5 Overrated Expat Countries that Bit the Dust! What Happened?

[@HMFamilyLife]

Next 5 Big Foreigner Bubble Cities Abroad for 2020! UPDATE 2024! Bubble READY to POP! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKXbq2qMjrd8pq8si=nEAi5SeQ90JbOBvS

[@jdtravels5140]

Thank you for the warning. Next month I’m moving to the Philippines. It will be my 43d country and 21st year living abroad. A new adventure awaits.

[@topaz3468]

After traveling all over the world for 40 years, I decided that retiring in my homeland -the states, was the best decision for me personally. A big clue was how relieved I always was when I landed on US soil and got to go back home!😅

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yes, that is a big clue!

[@stevegunn9971]

Good post!

[@allencoffland1685]

just had a lesson with Thai tutor today........she's not shy about pointing out the drug epidemic, suicides, and sense of hopelessness in Thailand right now

[@HMFamilyLife]

Bless her heart for being honest. Thank you for sharing that/ Enjoy Thailand. Take care.

[@Trish-j2y]

It’s here in the us too. We workers can’t afford to live in our own tourist spots. That’s life.

[@LloydintheAmericas]

100% true information about whats going on in Ecuador. We have many family and friends that presently live there

[@HMFamilyLife]

Unfortunately, Ecuador has changed and not for the better. Thank you for sharing and thanks for watching the video. Take care.

[@QuinnPrice]

I live in Ecuador as we speak. I'm plotting my exit. I live in the north, Cotacachi, but the blackouts, crime, and unaccountable police make it a no-go for this gringo.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. Take care.

[@alainbergeron4520]

​@@HMFamilyLife absolutely Ecuador 🇪🇨 was an ideal retirement place 10 years ago. But it has lost its appeal. I'm staying out of Ecuador!

[@exploringdimensions4all853]

For real! Me too (Vilcabamba).

[@chinesecrested9528]

Ruined by the drug gangs... sad

[@wolfgangfranke2752]

Thank you so much telling the necessary truth . regards from Germany

[@HMFamilyLife]

Hello! Thanks for watching.

[@ShaggyBrown-c2c]

I am always exited to watch your videos becouse your videos are always the best . 👍🤗

[@HMFamilyLife]

Good morning. Thanks for that. Glad you're enjoying the videos.

[@timsretirementjourney8323]

Since I've never been to any of the countries you mentioned here I can neither agree nor disagree on those, however you're more than likely 100% right about foreigners not being welcome long term because of how the economy is affected. For myself having moved to a nice city in central Luzon, Philippines full time about 2 years ago (from Canada) I couldn't be happier with our decision. My wife and I could dine out every single day if we wanted to for probably less than eating at home in Canada. Of course we don't do that but overall our cost of living is a fraction of what it would be back home.

[@msbeecee1]

Ur dping a good service by giving the real info. Thank you

[@HMFamilyLife]

😀

[@mikearends7510]

I think you made a rather large mistake about the requirements for the Thai retirement visa. I believe they require expats to have income of 800,000 Thai baht per year, or 65,000 baht per month. This equates to about $23,000 (US) per year, not $80,000 per year as you stated in the video. Other than this, it's another nice video.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Actually, no mistake on my part. I was talking about the LTR Long Term Resident Visa which is the one they recommend and is the Main VISA for Thailand. If you can show $80K a year and you're 50 years of age or older, you can become a permanent resident. I called it the retirement VISA, WHICH IT IS because the other categories ARE either invest half a mil and have assets worth a mil or WORK TO SHOW YOU HAVE $80k COMING YEARLY. Here are the options below and the source article. www.expatden.com/thailand/thailand-long-term-resident-visa/ The Thailand LTR Visa is currently the visa for Thailand. It allows you to stay in Thailand for 10 years. You are required to do a 90-day report once a year. You can obtain a work permit with it. It enables you to apply for permanent residency or Thai citizenship. There are four main categories. 1. You need to have assets worth at least US$1 million and invest a minimum of $500,000 in Thailand. 2. You need to be at least 50 years old with a minimum annual income of US$80,000. 3. You need to work for a large company with a minimum annual income of $80,000. 4. You need to work for a company in Thailand with a minimum annual income of $80,000 But I do appreciate you keeping me on my toes.

[@mikearends7510]

@@HMFamilyLife Thanks for the reply. Expat life is merely a hobby/interest for me. You've clearly done a bit more research than me. Thanks for the info you supplied.

[@littletravelmonkey6727]

Thank you the KZbinrs and digital nomads, those countries had been "rediscovered".

[@michaelmcshane6280]

Thank you again for spreading the truth.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Good morning. thank you for watching the videos. Glad you like the information. Take care.

[@chrisbunka]

I was half expecting to hear the song by Queen throughout the video 🤣 Very informative. Thank you.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Hahahahahahaha 😄

[@niallmcdonagh1093]

The one voice of reason in a world gone mad with fomo....people prefer to buy paradise rather than create it....

[@HMFamilyLife]

Glad you liked the reality show! 😃

[@gif24gt60]

So true

[@alainbergeron4520]

Great video, i really enjoyed it. Could you make a video about up and coming countries for retirees? I think Uruguay, Vietnam, Albania, Montenegro and France are best secrets. Your opinion?

[@r.s.334]

Honest video. Thanks

[@HMFamilyLife]

Glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching.

[@privateprivate921]

I don’t enjoy agreeing so much with your point of view.. Great information thank you .. !

[@HMFamilyLife]

Lol, sorry bout that. Hmmmm.....glad you are enjoying the information. Take care!😃

[@BillonBass]

I live in Thailand. I’m pretty well off so I certainly don’t feel any financial squeeze here but costs are going up for a lower income expat to be sure. I keep telling everyone it’s not as cheap as you think and you can’t live here on $1000 a month. But that said it’s still pretty cheap. I love it and definitely am never leaving. Raising out half Thai half American daughter here. I also dont see expats fleeing in droves and it was a record tourism year. Thailand was the number one country visited in 2024. Where I live in Hua Hin it’s booming. New homes being built everywhere and selling quick. Yes prices have gone up but so has the quality of life. It’s still a gem!

[@chinesecrested9528]

Same same. I'm in Sam Roi yot and loving it. Never going back to the us

[@JohninHouston1969]

I love this video. It's spot on! I plan to retire and slow travel through countries, but I will probably never buy a property. You never know if the security or economic situation will change in a country. I travel to smaller cities in Mexico and Colombia where you need Spanish to get around. Knowing enough Spanish is a huge advantage for me. I love Aguascalientes and Campeche, and have very little interest in Mexico City or Guadalajara. I may never visit Puerto Vallarta.

[@keithrogers9741]

I wouldn't list all of Colombia in this no go category. I lived in Armenia in the coffee triangle 2 yrs ago and felt safe, once I got caught out late at night in a railroad yard, felt uncomfortable about it but no problems. I think its got maybe more dangerous though Scopa. especially for all the young guys using Tender to hook up fast or drinking in bars in Medelin valley, which I am not into. Not too long ago the Gov raised the retirement visa requirements but still cheap vrs other places

[@impish22]

thanks for sharing

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thank you for being here today and watching. Take care!

[@wolfgangfranke2752]

This world has changed almost everywhere. You are the eyeopener for all those daydreamers.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Maybe but when people get an idea in their head, they usually can't help themselves. lol.....just showing people the other side of the story. Thanks for watching.

[@futurekron]

I have a client who moved to Mexico. She's got a $700/month apartment which is very nice, but has had tons of problems with landlord and construction...strange person peering into her home at night (caught on camera...freaky). She's trying to get out of there, but honestly, I think she'll have issues of some sort wherever she goes. Still, she's got many new friends and good healthcare.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yikes that is scary, someone peeking in her windows at night. Is she a woman alone? Best to tell her to be watchful of the goings on around her neighborhood and to be careful. Thank you for watching today and sharing. Take care.

[@jbw53191]

Very informative! I moved to Mexico four years ago and it really has gotten more expensive. I still enjoy it for the great food, friendly people, and convenient healthcare.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yes, we miss the food! And the Mexicans are easy going folks.

[@jeroldbastian790]

Been in PV for a year. Did my homework online before, during and still on economic rent, food, necessities, etc. And I walk everywhere, engage everybody (you can't sneeze without an ex-pat saying bless you) and found inexpensive rent in Expensive Conchas Chinas, with a $1mil ocean view. Found many places to eat for under $10, stuff I need for reasonable prices and continue to discover many wonderful things and amazing friends. Don't be an entitled Lazy Gringo and this can be as good as it gets.

[@miakrauss555]

THANK YOU for being honest.

[@JMgmkh]

Do you have a projection for the Philippines ? ( live there )

[@gif24gt60]

Has spain, Argentina and turkey popped?😮

[@salqubeq5203]

can you make a video on the top 5 best countries to retire which are still cheap in asia? Thanks

[@HMFamilyLife]

Hmmmm. Best? Best is an opinion. That's why we don't do "best".....Those types of videos are all over YT, it's way over done and overrated, meaning we'll probably not do it. But perhaps we could figure out our version of it somehow. Thank you for asking. Take care.

[@jeffhunt2778]

If I go to a new place, largely un-talked about, and see a bunch of obvious gringo faces - I am out of there. Internet is killing travel and living abroad. Paradise my ASS. If I wanted to live with gringos I would move to Florida.

[@HMFamilyLife]

😅 And they're moving to Florida! lol Thanks for the reality check. Take care.

[@GR-ju4db]

Hey, I resemble that remark!

[@chinesecrested9528]

Spot the f on. I avoid my countrymen like the plaque

[@marcd1981]

Thank you for the video. That was interesting to see the bottle of Guittig on the table at the end, as I used to travel to Ecuador every year from 1994 through 2010. I spent two weeks a year in Ecuador, and we traveled around the country by car and bus. Back in the '90s I had plans to retire in Ecuador, but that was a previous marriage, and when that ended, the moving plans changes as well. Something I never hear anyone talking about on KZbin when they post videos about how much it costs to live in specific countries is the income requirements for people moving to Mexico. There are Temporary and Permanent Visa options that I do not know how so many people are able to meet the requirements for. $4,350 / month for Temp, and $7,300 / month for Permanent residencies. They require proof of at least 6 months of that income, and some consulates require 12 months. So, is this like what was mentioned in this video for Thailand? Only well off people can move there? I recently retired from a six-figure job, but I will not be bringing home $7,300 / month in retirement income. How are average people retiring there?

[@kitty_s23456]

For TH, you can go there on a tourist visa then apply for a retirement visa (O, OA visa). You must show prrof of income of ~2400 usd/ month or deposit ~24k usd in a Thai bank. This is for a 1 year retirement visa. You must also show proof of health insurance (Thai-based company, not sure if they've enacted that already since the rule is fairly new). For the 24k bank deposit, if you don't have it, there are visa agencies which can handle it for you, for a fee. Cambodia has a 1-year retirement visa, costs ~300 usd per year. However, I suggest that you visit the place(s) & test the waters prior to applying for a retirement visa.

[@HMFamilyLife]

What are the renewal fees every year? I think it is a bit overdone. Sounds like they are making it more difficult for people. Depositing $24K for a one year VISA???! Thank you for sharing.

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@HMFamilyLife Many countries (not just TH) have tightened their policies re: retirement & tourist visas. They don't want long-term tourists who do visa runs & want people to apply for either retirement visa (which have financial requirements) or digital nomad visa (if the country has DN visa). For TH, it's either a $24k deposit or $2400 p.m. Income or combination of the two. As for the yearly renewal fees - am not sure, so you'll have to research. TH Immigration also requires that you report every 90 days (can be done online).

[@didierdenice7456]

To your list you can add the country of Georgia, a hidden gem when I moved in April 2018 ! It's incredible how much it has changed in 6 years time, and how much more expensive it is today ! 🤔

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yes, when we were there in Jan.2020 you could still get $350 and $400 3/2, the prices were just starting to go up and it didn't take long. Soon Georgia's price bubble will pop. Thanks for sharing that.

[@kitty_s23456]

​@@HMFamilyLifeanother thing about Georgia is that many Russians migrated there 2 years ago to escape conscription/ the regime. This increased the need for more housing = higher rents. Also, the newly elected leaders are pro Russian (if that matters to you).

[@wolfgangkruger1725]

As someone who left the US almost ten years ago and has researched and listened to many people like you, I have to agree with what you are saying about these five countries. But I need to make a small exception. I live in Colombia, but I do not live in Santa Marta nor Cartagena nor Medellin. I live in Barranquilla, which is equidistant between Santa Marta and Cartagena. Barranquilla is different. Everyone just passes by when they travel between Santa Marta and Cartagena. Barranquilla is never mentioned in the retirement circles. This is just fine with my Colombian wife ( we met in Pennsylvania) and I. Barranquilla is a modern city, with the modern conveniences and a good quality of life. The local government has been very good and the city has improved in leaps and bounds since I first visited 22 years ago. My only beef right now is not with the city but with the country, were they elected a former guerrilla, Marxist, authoritarian and totally incompetent President. The good news is that the country has woken up to this guy. If we were to leave it would be Argentina or Paraguay. Thanks for an interesting video.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thanks for sharing that. And thanks for watching the video.

[@catobie1948]

Shhhh don't tell everybody about Baraquilla or it will be doomed.

[@elgringoec]

@@wolfgangkruger1725 That's where the character Gloria on the show modern family is scripted to be from. I bet it's enjoyable there. My wife is from Ecuador and we also happened to meet while in Pennsylvania. This president thing is important. We have too many people in this world who think getting free stuff now is going to magically make their lives better. I thought the general population had learned about unintended consequences but I guess that wisdom hasn't been passed down effectively. Plus more and more people have become more despondent as a result of losing touch with God.

[@bkrider19]

I spent 2 months in Oaxaca this fall (2024), and everything this video says about Mexico I found to be true in that city: overpriced, excessive tourism, and significantly more social tension than when I was there in 2022. On the surface the city seems to be making improvements, but most of it is for boutique hotels. Meanwhile the indigenous people who created the spirit of Oaxaca and set the foundation for the beauty and tranquility that have attracted tourists in the first place, are being treated as excess population, forced to move out of the city by high prices and rents, extremely low wages, and woefully inadequate access to drinking water. One further indicator of problems is that the quality of the food in the cafés and restaurants I frequented has definitely declined, which seems to be the result of corporate culture invading Oaxaca and aggressively cutting costs. For example, this visit I found only one café that serves proper hot chocolate: Pan:Am Abasolo (and probably the other Pan:Am branches). This is regrettable, as the high standard of food, coffee and chocolate has been central to the cultural and economic life of the city. On the positive side, Oaxaca is blessed with an outstanding English language lending library--the best I've ever seen or heard of in a non-English-speaking country--that not only has a rich collection including many recent books but also hosts regular weekly community events (hikes, presentations, etc.), and this could be an important consideration for English-speaking expats if they have the income to match the city's rising costs.

[@HMFamilyLife]

Thank you for sharing.

[@wolfgangfranke2752]

Do you recommend any place to go to?

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yes, go to any country your heart desires but keep watching our videos for the other side of the story so you get a balanced view; be prepared and stay safe! Thanks for watching.

[@elchaposexcitingadventures1674]

Shh! Don’t tell them.

[@bartstewart8644]

What do you know about Albania, or the other countries in that area? It is starting to sound like the whole world is uninhabitable.

[@tonyrobinson1636]

Do you find Vietnam acceptable for retirement? Which country in se Asia would you recommend? Thsnks for your great content!!!!

[@HMFamilyLife]

You should talk with folks who have gone to Vietnam and have lived there for awhile. See what their pros and cons are, however, always do your own homework so you'll be more prepared by knowing the good, bad and ugly upfront. Thanks for watching the video. Take care

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

Vietnam is rapidly becoming the next Thailand. The people are friendly when they think you're a rich tourist that is gonna give them money. Stay here longer and you see most don't like or want foreigners here. They love to price gouge foreigners and the foreigners mostly fall for it hook, line and sinker. There are scams everywhere and if you go to HCMC, Hoi An, or another area where foreigners congregate, you'll certainly have something stolen. Lived here eight years continuously.

[@bill7868]

@@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717 Well crap. I was just in Nha Trang. I was thinking about retiring there.

[@gif24gt60]

Excellent composed video but the music has got to go😮

[@jayajaya788]

This is why I tell people to go where there isn't an influx of expats!!! Mexico has become so expensive because of all the people moving there. That's a no-no for me...move where your heart desires and if you have money like that to spend then do what makes you happy!! I think the main reason for your exit should be for lesser rent.. a better way of living...less crime...Peace of mind...not for all of the other superficial things...lol

[@marcd1981]

The problem is that it is not just Mexico this is happening to. Anywhere that is worth moving to and retiring in has the same exact problems right now. Portugal has always been on the top 10 lists for expats to retire in, and as you heard in this video, people born and raised there cannot afford to live in many of their cities. So many people have moved there and purchased or rented at inflated prices that the rent / price increases for property is as bad as the US. My wife and I have been following the goings on of several countries, and Panama and Costa Rica, two very popular expat destinations, are going through similar events like what was just mentioned about Ecuador in this video. Drug gangs / cartels taking over areas, crime increasing every year, and shortages of water due to the drought conditions that have been ongoing for many years now.

[@scronx]

How about telling people to stay where they are so this doesn't happen to the remaining unspoiled countries! We ameriKans just ruin everything we touch globally. They admitted this in International Living magazine once but just kept on with it.

[@ridethroughmexico3494]

I agree about the cost in Mérida, Mx. The price's are ridiculous! I first came here 20 years ago and it was wonderful, now it's too busy and loosing it's charm.

[@Tinkerbella298]

What do you think of Paraguay?

[@HMFamilyLife]

Well, you can't drink the water and the last we heard it has infrastructure issues. It's a developing country, less expats go there and so you still might be able to get some deals. After living 13 years abroad we wouldn't MOVE anywhere ever again where the water is not drinkable. A lot of countries say their water is drinkable but its not. Thanks for watching and take care.

[@alainbergeron4520]

​@@HMFamilyLife great an wiseapproach.We can't live without water. Also air quality is important as we get older.

[@davidssunstar]

Gosh how ironic in Mexico..They made the exact opposite problem in the US

[@antoniodelrey164]

Why isn’t Costa Rica on your list?

[@HMFamilyLife]

You're right! 😃

[@marcd1981]

Panama and Costa Rica are in similar situations as what were mentioned in this video for Ecuador. Drug cartels / gangs are taking areas over, and the crime level keeps getting worse. They also are in a drought situation that is so bad, the Panama Canal has been running at half capacity for the past year. Ships literally sit for weeks waiting for their chance to move through the canal. The water used for the locks in the canal is from a fresh water supply there in Panama. This water supply is drying up, and they cannot operate the canal at full capacity without the required water.

[@HMFamilyLife]

@@marcd1981 Thank you for the information. Take care.

[@marcd1981]

@@HMFamilyLife You're welcome, you too!

[@chinesecrested9528]

Expensive and squatters rights

[@anonmon6236]

Felt like I had my own little secret living in South America before COVID... now it's sadly changed. oh well.

[@HMFamilyLife]

lol

[@elgringoec]

I gotta listen to this later because I'm traveling now but let me put out there that thank God WE didn't bite the dust a couple days ago!

[@HMFamilyLife]

😁

[@eddenoy321]

I am retiring in Mississippi

[@bartstewart8644]

That's still American healthcare pricing.

[@watchchimp3102]

Funny, I just saw a new video today that rated Portugal very high. Mexico and Northern Italy are attracting people with more money than sense. The houses are cheaper, but typically they're smaller and cheaply built (Mexico) or old overpriced relics (Northern Italy) Another trend I see is loads of people moving overseas, then starting KZbin channels. Counting on generating a small income to pay the bills. But, honestly, how many of these channels can really make a go of it. It really seems like you should not plan on staying anyplace long term. As soon as you find a place, start keeping your eyes open for the next place. 😢 Some of these places have been overrun with Russians since the start of the war (Thailand & Turkey) Then there's the current political situation here. Interest in moving has spiked and I expect many more people will sell up and move out! 😢

[@HMFamilyLife]

That's two overrated countries where a lot of people are heading right now.

[@bestboomer2573]

I’d sure hate to move to a country where I wasn’t.

[@HMFamilyLife]

We hear ya!

[@marcd1981]

Where you weren't what?

[@catobie1948]

Welcome.. wanted...more than likely.

[@junjun100100]

What are you thoughts on the Dominican Republic ?

[@HMFamilyLife]

You probably don't want to know. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2OXpYWebNGEhLM

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Ugg

[@Trish-j2y]

The one place to which I will never return . Gas station attendants armed with rifles. No thanks

[@rjh2772]

Panama??

[@HMFamilyLife]

Yes, it should have been listed too. VERY overrated!!

[@JimmieBerg-mn2yg]

Armenia, Colombo?

[@HMFamilyLife]

Armenia does not have that many expats--it has a while to go before it bites the dust. Colombia is the last one on the list.

[@JimmieBerg-mn2yg]

@ Thank you so much

[@termita358]

Wow, I am from Armenia. Lol. The anti expact sentiment is already strong. They don't even like people like me, locals returning from USA with dollars 😂😂😂

[@HMFamilyLife]

@@termita358 Oh no! Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing. I bet the prices are going up and up and up like they have in Georgia!!

[@joseantoniomorales2249]

Sober dose of reality - no BS.

[@donpardo1]

It’s best to live in the western democratic countries where you are a citizen. At least you have rights and … obligations . I travelled to many and lived in 3 countries and even with a European ( native) passport I would not want to live in the EU anymore. Just to visit .. maybe. Thailand et al , South America?? I don’t think so. I stay put in Oz , not perfect, but when you look at the alternatives…not too bad!

[@Jeff-sm8of]

Please please please We are pleading Don't come to s e Asia We are full already and there are not enough women to go around Go to Latin America Thank you thank you thank you

[@brentonharvey2404]

Portugese telling Americans: 'Go Home! (Well, ...they said Please!')

[@HMFamilyLife]

🤣