I also like the idea of a small town in Mexico that's not too far from the coast. Got to keep dreaming.
My daughter lives in Costa Rica.She teaches English. One can live quite cheaply,but it depends on which part of the country you are in. Apparently,all retired folks need is a pension of a least 650.a month,and the government there wants you to have some investments,sometimes up to ten thousand dollars. You pay for health care.The best hospital is in San Jose,but it is a bad city,lots of crime where police look the other way. The bus service is excellent,however.Most people do not have cars. Also have to be on the alert for a type of fever caused my the pesty mosquito. It is not west nile,but worse. But if you like the warm climate,can afford the health care,and have enough to live comfortably,then maybe that is for you. By the way,if you get seriously ill,you have to fly to Miami. She can hardly wait to get back to Canada.
Thanks everyone for your comments! I hope others chime in with their experiences.
I agree, health care seems to be up there in the top three considerations (health care, safety/crime and cost of living seem to be the top three). Interesting point about health care, in Panama the hospitals are associated with John Hopkins, very americanized. I found that a bit surprising, but then when you consider how Panama was founded I guess it shoudn't surprise me.
Please, keep your thoughts coming, fantastic information!
We were in Alberta for 10 years when my husband decided to retire.I am from wpg,he is from ontario.
We considered Victoria,vancouver,and Georgia where our daughter is.Nice & warm,but health insurance too expensive.
My hubby did not want to go to Ontario because he can't stand the humidity and smog.I would have gone there if he wanted to. So,we decided to come to Wpg.(home sweet home)-despite the weather,etc. Our friends were aghast!We could have gone to a warmer climate. Most of our family are here.It is easier to visit 1 or 2 kids out of the country,thantry to visit the other 6 all at once. Never regretted it.We would never leave Canada. My daughter in Georgia is retiring to Courtney BC.being so long in a warm climate she can't adjust to the cold here. Other daughter coming home to Winnipeg. We have visited a lot of places,Jamaica,Costa Rica,Mexico,Belize. We wouldn't change our decision to come to Winnipeg for the world. Where else are we going to get good perogies anyway? And Kelekis hot dogs!
I've thought about travelling and or retiring in places like Vancouver, Japan, and England.
Vancouver just because I like the weather situation there and hear the shopping is super! Don't like hot hot weather and I don't like cold cold weather. I'm not a big fan of snow and don't mind the rainy cloudy days.
Japan would be ideal, but way too expensive. It's one of those places you can get lost in. The lights, the confusion, the different language, the ever changing technology and the people embracing the technology.
England, seems interesting and like I said I don't mind cloudy rainy days. I heard the food is great :)
I would also consider Minneapolis, Seattle, South Korea, Montreal and the east coast of Canada.