The Shocking Truth About Retiring on Social Security Overseas

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

Go to my sponsor aura.com/briggs to get a 14 day free trial and see if your personal information has been leaked online

[@CrazyCracka831]

7:50 One time during Easter with my family I was unlucky enough to be walking and when I looked up for some reason bird poop landed DIRECTLY IN MY MOUTH. I immediately spat it out and had to walk for 2 minutes with that taste in my mouth. I washed my mouth out with soap and water in a public bathroom and I’ll say, I have never been so happy to find a sink until that day.

[@tritchie6272]

On that abduction thing, I don't suppose they have any nice,sweet,attractive Ladies looking to abduct an overweight older American man do they?

[@Lainer1]

BRIGGS, do another video with some other choices, even if a tad more expensive. Prague, Poland, Romania, etc

[@earlysda]

Nothing shocking at all about this.

[@MA_808]

If you make it to Vietnam, please see if you can find my right leg. LBJ suggested I leave it over there for freedom.

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

Thank you for serving sir.

[@TheKyleLazarus]

My dad got promoted super fast over there. Everyone just kept retiring 😢.

[@michaelperry1210]

I wish we could have left LBJ there while he was in the Senate.

[@blueybarnes9442]

Deal !! If you can locate my left one 😅

[@phmiii]

Thank you again!

[@michaelelder3945]

I'm currently living in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico and I love it. It's close enough to Austin, TX that I can visit and the people here are warm and friendly. There is a Mom & Pop convenience store about a block and a half from where I live. I'm mobility impaired and my walker is currently broken. When a get a Garrafon (5 gallon bottle) of water from there, the owner, Antonio, walks back to my apartment with me carrying it on a hand truck. The first time, I asked him how much for the delivery and he said "nada". Where do you get that kind of service in the U.S.?.

[@stephendoing2253]

Im not living in a country that is run by drug cartels!

[@xindaxoxou7431]

They are really nice to yt people.

[@michaelelder3945]

@@stephendoing2253 Cool. We don't need your kind here. I'm more than okay with the "Ugly American" types staying in the U.S. though to be honest, I would prefer if they would just disappeared all together. But I do have one question for you: You're okay with the pharmacy industry lobbying congress to keep drug prices high? You have no problems with the Sackler family? And likewise for the oil lobbyists? Or the Gun industry lobbyists? And how is that different? (At least in Mexico, they are working towards cleaning up the corruption in their government.)

[@CeeDEE-l8b]

In Mexico

[@rumrunner8019]

Don't forget about Cambodia. It's up and coming, super-cheap, a surprising number of people speak English and the food and culture are great. You can get a great western style apartment in Siem Reap for like $300/month.

[@barrybaker709]

Thanks. Finally useful info 😏.

[@chrisbunka]

I've got Cambodia in the back of my mind if the PH slips as an option.

[@puravida5683]

Pura Vida.🏖 I have lived in Costa Rica as a permanent resident for 15 years. I live on the Pacific side, 6 months hot and no rain, 6 months rain and sunshine. Low cost of living, social healthcare, laid back lifestyle. I only know what day it is if I look at a calendar, every day is Saturday. I know what time it is, by the sunrise and sunset. I shock my family members when I visit New York and Philadelphia, because I don't get aggravated or upset by traffic jams and road rage incidents.....Pura Vida.

[@Iz0pen]

You white? People online say they steal from whites and raise prices on them. True or false?

[@stephendoing2253]

Crime is scary on this island!

[@darrenchandler5389]

You have lost weight you look great congrats

[@Urineil]

​@stephendoing2253 costa rica isnt an island, dumbass. And you dont know what youre talking about. Sit down

[@Urineil]

Nicaragua is WAY better. So much cheaper and less Americanized. Costa rica is NOt pura vida.

[@eriknorthenscold704]

We've been living in Playa del Carmen Mexico since I retired early in 2011. It's not perfect but we still love it. Our SS and my pension go a lot further than it would it the US. Plus I don't have to shovel snow anymore.

[@zeushp]

How much are your monthly expenses? And if you can detail it?

[@CALIRedHood]

My parents retired to Bacalar MX in 2010 and don't have plans to come back.

[@eriknorthenscold704]

@@zeushp rent 18'500 pesos a month. electric 2'500p every two months. Water 300p a month. Yearly full coverage car insurance 8'000 a year. Mexican IMSS health isureace 800USD a year.covers everything. Yearly car tax 700p.

[@blueybarnes9442]

A stack of crime in PDC

[@cathynewyork7918]

@@eriknorthenscold704 Why wouldn't you report these prices in US dollars instead of pesos when clearly we viewers here are American.

[@coolaunt516]

You didn't mention anything about the health care systems available. That becomes a big concern when you get older.

[@clifftayliam8030]

All you got to do is come back to the us for that

[@mikeh2520]

@@clifftayliam8030 Yea and when you are lying on the floor and you can't get back up you just say "send me back to the USA".

[@CPO-Snarky]

@@clifftayliam8030 Depending on the nature of the health issue, it ain't always that easy. Trust me, I know.

[@joshdabuddha]

Travelled to over 40+ countries. Many other countries have cheaper, standard or free healthcare. USA is way too expensive healthcare systems that will leave most people broke on their deathbed. I would rather die in paradise on subsidized healthcare.

[@clifftayliam8030]

@@mikeh2520 ouch, true. I would have recommended my island but if that’s the case I can’t. Being sick is just one thing most people do not consider when retiring but it should be the number one thing to consider when thinking about retiring abroad.

[@tatianastarcic]

More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.

[@Vincent-j8u]

The increasing prices have impacted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and save for the future. I'm concerned about whether those who navigated the 2008 financial crisis had an easier time than I am currently experiencing. The combination of stock market volatility and a decrease in income is causing anxiety about whether I'll have sufficient funds for retirement.

[@nicolasbenson009]

More reason I enjoy my day to day market decisions is that i'm being guided by a portfolio-coach, seeing that their entire skillset is built around going long and short at the same time, both employing profit-oriented strategy and laying off risk as a hedge against the inevitable downtrends, coupled with the exclusive information/analysis, it's quite impossible not to

[@TinaJames222]

talking about coaching, do u consider anyone worthy for recommendations? I have about 80k to taste the waters now that large cap stocks are at a discount... thanks

[@nicolasbenson009]

Well, there are a few out there who know what they are doing. I tried a few in the past years, but I’ve been with Melissa Terri Swayne for the last five years or so, and her returns have been pretty much amazing.

[@sharonwinson-m8g]

Thanks for this amazing tips, I found her webpage and booked a call session with her, she seems proficient.

[@robd7934]

Costa Rica is not cheap. I used to work for one of the big US banks that had operations in CR and had colleagues who complained about how expensive it is. High tourism, a flood of US expats, and US companies with operations in CR have all raised the cost of living there

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

When I went to a dentist in Costa rica. They had no A?C. windows open and hot.

[@Kat-tr2ig]

I live in Argentina. There are THOUSANDS of retired US citizens living here, especially in the Palermo neighborhood in Buenos Aires, in Bariloche, or in the province of Mendoza. I would definitely recommend moving here (IF YOU HAVE US DOLLARS. If you don't and are looking for a job here, DO NOT COME. Unemployment is atrociously high, and the pay is awful). The lifestyle is very European. Infrastructure is great, healthcare is great, the food is fantastic, people are super friendly (and most have at least a basic knowledge of English, although I would recommend you learn Spanish), the landscape is gorgeous, transportation is good and reliable, and while crime is a problem in large cities the crime rate is the exact same as in the US, and in smaller cities (like where I live) or towns it's extremely safe. The immigration process is the second easiest in the world, right after Uruguay (another country I'd recommend). And on top of that, there are almost no natural disasters (except flooding in some areas).

[@mwebb3014]

I want to homestead/farm in retirement. Is that easy and safe to do in Argentina? Any recommended farming communities for US expats?

[@robd7934]

Thank you for sharing. Argentina is at top of my list of potential Latin American countries to retire to along with Colombia, Peru and Panama.

[@acornsucks2111]

Sounds like a salesman.

[@Ckawauchi35]

Thank you. Argentina is one of the countries on my "to-visit" list.

[@Rick_Sanchez_C137_]

Kat buried the lead…. You can apply for Argentinian citizenship after only TWO years living in Argentina, and unlike most countries those don’t have to be 24 months in a row, you can go on vacation and come back, wait the extra time to account for how long you were absent, and file your paperwork. No citizenship test, no language test, no requirement to renounce current citizenship (unlike Peru)….

[@shabushi1997]

Thailand is a good place to live. The only big issue is language barrier. People are so nice, infrastructure is decent, weather is great, yet language barrier makes everything seem more difficult and alienating to those expats.

[@tahall5646]

Why not learn Thai?

[@chrisbunka]

@@tahall5646 Speaking of that, I need to get back to that Udemy Thai course:D

[@genconex]

I've been to Thailand a handful of times. It's not that great, in my opinion.

[@ismaelgonzalez2432]

Italy is the best country in my opinion. Love it and really miss it. Not perfect for everyone, but perfect for me. I was stationed in Vicenza for six years.

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

I hear ya. Just spent this past August traveling all over Italy. Vicenza is an awesome location... close to the Dolomites, the swiss alps, the lake district and Venezia. Been back for a few weeks and I'm missing it already.

[@carolannjeffries5862]

Dolomite, Tuscany, YES

[@barrybaker709]

Was your Regimental Affiliation with 320th FAR?🤨

[@bellebb8673]

I have lived in Panama, the Philippines, and the east coast of Mexico. Many great things about all of them. One big factor for me is how long it takes to get back to US to visit family and maybe some health care you would prefer to get in US. Mexico is the winner in that regard. We live in Mexico near an airport which has six direct 3 hour flights a day to our home city in US . And you can't categorically say all of Mexico is unsafe; its a huge country. That flight to the Philippines can run up to 20 hours so if getting back to US family frequently is high priority for you, I'd hesitate to make that choice.

[@frankward8003]

More like 24 to 30 hours to fly to the Philippines from the east coast...24 hours is about the fastest time you can expect..what gets you is the layovers between the flights because there is no direct flights to the Philippines from the east coast of the US

[@sowhat1073]

The problem of living in a tropical environment is infections can get out of control quick. I was stationed in Hawaii and my wife and I both had serious life-threatening infections, and we were both healthy and in our 30s.

[@ryanrigley]

I remember seeing that in Thailand. It seemed almost all the tourists had an infection that was slow to heal in the tropical environment.

[@justis4men211]

I almost died from an infection within 3o days of arriving in Hawaii. Managed to survive there four years after that.

[@surg9029]

Streptococcal infections destroy tissues and often need huge debridements. More of these infections in Hawaii than anywhere in the US. Tourists contract the infection swimming or just walking along the beach. They end up staying much longer in the hospital than their planned trip.

[@Yowzoe]

Are you referring to a skin/wound infection?

[@Ckawauchi35]

Consider it a blessing that you were infected when you were younger. Thank God, you lived to tell your story.

[@patrickmchargue7122]

The Philippines. (answered before I saw your #1) English is widely spoken, Catholic, friendly, (per reports) low cost of living, and lots of places to explore.

[@Ckawauchi35]

The PH being a Catholic country is irrelevant. At times, Catholicism is heavily exploited and religion is used to con people. There are nice places to explore, it's true, but there are so many opportunistic lowlives who prey on the innocent and the tourists. Friendly people but don't always trust that friendliness bc there could be an ulterior motive behind those smiles. I feel safer in Thailand and Vietnam.

[@rellysullivan8964]

Philippines number one

[@chrisbunka]

Which part of the PH is the best?

[@finguy8572]

I live in Finland. The winter is long but you can always take an extended holiday. Summers are great and we don’t have many weather issues.

[@BillLaBrie]

I think retiring to Finland is a great counter-intuitive play.

[@finguy8572]

@@BillLaBrie the big cities are expensive (vs somewhere like Vietnam) but the healthcare is excellent and inexpensive. I live an hour from 2 big (by Finnish standards) cities and the housing cost is similar to lower cost countries. It's really worth considering. It's possible on SS.

[@BillLaBrie]

@@finguy8572 The hard part of convincing retiring people to move to Finland is the climate and isolation, of course. But then some Americans retire to Alaska.

[@cindyn628]

I've been considering Sweden.

[@finguy8572]

@@BillLaBrie that is true. Nordic countries are not the friendliest and once you retire, it is difficult to meet new people and make friends. It is further complicated with the language barrier.

[@kostasjezuz4846]

If you move to Greece, don't move to Athens, check out smaller places like Kalamata for example, much nicer and ultra cheap! Briggs joke about ordering the wrong food was spot on, I've seen it happen 🤣

[@georgeallen7667]

The olives are great!

[@Vic-ok2pp]

I would love to live in the north countryside of Japan. Rural Japan is no where near as expensive as the cities. The real barrier, other than the immigration hurdles, is the written languages.

[@AlyssaVanilla]

There’s a lot of written and spoken English up there due to the military bases. I spent 3 years living in rural northern Japan and we always took long road trips to explore deeper into the country side, we never once had an issue.

[@Walk-retirement-travel]

If you're not fond of cold weather and snow it's a barrier

[@Ckawauchi35]

One of the safest countries to live! It's easier to get a residency there now than ever before.

[@ultrathomas8922]

My top choice of where I would want to retire is Portugal. But I would consider Mexico, Malaysia or Greece. Great video as always, Briggs! Thank you for the cool content!

[@nogames8982]

I have friends that are moving to Europe next month. They have been planning it for a very long time. They retired early. They’re basically doing upscale house sitting. So if your adventurous and knowledgeable, you can make this happen.

[@bjdon99]

Belize is the only country listed whose primary language is English. Should have mentioned it. That’s one of its best attractions. It would be tough to live in a place where you don’t speak the local lingo

[@genconex]

There's a lot of English speakers in Panama, and they use U.S. Dollars. Stems from the U.S. having created the Panama canal and controlling it for several decades. I've been there a couple times. It's an alright country. Still wouldn't be my first choice.

[@dalloiselle7274]

Costa Rica has never had a hurricane. The closest was in Nicaragua. Hurricanes form further north or south of the equator as a result of warm tropical air colliding with cold temperate air.

[@LeonNikkidude]

Belize City has terrible crime rates

[@562wiseguy]

I hesitate at the thought of retiring to any latin American country outside of Uruguay and maybe Chile. All the others seem to have either too much crime, some sort of rebels or straight up unstable politically

[@LeonNikkidude]

@@562wiseguy I would go for Denmark and or Finland because I want to live in a Happy Country

[@562wiseguy]

@@LeonNikkidude That's fine but the main purpose is to stretch your dollar. Those countries are more likely just as expensive if not more than the US. Not to mention that many are trying to escape the winters as well.

[@sagepirotess6312]

You are funny. I sm only 47. But retired in Vietnam. Built a house in 2023 on the beach in nha trang. Got a beautiful wife. And dud it all sfter leaving California in 2008. Traveled asia, taught s korea, Taiwan, settled in Vietnam.

[@michelletidler6773]

Sounds amazing!

[@Yowzoe]

I hope you weren’t teaching English.

[@sagepirotess6312]

@@Yowzoe you can pay me, I will teach you. Though I think you need financial planning. I can help with that as well.

[@Yowzoe]

@@sagepirotess6312 oh, much better

[@robertlibby9716]

I spent 20 years in Thailand. The medical care there is AMAZING! It makes the hospitals here look like they have Down Syndrome. I had surgery and dental work there and it's fantastic. In a Thai hospital if you have a private or semi-private room your significant other can stay in your room at night but not in your bed! There's usually a couch/bed they sleep on.

[@lpg12338]

Agree, there is a KZbin channel called "Retired Working For You" and he has a video of himself going to a very nice hospital in Thailand. 👍

[@steven_dekok]

Romania! You could easily live there on $1500-$1800 a month.

[@ChaoticDestiny1]

I would only think about Eastern Europe for me. Can't believe none of them made the list

[@TheSateef]

i lived in Thailand full time for 17 years but moved back to upstate NY for the summer and winter in Thailand, i think is a better option. It's so hot there in the hot season it got too much for me. Of all the countries you listed, Thailand beets them all hands down for nightlife and friendly people (girls), so friendly i married one of them.

[@trailrvs]

Did some looking during Covid and gave points for safety, economic stability, healthcare, housing costs, and visa requirements. Back then, Georgia came up at the top of the list. Romania was not far behind.

[@gpl422sda]

What about South Dakota you never hear anything about it? Out of the news is good.

[@f42un84u]

Georgia is a vasal of Russia, so consider that given current USA relations. Russia defeated Georgia in 2008 invasion war.

[@trailbackhome]

@@f42un84ua small skirmish

[@daletalaplaya5086]

The people in Nicaragua are some of the kindest people, they don’t look at foreigners like Dollar bills which is why you may not think they are as friendly.

[@luga718]

The problem in Nicaragua is the communist goverment.

[@paulbklyn4742]

Mexico has too much crime, You need to mention Health care for all the countries. I visited Thailand and loved it.

[@samsmester7983]

Not all Mexico, there is a city with no crime at all in Mexico, if by any chance a thief from another city arrive and steal something next day the thief disappear like magic, very few or almost no police. Go Merida and try.

[@donaldnaber7546]

I moved to Perú, Cost less than $1000 per month.

[@raystone8110]

Is that in a city or the countryside in Peru?

[@michelletidler6773]

Id love to visit there.

[@BillLaBrie]

In llama-land There’s a one-man band And he’ll toot his flute For you

[@AlwaysGrowing0]

My wife is from Peru. I lived in Peru with her for a year. Peruvian food is amazing and the culture is awesome. Cusco and Machu Pichu are sweet. However, I spent most of my time in Peru living in Lima. Lima sucks.

[@darwinapala960]

I am visiting Portugal for 3 months the end of 2025. I will be checking out Portugal, Spain, and Italy. Then I will decide if I will be there permanently. After this video, I may also look at Greece

[@emanoelpaulino1935]

Come to Brazil it's cheap here

[@darwinapala960]

@@emanoelpaulino1935 isn't it dangerous? I hear horror stories. But yes, Brazil is beautiful

[@emanoelpaulino1935]

@@darwinapala960 mídia spreading bad things all around it's normal to hear that , isn't a hell as they say , some places are safe , depends on where you want to live , there are plenty small cities great to live

[@darwinapala960]

@emanoelpaulino1935 Definitely, there are several places here in the states that are very dangerous. I appreciate the feed back. I may visit

[@judithsmith9582]

Watch out for tax consequences of living in Spain! It's not very pretty!

[@CPO-Snarky]

I would choose Philippines over Indonesia and Malaysia without hesitation. Inexpensive, safe and I have found that they have the best 'beaches' in the world. (The Philippines seashores are phenomenal also).

[@dean4125]

should be #1 on this list. Philippines is amazing!! and the people are beautiful and friendly.

[@philford1730]

@@dean4125 Philippines is my retirement destination in 3 years from now. I have been to Mexico and Malaysia and among those 3 Philippines is the easy winner.

[@sschwartz1488]

Philippines is amazing but the food is nowhere near as good as Malaysia or Thailand

[@puravida5683]

The Phillipines is the world's largest environmental polluter! Bring plenty of toilet paper and hand soap! The food is terrible, compared to other SE Asian countries!

[@chrisbunka]

The PH also has The Filipina Pea:)

[@seanobrien2306]

Hi, Briggs..., One word: "EXCELLENT." * Excellent video and very informative, and "Thank you" for sharing the video ! ! * Your financial numbers were spot on or very close. * Excellent video... "Semper Fi" Mike in Montana :)

[@sandrastanley3135]

These were all hot climates - would enjoy seeing some cool/cold climates (even if expensive)

[@TheSilentWhales]

Poland maybe? 4 distinctive seasons. Summers can get brutal, though.

[@Kat-tr2ig]

Patagonia region of Argentina. Chile too, but they have earthquakes and volcanoes, where we don't.

[@geoffoakland]

@@sandrastanley3135 rural regions and small cities in France, great value imo.

[@luben3045]

Bulgaria is a hidden paradise. Sun, snow, mountains, sea, rivers forests, plains...You can create your own world with less than 1000$ monthly. Tolerant people, low or nò crime, clean air and water, divercity of all kind, strategic location, simple organisation of the life, affordable health care, good services...a bit boring burеаucrasy. If you are looking for a life different from the modern and away from the crowds life, this is the Bulgarian countryside.

[@abingtonmg]

New Zealand, particularly the south Island because phenomenal landscape, rural living and a really safe country.

[@MikeKessock]

Complete libtard country and expensive as crap

[@CHENLV-b6n]

90% of the people watching this video would not be allowed to retire in New Zealand.

[@abingtonmg]

​@@CHENLV-b6nthe question was where you like to retire, not where you would be allowed.

[@CHENLV-b6n]

@@abingtonmg OK

[@Lucas-up6ww]

@@CHENLV-b6n Please explain why

[@bushftr]

Cambodia should have been on this list I travel Southeast Asia all the time and my home base is Phnom Penh Cambodia is cheaper than most of the countries you put on this list and it is a beautiful place to live but like you said if you can take the heat and humidity😊

[@losttravelingbackpacker3757]

I like the Philippines best everyone speaks English, and there’s lotta islands and beaches to go snorkel, and the people are super friendly, and the food is fresh and very affordable

[@chrisdaniel1339]

I think the best retirement would be on a good size sailing catamaran and pull into port and spend a few weeks and move on to another port or country. The world is your oyster when you live on the ocean.

[@perrybakr4252]

Thought I'd do the Thailand thing. Three years, and I'm out of there. People are definitely not has friendly as everyone makes out. The food is okay, once you get them to stop adding all the sugar. The big issue was cost of living there. Before I moved there, the number one piece of advice given to me by expats living there, "If you can't afford to retire in your home country, you won't be able to afford to retire in Thailand." Should have listened to them. Yeah, lots of cheap places to live there, but do you really want to? Realistically, you need about 400,000 baht in your Thai bank year round, and 800,000 for three months prior to renewing your extension of stay, then another two months after renewing it. If you want to eat healthy (i.e. NOT street food), food actually gets expensive there. So does medical. All in all, glad to be gone. And just in time, as Thailand is making it harder for low income retirees to live there.

[@Yowzoe]

Sorry to hear it. Where is your next attempt?

[@LeeLiko]

No offense, but it may not be time to retire if you can't park $24k for 3 months.

[@perrybakr4252]

@@LeeLiko That is on an ongoing basis. That means you have to have 33,000 set aside yearly to meet the retirement qualificatoins in Thailand. And this keeps changing. A few years ago there was talk about uping it to an equivelent of a yearly income of 45,000$US. Quite frankly, I don't know anyone who has that kind of money in retirement. Which is why retirees seek "cheap" countries to retire to.

[@Dangic23]

I moved to West Tokyo last year. Cost of living is half of what it was for me in the Florida Panhandle. Basically doubled my retirement by just moving. Spouse and I both receive military pensions.

[@AlwaysGrowing0]

Were you able to get a residence permit for Japan? I would love to go there but I heard it is very difficult to get legal permission to live there.

[@Dangic23]

@@AlwaysGrowing0 With a secured income like military retirement you can get a 1 year recreational visa. While here it’s much easier to do the process for residency. Japan is working now on changing the residency visa to permanent instead of the 3-5 year renewal.

[@roballen7937]

Hello Mr.Briggs! I do enjoy your educational Vids a great deal. 😀 I am retired and live in Thailand. Super friendly people and some really wonderful and inexpensive foods. Reasonable Healthcare costs at the Government Hospitals and super inexpensive meds. You can qualify for the Thai Retirement Visa at age 50 with only 65000 Thai Baht per month income, $1966 US, you do not need to deposit 800000 Thai Baht, currently $24,200 US, in a Thai Bank Baht for the regular Retirement Visa.There is also a Thai Marriage Visa available if you marry a Thai Citizen. The most expensive thing I find are Schools for our two young Children.The Education System here is not free like back in the US. Many of us opt for Private Schools. Warm regards, from the Allens here in Thailand! 🐘🌴🐒🐒🌴🐘

[@rickeod69g41]

I would pick the Philippines because that is where my wife is from. Also we have been buying land there. Friendly people. But very humid there

[@dougcampbell7266]

Ireland!

[@justinratcliffe947]

Ireland surprisingly hasn't been doing very well the past 20 years

[@dougcampbell7266]

@@justinratcliffe947 It’s the luck of the Irish!☘️

[@lyleelkins5526]

You must income of roughly $59,000 a year for each person in the family. No one with just social security payments will qualify.

[@tacitusromanus8239]

@dougcampbell7266- I don't know if you have been following what's been going on there, but as an Irish expat I would never recommend anyone move there. The socialized medicine is awful. You need to have private insurance if you want to see a doctor, specialist, etc. On the gov plan, you could be dead before you see a specialist. I'm not being facetious. The cost of living has skyrocketed. Due to the influx of certain types of people into the country, crime is bad in most places. It is next to impossible to get housing. I could go on ad nauseam, but you get the idea.

[@sodapopcurtis7396]

i'm just here for thailand

[@jacktough]

Ngl, I fully expected the Philippines to be on this list

[@Disabled_Vet_72]

Thailand and Vietnam are my top two choices. You can live in both for under $1000 a month without doing without anything!

[@hansschotterradler3772]

I have an EU passport; So I will most likely go back there to retire. Costs for groceries, rent and health care are typically much lower than in the US.

[@Ildikoprepperkitchen]

Ok but EU is big, what country is your target?

[@Jughead24]

​@Ildikoprepperkitchen every EU country is less expensive than America. I've lived in Greece, Romania and Thailand, traveled to many more. The united states was the most expensive country I've lived in for all categories

[@bukboefidun9096]

​@@Jughead24every country? Au contraire.

[@Jughead24]

@bukboefidun9096 well, if one were to cherry pick, you could easily indicate disparity. For example Akron Ohio is less expensive than a comparable town in Austria. Or one could compare what 100k salary would provide in small town Minnesota vs. Copehagen. So, in a sense perhaps you can be right. But overall, yes absolutely. Which country us not if compared accurately?

[@shawnhayden1476]

@@Jughead24went to the UK, expensive as all hell except fish

[@samuel-vt9rz]

Briggs looking good

[@Ildikoprepperkitchen]

Hungary (depending on the war next door) or Portugal

[@Emopony_Parker]

These are awesome and neat and keep them up man and Vietnam is the best one okay that was a supired a bit tho that awesome :D

[@glenrathke6266]

Vietnam? No way! How can the Philippines not be on this list? Been there twice, and considering moving there permanently when I start getting Social Security.

[@562wiseguy]

Vietnam is cleaner, safer, better and more reliable infrastructure, better food quality and variation and actually cheaper than most of the Philippines. Only thing IMO that favors the Philippines is that English is widely spoken and taught

[@jeffzucker7363]

My wife and I are looking at Spain. Maybe a bit more expensive than Portugal, but a diverse and wonderful country.

[@Gadfly2025]

You forgot Philippines land of pretty ladies , great food and cheaper diggs than Thailand. You can find home is mountains that are cool most the year . Tagatay is close to Manila .

[@chrisbunka]

Shhh!!! Don't let the secret out:D

[@christineibberson5959]

Greece, specifically Corfu.

[@annhowcroft9493]

I would love to live in Switzerland.

[@kirstenkosinski8448]

Very expensive!

[@kirstenkosinski8448]

Very expensive!

[@Astrocop17]

Ditto…..just returned from two weeks there, VERY EXPENSIVE!

[@tuvia4082]

During the pandemic most foreigners who didn't have a temporary resident card and or a work permit were basically given the boot. (2021) Afterwards they changed the visa system and in late 2022 a person could get a one month tourist visa. That said, if you are a foreigner married to a VN national, or you work for an international company (not retired), or you have invested more than 50k in a company, then it's can be a lot easier. These things change almost monthly.

[@Justno-hm3vk]

Super interesting. Thank you from Newberg, Oregon.

[@amethyst49ergurl]

Ooh new video!! 🎉

[@maryanncraft4044]

I cringe Everytime someone puts Thailand on the list of places to live. Those people are so over outsiders. I was there in 2008 and 2018 and I did not see any smiling faces. Of course if you are a young, white male in your 20's that is a different story. Some of these countries are good for couples, some are good for single women and some are extremely good for single men open to marrying a local. If you are looking for more info on any country, you type the word expat and the name of the country and websites will come with forums where you can talk to people living in that country.

[@ThomasWilliams-ee6li]

My vote would go to Ireland. I headed back there for work next week and have been there dozens of times. Good health care, fun things to do, great people, and really care for the elderly.

[@Yowzoe]

Which specific parts of Ireland do you like? Big towns or little villages? Any ones in particular?

[@ThomasWilliams-ee6li]

@@Yowzoe I've spent most of my time in rural Ireland, in Clonmel county Tipperary. It's all been for work. I have toured some to the south and west coast, the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula. I generally fly through Dublin and Cork, so I know my way around. If I had to pick one area to retire, I guess it would be somewhere in the south, near Cork. It sits on the ocean, it's near some fun places, has all the amenities of a small city, an international airport, and access to good healthcare. At any time you get bored, just head out to any one of numerous B&Bs or small Inns that are everywhere across the country. Really bored? Jump on a plane to Spain, Portugal, Amsterdam or wherever. There are numerous places within a few flight hours.

[@Yowzoe]

@@ThomasWilliams-ee6li yes, that was my sentiment as well. Cork is also I think about the warmest place, getting that Gulf Stream action (though we don’t know how long that’s gonna last). My Da came from Mayo, my mom from Co. Down, and I foolishly let my Irish passport lapse about 20 years ago. A tiny part of me has always held onto the idea of spending time in Ireland, though it doesn’t seem remotely affordable to me with my stash. But I could see spending a summer in the south of the South. I would so love to spend the warm months cycling/motorcycling around, camping as I go, taking in the unbelievably magical landscapes and also local cultural happenings. That is such an enchanting dream for me. I live in the PNW in a climate almost identical to Ireland’s… just random thoughts, really. Maybe I’ll start poking around…thank you for the inspiration.

[@seansalter1679]

Ireland is a complete mess right now

[@ThomasWilliams-ee6li]

@@seansalter1679 Really? Clonmel is one of our manufacturing sites and I talk with them multiple days per week. I haven't heard anything. You may be right because I haven't been there since the week before COVID hit.

[@davidtoupal1015]

Philippines. Cebu is wonderful

[@chrisbunka]

Cebu is where I plan to fly into when I visit there. Still deciding whether to stay near Cebu or head over to Panglao.

[@jeffreyblanding2623]

I'm surprised that the Philippines didn't make it, into your list ... 😮

[@RichardVerbruggeCA]

Briggs, Love your videos? What about the Philippines? There are a lot of Americans living there and millions upon millions have been there because of our 2 former huge military bases that used to be there, Subic Bay and Clark Airfield. The US is currently building 4 new bases in the Philippines because of the threat from China. It would be great if you did a video on the Philippines. I'm thinking of retired there or spending 6 months a year there. Cheers!

[@fryingpan4849]

Isn't it interesting how many of these countries require a minimum monthly income or money in the bank to live there? And we don't call them racist? But, if you come illegally to America you're given free everything at taxpayer expense.

[@swiswach3130]

yes

[@steventeter3332]

You're getting off topic this is the wrong place to rant and rave.

[@practice4089]

You are so vulnerable

[@acornsucks2111]

Maybe one could leave and come back to the usa illegally, and get 2100 dollars a month while we wait years for our hearing.

[@steventeter3332]

@@practice4089 the word you're struggling to find is gullible

[@geor664]

4. Costa Rica Your right on about the rain. You need to mention that if you want to stay in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, do not display your cell phone in public if you wish to keep it. We stayed at two different places. One an ABNB and one at a friend's place. Both were barb wired and live electric fenced , gated communities with 24 hr private security guards carrying guns. The drug problem is so bad that even the really poor people have barbed wire and iron bars around their homes. The rest of country side Costa Rica is good.

[@haroldwatkins136]

The Philippines with Thailand a close second are my top places for retirement. My concern like most people of retirement age is health insurance.

[@Arleek2]

How about doing a video on which countries are best to move to with your dogs and how to go about doing so?

[@grizfan93]

Do a Google search for "APHIS", the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Find the section on pet travel. You can then find your destination country and find out the process for bringing your pets with you. Some countries will not allow certain dog breeds, and depending on the number and size of your dogs, it might prove prohibitively expensive. But, you will get all the official information you need from that website.

[@braaron77ify]

Your description ls of all these countries had me rolling 😂😂😂 specially Panama.

[@johnmariner9249]

Philippines 🇵🇭

[@talktotrish4199]

I like the idea of Panama. It has a stable economy, good health care, and some great locations that are not quite as hot due to higher elevation such as Boquete which appears to be a great friendly town with quite a few expats and English is widely spoken there. It’s still a good idea to learn at least a little Spanish though 😊

[@doodleacademy]

Thank you Briggs ⭐

[@manuelaraica3216]

You were spot on in regards to Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador have plenty of crime around the corner; Nicaragua not so much, but abundant in political problems and corruption. I am curious why you did no pick any country from South America such as Uruguay and Chile.

[@ericscott6864]

For me it would be Montenegro. Lots of beaches, snow boarding, cool villages to explore, and if I got boarding the rest of Europe is right there

[@russellbarnes7728]

I'm an American, and have been living in Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico for 4 years. I've never been victimized by ANY crime, or ripped off because I'm a gringo. If you don't live along the border, or near the cartel caravan corridor, it's it's pretty safe. I don't believe all the Mexico horror stories provided by the US media. My personal experience speaks for me. If you look for problems, like any country, you can find it! VIVA MEXICO 🇲🇽

[@kenmelton8831]

My choices would have been Philippines and Dominican Republic..... Currently living in Philippines VERY COMFORTABLY with less then $2000 a month and on the beach!!

[@bukboefidun9096]

Briggs... you almost have to divide "retirement" into 3 categories.. Under 60 60 to 69 70 and over The under 60 people either wealthy or have government pensions and have good disposable income and no health issues 60 to 69 are the core healthy retired and most have social security ..they are going to want comoetent healthcare available Over 70... they are looking for good healthcare and significantly more focused on that after 75

[@TheRealDrJoey]

Not necessarily. I'll be 75 in a couple months and the healthcare I do is: I've been eating right, and exercising regularly, etc. for decades. If I have a health problem that actually requires medical professionals--which is extremely rare--- I'll just PAY FOR IT, like everything else in life. Insurance is a scam and a rip-off. Amazing to me how many people who would never bet to WIN Vegas or bet on the horses, but will still bet to LOSE by buying insurance.

[@mwebb3014]

@@TheRealDrJoeyI’m 60 and have not had health insurance for 5 years. I pay cash for health stuff which is rare. Doctors, hospitals, etc charge much less for cash payers.

[@TheRealDrJoey]

@@mwebb3014 Health "insurance" doesn't insure your health, it just insures that the doctors, hospitals, and pharma companies get PAID.

[@mwebb3014]

@@TheRealDrJoey Yep! So true. They love cash because they get their money asap. I love the discount. I’ve run numbers and it is much cheaper to pay directly for medical care than pay the exorbitant monthly premiums and deductibles.

[@Yowzoe]

@@TheRealDrJoey Do you pay for a Medicare plan? What is your strategy there?

[@robertcain5228]

I have been to Vietnam earlier this year, it is a great place to explore, and I been thinking about one day retiring over there. I am still a long way off I am in my 40s but I should retire, and I have nothing to keep here Vietnam is on top my list.

[@Rick-s3]

I love these videos. Panama is top of my list. I just returned from a vacation from there. People, food and area is beautiful and fantastic. I feel the infrastructure has gotten better over the years. But I love it.

[@hkt48man57]

Yep! Vietnam is the best. Super nice everything. And look...! Not much graffiti on the sides of buildings and walls.

[@vincenthaegebaert1854]

No communist or islamic countries for me, thanks.

[@TravisCrossroads]

In South America, the safest country to retire is Uruguay. How about mentioning this country?

[@stevecurran5206]

just an FYI....Congress has given themselves the ability to deny social security to seniors and expats. I'm sure it doesn't happen often, BUT, they did specifically give themselves the right to do it for a reason....

[@rapid13]

How’s the healthcare in Belize?

[@jeffreyblanding2623]

As long as you're healthy, Good !!

[@Yowzoe]

You put the lime in the coconut.

[@RichardParmelee]

Do not rely on the visa information in this video. The information is a bunch of half truths. The #1 choice for retirement in this video is Vietnam. Vietnam does not have a retirement visa. Always review official government retirement visa requirements when researching potential countries to retire. Readily available on the net. Oh... and the real #1 retirement country for Americans is clearly Albania. Mediterranian weather, super low cost of living (easily live there for under $1,000 USD per month), jaw dropping scenery , NO visa required and Americans only can stay for a year on a digital passport stamp. See if you like Albania (you will), leave for 90 days and get stamped for another full year (over and over) or get a super easy to get permanent visa processed within a month. I've been to 34 countries scoping out the best places to retire. Albania should be on your list. And again, please rely on only official government visa requirements (which change frequently). Relying on the garbage information on the Internet could destroy your retirement.

[@jeffreyblanding2623]

Try carrying a conversation in English, in Albania

[@jamesbrown9721]

Albania has some growing up to do. Their infrastructure is not up to par, they rely too much on cash transactions, costs are increasing, and apparently they have racial hangups according to black travelers to that country. Yes, Americans can stay a year in Albania, but it's not worth it. I'd rather go to Georgia

[@Yowzoe]

@@jamesbrown9721 Are you concerned about the pro-Putin regime?

[@jamesbrown9721]

@@Yowzoe Georgia is being practical. The country depends on Russia for trade and tourism. It's a very fragile country with a lot of division between people who are pro-Russia, and those that are not. That division is reflected in their breakaway provinces. You have to remember, even NATO countries like Turkey & Hungary have a relationship with Putin's regime, so I would start criticizing them first, instead of Georgia which still has too many connections with Russia since Soviet times.

[@user-zg4pw2nu8i]

These countries maybe cheap to retire in, but safety and comfort is an ever-fleeting element. Mexico and Vietnam are only cheap because not much money is used for security, so they are definitely risky places to live in, no matter what neighbor or island you're in.

[@mwebb3014]

Well, people retire towards the end of their lives so if things go awry they can say “It’s been a good life!”

[@akgobears]

I have never been out of the country but the one country that i have always been fascinated with is Canada....From everything ive seen the Canadian Rockies seems like it would be a great place to retire to....

[@darwinapala960]

@akgobears Canada is expensive. Have friends who live there. Major pro is the Healthcare. Once you're a citizen you're covered

[@MarinaLaroche]

@@darwinapala960 But no service, just keep waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting.

[@darwinapala960]

@MarinaLaroche USA can be just like that as well. I see my primary care every 3 months, and my mental health providers ever other month. Most of my appointments are telehealth unless something specific. I am in the VA Healthcare system, and though it has some pretty bad issues , I have not experienced anything unpleasant whatsoever. I have been fortunate

[@theage3888]

I live on less than those prices in Murfreesboro Tennessee.

[@hiviolet007]

I would live in England.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@Yowzoe]

Where, and why?

[@markzanetti6228]

You missed a boat on Vietnam. the Visa requirements are so restrictive unless you're a part owner in a business. you'll find yourself leaving every few months to renew your Visa and this could happen for years

[@michaeltaylor3680]

EXACTLY!!! I love Vietnam, but visa requirements are a major concern.

[@schnertblatt]

I'd live in Portugal. Climate-wise, it's a lot like where I live now. I went to Lisbon and its surrounding area a few years ago and loved it, I can speak (Brazilian) Portuguese (like being American and going to England), and am retired. If I left America, I would rather move to Europe than Asia or Central/South America. Better weather.😸👍🏻

[@terryschima4964]

what about Albania, Cambodia, Eastern Europe? Maybe it should have been top 20 countries?

[@johnvinings5652]

I'd probably choose Costa Rica for ease of travel, cost, lifestyle and my wife is Colombian therefore speaking Spanish and making communication simple. Portugal would be second for similar reasons, and as a jumping off point to the rest of Europe. Language could be a problem, however.

[@Urineil]

I just got back from Nicaragua. Everyone was so friendly. I dont know what you are talking about

[@tammydriver5759]

How about a place where you can live for $1000 per month?

[@johncady9780]

Octopus is actually pretty good. I ate some at a restaurant in Rhodes.

[@matthewtorchiana6418]

the Azore Islands, Portugal

[@lpf1836]

Hawaii in the middle of the Atlantic, but with moderate temperatures

[@gnacioacosta1825]

Ajijic México is where most of Americans and canadians retires live.

[@Yowzoe]

11,000 people, 35 miles from Guadalajara. How do you like it?