Retiring Abroad It’s Complicated - Is It Worth It?

Yes a mistake on the sound, it’s 2 soundtracks playing, forgot to delete one soundtrack

After a career in international marketing, I’d always planned to retire to Asia or Europe. Having been to 40 countries, I thought it would be cheaper to live outside the US. But now I’ve reduced my living expenses to $1800/mo. and the reality is it’s hard to live on much less in another country while enjoying all the convenience and benefits of being here. So I’m keeping my home base and will travel a few months each year.

I am grateful that I live in Canada. The older I get the less I want to travel. I just got home from a trip and caught Covid and was seriously ill. I caught it on the train or plane. I'm grateful to be in Canada, there is a lot to see in Canada, instead to going overseas. We should support our own country .....

I moved ro Portugal and I have had great medical and dental experiences. I am learning Portuguese and my teacher has been reviewing vocabulary for emergencies. I am also in the public system. You don't have to keep your medical insurance after you get residency. But, I chose to keep my private policy. You'd be surprised how many people speak English in Portugal. I don't feel isolated and I have friends here. It is, frankly, liberating to give things up. I want as few possessions as possible. I bought some items here, no problem. It's not easy but I have peace of mind about the medical situation and cost of living. I have had many challenges with the bureaucracy here and integrating into the ciulture, One can get homesick and long for the familiar. So far, I'm doing pretty well.

Moved to 🇨🇦 from Ireland in the 80s. Absolutely love Canada! Never leaving, but may look at a modified snowbird option in the future. I love going away, but love coming home so much more!

Hey Tina and Norm. It's been a long time since I've commented, but rest assured I've kept up on all your videos. For years, my wife and I talked about and even planned retiring abroad. In the last few years, we've realized that while Canada certainly has its problems, giving up our residency is just not a great plan. We've decided that once in retirement, spending spring through fall in Canada, and then the winter months somewhere warm is the better bet. It also gives us the ability to try multiple locations in the world instead of becoming a resident of one country. Keep the great videos coming.

These are very good points that people who haven't travelled extensively don't think about. While on the surface moving abroad is attractive, as a single white female of a certain age who travels solo extensively for months at a time - I know I would be vulnerable if I moved abroad to save money and would likely be targetted... And I am generally perceived to be fearless by even my well travelled friends.

English is widely spoken in most hospitals in southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia & Turkey as well). In fact many expats go there in order to get quality and affordable medical care. English is also widely spoken in Malaysia, and the Philippines. New friendships can be established once again.

I agree with everything you said. I would also add that tropical countries come with a lot of diseases that we don't have to deal with in Canada. I just heard that a couple of hundred Canadians have been diagnosed this year with Dengue fever due to travel to warm countries (It won't spread here thanks to winter). Malaria is another nasty disease that is very prevalent in the tropics. Parasites are common. Countries that have monsoons often have flooding. Poisonous snakes and insects, aggressive monkeys - all kinds of things that we don't have here.

You’ve done a well thought out video on this one. You’ve brought up several things not touched on by other channels. I’m considering retiring either in Australia, which is my home country, or Thailand and my chief concern is heat stress. Even the cool season over there is very hot compared to Australia. With climate change it’ll only become worse and there’s another point: are people factoring in climate change? Increased heat waves, worsening storms and floods and does the country have the capacity or resources to deal with it. I think it might be better to stay here and visit as a tourist.

My neighbors, here in Florida fly to Cancun to get expensive dental work done for a fraction of the cost here in the US!

Agree wholeheartedly with your assessment. From the US' perspective, Medicare, which provides low-cost services to senior citizens, does not cover you if you move out of the country. My MIL is on a fixed income of $3,000 a month. She has had a host of surgeries done--knee and hip replacements plus two cancers cured, all with little financial setback to her.

Biggest issue for me is family. I’d miss seeing my kids! Video is not the same.

In third world countries, you are more likely to be a victim of scams. My colleague once told me his experience of working as a teacher in China as he had to be very vigilant when he took a taxi, signed a lease, paid a restaurant bill, and dealing with a policeman since he had been scammed in all of these situations. This would be very stressful for anyone when you don’t feel secure in a foreign environment. Yes, the street food is cheap, but it is cooked with recycled oil. The tap water is not drinkable. Air pollution has also become worse in recent years.

I retired in Mexico from Los Angeles-‘ and it’s amazing . The medical system here worked for me I broke my ankle and it cost under 1000 usd for everything . I would fly home if I need more extensive care. I’m 67

Thank you for your honesty. It was hard to hear this video. There are so many YouTubers telling us that it is all marvelous abroad, but I am widowed so would arrive in a new country alone....THe bit about "fitting in" really made me think. I hope to spend the next fivce years traveling pretty frequently,, but I think you are right about being :Home" as we get more vulnerable. Thank you. <3

We have been snowbirds for 12 years now. We own our home in a 55 plus community in Florida. We say we live a double life. Lol in Florida its a very social life . Lots of friends from Canada and the US. We attend lots of festival's and live music events. My husband golfs and rides a motorcycle with friends. I am an artist and joined a local art guild that I am very active in. Come mid April I am happy to get back to our life in Ontario . We live on a lake and enjoy a more laid back life with family and friends. We also appreciate our health care. I am scheduled for a total knee replacement next month and shutter to think what it would cost if we lived in Florida full time. Thanks for doing such a great job on your videos.

These are excellent points. All so true.

Family support is very important. I would struggle not being close to them especially as I age.

Another great video, Tina and Norm. Both looking so well. 🎉I couldn't have moved to a country with cold winters, especially in retirement, and then I realised that I didn't want to live in a really hot country either!!! Watching your videos is really helping me work through loads of important issues! Being able to come and go when I want is the key! Thank you, AGAIN! 😊