Best Countries to Live Overseas! (according to 12,000 expats who live there)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Join the waitlist for our NEW 12-month, action-oriented Live Abroad Program and be the first to know when it's available: ameliaandjp.com/lap-waitlist/

[@Mexicobeanpole]

We’ve from the U.S. and we’ve lived in Costa Rica, Panama, and now in our forever country of Mexico. We absolutely love it. If you dream of being there, don’t wait. The financial requirements have went up about 20% a year for the last several years. Do it. Don’t wait!!

[@davidthornton5289]

Mexico was on our list for potential retirement. We absolutely love Campeche. But, the monthly income requirement went up this year to above what we make. So, that took Mexico off of our list.

[@joetrino8366]

Is Mexico safe for expats I keep seeing violent encounters on the tourist beaches there

[@Booboonancy]

@@davidthornton5289 Look into the “regularization” program that Mexico offers ( like an amnesty ). You may be able to get there, wait until FMM expires and, if you’ve been there within a certain time frame, may qualify for that program. I don’t know that it will last forever because, frankly, it’s a bit insane.

[@c.s127]

How was costa rica ?

[@martypoll]

One of the important visas in the Philippines, that you neglected to mention, was that you can enter as a tourist and keep extending that entry for up to three years without leaving the country. After 3 years you can fly out for a day and return and start over again. This immigration policy is very popular for those living on a low income.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

I don't think this is correct. Everything we've seen says they only have a 30-day tourist visa with an option to extend it to 59 days. If you want to stay longer than that, you need to apply for a residency visa. ph.usembassy.gov/non-immigrants/

[@martypoll]

@@AmeliaAndJP Nope! You can keep extending up to 3 years. There may be other documents you have to get but you don’t need a retirement visa or marriage visa, etc. It is one of the top draws of expats to the Philippines along with the widespread use of the English language.

[@momoydacuycoy]

Yes on paper you are correct but in practice expats experienced the latter, you can extend your visa up to 3 years. Philippine immigration are quite lenient even encourage tourist to stay longer .

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

This is discussed in Philippines expat groups regular. Makes the Philippines easy for most.

[@BrightResultsMedia]

Like a lot of places… bureaucracy tends to be a shade of grey versus clearly black or white. Hahahaha

[@lynnrumsey3296]

Yes! Amelia has the best smile! Thanks, guys!

[@kimberlyparker2704]

I love Bahrain. I will move back there in a heartbeat. I lived there for 3 years. Absolutely loved it. One of the safest places in the world outside of Japan

[@marytica123]

WE LIVED IN COSTA RICA for 5 years (2044-2009), and LOVED it ! However, after returning to the USA to help our adult sons thru the 2008 Crisis, we have visited CR about every 5 years. Each time we came back, we noticed CHANGES which were both GOOD & BAD. There are more US based stores like Walmart, but the price of consumer goods & food has increased a lot. Housing is almost as expensive as the USA, although rentals are cheaper. Hopefully, we'll return some day - WE STILL LOVE IT !

[@mung-lunyuen5755]

Thailand has SMART visa for various options including digital nomads type skills options. There is also Long Term Residence (LTR) visa options which one of the option is for IT skills for digital nomad type.

[@jd3422]

I have been to 8 of your 10 locations in this video: all except for Thailand and the Philippines. The only places where I would consider staying for a long visit are Spain and Mexico. So far, it is Mexico City that is my #1 choice for living on a long-term basis. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Mexico City. I am very urban in my orientation, so it has enough museums and urban wonders to keep my interest on a daily basis.

[@tbrollini8223]

RE Mexico, you are thousands low on the resident permit income per month. The low in the American Consulates is $5400 & hi is $7249! Mexico has priced itself out of the market for most Americans. It & all the costs have risen tremendously. It's insane. For you folks that are not familiar with what's happening it's called - getting Gringoed!

[@natalias1212]

And this is the right way to protect Mexican from American invasion.

[@jamcam9502]

@@natalias1212 EXACTLY. It raises the prices for the locals and it’s not fair. Why should Americans be allowed to leave the country that we ruined? ..we should just stay HERE and suffer.

[@Yah-Brielle]

Hello JP and Amelia, I enjoyed this video. I really like your new focus on Living abroad. I must say though that you are both fabulous Embassadors for Ecuador, and I benefitted from that content. As a matter of fact I want to thank you for your video about the different Ecuadorian visas. It literally changed my life. It was the Pensionado and dependant visa that lead to me and my adult daughter moving to Cuenca nearly 9 months ago. We are very happy that we made this move.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Congrats on your move! Cuenca is an amazing city! We both miss it!

[@SRFDriver]

@@AmeliaAndJP So move back...I know, JP doesn't love the elevation

[@ivanpojdl1620]

We moved to Nosara, CR in 2021. The infrastructure is questionable at best. Cost of living is higher than expected. Colones vs $ was 625 when we arrived and is now 510. Because we are in a tourist area, the prices are high very tourists. Real estate prices skyrocketed here over the past 5 years.We have residency therefore access to the local CAJA health insurance. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it yet. But with all that, we love living here. It will be our home until we decide to move somewhere else. Pura Vida.

[@supramentalmanifestation]

Great video. One important correction on Panamá. Don't pack your rain gear!!! You will be waaaaay too hot. You just need a good umbrella...I sling one on my back April to November. Any rain jacket or pants, no matter how thin, will be just as wet on the inside with sweat as on the outside with rain.

[@jumpinjehoshaphat1951]

Saying that the Philippines "has trains that take you between the major cities" is an exaggeration.

[@bayareatanders]

Maybe Metro Manila cities not all major cities. It is an island nation with more than 7K island and approx 2K are inhabited.

[@MikeNoble]

Thanks for your info. I dream of going abroad and you guys sure make it sound doable. On this list I have my reservations about Costa Rica and Mexico because of the cartels. Spain looks desirable to me. Thailand would be nice but living in Tennessee I’m tired of hot and humid so I might not like it so much. You do great work. Thanks.

[@sandrabedard7848]

I have been living in Costa Rica for 3 years permanently. Don't believe everything you read!! Go where you are treated the best but we feel safer here in CR then we did in USA. Criminals are everywhere on the planet.

[@joepro31]

Great vids you are putting out. What are your thoughts on Asunción Paraguay?

[@marnajmitchem333]

Hi guys! Nice to hear from you again. Please do a vid addressing the recent cartel probs in Ecuador. If you are back home? Some expats are extremely favorable but I trust the podcasters who are out and about more like you are.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We won't be doing a video talking about cartels, but we did write an article about the current situation in Ecuador: Our Thoughts About Ecuador Right Now… ameliaandjp.com/our-thoughts-about-ecuador-right-now/

[@surf01er66]

Mexico is awesome, going back soon

[@timobrien4634]

When possible, for those early retirees, please include if showing a savings amount meets the requirement, not just “income”. Helpful for those savers who choose not to work.

[@sinnombre3855]

Most places don´t care about your savings because you can lose that at the casino overnight, investments excluded. Guaranteed income usually wins the day, but this isn´t written in stone.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

When a place has an investment visa, we talk about it. Otherwise, they don't.

[@kerrynight3271]

@@sinnombre3855 Thank you for explaining that. You can also lose it in a lawsuit, unlike Social Security.

[@jeffyeah4256]

so what's ur favorite place? @@AmeliaAndJP

[@kims1912]

​@mikehornick4971 the inconvenient thing is you have to have it in the bank for 12 months prior to applying. When I sell my place that forces me to rent in us for 12 months. Mexico requirements are ridiculous now.

[@mr-vet]

Regarding Panama and the “Balboa”, unless things have changed since I was stationed there in the 1990s, Panama does not have its own paper currency, only coins-that are the same exact sizes as the equivalent US coins.

[@johnrenoveillon3841]

Correct!

[@dannyjose5702]

Yeah, I've heard them say this in another video, but the Balboa is the $USD. The

[@clinterz]

We’re going to Spain. The visa process has been a nightmare, but we are determined to make it happen. We started that process 10 weeks ago and probably have another 10 weeks before we actually have a visa in hand. Portugul was our number 2, it lost because the language was a little more difficult, otherwise, it seems as great as Spain to us.

[@actionvj]

Any concern about the taxes❓

[@clinterz]

The Spanish government will indeed take a big cut of our income, but everything else is so much cheaper in Spain, especially health care, that we think it's a very reasonable trade off. The only concession we made was selling our house before the end of 2023 so that we wouldn't have to pay Spanish taxes on it.

[@clinterz]

We've done the research. The higher Spanish tax rate should be more than offset by the lower cost of living. Fortunately, we figure that we can set aside 1/3 of our monthly pension for taxes without it affecting our lifestyle. We could never do that in the US.

[@actionvj]

@@clinterz I like that idea. Continuously set aside the money, so you already have it accounted for separately when it’s time to pay. Smart.

[@manuelfg2902]

Welcome to Spain. Where in Spain would u like to move?

[@cindyk3076]

That is a nice list, and as you mentioned, Bahrain and Taiwan were both surprises to me, neither of which I would consider moving to. I didn't hear any mention of healthcare in these ten places, maybe that wasn't an asked question?

[@garygerman8774]

I hope you continue to share information about becoming a resident in Ecuador. We are visiting there in two days and hope to live there within two years.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We still love Ecuador and consider it our permanent home. We’re just traveling for a while 😊🇪🇨

[@sherrielynnmalcolm4722]

I too am seriously looking at Ecuador. Uruguay is a little too expensive. However, what are your thoughts on Peru?

[@baolnguyen442]

Great content, thanks for sharing. The required income in Thailand seems high... maybe they are trying to slow down the flow of expats?

[@teddydavis2339]

Mexico is magical! I lived in Spain and Portugal, but the people in Mexico are second to none.

[@BrightResultsMedia]

I started following you guys about 4 years ago.. maybe longer when I was deciding where to go for birdwatching first. I ended up going to Mindo and loved it. I recently found you again and you two look great! JP lost weight and Amelia is still a stunner! Best wishes. Im headed to Colombia next, then Argentina. :)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks! 😊

[@nesitbotica5919]

Live at the beach; Clean, fresh air; kind, generous, easy-going people; SAFE; delicious quality and variety of locally-grown food and affordable; great, inexpensive internet, infrastructure and public transport; GREAT expat community; culturally vibrant; temperate weather; natural beauty galore; walk everywhere for daily activities; small town feel with big city amenities; residency in only five years for possible move elsewhere in EU; live on less than $2500/month (semi-retired couple) - we found it all in Nazaré, Portugal. Thank you for this very informative video Amelia and JP. One criteria I'm always interested in are the countries that tax pensions/social security but that doesn't seem to be mentioned much. I think it's a real important point for those who want to make the most of their social security and retirement distributions. I'd love a video on that topic!!

[@25Soupy]

Nice shirt JP! I'm on my way to Mexico in 4 days to get my permanent resident visa. The total savings rate requirement has gone up $100k Canadian from last year when I applied at the Vancouver consulate in October.

[@EvralTatum-Mcfield-ov2mi]

Now, is $125,000in savings, and $50,000 for Temporary Residency financial requirement, ill stay home, don't have that kind of money parked nowhere!!

[@martypoll]

I moved away from the San Francisco Bay Area and retired to Thailand in 2017. I lived in central Bangkok for 6 years. We built a new house in the Isaan countryside and we have been here in Isaan for a year now. There are several visa options for anyone over 50 years old. If you are under 50 years old it is significantly more difficult to stay here long term (border runs or an education visa aren’t going to let you stay here reliably for more than a year). Good for JP and Amelia for mentioning the new 10 year LTR visa. I got the 10 year pensioner LTR one year ago. I love it here. I love the tropical climate, the food, the culture, the people. Thailand has many national parks, fascinating wildlife, beaches & snorkeling. The health care is affordable, accessible and of high quality. Great roads and internet. I think that when you do your research about retiring in Thailand you will hear that it has gotten more expensive. If you are trying to live here on the typical American Social Security benefit then you are going to be on the edge of affordability. People do it and you get more for your money but an income of $2,000-$3,000 is going to be more secure and enjoyable.

[@carpediem6431]

How did you build a house? I’ve read in numerous places that non-Thais can not own private stand alone property only condos\townhouses\strata developments. My partner and I would love a small house on an acre or so in semi rural Thailand but thought it was impossible, only to rent.

[@martypoll]

@@carpediem6431 I am married to a Thai.

[@carpediem6431]

@@martypoll 👍 makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

[@Hello_Haven]

This summer Thailand launched the remote worker's visa, which allows remote workers to stay in Thailand for up to 5 years.

[@frankkluz9787]

Most have visa law requirements that are not real favorable for expat living w/o $ invested. Seems like that ruins the reason for going ? ( It would for me ! ) -- That Philippine tourist visa allows 3 years w/o leaving the country ! = Exceptional value - and - many areas with up to 70% below the US average cost of living - can be had !!! (( WOW )) Few other countries come anywhere close to the deal offered in the Philippines - especially appealing to US and Canadian expats. No language barrier is huge for many older retired people as well. --- I must say - some 250,000 US citizens have moved to Cambodia this past decade ! > Digital nomads & retired over 55 combined. Has to be a reason - ??? 🤔 They too speak English - are super friendly & even accept the USD !

[@dennishassler605]

I'm impressed with Aelia and JP, BECAUSE you escaped Ecuador and got supper educated about choices for living abroad.

[@phillipmaguire4671]

Very good channel. I am from Australia. I'd like to know or hear more about Caribbean destinations, including both the Greater and Lesser Antilles for retirement living or are they just mainly suited for 2 week vacations? Closer to home, the South Pacific is a region I am really interested in for retirement living (as an Aussie), because I'm not too far from home base, but it may be less attractive for people from North America or Europe because of the flight networks and frequency.

[@FC-rg1vk]

I love Portugal and Spain. Will check those out more

[@quito2399]

Puerto Vallarta is pretty but I think is very expensive now .

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

Just got back from Argentina. That country is so amazing

[@craiggardner5525]

It sure is!

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@rjh2772 Yes

[@jb-qi8fz]

When I was there many years ago, inflation was at 1/2 % PER HOUR !!!

[@Mongoose-ct6us]

@@jb-qi8fz Inflation is still out of control

[@rickchandler2570]

Not sure how anyone can say it’s affordable when inflation rate is 211%..

[@rogerjackson3227]

I want 1 season warm!!!

[@rvdareyet7201]

Then coastal Ecuador is your spot! Our temperature ranges from 75-85F year round. Plus, no hurricanes!

[@digi63]

I have a question. What if someone does not have a steady income but has a fairly large stock and 401k portfolio? Can a money amount be a substitute for a monthly income? Thanks.

[@richdewitt760]

As usual great video, but I do wish you also tabled health care quality and healthcare options/approximate costs for each Country. I know in other videos you mention health care typically. Happy trails...Rich

[@Kevin-et5zs]

I think you meant "Dominical" in Costa Rica! I recommend Tortilla Flats on the beach...one of the top three beach bars in the world!

[@nonnibiscotti]

I would love to see you cross the Mediterranean and check out Alexandria, Egypt. I'd take that over Bahrain and some of the Asian listed countries any day. Affordable, good food, friendly people, wonderful weather. And should you choose to go, check out Montazah Gardens and Palace.

[@Noonelson]

Costa rica and Mexico sound good, i need to visit Panama to get a feel for it. Im curious how you questioned a move to Bahrain, but no concerns about all the countries you listed near China(other than a small mention re Taiwan).

[@wesgraham2262]

Wnen you’re finally ready to really retire, who cares how far away the Philippines is? A 15- hour flight and you’ve landed in a tropical paradise where English is spoken and they love westerners! Lived there for 3 years. Loved it.

[@jmac5951]

So far, you guys have the best videos on moving abroad. You get to the point and you cover the important pluses and minuses

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you think so! Thanks!

[@jmac5951]

@@AmeliaAndJP also you're both so cute!

[@Nezuko_91463]

Yes! I would feel safe living in Bahrain. The U.S. Navy has a presence there. I spent a year there. It is a great place to live - especially in the winter.

[@sinnombre3855]

🤣

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Cacheola]

Chapters would be appreciated ;)

[@christopherkirwan7999]

Congratulations! Heard from Andrew Henderson that you will be @ Nomad Capitalist Live.

[@melisherwood5300]

The income requirements that you mention for residency - are they gross or net value?

[@carlabeaton3637]

Guys what a great channel!

[@eelfood]

Mexico!!!!

[@davidthornton5289]

😊. Portugal looks nice, but they tax your U.S. retirement income (if you get residency)… based on online information we found in the last month.

[@MrJx4000]

I believe that taxation just came in on Jan. 1st, right?

[@davidthornton5289]

@@MrJx4000 - If what we read is correct, Portugal used to have an exemption for retirees for their retirement income (pension, SS, IRA), but they did away with that this year and now you could pay up to 40% tax on your annual income. So, that knocked Portugal off of our list.

[@rxcatsone]

I have my Portuguese NIF (tax ID), bank account & mobile number. Visited twice last year & planned to move there permanently after I retired last January. Now, out of the question, due to VERY heavy taxes. Even your pre-taxed Roth IRA will be taxed again by Portugal.

[@BigBear59]

Thanks for a very informative and to the fact presentation ….i would to see opinion on Uraguay …So thanks again …until next time …..Alex🇬🇷

[@benguenther1162]

Thank you for all your excellent videos. I learn so much from all your travels. Have you ever considered Paraguay as a Plan B , or even as a permanent residence? Thanks

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yes. We plan to visit next year.

[@TheRockInnRobin]

It’s a shame that Mexico City is running out of water. It was my top choice but I’d rather have to not worry about that either. I’m curious on other central/South American countries as well.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

I think that’s mainly in Mexico City. It’s a big country.

[@gemmacocomello4127]

I'm in the process of looking where to go next after living in Vietnam for 1.5 years. Trying to narrow it down to LATAM- but I still find it so overwhelming.

[@NicoleT-d7k]

My father has lived in the Philippines since 1989. I asked him recently if he thinks he made the right choice living there and he said absolutely. However I have to add that the crime is scary, the scams are many and deep seated, and Americans are often targeted. There are unscrupulous police and and have crazy laws like no smoking at all in some places that you may never know until you are faced with fines or worse. With all that in mind, I have to tell you the people are the shining stars in this story. I’ve never met nicer and truly happy people than Filipino people. Their hearts are gold and if you are lucky to know them then you will have a friend for life.

[@tamaramadelin4831]

Portugal #1 not 10 for me!! Great list, but Portugal 🇵🇹 is my home and ❤️!

[@sinnombre3855]

You guys are great and make me laugh, today it was Bahrain and Taiwan. To retire? I think I'd take The Bronx first. 🤣

[@MichaelSmittySmithScottsdaleAz]

I go to panama 1 to 2 times per year. I stay in Panama City and I find the cost of living similar to Phoenix Arizona for food and entertainment. I cant see how anyone single could retire there on less than $3000 a month.

[@laura_and_shanman]

I am SO IMPRESSED with your channel and videos!! I'm in my mid 40s and really considering a slow travel lifestyle (I'm with a life parnter and he isn't quite on board yet).. considering the 12 month life abroad program, do you think it's worthwhile for me right now if it's still 3-5 years away? Thanks in advance!!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you so much! The program has lifetime access and a few members have decided to compress their timeline after seeing the steps. The community is a nice way to stay connected with others who are at different stages of the same journey, too. You sig other can have his own login to the community so maybe he will get more excited about it after chatting with other members. We would be happy to have you! 😊

[@kenswindle4860]

Another great video, but you two have spoiled me on Ecuador! 🇪🇨 As much as Colombia is and will always be part of my life, there are no yards there! I’m not sure they even have a word for yard! Your videos showed that yards do exist in Ecuador. Hopefully the government will get things under control soon and I can go for a visit. And yes, I know a lot of the problems there now are imported from Colombia. As an adopted Colombian, I apologize for that. Colombia can break a person’s heart. 🤷‍♂️

[@tbrollini8223]

Ken, My brother is Ecuadorian & "just today", he messaged me about how tough it is financially for them & how the crime does spill over into the innocent people. The new Pres, is doing stuff to try & stem it but it will take a lot of time & effort & probably blood, to end the Cartels! BTW he no longer asks me to come & visit - says nope, not a good idea. Tom

[@dannyroks0406]

My husband and I just spent Jan 20th to 30th in Ecuador in the south Sierra and had a wonderful time. The whole country is not represented in the media, in fact with the army mobilized crime rates have dropped significantly. We live in Canada, and crime rates in major cities here are worse than the area of Ecuador we visited. :) Be wary of fear mongering on major media...

[@devonhuning756]

No comments or ranking on Uruguay? Any plans to go there?

[@sherrielynnmalcolm4722]

I understand Uruguay is an excellent choice. Their Visa process is pretty straight forward. However for me, it's priced a little out of my reach. I have watched a few KZbin videos on Uruguay. It's very progressive. And safe.

[@susans7091]

Would like more info on central and south american countries:)

[@alrent2992]

F.Y.I. Costa Rica has modified and increased their visa stay ( nov. 23 ) to 6 months. Not necessary to gain residency. Unless you don't want to exit every 6 months. Stay Away from tourist areas. Prices differ.

[@MountainGoat67]

is the income requirements mentioned in the video for one person? and double the amount for a couple?

[@carlfenger]

I'm from California, but will be retiring soon in Switzerland. Downside - you need an income of at least 80K to have a decent life, anything beyond a 3 month tourist visa is virtually impossible to get unless you have an EU passport and can find a job. I did it the long way, moved here 35 years ago for work and obtained citizenship.

[@jeffreysmith2155]

Thailand now has a great 5 year teleworker visa.

[@sveinkikals7876]

Bahrain? No way, plus it's a very conservative country. What about Nicaragua?

[@cachecow]

Whoops ..... Ecuador!

[@TeriGaddy-ik3xf]

It's getting seriously scary in the USA and I'm ready to go. A retirement visa will be necessary. I don't have much savings (Less than $500k) and I have a 27 y.o. Down syndrome daughter that I will need to bring with me (she is very bright and capable). I want a beach so, I'll look at Thailand and Ecuador first. Unless anyone has other suggestions. I"m open to advice! please

[@MichaelSmittySmithScottsdaleAz]

You may go to the Philippines first due to their English speaking ability.

[@arep1030]

I'd suggest malaysia. Many expats said some good stuff about malaysia

[@malcolmnorton4214]

❤ Merida Yucatan!

[@ciddyfent4246]

I think you may have mis-stated something. Check 6:36-6:44. You mention proving an income of $1,850 "per month" or providing a "security deposit" of $22,800 "per month." I'm confused. "Monthly" contradicts the entire concept of a security deposit. Also, $22,800 "per month" is a LOT of money. Something seems wrong. Could you clarify, please?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The security deposit is not per month. It’s a one time deposit.

[@ciddyfent4246]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks for clarifying.

[@BureaucracyWorld]

Choose Thailand. If you retired and want to have a lot of things to do, you will never be bored. Great food, hospitals, and infrastructure.

[@decTac]

It's 50°c in Chiengmai...the whole Thailand is an oven

[@lindadorman2869]

I generally agree with this list though it's skewed towards a younger demographic. Expat kind of implies they are still working, either for a company or as a digital nomad. I think the list would be slightly different for older retirees. Very interesting that Portugal and Spain are the only two European countries on the top 10 list. Countries such as Ireland, Austria, Switzerland and Germany used to be popular expat destinations.

[@sinnombre3855]

@user-hq6hb2xv4n Exacto!! If you could afford to live in Switzerland you could also afford to live in the best places in the USA or Canada, why would one leave?

[@martypoll]

The term expat covers retirees too. It may be the case though that members of Internations (the source of the survey) is more skewed toward working expats.

[@martypoll]

@@sinnombre3855I’ve got a 6 figure pension income and I can easily afford to live in the US but I found a country, Thailand, that I like better. It’s not all about cost of living though that is important. Sixty years in the US was enough. I’m retired so I no longer need to live in the US to make western 💰 Other places are nice too and more interesting if you are open to new experiences. Culturally the US has become a mess and 2024 is THE year to be someplace else. Someplace I can be relaxed and happy.

[@dannyroks0406]

@@sinnombre3855 SO many reason's! As a Canadian living in BC we can't wait to leave, and it's not just about affordability! Trudeau has done an excellent job thrashing our beautiful country.

[@scguy681]

Look out Ecuador !

[@dank6514]

Cost of living and weather must be big factors in the survey.

[@debraspence3559]

Did you leave Ecuador?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Not permanently. Our Thoughts About Ecuador Right Now… ameliaandjp.com/our-thoughts-about-ecuador-right-now/

[@debraspence3559]

@@AmeliaAndJP thanks good to know it's not as bad as been reported on the news and that it's settling down!

[@ROBERTHerron-ui7wv]

I left my April dreams...in Portugal it seems

[@decTac]

My choice is always Malaysia 🇲🇾

[@daveed4475]

Love Mexico. Love Spain.

You guys are the coolest immigrants on KZbin! Great channel 😊

[@cestwhat1317]

Most of these are autocratic regimes, hot, and polluted.😠 Really live their take on these and the cautions they add.

[@seanriley8448]

Why oh why does Spain have to have such a large retirement income requirement why couldn't it just be a $2,000

[@sinnombre3855]

Same reason you don´t want your daughter dating a street person.

[@larapfeffer2845]

How does the Dominican Republic stand on your personal list? We've visited many times & besides Mexico, it's top of our list so far. People are very nice, it's mostly english speaking but not as much as Mexico, and there's beautiful places to live affordably there. We love the North Coast! There's almost NO KZbinrs there, so if we move there we will likely have to start our own DR You Tube channel ha ha

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We went to DR about 10 years ago. Beautiful country with a lot of possibilities. We met a couple who lived on the North Coast several years ago and loved it.

[@jamesrooney7689]

i just read where ELSALVADOR IS VERY SAFE NOW

[@Cenlalowell]

Went in march it is awesome

[@alirashidpnm7347]

Malaysia Truly Asia

[@raffaelloschirinzi2072]

Interesting subject but really aimed at a North American audience. What about Europe ? (in addition to Spain)

[@luisvarona9680]

Ecuador didn't make the list.

[@deborahkirkle9047]

Is Ecuador still having too much violence??

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Here’s an update: ameliaandjp.com/our-thoughts-about-ecuador-right-now/

[@likicanoe3305]

I lived in Bahrain for 3 years in c. 2005. Dress conservatively and respect Muslim laws. Avoid Black Flag neighborhoods on Muslim holidays (you will see the flags.) Loads of British expats there. U.S. Navy personnel stay very close to base. Good medical clinics and hospitals. I got assigned the Surgeon General as my GP!!! How does that happen?

[@daccrowell4776]

Good info overall, but it's worth noting that Bahrain and Malaysia (along with other Muslim countries) can be extremely difficult for both single women and LGBTQ. There's definitely reasons for those people to avoid these countries, as well as pretty much ALL Islamic nations for the LGBTQ community due to some horrific laws...some of which demand the death penalty for simply being LGBTQ (Brunei, Saudi Arabia, et al). If you're a single female, or if you're part of the LGBTQ community, it's a VERY good idea to do a deeper dive than just these cursory glances so that you're aware of problems like this.

[@whateverrrrrr123]

Are you from any of the country you mentioned? In Malaysia we don’t care what you do as long as you respect when you are public.

[@DavidCoxDallas]

the people of Dubai don't really care for the Flintstones but, folks in Abu Dhabi do!

[@upstatenewyork]

I’d stay a couple of months in any of these countries but would not be interested in retiring to any country. I’m ok with the United States.

[@jameskreofsky5481]

For 15 years it has been 7 U.S. 5 Cabo, Mx.(months) sunny warm, and safe. U.S. not so safe and falling apart. No law enforcement and leadership from top to bottom.

[@annecoffman5188]

What about the taxes in Spain? Are you familiar with those for expats?

[@sinnombre3855]

They've mentioned it repeatedly. What about the weather in Buffalo?

[@y.v.4306]

But where in Mexico? I strongly dislike Mexico City as I find the air pollution unbearable, it’s expensive and too much traffic. I tried San Miguel De Allende which also bad air quality and is crazy expensive and so much building going on, I think it’s being ruined. Not to mention water issues in both places. I have residency but have no idea now where to go to retire if Where in Mexico? I strongly dislike Mexico City as I find the air pollution unbearable, it’s expensive and too much traffic. I tried San Miguel De Allende which also bad air quality and is crazy expensive and so much building going on, I think it’s being ruined. Not to mention water issues in both places. I have residency but have no idea now where to go to retire if I settled in Mexico. So much is polluted everywhere as well as water issues. 😢

[@williamshaw8106]

I'm going to Playa del Carmen..🛫🇲🇽🏖️

[@Avarua59]

@@williamshaw8106 ...or nearby Puerto Morelos.

[@williamshaw8106]

@@Avarua59 nah.. too small..

[@PATTYSKI]

Regarding internet. You have that type of internet what the owner pays for. Everywhere is fast Internet, you just have to pay more.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

The speeds we’ve had in Europe aren’t available in Ecuador. 50mbs was the slowest option for our ISP in Ecuador but we had 300 upload and download. Upload isn’t slower in Ecuador either.

[@peripeciastudios]

I don't know what type of internet you guys have there or why the speed is so slow. Maybe because you are in an Airbnb and they share the internet, as happens in hotels in most countries. But being a Spaniard who lives in the US, I can assure you that most providers in Spain offer internet between 512 Mb and 2Gb. (and much cheaper than in the US) depending on what you want to pay. It is absurd to say that the internet in Spain (generalizing) is very bad when telecommunications technology in Europe is even more advanced than in the US in many cases.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

That hasn’t been our experience yet. Even restaurants have slow or no internet in many areas. The co-working space in Malaga only had 50mbs down / 20mbs up. We’re in Albania now and the internet speeds in multiple locations have been much faster than everywhere we went in Portugal, Spain, Italy or Greece. We know from other comments that faster speeds are available, but the slow speeds we’ve experienced in Southern Europe aren’t even an option in Ecuador where we’ve lived for 6 years.

[@peripeciastudios]

@@AmeliaAndJP In case you are interested in having official and expert information, there are several official lists with the countries that have the best and fastest broadband and mobile average in the world. You should search for it on Google. Spain and the United States are in the top 10 (Along with Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Denmark, etc.). Ecuador doesn't even appear in the top 30 list. On the other hand, the speed of a country's internet is not measured by the speed you find in the place where you have stayed for a few days, in a restaurant that you have visited or in a coworking space that you have specifically visited, but by many others. more serious and respectable technical factors. Just visiting an area of a country for a few days as a tourist does not give you the authority to tell others what everything is like in that country... But there is one very important thing to keep in mind when talking about customs, lifestyles or other topics of any country, even a city, is that we cannot generalize and talk about something in that country only after having visited one. city in a few days since each city is totally different, each tourist experience is different (for many reasons). Not even a citizen of that country living in a certain city can say that things in that country are the way he lives them in that city because in another they will probably be different and the lifestyle and environment is different. Or as I said, even within the same city, because the lifestyle in Soho, NY is not the same as in Brox, NY... and even less so with the lifestyle in another city like Monowi, Nebraska or Miami, FL... It cannot be generalized, dear friend. Otherwise, a generalized and untrue opinion will nullify all credibility.

[@johnandsharon5785]

I am surprised that Ecuador did not make the list. Bahrain???

[@kbrown3429]

Isn't crime and violence getting more out of control in Ecuador?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It’s finally getting better with the new president. Our Thoughts About Ecuador Right Now… ameliaandjp.com/our-thoughts-about-ecuador-right-now/

[@ceregirl5852]

BTW, if there’s an Internations chapter in a city you visit, the events are very nice. It would be a great way to network with other expats.

[@99supper]

Hey Amelia and JP, for the countries that offer 6 month tourist visas…..can you just leave the country (border run) for a few days then return and get another 6 month tourist visa? Or is the intent for you to be there just 6 months within a 12 month period? Cheers from NY!

[@martypoll]

In Thailand they will begin to deny you entry after you do border runs a few times. It is up to the discretion of the immigration office but it happens quite often. The one exception is the Philippines where they allow you to remain for up to three years before you have to do a border run.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Some allow border runs but some don’t. And the rules change a lot so you need to check with a local source before you plan to travel.

[@michealjoseph9943]

@@martypollsince the tourist visa in the Philippines is technically 30 days, does that mean you would have to pay a fee every 30 days to be able to stay for 3 years?

[@martypoll]

@@michealjoseph9943 From what I hear you can get extensions for maybe up to 6 months.

[@adad1270]

@michaeljoseph9943 From other videos' commenter (& I believe this to be correct), you can get a 30-day tourist visa on arrival, then renew it every month (maybe easiest via travel agency there?) for 3 years. I believe thus will total about US $300 /year. You then must do a visa run (eg. to nearby HK or Thailand, etc.), and return - to restart the 3-year tourist visa process. Apparently many, especially low income foreigners, have done this for many years. So confident am I that the above is correct that I will use it in any of my planning for retirement in the Philippines. Good luck...& blessings!

[@DogWalkerBill]

I am interested in The Philippines, Mexico and Spain!