Top 10 Most “DESIRABLE” Countries in the WORLD! (according to 168,000 travelers polled)

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Get LIFETIME ACCESS to our Private, Supportive, Expat Community and give yourself PEACE-of-MIND with the Move Abroad EXPRESS eCourse: ameliaandjp.com/mae

[@andrejka_talking_out_loud]

yes warning about high altitude especially for those retiring with low blood pressure and health issues makes going to popular places like Denver; it killed me and I noticed not only older overweight guys that even children just refused to keep walking... people with good blood pressure fail to understand how bad high altitude it.

[@censon]

As an Australian, I am bewildered by the list. Having lived in many of the countries in the top 10, I would, and do, live elsewhere.

[@chrisj8764]

Totally disagree. Australia and NZ are great.

[@ronlugbill1400]

My personal top 10: 1. Japan 2. Slovenia 3. Mexico 4. Guatemala 5. Czech Republic 6. Costa Rica 7. Philippines 8. Vietnam 9. Spain 10. Italy

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Great list!

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

You left out Poland

[@njoynature123]

I’m researching these. Thanks!

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

That's a good assessment. We built our custom home in the Philippines. Japan is good been there many times. Take Spacia X luxury Train when in Tokyo.

[@jwestfalldavis3574]

I found Japan to be rather expensive.

[@JMoroccoMisterBoy]

Amelia And JP Abroad, Laid back and Interesting. Tks. much

[@Thealignmentkeys]

I almost spit out my dinner when u said the United States. I also love this Country and I know it will get better but I want to retire now and it's just not affordable plus many other issues such as the health care u mentioned. Thank u so much for these great videos.

[@Fiola_M]

😂😂😂..retirement seems like a dream in usa & canada now

[@catsupchutney]

I live in NYC and many of the states are much cheaper in comparison. I am considering Spain.

[@Mexicobeanpole]

Retiring in the U.S. is only for the VERY rich. But, there are so many great countries that will welcome you and your money you worked so hard for will go a long way.

[@njoynature123]

We adore you guys. You get better every show. Thank you for all your research! Xoxo Is there an xpat meetup on zoom? We are FT traveling and craving conversation.

[@ElizabethBidinger]

Love your dress Amelia!!

[@Karla-iu8ss]

Great video! You guys keep me motivated! I love Europe but financially for me it's Costa Rica! Soon! Very soon!

[@suzannerodio1744]

Japan’s hospitality is wonderful!! Another of my favorites!!

[@surf01er66]

Excellent information, thanks & aloha

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Merry christmas and happy new year

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank, you too!

[@jboosey2431]

having a dreary, grey, cold, rainy day , and popped on youtube to discover the bright spot of the afternoon - a new A&JP video! yay! this one made me laugh out loud!

[@njoynature123]

You are very encouraging and entertaining JP

[@freyagrayden9851]

Amelia, that little dress you are wearing in this video is beautiful. It looks so cute on you!

[@annamayfair-diaznovelspoet8436]

As a senior on a budget, these sound really pricey with the exception of Brazil, Peru, or Costa Rica. Yeah, would love to visit New Zealand & Australia one day. Maybe Argentina, Portugal, or Albania may be more affordable. Thanks for posting this video from Wanderlust & happy holiday trails. 🥂

[@billloveys4595]

Hi Guys! CANADA Health Care… • Very long wait times (up-to two years for hip replacement) • months waiting for specialists • So many family Doctors are retiring and many young ones are drawn to the states for better money. Leaves millions without Doctors. The healthcare is free but your condition will worsen or you can even die waiting.

[@ms.keeton2884]

That’s awful!

[@Fiola_M]

This is the truth..waited 2 weeks to get surgery for a broken wrist, elbow and dislocated elbow..plus a torn thumb tendon repair. Free isnt so great when ur in pain and wish u could pay to get fixed! I wanna move to China!

[@LK-pc4sq]

I was in canada for 15 years BC Canada. yes wife wait time several months to have her aCL reattached. They released her same day ..wow..why? she was sick and vomited in my car in a vomit bag! All in the same day at Surrey Memorial. I think that was about 10 years ago.

[@GrillMarksBud-S-n-P]

@@billloveys4595 yep my uncle was dismissed from Canadian hospitals and doctors after 6 to 8 months of waiting around for him to even get an appointment to see somebody and thankfully he's a dual citizen and came down to the United States and they pretty much had to schedule surgery right away cuz he was having some serious breathing problems and was barely sleeping so it turned out to be like a deviated septum. So yeah even though the Canadian healthcare is free it's not worth it.

[@dmm1863]

Yet Canada has better outcomes than the US

[@krickenthekraken8844]

That’s such a beautiful dress on you, Amelia! Love it. I am pretty new to watching you guys. So I’ll ask you for something I want to see, but you may have done many videos on this in the past. I’m a single female, and want to do some slow travel when I retire in a few years. I only speak English, and since I’ll probably be traveling alone, I am interested in safe, English speaking places, and I’m definitely most interested in places I can snorkel and scuba. Another topic I’m super Interested in hearing more about is how often you run across malaria and other mosquito borne viruses. I’m really afraid of these since mosquitoes like me and there’s no cure. I know there are endemic spots, but how frequently have you heard about this among travelers or natives?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We have a video about English speaking countries. Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpSkqpKVqJuGnK8si=xhND8cvSzGY6hxe7 As far as mosquito illnesses go we haven't met anyone that has gotten sick and we haven't experienced any issues since we've been traveling.

[@johnburns6247]

Enjoyed this video, very informative. A quick comment about Canada's Health care system. Three years ago, my wife experienced a life altering medical situation and the hospital care she received was first rate. Zero waiting around for scans, x-rays or seeing specialists. When your life is on the line, you GO to the front of the line, no waiting around.

[@leonafire1]

Dang Girl, That dress is 🔥 you look amazing in it

[@daveed4475]

It´s nice to see a list not focused only on the least expensive places to live. Thanks for all the information you share!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@le_th_]

Spent a month traveling in AU way back in 1999. I fell in love with the country. It's absolutely STUNNINGLY beautiful and was so incredibly clean. Housing was reasonable compared to where I was living (Los Angeles), but that isn't the case anymore. 2008 changed that. I passed through the following year when I went to travel around Bali for a month in 2000. I can't say enough good things about vacationing in AU, but living there might be a different story. I visited Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin/Katherine, Alice Springs and Melbourne. I think I liked Melbourne the best. Definitely worth the 14 hour fight.

[@JDS54]

My top 3 are Thailand, Malaysia, Mexico… 👍🏻

[@hump1953]

Very good video! Thank you!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Glad you liked it!

[@williamjohnson9815]

Cost of living is a factor that does not get much attention in this list, but is very important for those who are not wealthy.

[@moresugartradercc2744]

Interesting list thanks for showing and explaining

[@claudiest-laurent1405]

I am French Canadian and I was really happy to be one ...when I receive a diagnostic stage 4 cancer ....I am a surviver and all free treatments radiotherapy chemio therapy operations ect.....doctor visit ....and looking forward to spend just fews months of winter somewhere warm that all I need I did tra el so much before and really you always like a foreigner nomatter where you go so I rather be here a tru citizen ... but really good job you have so much evolve...in your channel bravo🎉🎉🎉

[@chrisj8764]

Same health situation as you, but in NZ - very grateful to have the (free) care I have received. Good luck my bon ami.

[@saga4646]

The New Zealand portion was hilarious! I love your vids.

[@Diasporaliving]

Insane list.

[@BrydiHeebner]

A lot on their list were expensive countries, for my family, - but all beautiful countries and maybe an option for those who made the list! But, thank you for sharing this in your wonderful casual, but frank, wonderful way!

[@francois3475]

There are many, many good reasons to want to leave Canada and a large number of people, of all ages, are happily exercising that option. It truly feels like a sinking ship, and the available data supports that feeling. I work in healthcare and can confirm the system is in free fall at this time. In fact, anecdotally, I couldn't get an MRI scan a couple of years ago (the waiting list was more than a year long!), so I had it done in Paris, France. I now have my own family doctor in Paris. Nice landscape in Canada, but very badly governed.

[@pathslesstrampled9906]

@@francois3475 I escaped from Canada thirty years ago and I’m so glad I did… never going back

[@francois3475]

@@pathslesstrampled9906 I applaud you! My exit plan is fully developed... implementation 2025.

[@JoseReyes-ov2tu]

I loved Japan. I was only there 8 days, but I can't wait to go back! :)

[@HobbiesHobo]

Looking forward to your list, this list has some wild choices?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Yeah it was an interesting list. We'll start working on our own!

[@BigBear59]

a very interesting video and your observations….Thanks for sharing …..until soon ….Alex 🇬🇷

[@wgarnsey]

Thanks for the call out on Nagoya. We like Nagoya because it is centally located and makes a great base to travel Central Japan (Nara, Kyoto, Osaka). Nagoya's cost of living is more affordable, so if you are going to spend many weeks in Japan, your funds will last longer. It is a calming home to return to and Chunichi Dragons baseball is great to watch! This is a strange list. What is "desireable?" I would think countries like Italy, France, Spain, Thailand, Norway could easily make the list. However, that is well-trod territory. But maybe in this case is desirable = surprising? Next year, do your own list. You two have awesome insight - especially for our demographic.

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

Hi JP & Amelia. Thoroughly enjoyed your Move Abroad course because it convinced me of the benefits of slow travel. Curious to know when you'll have your follow up on it for us members. Really good stuff.

[@fastwheels195]

I was stationed in South Korea for 5 years and I loved it there. In the spring they burned off the rice fields so smoke was an issue and mosquitoes were horrible in the summer. The people were friendly, and it was extremely modern and easy to get around.

[@orangelily935]

I'm grateful for my 20+ years in the US, despite its challenges. Every place has its problems. I've built a strong financial foundation and appreciate the stability of the US dollar. We can travel and live abroad, while others seek to immigrate here for better opportunities, education, and jobs. I choose gratitude over complaint, knowing our hard work can provide a comfortable life abroad.🎉🎉

[@mrgopherguy]

Who pays for your healthcare?

[@damienbates]

Canada can be a great place to visit on day trips from the US side. Been there from Washington and New York. Love it.

[@melissaharper2239]

I can say I was surprised to see a few. The US and Japan mostly. Now to figure out how to get your download guide!

[@MicoEagleFeatherYT]

Hey Guys, it's Mico... after 7yrs in Cuenca, we're now living in Mendoza, Argentina... this is a city/area you should really come check out... we absolutely love it here... the food, the culture, the people... can't say enough about it! Hope you'll come visit us!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hey Mico! Happy to hear from you! Mendoza is on our list! Not sure when but we’ll look you up for sure!

[@warrenr.johnson7990]

You guys were in rare form on this video. 😄

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thanks Warren! We were having a good time filming this one! 😊

[@videoeditoranimation1714]

Thanks for another great video Guys. I was starting to miss you again. Hey, my wife and I are going to Germany again next week. We are going to visit my daughter and friends in Essen, Luxembourg, Brussels, and thanks to you Dijon. We will be there for couple of weeks. Thank you for your inspiration. I look forward to your next video.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Have a great trip!

[@mrgopherguy]

Definitely would like to see your top 10 list. Way too much North America+AUS/ZN in the wanderlust list. Love your content. Thx!

[@sarahgoodwin7282]

United States actually has great doctors and hospitals but only if you have great insurance. 😢 if not then it’s extremely expensive unfortunately.

[@nala3038]

France has the best healthcare in the world

[@dcadventures2394]

@@sarahgoodwin7282 and not as easy or cheap to travel between the states. Also, it’s not the friendliest and safest country to travel to specially if you are non-white.

[@thomasbarchen]

People fly to the US for medical reasons from all over the world in their private jets

[@marcd1981]

This is now a misconception in the US, that having great insurance solves all of your medical problems. My wife and I have Anthem Blue Cross PPO insurance, and have been told several times over the past year and a half that we have a very good plan. The problem is that it could be a free plan, and I would not have gotten my money's worth. It takes months to get appointments, and the doctors are slowly but surely showing how much they no longer care about your specific problem, it is now about doing the minimum possible to get you out of their facility. I literally have been to 14 doctors with three different medical groups in one of the largest US cities, and a grand total of three of them have actually physically examined me. An Orthopedic Spine Specialist I saw from October of 2023 through February of 2024 never even performed a basic examination of my back / spine. Our only contact was a handshake when we first met. We no longer have actual health care in the US. This has been turned into a for-profit industry, which was bad enough with schooling, but now with people's lives in the balance, it is all about profit for the shareholders, and paying their CEOs millions. No one cares if you die, it's one less person they have to deal with.

[@latebloomerabroad]

My son recently married a Canadian woman (we're American), and he can't move there until his residence visa application is approved. (It's been 3 months and they were told it could take up to a year.) The paperwork was very similar to applications for American visas, so you're right, don't think you're moving to Canada quickly. I might have moved there to be near them, except I'm on Medicare and it doesn't translate to Canada.

[@MrJx4000]

And yet there is a daily parade of people flooding in at uncontrolled border crossings with the RCMP carrying their luggage for them. Go figure.

[@douglacoursiere2269]

Being a Canadian citizen and having a house in Costa Rica, we checked 2 places off your list. 6 months in each place is what we are striving for, since we just retired in our mid 50's. Summers in Canada are very nice and hoping to RV across the country in next few years. Costa Rica is a great winter destination and there are lots of expats. The cost of living is high in both, and it is a wash between the 2 if you consider everything from taxes, to food, to transportation, etc.. We are very fortunate to be able to do this and have been trying to live healthier, to keep young in retirement.

[@Fiola_M]

I love you guys.. a retirement visa for Canada😂😂😂😂..the retired Canadians are trying to leave the 6 months of wicked winter plus the country is overloaded with elderly. They outnumber young ppl. As for the health care it is free yes but wait times are bad..joint replacement from the bad weather can take 2 ir 3 years to get. The health care system has fallen apart. ER wait times are minimum 12 hours!

[@ecneb]

I highly recommend Perth. The weather was very much similar to San Diego, and there was many things to see and do. Rottnest Island should definitely be on your list.

[@johnkeith1964]

Just to add that New Zealand allows up to 180 days in a 12 month period, but you have to leave and come back in similar way as Australia. The public health care system is a shambles right now with doctors (as well 80,000 citizens in the last year) leaving for Australia in droves. They also can’t afford to hire all the nursing grads and people sometime die waiting in the ER. Private seems to be doing pretty well.

[@chrisj8764]

I have used the (free) public health system in NZ for a serious health issue and found it great.

[@suzannet.5406]

I'm Canadian. Our health care system has dramatically changed in the last 45 years. It takes a long time to see a specialist or get scheduled for any kind of surgery. I'm certainly not happy about it.

[@Fiola_M]

None of us are. Canada is not a country i recommend anyone visit or come to live in. Expensive and horrible health care! Bad weather 3/4 of the year. If i wasnt born here i would never be here!

[@MrJx4000]

There are lots of YT videos made by people that have immigrated to Kanada and want to leave. Nobody earns enough in their younger (or later) years to qualify for a million dollar mortgage.

[@kloatlanta]

You won’t go bankrupt though if your hip replacement gets infected or has to be redone. Pluses and minuses.

[@MrJx4000]

@@kloatlanta, that's right, you won't go bankrupt because you will _die!_ (said like Auric Goldfinger to James Bond).

[@nealpp]

interesting video.. may i ask what part of Colorado you were from? I recently moved out of the colorado springs area after nearly 23 years in the state. And i am curious.. do you think that some of the southeast asia areas such as vietnam and thailand are worth the visa struggles? i am always concerned about setting up a long term life in these places only to be denied re-entry for some reason and then i cant get to all of my stuff... or am i just paranoid

[@kerrynight3271]

They were living in Denver before they moved to Ecuador.

[@kitty_s23456]

@neal - for VN, you can get 3 months tourist visa then you'll have to do a visa run or get a travel agency to do it for you. Rinse & repeat every 3 months. VN doesn't have a retirement visa. Some have been living there in the manner that I've said (post c*vid) but note that VN did kick out foreigners during c*vid (didn't allow tourist visa renewals), so keep that it mind. For TH, there's a 6-month DTV (digital nomad visa), renewable to 5 years. There are also various visas like LTR, retirement visa, elite visa, spouse visa, etc = all have financial requirements, including the DTV. The easiest would be Cambodia, where one can get a 1-year "business" visa for ~300 usd. The country has its pros & cons too. As always, it's best to visit before you commit.

[@timlocke3159]

Different Canadians complain differently about the healthcare system because each province runs their own healthcare system so they each have different issues. The biggest problem that has caused long wait times is a lack of doctors and nurses.

[@Hammocktraveller]

In Québec they go private $$$$$

[@HM-ey2im]

Sadly, here in the US, it's the same problem, I only see RNs (registered nurses) instead of a doctor.

[@paulafitz532]

Thank you

[@budawang77]

Australia is not a cheap destination but our dollar is quite weak at the moment so Americans mays find it fairly affordable once they adjust for the exchange rate, absence of tipping and no after sales taxes. House sitting is also quite common and this can be a great way to save money. Another thing to consider is that many of the best attractions are free.

[@mrc6182]

Saying Peru's "lagging behind in healthcare" seriously understates the case! Anyone with health issues or aging should absolutely strike Peru off their list of potential relocation opportunities. Surprised Uruguay's not on the list.

[@dot10k]

I am Australian. Browsing through the comments on this video I was surprised that nobody seemed to make a mention of Australia. Then getting to the end of the video I found that we grabbed first place. In my humble opinion I totally agree that this is a wonderful place to live so come on down folks and see for yourselves. 👍😀

[@shayscott7498]

Too expensive!

[@ibika9457]

Yeah australia a wonderful place if you are loaded…for the rest of us we are going down the gurgler

[@marcd1981]

The cost of living in Australia, plus the distance from the US, prevents my wife and I from considering it.

[@sharonmoller7414]

Yes a lot of people don’t realise the Aussie dollar is quite weak at the moment so it’s way more affordable than Americans think. We don’t have the same level of sales taxes and Chinese made goods are incredibly cheap in Australia due to good trade relations. I’d say the only issue is housing situation especially in the big cities.

[@bronwenewens1198]

You're assuming you can just barge in without a visa. Likelihood of this happening: 00001%

[@destinationmax]

Great video! I just got back from visiting Peru and was disappointed that they haven’t changed back some of their Covid tourist agenda. Meaning you do not get 180 days upon entry you only get 90 and then you have to leave the country and re-enter to get another 90 unlike Colombia that lets you extend your tourist visa online.

[@suzannerodio1744]

I loved South Africa!!

[@chrisj8764]

It's a beautiful country, but really unsafe and misgoverned

[@suzannerodio1744]

@ There are areas that aren’t as safe, like all countries. I was in Cape Town and didn’t feel unsafe. Like any big city you need to take precautions.

[@tim1398]

My wife is from Brazil (Sao Paulo). Most of her family has been mugged or even "express kidnapped" at least once. Common method is ATM or Bank stalking. A gang member watches for large withdrawals (often signaled by a teller accomplice), then a pair of armed motorbikers follow your car until is trapped in traffic and ask for the exact handbag/wallet the money is in. Her parents and sisters got hit by that after taking out a large sum to apply for a US Visa. Her brother was snatched and driven to ATMs to make withdrawals. He bailed out of the vehicle and got away (less wallet). The next day a civilian police officer called and threatened them if he gave any testimony. Though to be fair the biggest danger may be the roads. Otherwise a lovely country and people.

[@andiea5743]

Great video, thank you! I would love to hear your top 10, though. I don't think I would survive Australia. Insects love me!

[@GapBahnDirk]

Thailand and Malaysia are probably the top two most liveable countries for me.

[@deebee2603]

Honestly, KZbinr's should leave Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK off these lists. OF COURSE they are fabulous (albeit with high costs of living), but it is almost impossible to get residency in any of these places unless you can get a work visa or are married to someone from there. Or unless you have millions of dollars to invest.

[@noseboop4354]

Until 2023 it was extremely easy to get residency in Canada via the student visa. Canada basically accepted anyone to study there, you could work up to 20 hours per week on a student visa but plenty worked way more, and it was easy to get a temporary work visa after you finish your studies, then after your 3 years of study + 2 years of temporary work you could apply for permanent residency.

[@sharonmoller7414]

@@noseboop4354 that is the case for Australia too… HOWEVER… you really need to look at the tuition fees for study in Australia which for international students is exceptionally expensive. You really need a massive loan or wealthy parents to finance a student visa in Australia.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

This list was based on a poll of 168,000 travelers. We are also slow travelers so the US is the only country on this list that doesn’t work for a visit.

[@Mexicobeanpole]

Love that color on you Amelia!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you!

[@jekylltraveler]

Most of those countries I would visit but never live in. Nothing in the Balkans or SE Asia? What a strange list.

[@chrisj8764]

I think it is an excellent list.

[@baronvontollbooth484]

I'm curious, have you tried any of those in-ear translating devices? I've seen them advertised but I don't know how well they work. If they do work, it would be a game changer!

[@terrygallant9938]

Canadian health care is great if you have a serious issue, at least with people I know who have had the unfortunate need to get treatment. However, it is really bad to get a family doctor and just get an annual check up. I live in Costa Rica 7 months (I’m from Ontario and am allowed to be out of province for 7 months and still retain my healthcare card), and I pay out of pocket for annual checkups here in Costa Rica - through the private system. Also, in your video, you mention that Costa Rica is expensive, and wow, it is now compared to years ago. Don’t come to Costa Rica do save money, but do come for the incredible nature, the Pura Vida lifestyle and the friendly people.

[@johnstamos5579]

Surprised by Peru being on the list. I've been living south of Lima , on the beach, since 2009

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Peru is amazing! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@Kevin-et5zs]

Note about Peru: you will be considered a tax resident after 180 days, although such things do change so check for updates. Also, I had no trouble speaking English in Lima, especially in Miraflores and Barranco, and you could border hop and come back! Costa Rica has a "National Guard" that is better armed than Nicaragua's Army, incidentally. Ticos are very nice, some of the best folks I've met! Years ago, New Zealand had openings for "needed workers", with a cut off age of 59. I had the opportunity to go, but it was just too far away. Also 1500 different varieties of spiders, the largest is as big as your head, the most deadly hangs out in driftwood on the beach.

[@jamestaylor3075]

I was born in the city of Whitehorse in Canada in the mid sixties to American expat parents, who moved to Canada because they were inspired by the "back-to-the-earth movement" of the 1960s and built a homestead and established residency there for almost fifteen years. We left in 1980 when I was 13-years-old and I have been in the states ever since. You don't see it as a tourist, but Canada is much different than the US. In a lot of ways, it is more like a European country. The unemployment rate is generally higher than the US; unless you have a specific in-demand skill, it can be harder to find work. The population is about 1/7 of the US population so the economy is smaller, which means there can be less economic opportunities especially when you get away from the large urban areas. Like Europe, there is generally more government bureaucracy and red tape at times. And then there is of course the obvious drawback - it's really f*kng cold in the winter. During the winter months, the utility bill is so high that it's like having 2 mortgage or rent payments each month instead of one. Ninety percent of the Canadian population lives within 50 miles of the US border; there's a reason for that - they're all hovering down there trying to stay warm. Also, like Europe, the taxes tend to be higher than in the US. Many Canadians spend much of their lives dreaming of living south of the border, and many of them with means eventually do when they hit retirement age. Florida and Arizona fill up with Canadian license plates once the winter weather settles in. You also find Canadians in places like Mexico and S.E. Asian for the same reason. People have asked me over the years if I ever plan to move back and my answer was always "not a chance." I experienced frostbite enough in my first 13 years as a Canadian resident to last me a lifetime. I'm not exaggerating on that one - I had a paper route up there when I was 12 and 13-years-old. There were many times in the winter months when I would be out in 20 and 30 degree below zero weather delivering newspapers - no joke!

[@LK-pc4sq]

Johannesburg is one of the most violence cities in the world.

[@seashell4327]

I'm waiting for YOUR list

[@mikebailey2970]

Left the US to immigrate to NZ in 2011, was granted NZ citizenship in 2017. Yes it was quite an effort to make the move. But it was oh so worth it, we have never looked back or question the move.

[@aufnung76]

I moved to NZ in 2020...it has become so expensive here in Wellington and it's very isolated.

[@mikebailey2970]

@@aufnung76 Wellie can be cold and very windy even this time of year. We have always enjoyed the night life there. But wet and cold can be hard yards.

[@eem8039]

Language barrier

[@douglasharre7156]

@@aufnung76 you only discovered that when you got there? In the world’s most southerly capital city, of the last country on earth settled by humans?

[@chrisj8764]

I am also a long term immigrant (now citizen) here - and I just love it.

[@graemedocherty5201]

Not surprised Australia is on the list.

[@jerrym3261]

I was holding out hope for affirmation that my country choice is a "desirable" country to live in right up until the end but, the top 5 was nuts. I'm not moving to any of those countries and hoping I don't let myself down by staying in the US. Ecuador is still my #1. The temperature here is hovering around the freezing mark and I have this deep rooted belief I can't sell my house with all that entails in the winter. I do check the Olon temperature most days and I do wish I was there every day. Early New Year's resolution, escape to Ecuador. I have had one change, I thought Mexico was not a country I would consider but, somebody planted a bug in my ear and now I'm thinking end of life around Lake Chapala will be the place to be. It looks so much better than US options. It's also close to the US so, if you have people to visit, they can have an easy travel and a vacation in a lovely place while they're there. Maybe about the time I'm circling the drain my son will be retirement age. it seems common, parent in their 80s, child in their 60s all living around Lake Chapala.

[@MikesGoogleAcct]

The Canada healthcare system is great. My doctor is proactive to address issues before they become bigger. I don't worrying about the cost. If you have a serious issue, wait times in Canada are quick, but slow if you go to the emergency room with something minor. They prioritize. I speak from experience. Recently, my Doctor had a minor concern and ordered an Ultrasound. a couple of days later I had one - in and out in under 15 minutes. Fortunately, the problem was addressed early before things got worse.

[@pinkiepinkster8395]

But you still have to have insurance...healthcare is only free if you are a govt. Employee.

[@BirgitSchinke]

As a Canadian I agree with this. The health system triaged. I have always received excellent service based on urgency of issue. med schools are increasing their quotas, immigrant docs are being fast tracked through the process, pharmacists are being empowered to offer simple services like flu shots, etc., teleconferencing is used extensively, tax credits empower people to be proactive in their health, and so on. Provincial and federal govs are working hard to fix issues caused by the grey tsunami.

[@MikesGoogleAcct]

@@BirgitSchinke Said better than I did.

[@chrisj8764]

This is true - same in NZ (issues get triaged).

[@MyLanguageShop]

Check the government of Canada website to be sure what everything is called, but as far as I recall you can work remotely on a visitor visa. Healthcare is something you need when you need it, so it can be hit and miss... the real problem is that there is not the option to pay out of pocket even to save your life, and you might need to engage in medical tourism if the wait time for appointments, treatment, or surgery is too long... there are apparently some hospitals or clinics that will take private patients, but they only offer procedures to expats, not Canadian citizens, even if they are in excruciating pain. Those folks could unfortunately be offered MAID though (when they would rather be treated).

[@waltersumofan]

Please note Canadians can stay in South Korea for up to 6 months without a visa twice as long as Americans. Due to many in K-pop being Canadians :D

[@emarquez70]

I think the least places I'd recommend for moving are Japan and SK, crowded, expensive, not welcoming, high sui...ide rates, loneliness epidemic, not a good picture for sure. Nice to visit and spend a little while to explore but no more.

[@kevinsmith9899]

The idea that there is a "K-Pop visa" cracks me up. This list (which I know someone else created) was really centered around places to visit, and with that context, it makes sense. It's clearly not a "places to move" list.

[@msbeecee1]

Pls do YOUR list tooo✨️

[@hump1953]

I was surprised with South Korea being on this list, I have used the Inchon airport for years as transit point to other Asian countries… will have to give it a visit…

[@2GoodLookin]

South Korea is #1 for foreigners not Koreans without a doubt.

[@kitty_s23456]

South Korea is good for a visit but not to live (IMO). Pros: clean, orderly, good public transport, good healthcare, great food, etc. Cons: expensive, cold winters, society is very look-ist (lots of plastic surgery), classist, ray-cist to other POCs, no retirement visa, etc.

[@hump1953]

@@kitty_s23456 thank you

[@2GoodLookin]

@@kitty_s23456 I agree with all your pros but not all your cons. One other thing to add to your pros is safety. You will never have to worry about con-artist, scammers or even restaurants fleecing you because you're a foreigner like you see all over Europe and South America. Older people are respected and cherished. Cons: Yes it is expensive IN the cities but public transportation is top notch and cheap so you can live in a cheaper place little outside of the cities. Not sure why seeing a lot of plastic surgery clinics would bother an older person that don't care about it. Koreas population is 97% Koreans so most of the time it curiosity not racism. Sometimes if you're a white American you get even better treatment than most Koreans treat each other. Koreas Visa is on a point system. If you have some savings you will get extra points towards your Visa. I know many people that just take a trip to Japan or other warm Asian countries every 90 days so you can stay indefinitely.

[@williamm1258]

The list (not yours) really does not factor in expenses, ease to get visa, and so on. They just threw up names of places that their readers like. I know your list will more down to earth.

[@pagaporvista569]

I seem to recall the Austrilian visa was good for an entire year straight through the times I went? But then again it would be easy to go visit Singapore or NZ for a bit to come back. ;-)

[@sewwithmrsg]

Australian here... I smiled when you described Australia... I wish it is still like that... I vote for Japan :)

[@thomasgoodland2408]

Believe it's just the whole point of slow travel. To find your space. If you need to look at medical tourism, that will be a whole different list. Wasn't meant to be specific, just in general. Think you two gave a excellent presentation. Cheers to new Adventures!!

[@RexPonder-y6b]

Boy Mexico is off our list. It's way to expensive now and the new government is very scary now be careful things are changing in Mexico. It's not a good time to move or visit right now.

[@goodheavenstomurgatroid2186]

I have a question for you JP & Amelia: Re this hospital in Kuala Lumpur where you were able to get done a comprehensive battery of tests for about $450 which would've cost you over 10 Large in the US of A. My question: Can a person just waltz into this hospital and request these tests done and and then walk away with the results about 48 hours later, or does one have to make an appt in advance to order these tests??? My follow-up questions are: 1) What do you call this battery of tests? 2) How long does it normally take to get the results? Thank you so much for the answers to these 3 questions, and all for the valuable work you do on behalf of the expat/expat-to-be community!

[@AmeliaAndJP]

We covered this here: We THOUGHT We Were Doing Everything Right (Life Update from Kuala Lumpur Malaysia) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHvLkH9-Z9KVf5Y

[@goodheavenstomurgatroid2186]

@@AmeliaAndJP Thanks, I'll check it out!

[@AnnaConlan]

Hi Amelia and JP, I love your enthusiasm for New Zealand but I want to point out that a few things you've mentioned are outdated. Healthcare is no longer excellent. when I arrived in 2020 I could get a doctor's appointment the same week. Now I have to wait several weeks just to speak to a general practitioner, and this is an appointment that is not paid for by my taxes (I am taxed at 30%) - it is an appointment I have to pay for myself. If I want an appointment within the next few weeks, I have to pay a lot of money for an online consultation which isn't great for some issues, or go to the ER where a person will often wait for many hours. And once I get an appt, it's clear their resources are stretched and they don't want to move ahead with anything I need. I have to advocate hard for myself. If I want a vitamin D test, they won't give me one. If I have something wrong, I don't get listened to. When I became ill with a potentially life threatening illness, it took them months to realise something was wrong and then 7 months wait for the appointment to see a specialist. 7 months! Re. NZ safety...I am looking at moving to South America and was comparing the crime rates between the two countries. NZ has higher theft and burglary rates than Paraguay, believe it or not, although the murder rate is lower here. We have problems with gangs. The government has started housing people who have just got out of prison or who have serious problems like drug addiction or mental illness in the centre of the capital city Wellington, where many tourists stay. Why they have done this is completely beyond me and is making a terrible impression. One of these people assaulted my sister-in-law when she was walking around the city on a visit from the UK. A local friend was chased by one of these people (a complete stranger) who tried to strangle her in central Wellington in broad daylight. She got away and ran into a shop and the owner locked her in the back so the man couldn't get to her and called the police. This man wanted to kill her. I've been coming to NZ for 20 years and this is not normal. At least in the cities, things are going downhill.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s important to have a balanced view of any country and it’s helpful to hear about these changes.

[@lindamaidani5035]

What about Panama? They are safe, speak a lot of English, cheap and close to US. They would be mey choice if i didn't have health issues.

[@keangwooichoo6138]

Winter in canada is harsh. I lived there for 2.5 years.

[@shenpenlhamo22]

fyi..Australia no longer offers a retirement visa! :-) too bad!

[@francoiswilliams]

South Africa, Philippines, Cambodia...top.3

[@anniebee6568]

I’m really sad to see what Canada has become. When I see Canada making these lists I get so surprised. Healthcare is awful here in Québec. When your family doctor retires it can take up to 6 years for the public ‘system’ to attribute a new primary doctor to you and nothing you can do to accelerate that. You don’t chose your doctors the ‘system’ decides and you don’t have a say. My son waited 19 hours in emergency care sitting on a chair to get stitches in his face after an accident (very deep wound in his face)…. Homelessness everywhere, housing shortage, a lot of drug use bringing criminality and not only in the big cities, tax over tax over tax for what services to population ?, rents are really hign in proportion to the average salaries. Job opportunities are much better in the US and salaries too (and way less income taxes also). A family member moved to US and never wants to come back here. If I was looking to relocate, I would never come to Canada. Landscape might be beautiful but it doesn’t help pay the bills at the end of the day. I’m just sharing my thoughts and experience here. 😅 Can’t wait to see Amelia and JP’s list !

[@feldhdleh]

Nailed it. The country is a shadow of it's former self. Laughable that Canada would make any top 10 list. Truly.

[@johnbulman8499]

Peru has 90 day tourist stay for Americans. They changed the law in 2017. This only applies to some countries. Mexicans can stay 180 days. US State Department is wrong. I booked a 135 day stay and needed to change the booking and the flight due to this error.

[@DfChen-c5m]

Not much new on this list. Milly has a nice smile. No Spain or Philippines?

[@hikingviking859]

Great list but Costa Rica and Australia have large spiders

[@MrJx4000]

Australia also has those drop bears ;-)

[@Raul-t4y8h]

Hello, JP and Amelia I been fortunate to have travelled to 73 countries and 442 cities. Not offending anyone, Peru is in my list of least favorite countries. My list and is not in particular order are: Spain, Dubai, Argentina, Colombia, France, Croatia, Albania, Panama, Malaysia, Dominican Republic, Czech, Turkey Republic and Mexico. I have many others just to name a few.

[@nala3038]

I’m curious as to why you don’t like Peru? I’ve never heard one bad thing about that country.

[@Raul-t4y8h]

@nala3038 Hello, we visited this year, explored all the main sites, hired a private guide. I found the country infrastructure lacking and the food repetitive. How many days can you have ceviche and the main dishes they are famous for. We had dinner in great restaurants in the capital and Cuzco, some were great. We were lucky also to have visited Machu Pichu on a clear day. I think their tourism and country still needs a lot of work. I was annoyed in a couple of occasions by officials asking for passports to buy bus tickets to Machu Pichu, then with tickets in hand the bus person also asking for passports, thankfully I had them with me, I usually leave them at the hotel. Many more great countries to spend your money and time. I heard other tourists saying, one time visit and they wouldn't come back, I agreed.

[@Quartzmatter1]

@@Raul-t4y8h Panama sounds good.

[@SamiNami]

Dubai? Hahahahahahahahahah

[@Mexicobeanpole]

Mexico is on that list. You lost all validity with that. We picked 3 choices and spent time (at least 6 months each) in them. Mexico won by far. We just bought a house. Mexico will be our forever home, and we’ll travel with that as our home base.

[@johnway9853]

Very strange list. Canada? Health Care? I know you were specifically asking me, and I know, you know, what I'm going to say... Universally Crappy Healthcare Period. Any other words to describe it would be auto censored. Been waiting now for over a year to see multiple specialists. One of them, there's only one in a town of 100K people. Waiting list of years. One of the main reasons we're working on retiring out of the country is to get access to healthcare. Best part, leave for 6 months and even though you still pay the taxes that pay for the health care, you lose access and have a 3 month wait in most Provinces after returning to get access again. To be clear, the vast majority of the high income taxes we pay, do to health care, leave for over 6 months and boom, gone. Even though they continued to tax you while you were gone. Huh, seems legit?

[@jfhow]

agree totally. Health care is a reason to leave Canada.

[@emarquez70]

Where is México? No. 2 destination for digital nomads and retirees from the USA?

[@AmeliaAndJP]

It didn’t make the top 10 according to the people who were polled.

[@emarquez70]

@AmeliaAndJP pues entonces a quien le habrán preguntado, encuesta patito 😉

[@YogaBlissDance]

Wait South Korea...it just started to implode...maybe it's temporary.

[@AmeliaAndJP]

Hope it's temporary.

[@deebee2603]

I have been to NZ five times - including a six month stay trying to get residency. This was back when I was young enough to get a work visa. Now, retirement there is out of reach. Unless you are from a Commonwealth country, you will need a couple of million US to stay for two years only. You also need to be at least 65. I don't know how renewable this visa is either. The only good way to retire there is to have an only child who has residency or citizenship, be the caretaker of a legal resident, or marry a Kiwi. 🥰 I have heard the new restrictions have to do with wealthy people (from communist countries or dictatorships with sanctions) money laundering and gobbling up expensive real estate. Kind of messes things up for the rest of us!