Top 5 Countries to Retire on Social Security - Cheap, Peaceful, Beautiful

[@conniewood3117]

I’m sitting here in Tokyo right now and I have lived here for six years. Japan is a beautiful country with lovely people, but it should not be on this list. There isn’t a retiree visa like the non-lucrative visa in Spain. Also, the healthcare system is not what we’ve come to expect. For example, they can turn you away if you were having a heart attack if the hospital is, “full.” Multiple Americans have died because of this. Japanese people live a long time because they live a healthy lifestyle, not because the healthcare system intervenes. Also, you better plan to pay cash first and they can charge you extra for being a foreigner. Now, usually it doesn’t happen, but it can. Other Asian countries like Korea have earned money through medical tourism. Hospitals will even bill your insurance, or you pay a nominal fee upfront. They’ve made it easy for non-English speakers to access care so that they can earn money. Not so Japan. For the love of all that is holy, this is not the paradise that people think it is, and definitely not for people looking to retire.

[@JedRothwell]

I do not think they can "turn you away." They have to find another hospital. I knew a Japanese woman who was airlifted out of the middle of nowhere to a distant hospital when she had a heart attack. It cost her nothing. (She lived for many years after that.) Several years ago there was a national scandal when there were not enough specialized extreme neo-natal facilities, and a small number of women died in childbirth. Women in labor had to be transported to distant facilities, and some died. This was headline nightly news on national TV (NHK) for several days. The National govt. Health Minister personally went to the houses of each of the victims, bowed, and paid his respects. This was shown on national TV. So I think they take crowded hospitals very seriously.

[@conniewood3117]

@ here’s the key: she was Japanese. Also, I live here. Also, as you mentioned, women died. I’m not saying that the healthcare system is bad-I’m saying don’t come here and expect emergency care as we expect it in the US. Especially for older people. It shouldn’t be on here as a retirement destination.

[@JedRothwell]

@@conniewood3117 As far as I know emergency service is as good as the U.S. When it failed in the incidents I described, it was a national disgrace. The Min. of Health apologized. Thousands of women die in childbirth in the U.S. and no one apologies. As far as I know, emergency service for foreigners is the same as everyone else. I have had emergency care in Japan, and so did my children, on tourist visas. Same doctor, same quick service. Much better than the U.S! It was not a dire emergency like a heart attack. But it was painful and the nurses brough ice and started treatment immediately. Whereas in the U.S. when I nearly fractured a wrist and showed up in agony with swelling and bleeding, I had to wait three hours without ice or anything. In Atlanta's wealthiest district and biggest hospital. Also, needless to say, when you need stiches and an x-ray, in Japan they charge something like $100 when you are not insured, and THOUSANDS of dollars in the U.S. Uninsured poor people are afraid to go to the hospital in the U.S. A poor person I know fainted on the street with Vietnam war related injuries. He woke up in a non-VA hospital a few days later. They charged him $90,000. They took his car, his truck, and tried to take his house. They are unrelenting. Any long term resident or student in Japan can get national insurance. I had it in college. It is about $150 a month. There is Australian woman with a KZbin channel living in Japan, Chani, who described her experience with national health insurance. It looks the same as Japanese nationals.

[@conniewood3117]

@ dude, do you live in Tokyo? Or Japan? I do.

[@keikeninu]

@@conniewood3117​​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠ Just ignore her. People who come for a visit or who have lived in a place for less than a year and suddenly think they know everything about a country are just Karens without a clue. People who live in a place long term understand.

[@erents1]

Walk ability, bicycling ability, public transportation are all huge to me! I don’t want to have to drive, like I do here in the states.

[@judymckee5992]

I relocated to a coastal town in Kent county in UK, walkable,beauiful and if u can owned the place, it is very affordable.

You also have to consider the cost and availablity of quality medical care if you need more than just a check up. E.g., what if you need a type of surgery that's only available in the US? A couple years ago I had a hospital surgery that only available in certain parts of the US.

[@petek2316]

Greece.. i bought a condo there, in the Halkidiki area, right on the water and i love it there. Great private health care, awesome weather, fantastic Internet and very affordable.

[@williamshaw8106]

Santorini..

[@petek2316]

@@williamshaw8106 - Nah, too touristy to begin with, plus I would rather not be on an island where you're dependent on the weather etc. in case there's a medical emergency for example and you need to make it to the mainland.

[@gkeic]

This is an interesting topic it is much more complex than it appears at first last things first: Is this the place you would want to be buried or will someone be taking your ashes to another place? Is this an idea for people who aren't interested in interacting with immediate family? Does a person need a plan if the politics of the country change? Should we ask the opinion of people who have done this in these places? Would it be a good idea to live in one of these places for 1 to 3 years to try it out first?

[@petek2316]

@@gkeic - it's not that complex of a topic, I think it is all personal though and subjective. Here are my thoughts to your points: * I do not have a problem being buried there, although I'd rather be cremated. * it appears that politics in the US are changing, so to your point this part of me prepping for these potential changes. Europe in general is a lot more stable. * I have been doing this for quite a few years now so I am very comfortable. I even bought a car there. Bottom line is that I don't need to ask for an opinion, I've already done it. * I do think it's a good idea to try and live in one of those places first, before committing to buying property, etc.

[@kuhnemund6523]

We were there this summer (I’m part Greek). Hot as hell, but a beautiful place and good beaches and small towns for long dinners. Not touristy in the little villages.

[@Daaannn-g6k]

An increasing number of people are likely to face challenges in retirement. Low wages, rising inflation, and high rental costs make it difficult to save adequately. Now, even middle-class Americans are struggling to afford homeownership, putting their retirement plans at risk.

[@Toni__Michelle]

The surge in living costs has disrupted my plan to retire at 62, work part-time, and continue building my savings. I can't help but wonder if those who weathered the 2008 financial crisis had it easier than what I'm facing today. The volatility of the stock market, paired with a decrease in income, has raised concerns about whether I’ll have enough funds to secure a comfortable retirement.

[@FrankJaaay]

This is exactly why I rely on a portfolio coach for my investment strategy. Their expertise-managing both long and short positions, capitalizing on asymmetric risk, and strategically hedging against market downturns-makes it incredibly difficult for them to underperform. Over the past two years, working with a portfolio coach has helped me generate over $800,000 in returns.

[@HotManP-l5g]

@@FrankJaaay Would you mind sharing the name of your coach? I’m very interested in exploring this service.

[@FrankJaaay]

@@HotManP-l5g Rebecca Lynne Buie has consistently been my top recommendation. She’s widely recognized for her expertise in financial markets and has a strong track record. I highly recommend her.

[@TheBeingReal]

Inflation is down, esp in the USA. The low interest rates from 2001 and on exploded housing costs.

[@maletu]

Please get a clue: the "cost of living" HAS to include taxation. Until you know whether, and if so how, your retirement will be taxed, you have no idea what your budget is, and therefore no idea whether you can afford the place or not. I put a lot of energy (e.g. language learning) into the idea of moving to Portugal, only to discover that my slightly-less-than-median Social Security would be taxed, in their progressive tax system, at approximately 20% the total. (In the US, this small amount as SS is not taxed; if it were earned income, our really large exemption would apply, putting only a few thousand into our lowest tax bracket(s). NOT the way it works in most places.) I eventually figured out that 80% of just-barely-enough was not enough! (Another retiree in my language class couldn't give up the idea, and thought she might be able to make ends meet by starting a local service business.) Please note that this is not about the amount of tax for the top bracket, this is about whether the pension (SS benefit, other) is taxed and how that tax is applied. I eventually decided that, for my small means, I needed to look at countries with territorial, not global, tax systems, and at countries that EXPLICITLY say they do not tax foreign pensions. (Note: I do not object to the idea of paying taxes in a place where I live and use the infrastructure; but I do need to be able to live on what is left over!) A couple of other key factors your video seems blind to: (1) income requirements for immigration aka permanent residence status, and (2) restrictions on activities. (1) Spain, for example, wants a larger amount in savings than I have, and wants a monthly income WAY beyond median Social Security, to grant residency. (2) Many countries say you can't work--but mean different things. In Spain, it means no remunerative activity anywhere on the planet. (Bye-bye dog-walking, bye-bye online tutoring of people outside the country, etc.) In Argentina, it means you can't become an employee of an Argentine business or person-but feel free to work for a foreign company, be a freelancer, start your own business, and-please-feel free to hire Argentine citizens!). You do a nice summary of the sorts of advice that is easy to find online. But these oversights-shared by other online information sources-could easily add up to financial disaster for many. I had hoped to find something more nuanced from you....

[@BajaBookworm]

This is an excellent summary. What countries have you found to be in line with your needs?

[@Donkeyearsa]

This is misleading. Yes they do have an income tax on earned income but that only applies to what you earn within the country. Like almost every country they only tax on what is earned within their borders. The US is one of the only countries that taxes you on all income no matter where its earned for its citizens. Portugal does not tax you on income you make within the US so your SS check and all investments that is outside of Portugal is free from Portugal income taxes.

[@maletu]

@@Donkeyearsa Sorry, you are misled. There are (roughly) three taxation schemes in the world: territorial (which is what you describe), global (applies to all money earned on planet WHILE you are a TAX resident of that country), and citizenship based (applies to all money earned on planet no matter where you are tax resident). Portugal's taxes--like most EU countries, are on a global system. There are only around a dozen countries in the world with territorial tax systems (and possibly a few more that exempt foreign "pensions," which may or may not include US social security benefits). See (for example) Wikipedia's article "International Taxation": "Countries that tax income generally use one of two systems: territorial or residence-based. In the territorial system, only local income - income from a source inside the country - is taxed. In the residence-based system, residents of the country are taxed on their worldwide (local and foreign) income, while nonresidents are taxed only on their local income. In addition, a small number of countries also tax the worldwide income of their nonresident citizens in some cases."

[@TheEuroPats]

First of all…LOVE your channel name! Secondly, we’re going to retire in Italy at retirement. We’re so excited. If we were to stay in the states, I would have to work until 100 (well,maybe not THAT long), in Italy, I’ll be able to retire at 62 and enjoy the rest of the life I have left. We’ve even started our own channel to document everything. Thank you for sharing these places. 😊

[@cland4140]

How exciting! Just be aware of the massive red tape and very slow processing time when dealing with the Italian government and local municipalities. Give yourself plenty of time and patience…

[@howardwylie1620]

America is a great place to be from. I'm living in South East Asia and would never in live in the US again. Too many great places to visit and live. Travel the world and see what you are missing.

[@herrickinman9303]

I would never live anywhere in Asia, especially SE Asia. And I have no interest whatsoever in travel to anywhere in Asia.

[@randall8379]

@@herrickinman9303 The hot humid climate would kill me.

[@howardwylie1620]

@@herrickinman9303 Then don't. Have you ever been out of the county you were born in ? Half of Americans haven't. I have visited many countries and the US is still the last place I would want to live in.

[@herrickinman9303]

​@@howardwylie1620 Then don't. Yes, I've been out of "the county" I was born in. I've lived in the US all my life, though not in the same county I was born in. I've visited Canada and Europe many times. Mexico twice, when I was in college. I have the time, money and freedom to visit any country in the world.

[@user-retsailor]

Yes, my goal is to be out of America by the end of next year. I plan on slow travel through SE Asia. As far as America is concerned, we have very poor and expensive systems when it comes to transportation, education, health care and communications. Gonna get worse !

[@markt4297]

I have lived in Vietnam, The people there are so kind, friendly and helpful. The food is amazing and there is so many places to visit. I never felt unsafe even walking alone at night. The problem at this time is getting a long term visa.

[@KB3TLE]

They don't have one -- but rumor is ''they are working on it"...... not much English though ?

[@herrickinman9303]

I have zero interest in living in Vietnam or any other Asian country. I live in Dana Point, CA, and have never felt unsafe walking alone at night. In fact, I walk alone every night in Dana Point! My niece's husband, who is a deputy sheriff who patrols my neighborhood, remarked that there's no crime in my neighborhood.

[@randall8379]

@@herrickinman9303 Great but California is very expensive.

[@tiger8linny788]

@@herrickinman9303 Living in California on Social Security????? 🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@herrickinman9303]

@@randall8379 It's expensive only if you're a renter or have large mortgage payments. My only expenses on my $1.5M home are property taxes, insurance, and utilities, which comes to less than $1000/month. I could rent out my home for $5000/month.

[@markwils5042]

Very interesting Video. I would agree on with Spain, Portugal, and Vietnam. However, I have been to 166 countries, and the one that I would have defiantly had in the top 5 would be Thailand.

[@randall8379]

Yes but they have started to tax expats - also the hot, humid climate is a big drawback.

[@howardwylie1620]

I'm going early next year. The food, the people, the beautiful beaches, and Buddhist Monasteries. Wonderful place, getting a bit too popular, but still well worth the trip.

[@pensionandapassport]

1 year 6 months and counting, Thailand for me.

[@DIAMONDGIRL57]

Thailand is getting expensive.

[@aglendaecarroll3769]

Defiantly?

[@zedad3120]

Irony: American retirees who were of draft age in the late 1960's and early 1970's retiring in Vietnam.

[@20thcenturyrelic]

I was just a kid then (grade school), but I don't think I could. One of my uncles was a combat soldier in Vietnam and was wounded. And ended up in a VA psychiatric hospital for a while. No, not Vietnam.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

@@20thcenturyrelic I understand...my cousin and a swim team mate of my older brother was drafted. No, not View Nam.

[@TheBuddyShowWorldwide]

I'm a boomer too and stayed in Saigon for three days. Yes, it was weird hearing all those name from the news, but I loved it. The past is the past, best to leave it there. I live in Cambodia because the visas are so much easier and cheaper. I lived in Thailand for two years but the visa is a hassle.

[@marybusch6182]

​@@20thcenturyrelic and my brother died of agent orange and my husbands uncle died in Ww2.

[@DJ-nw2ef]

I wasn't just draft age. I actually got drafted and spent almost 13 months in Vietnam. If the place were not so damned hot, and if they had a reasonable retirement visa, I would definitely consider living there again. The place is gorgeous, the people are not just friendly but also intensely practical, and, somewhat paradoxically, it is now one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Apparently when the Vietnamese are not being attacked by powerful foreign countries they turn out to be very reasonable people. Funny how that works.

[@SPIRITWILDCHILD28]

We moved to Volcan, Panama 2 1/2 years ago and wouldn't leave for anything.

[@JanelleChristmas-w6u]

Is it any cool places in Panama ? Would Trump really be able to invade Panama ?

[@JessicaT-qp9uv]

I'm hearing Jim Morrison's voice. "I ain't never been so broke that I couldn't leave town"

[@TheProtocol48]

I traveled to Thailand a couple of times and thought I wanted to retire there, your video is giving me food for thought on that topic. Thank you..!

[@DQ_Mine]

Can you get medical insurance there?

[@TheProtocol48]

@@DQ_Mine Yes.

[@greener8116]

My sister lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She has a furnished apt that's US$400/month. Healthcare is so cheap she doesn't need insurance. Loves the food and people. There is a big ex-pat community there. Recently, they had some terrible flooding.

[@wcguthrie]

One more factor that is very important is percentage of locals that speak and or understand English, try reading a lease or title deed in any of the 5 countries on your list for instance.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Most folks would benefit from hiring a version of para legal for those kinds of things in foreign countries. WE can hardly understand legal jargon here in the USA :)

[@colleengeier9994]

I was thinking about language too. I can get by pretty well in Spanish but learning a 4th language for retirement lessens my interest in some countries. I have friends who bought a condo in Puerto Vallarta. Probably not good peace index but a big group of ex pats there and lots of English speakers. I loved my visit there

[@bolewts58]

I've lived in both Vietnam and Thailand and would rank Thailand well above Vietnam. The healthcare in Thailand is world-class and inexpensive, while Vietnam's is a bit dodgy at times especially outside of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Cost of living is comparable between the two. But I would rank accommodation in Thailand much better and slightly cheaper than Vietnam. Transportation is much better in Thailand. The weather is overall better. Hanoi can get pretty cold and rainy in the winter and there's no central heating. Anywhere in the Delta, especially HCMC is steamy and sticky, especially in the hot season. Thailand gets hot between Feb. and May, but isn't that humid. Thai food is far far better and much more diverse than Vietnamese food. There's just no comparison. There's also lots of international food in Thailand. Whereas, Vietnam doesn't have nearly as much. Vietnam doesn't have a retirement visa, whereas Thailand has a renewable 1 year retirement visa and also a path to a longer-lasting residence permit. Lastly, the Thais are much friendlier than the Vietnamese, who can be quite aggressive at times. The only advantage Vietnam has over Thailand is that the language is easier to learn, not least because they use the Roman alphabet.

[@stevesworld620]

I retired, got divorced then moved to thailand. It is cheap. Super friendly people, fantastic medical.. retirement visa is very simple process...

[@kennethboehnen271]

Me too

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Congrats ? !

[@justsayin...2784]

Yes, I'm looking at that too. Been there several times over recent years; each time for a longer stay. Along with everything else, the people and culture of Thailand are one of the key things that keeps me coming back.

[@charlielipthratt7291]

@stevesworld620 - Did Thailand introduce a tax on money you transfer into Thailand for 2025? And they drafted legislation to try and tax income beyond what you bring into Thailand? If true, those could be game changers for many with long-term visas.

[@stevesworld620]

@charlielipthratt7291 just rumors at this point. No new laws. But yes, could change things in the future.

[@tedjohnson4451]

Retired August 30th, 2024. Gave away & sold almost everything. One Huge balikbayan box at my Son's place to ship to me. Arrived in Cebu City, Philippines October 20th. My Furnished Condo Rental in Ayala Business Park was ready November 8th, I have a One Year lease. Assuming I still the Philippines in Six Months, I'll start the Retirement Visa process. Even though the Condo is furnished, I need a few things... A Rice Cooker, Convection Oven, Water Dispenser, Hotel Safe... Monitors & Cabling for my Laptops... But I don't have to get everything right away.

[@francisoconnor2392]

To hot and humid there

[@tedjohnson4451]

@@francisoconnor2392 I grew up in Northern California's Coastal Temperate Rain forest & spent quite a bit of time in Oregon's River Valleys during the Summer. The Climate is doable, with a little AC. Big Plus: My Shoulder Tendonitis is down to an occasional twinge, without meds. With Meds, it was a near constant dull ache in Northern CA, Southern Oregon. Rotator Cuff injuries, even after Surgery are a "Do Not Recommend".

[@evangeline1307]

Have a happy retirement. Enjoy everyday you deserve it.❤

[@tedjohnson4451]

@@evangeline1307 Thank you...

[@tedjohnson4451]

@@daveed4475 Just an American that's been exposed, Off & On, to Filipino Culture, starting when I was ten years old.

[@1aprilbromiley]

You should have included countries that don’t tax your social Security.

[@orcuttnyc]

Until autocrat felon trump takes away our social security.

[@surfinbird71]

Which are those?

[@1aprilbromiley]

I live in panama. They don’t.

[@bbarnhouse9022]

Agree about the aspect of Ex-Pat life. Spent a year doing volunteer work in a developing country. I was surprised by how social and diverse the ex-pat community was. People from all around the globe (USA, Brazil, Canada, Japan, France...) would gather on a regular basis. Maybe it was a way of taking a break or staying connected to the outside world while being immersed in a different country's culture.

[@arturslab7102]

One thing Japan does not have is any program for retirees to stay long term. You should have considered that as a major factor. Other than that - another great video. Thanks for your valuable insight in your vids.

[@keithss67]

I was just recently in Argentina. Their economy is an absolute mess. Due to the hyper inflation they suffered from over the past few years, it’s really not that cheap anymore. Most restaurants and many stores will not take credit cards because they need to be paid right away due to prices skyrocketing on a weekly basis. They have capital controls that make it almost impossible for foreigners to withdraw more than 40 dollars a day from the bank with ATM fees of about 20% of what you withdraw.

[@mapleaf6672]

Javier is cleaning all that up.

[@keithss67]

@ well it literally couldn’t have gotten much worse lol

[@Dryview87]

You might rethink Argentina as the country is currently undergoing a drastic financial restructuring which is causing issues, like runaway inflation.

[@JedRothwell]

That sounds terrible, but if your income is in US Dollars I do not think inflation will hurt you. Do not transfer large sums into pesos.

[@rudfil]

Inflation won’t affect American retirees.

[@dstewusa7054]

@Dryview87 Re: Argentina Desperate times require desperate measures - especially after decades of government mismanagement

[@randall8379]

@@JedRothwell Yes it will hurt you in Argentina. The peso is overvalued due to government intervention.

[@taterkaze9428]

So long as you bring dollars everything is always on sale.

[@TheRemyRomano]

Portugal sounds amazing. I need a place to go for at least the next four years and I might just stay there.

[@carolc1543]

It will it be four years….much longer

[@jamesrogers9747]

Were you elsewhere from 2017-2021?

[@mgarcia2445]

Are you on the lam?😅

[@marksaraceno5209]

Stay their!

[@carolc1543]

@@jamesrogers9747yes

[@DWilliam1]

Retiring in 3 months at under 60 years old. Already own my retirement house in South Carolina that I bought back in 2010. Thought about the ex-pat lifestyle but my stomach is way too sensitive and I have a few chronic health conditions that would want me to stick in the US. Luckily, I made a decent amount of money, have a great pension and have retired employee health insurance.

[@morgan97475]

Your stomach may be too sensitive due to the crappy food we have in the US. You might do far better OCONUS.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

@@morgan97475 Good point, our GMO and pesticide crops likely have a lot to do with our general health or lack of it in the USA.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

@@morgan97475 What the heck is "OCONUS"? Come on, man!

[@SueIsRetiringToFrance]

France, June 2025! Portugal tanked their NHR VISA in 2024, so it got axed from my list. But Southern France? Deal! I can transfer my Texas DL for a French one (18 states do this), I can live off my SSI and not have to touch my retirement for anything "daily" (I also have a cash fund), favorable tax treaty so no US-earned income gets taxed in France, and close enough to Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and more to do all the travel I want/expect to do as a healthy 65 year old. And easy long-term VISA.

[@williamstivelman6314]

What about the Schengen Agreement???

[@golt4576]

What about it easy traveling.​@@williamstivelman6314

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

May I ask what town or city your were considering in Southern France please? Thanks and you are 100% correct, 65 and healthy, and retired in So France, sounds like a dream. Enjoy your journey!

[@randall8379]

@@iyamwhatiyam547 France is not very tax friendly, is it? Also strikes all the time. Apparently there will be rail strikes throughout December.

[@DJ-nw2ef]

Thanks to your comment I looked up the income requirements for a long-stay visa in France, and was very pleasantly surprised to see that even my modest SS income was more than adequate to meet their requirements. This puts a whole new slant on my thinking about overseas retirement, and especially considering that I would be able to travel freely inside the Schengen zone without worrying about 90-day time limits. So, thanks for the tip.

[@mancello]

One important aspect not really covered is how easy is it to get a long-term visa in many of these countries for some of these countries, the requirements are fairly steep and onerous. I would certainly put Thailand above Vietnam any day.

[@paulkoza8652]

From what I know, I would tend to agree.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Viet Nam is currently not offering suitable options for long term expats, but things change all the time. I'm visiting Thailand in 2025 :) A scouting trip!

[@dcartier1692]

The Vietnam Nam solution seems to be a visa run every 90 days (some say you can trick it out to 180) - not ideal for everyone.

[@nesitbotica5919]

Great video. My husband and I moved to Portugal in 2022 and can verify that it's quite comfortable living here on SS. The people are very kind and welcoming, the food quality amazing, the climate is moderate, beautiful nature, modern technology systems, excellent healthcare, super safe, and a strong expat community. I can't imagine going back to the US. (The Algarve can be quite expensive.)

[@bseidem5112]

How are you dealing with those taxes?

[@ima19847]

May I ask where in Portugal?

[@dr.michaellittle5611]

Nice initial list. I would suggest your next iteration include income taxes and how tax treaties work. As a US citizen, one is already required to pay US taxes. However, countries such as Spain have a much higher income tax rate and Spain also has a quite significant wealth tax that is paid annually on the total worldwide wealth (property, cash, retirement accounts, etc). And, I can tell you that, having lived in the Philippines for nearly 3 years, there is no income tax here that is due on foreign earned or passive income. And, if you had to file foreign income taxes in the countries you listed, one would have to pay local CPA and a translator to help ensure numbers are properly allocated onto the forms, etc. This topic of income and wealth taxes is not only hugely important , but essentially all KZbin channels claiming to have analyzed US expat retirement options are totally silent on it.

[@HolySchmidt]

The Philippines didn’t make the list due to its ranking on the Global Peace Index (over 100). Also, Spain has a progressive tax system, someone who lives there on social security will not be faced with some of the issues you mentioned

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

A hyperlink to the countries taxation schedule for expats would be useful. If your proficient in this area, and it kinda sounds like you are, discussing this with a US tax professional may be the ticket :) Enjoy your journey :)

[@Belenshares]

@@HolySchmidtTrue, but I am sure there is enough interest from others with assets and higher income. I count myself among them. It would be very helpful to cover this topic.

[@Eric-Marsh]

My wife and I are in Spain. Last year we paid €20k in Spanish income taxes. My take is that if I'm going to receive the benefits of life here it's only fair that in turn we make our contribution back into the country that we now call home. Sure, I don't like paying taxes any more than the next person but I accept that taxes are a necessity for the functioning of a civil society.

[@Belenshares]

@ 👏👏👏 You are correct.

[@OTseven]

Im shocked. Thank you so much for compiling and organizing these FACTS.Facts. facts. What a blessing.

[@fugguhber4699]

From Bangkok via Seattle: Here for 6-months - all winter until May. I will visit Vietnam again when I do a "visa run" to extend my trip in Thailand. I will do on the ground research about living in Vietnam while I am there. I have been to Vietnam 2 times and really liked Hanoi and the people there - 2019. Thailand, at this moment for me, is still my choice for "permanent" residence. I'm 69 and just barely have enough $$$$ saved, with my social security to live good. Thailand is cheap - IF YOU MAKE IT CHEAP. I think that it would be in the "top 10" list. Great Medical infrastructure; better than Vietnam, for sure.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Thanks for your post :)

[@keithrogers9741]

Thailand and Malaysia has the best Medical care in SE Asia

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Sounds like English isnt a priority. If it was, Malaysia (sarawak MM2H vida) would be better.

[@MichaelPrudhomme-u7x]

This was really fun to watch. I'm thinking SE Asia for 2025, but appreciate the consideration of Spain and Portugal as they weren't even on my radar.

[@MHM-i2o]

Wow! Very interesting that you don't consider less safe countries that are still more safe than America. I am very interested in Vietnam after this video. Thailand is currently my #1 country but cost of living is increasing rapidly. It should be on your list. Japan is not laid back and very hard for expats.

[@timfisher5417]

You’ve left my country off the list. Thank you!

[@chronic2023]

Currently visiting Thailand for a month. Love the north. Still got to visit other areas but it's certainly a country worth visiting, especially for the food and people. I do love Japan and several other countries as well. There are lots of wonderful places in the world but I am already retired abroad in Sweden, mostly because I married a Swede and stayed.

[@sircharlessinderhorn3452]

Vietnam is a great country to spend time in however it doesn’t currently offer a long term/retirement visa that I’m aware of unless one is willing to invest a minimum of $130k.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

It looks like Viet Nam is a destination and not a permanent home for now. But if you are brave enough to start the journey, continuing is just another choice away.

[@boink800]

You can do visa run after visa run. That how it works there.

[@Auriasis]

Such an informative video, yet I learned just as much from reading the comments below. One thing at the top of my list as I do my research is how climate change will affect these countries in the near future? The rain in Spain?! Japan:earthquakes and tsunami's and cylclones. Someone brought up the issue of taxation....that's a good one. Can't wait to download your chart.

[@cland4140]

Climate change?? 😂🤦🏻‍♀️ 🤡

[@Eric-Marsh]

Well, I guess I am in a position to speak about Spain. We live in the mountains about an hour south of where the bad Valencia floods recently happened. They used to collect snow every year and store it to cool things in summer. There hasn't been any snow in a long time. The summers are about 10f cooler than we had in the Austin area but they can still get uncomfortable. In July and August the low 90s are common. I'm afraid that our local ski resorts may not survive much longer. But then these issues are becoming more common world wide.

[@kennethboehnen271]

I put Thailand above Vietnam. Thailand has better food, infrastructure, and much better medical. Additionally, it's more diverse in terms of lifestyle options and has better visa programs.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Thanks !

[@pinkiepinkster8395]

No. You have to leave every 90 days and re enter if they let you.

[@JanelleChristmas-w6u]

And stay gone for how long ?

[@markrush2319]

I lived in Buenos Aires for 10 years. I have been to Mendoza and other parts of Argentina. Argentina has something for everyone, including price and different locations.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

And plenty of street crime.

[@markrush2319]

@GUITARTIME2024 have you ever been to Buenos Aires Argentina or Argentina at all, well am from Chicago, Illinois and now you want to have a real discussion about crime?Buenos Aires is one of the safest large international city in the world.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

@markrush2319 you're in Chicago. Your judgement skills are already in question. What's next? Oakland? Compton? Lol

[@markrush2319]

@GUITARTIME2024 I will be in Argentina for 6 months starting in December. Let us all know where you live?

[@Kayla11113]

This is good timing. Seeing a bunch of these videos this week.

[@user-vz7eu8kg4x]

Don’t forget the rest of your peeps please.

[@JedRothwell]

Darn right. I am renewing my passport and making arrangements to move back to Japan if necessary. Seriously.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

:) Me too ! Options are the things that sanity is made of!

[@knk9657]

@@JedRothwell 🙋‍♀️

[@beverlyweber4122]

Sadly, Japan does NOT have a retirement visa. You might BUY a house in a rural area (north, tons of snow) and somehow be able to stay, but there is no clear pathway for a retiree in Japan.

[@JonnieShipbaugh-dc9wk]

Great video, very informative with condensed useful info. Thanks

[@watcher9997]

Healthcare, Taxes, and Public Transportation

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

The USA ranks 132 out of 162 on the Global Peace Index, we are not societally safe, we suffer internal and external conflicts, and we militarize. The countries mentioned in the video all have good to very good healthcare options, and infrastructure includes public transportation Each country has it's own taxation policies re taxing ex-pats. I hope that you find a journey of the heart :)

[@trainguy55-f6q]

Interesting. Not sure I'd retire to a country where I stand out like a sore thumb (being Caucasian and tall); seems that would make me a target for all kinds of problems. And it's not well known that Japan is incredibly bigoted against westerners. I used to work there and it came out in all kinds of subtle ways. But I do like the Portugal option. Thanks for this. Well done as always.

[@ankhyo]

I'm planning on slow traveling SE Asia when I retire next year.

[@HolySchmidt]

Sounds wonderful. You earned it.

[@ankhyo]

@@HolySchmidt Thanks for all of the great content you have created over the years.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

That sounds amazing! Enjoy your journey and which country first?

[@chinesecrested9528]

Thailand. My thai wife and I purchased a house in hua hin during covid. Had some medical issues and moved to Thailand in September 2024. I will never return to the us. We live easily off our SS alone. Medical here is affordable, interet is fast and low cost. Unfortunately, traffic is worse than new york city.

[@herrickinman9303]

No doubt, simple medical care in Thailand is affordable. But what if you needed a surgery that required hospitalization? Someone else was bragging that in Costa Rica, she and her husband had to pay only $25,000 for hospital surgery that supposedly would have cost $600K in the US. (That's BS because the max. OOP on an $0 deductible ACA compliant plan is $8700.) My Medicare Advantage plan, which costs me only $175/month, paid 100% of my $78K hospital bill.

[@lynneb.3935]

@@herrickinman9303ACA is on the chopping block, here in the US. I’m worried about my Social Security.

[@chinesecrested9528]

​@@herrickinman9303you likely don't live or visited Costa Rica nor visited Thailand to have the most basic understanding of how each system works. Take a look at the comments to see how many expats comment on how broken the us system is.

[@herrickinman9303]

@@s0ld4u That's only a Republican wet dream. Allowing SS to go "bankrupt" would be political suicide. Besides, I have other sources of income. I won't have to move to a 3rd-world country to enjoy my retirement.

[@SahWar]

@@s0ld4u If the USA shuts down its SS (Social Security) Program for ALL USA citizens, it will literally be the end of capitalism, because without this welfareism safety-net and similar social-welfareism social policies - well, MOST people who are jobless and can't get any money via selling stuff, will simply die or go homeless and become criminals...

[@julioblanco]

My target location is Spain in 3 years at 53. I loved Portugal for its people and beach towns. Argentina is great but even when I visited years ago there were protests that would get dangerous. I've been to Japan a few times and visit every few years but wouldn't live there permanently. My next door neighbors are from Vietnam and he wants to go back to retire, he told me he could live there nicely for about $1k a month, has me intrigued and will try to visit next time I hop by Japan.

[@Kitiwake]

Your need a visa for Vietnam

[@DQ_Mine]

Insurance?

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Dangerous protests and general 'culture' are a part of why the USA is 132 out of 162 on the Global Peace Index. A change in governance can bring disruption, many changes in governance have a lot of us in here seeking options. I have Thailand on my radar for 2025, perhaps I'll add Spain and learn to pronounce Barcelona as Bar-the-lona :) Enjoy your journey!

[@julioblanco]

​@@DQ_Minefor Spain, you will need private insurance until you gain citizenship.

[@julioblanco]

​@@iyamwhatiyam547Although disappointed in the choice for the next administration, I wouldn't disrupt my retirement plans for a politician. Love Thailand, have been there many times, the spectrum can go from peaceful to wild within the same street block!

[@erinf4712]

Great video. As part of retirement planning, the union that I belong to provides us with a list of countries that they will work with to ensure that your pension payments are smooth, and their list is very similar to yours.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

That is great! SO jealous. The bulk of us are in here trying to keep up with the data. Enjoy your journey!

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

PS, grateful for the data :)

[@erents1]

Geoff is the best out there for retirement advice!

[@macaccount4315]

I chose Portugal and LOVE it ❤❤

[@amyyates8273]

@@macaccount4315 my SIL and her husband moved to the Algarve ten years ago and never looked back. So tempting!

[@shirleya4510]

Congratulations! Which city, if I may ask.

[@macaccount4315]

@ Porto. I absolutely love it and the cost of living is reasonable. People are fantastic and the expat community is very close. I actually have 2 homes (one is a spare for family) 😀

[@icedteamama176]

@@macaccount4315LOVE Porto…traveled there with Globus last year. Beautiful town.

[@macaccount4315]

@@shirleya4510 Porto

[@amyyates8273]

Great and timely video! We are looking at splitting our time between SE Asia (we were expats there for a year and loved it), Europe for my husband’s family and wherever our kids end up. Ten years to go!

[@robert_nyc]

Mexico 🇲🇽 is #1 for me I’ve retired , reinvested here building 3 homes ( 2 oceanfront) and my overall health physically and emotionally is accelerating !

[@raywebb2415]

thanks for all the work you do, i enjoy all your videos.

[@milycome]

Just curious. How come the language barrier going to a foreign country is rarely discussed or dealt with ????

[@TerrillFischer]

Good question!

[@Marketsolo]

Because a lot of foreign countries teach English to their children. Chances are you will find someone around who does.

[@Mexicobeanpole]

Oh, it’s dealt with. A lot of countries teach English as a second language early. Younger people worldwide are speaking English. The immigrant also should make an effort to learn basic conversational skills in their chosen country. Anyone with an I phone has a translator app. In Mexico, it’s quite easy to communicate using translator apps. Locals are accustomed to using them.

[@suen5006]

Hmmm. Argentina has plunged in to a dramatic recession, I think it would be pretty grim to live there right now. A large portion of the population does not have enough to eat, poverty is rising dramatically. I'm surprised Panama didn't meet your criteria.

[@BirdDogey1]

Panama was number 1 in an earlier video specifically speaking to ex pat life in Latin America.

[@philpatt970]

Thanks for this timely and informative video!

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Timely indeed. Options and possibilities are just what the doctor ordered :)

[@charleswaters455]

What a fascinating video. Thanks.

[@terrycavender]

Have you actually ever been to these countries ? There is more to living abroad than numbers on a spreadsheet. For instance, the Japaneses are racist for the most part, they might be polite, but, it's a mask, and they do not like foreigners. Vietnam, do you speak Vietnamese ? No? Then you might run into an issue. I lived in Thailand for six months, the language was almost impossible to learn. I would guess Vietnam is similar. The same goes for Spain, Argentina, do you speak Spanish? As far as being around a area heavily populated by expats...... Oh, no! You most definitely do not want that! I've read through some of the comments here about the Spanish being over expats, this is what happens every place the population gets too big. I've seen this in every country I have lived in where there’s too many of us. My tip is, learn the language, avoid expat areas.

[@Anacaona4]

I got a leg up on most others. I speak basic Spanish (different dialect) and Spain grants people like me (PR recent ancestry) fast track preference to citizenship. I haven't decided to take them up on it though.

[@MrBCWalker01]

@@Anacaona4 Take it. Spanish citizenship via that route also allow Dual Citizenship. Then you have the whole EU at your disposal.

[@giraffejpclaasseroth]

I am wondering if when you calculated the cost of living, if you included the tax burden associated with living there as a retired permanent resident.

[@stevec.1319]

how did you calculate Japan? when i was there the cost of electricity was more than the rent in the US.

[@David-fv7zg]

I would love to see the top 10 U.S. states to retire in under the same criteria.

[@danieldravot341]

The point is getting out of the US . . .

[@KB3TLE]

The US sucks and needs to be in our rear view mirror ! There are no good places in any states left !!!

[@clbcl5]

State is too general, area of the state.

[@kennethboehnen271]

That's a moving target, especially now. I can't think of anything US states that meet Schmidt's criteria listed on this video.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

The USA MISSES on the Global Peace Index, leaving us at 132 out of 162. We are, as a nation, not safe or secure by the indexes that measure those facts worldwide. WE are only a plane ride away from visiting for Thanksgiving though :)

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

I think if your average American saw what good health care is like....as opposed to America's disastrously expensive and complicated health care system...they would be shocked.

[@KB3TLE]

The language barrier is a deal breaker for me ! -- None -- of these countries offer friendly enough environments for my liking / comfort zone. - - - Some have offered Malta and Belize and the Philippines as considerations. Countries like Ireland New Zealand & Australia are costly and save very little - as most countries that speak English are not cheap !!! - - - Only the Philippines offers low cost alternatives - but sacrifices must be made in lifestyle to obtain them.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

If you think that Spanish is a language barrier, try interpreting an Irishman speaking at a pub...it's hysterical :)

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Malaysia. Sarawak mm2h visa. Great english, friendly.

[@CarlosGemini61Cruz]

I want: 1.Italy ❤ 2.Spain ❤

[@belle42]

But… many of those places prohibit residency if you don’t have a certain threshold of funds. For instance, you need to have over 2400€ on month in Social Security for residency in Spain. So unless a person makes that much in Social Security it’s a moot point how inexpensive it is there.

[@jdenino6022]

I live in NJ and plan on staying here, we have good healthcare, close to NYC hospitals, everyone takes Medicare and my house is paid off.

[@wildbill6366]

Who cares..

[@Clevertechly]

NJ is one of the best states to live in the US. It’s seriously underrated, but can be very expensive for retirees.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

@@Clevertechly How so?

[@boudica3356]

Ok

[@boudica3356]

@@busterbiloxi3833 NJ has everything…plus attitude.

[@Very_Concerned-Citizen]

Argentina? They had 48% inflation in 2021 surging over 200% last year. And they have relatively high crime, crime is a top concern for Argentine citizens, second only to inflation and corruption

[@rudfil]

I visit there annually and overall it’s very safe, pick pocketing happens mostly in the tourist spots but violent crime is practically non existent. The inflation again is hard for its citizens but not for Americans.

[@Very_Concerned-Citizen]

@@rudfil "The inflation again is hard for its citizens but not for Americans." How is that?

[@randall8379]

@@rudfil I agree except for inflation not affecting US citizens. The peso is overvalued; the dollar is static. Inflation is very much causing expats there serious problems.

[@lexliller2004]

1. Spain 2. Japan 3. Portugal 4. Argentina 5. Vietnam

[@markrivera8587]

Vietnam is communist like nokor

[@robinsierra1029]

Portugal, they have a crazy requirement which is that you have to lease a house or apartment there for a year, return to the USA apply for residency in Portugal and then return to Portugal. So you have to be paying 2 rents or mortgages for a year

[@charlieholtermann6805]

No, you do not need to return to the United States to apply for Portuguese residency if you initially enter Portugal with a D7 visa; you can apply for your residency permit within Portugal itself once you arrive and meet the necessary requirements, including proving your passive income source and establishing residency in the country.

[@Eric-Marsh]

The Spanish consulate in Houston has the same requirement.

[@ViewerWyatt]

I've always loved the term ex-pats used by relatively wealthy immigrants to describe themselves. I've been one for only a couple of times for a few months at a time, but having a base with vendors trading essentials in your language and cohort of your language when you're drowning in immersion in another culture/language can be great coping tools. Shipping logistics used to be a great reason, but even if you live on a Bavarian dairy farm, it's about as short a drive to a commercial postal outlet as to base. With Internet access, you can still return to the virtual US.

[@HolySchmidt]

Ex-Pat is a term that is more prevalent with people outside the US who are living in the US. It only recently caught on here in the US.

[@taterkaze9428]

It's funny that a CPA didn't include tax rates as a consideration, or at least whether each country taxes foreign-sourced income. Tax rates are a meaningful consideration for retirees. Ecuador doesn't tax foreign-sourced income. Another big omission is healthcare. Columbia and possibly Ecuador have HC systems superior to Argentina's. The third missed consideration, which weighs heavily on expat quality of life, is national English fluency. There's an annual survey of 100+ countries. Argentina is the most English-fluent country in all of Latin America. The fourth overlooked consideration is the difficulty of learning the native language. Google "language difficulty ranking". Japanese is among the hardest for an English speaker. Spanish and Portuguese are the easiest. Vietnamese is difficult, one level below Japanese.

[@HolySchmidt]

That’s quite a list, but remember what we were optimizing for…

[@pware9643]

Ecuador.. currency is us dollar, closer to usa, wonderful climate, probably would be on the list except for their power outage problems in recent years due to reduction in hydro power because of climate change and drought.

[@lvovodessa]

Ecuador taxes the worldwide income of its tax residents.

[@johnhawks5035]

Interesting. A standout among this segment.

[@rorybray7487]

Where does brazil fall on this list?

[@boink800]

Ssssshhhh! It's our little secret.

[@jimmyjo7558]

Healthcare seems to be the one thing that was important in every country mentioned. In the US people reject national healthcare like is seen in most countries making America a less favorable country to live in. Americans also pay more for medications than all of the countries mentioned.

[@Eric-Marsh]

Here in Spain services and medicine seem to run at about 12% of what we paid in the US.

[@user-js4ez2yz9b]

Spain has unfavorable tax policy for foreign turned residence. Even U.S. Roth is considered taxible. Japan is risky due to natural disasters

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

Tornados Hurricanes Mudslides Fires ... all here and increasing in the USA. Japan has infrastructure built for earthquakes and I believe you may be referencing Tsunamis ... they are as infrequent as 'the big one' in Cali, its been 50 years since the last big quake and that is well past my expiry date :) I am going to look into the tax policies on Spain and let's face it, if you are so well off at retirement that you have to consider taxation on your financial assets, you kind of have Cadillac problems. Happy journey!

[@Eric-Marsh]

I'm in Spain. Yes, I pay more taxes here but I think it's well worth the cost for the benefits I receive.

[@ninadecker246]

Vietnam’s pollution is pretty bad, including the air quality

[@randall8379]

and a miserable, hot and humid climate

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Thanks to Dr. Henry Kissinger.

[@harrydeanbrown6166]

Very helpful. An obviously trustworthy presentation.

[@wgalloPT]

Argentina: careful there, as the economy bounces high and low within a certain time period. And that is kind of an issue.

[@rayparnell198]

Japan should most certainly NOT be on the list. I lived there for 20 years and I go back and forth few times a year now and teach Japanese. There is no retirement visa and it is VERY difficult to get a visa if you do not have Japanese family or employment.

[@watchchimp3102]

A few points: Spain is REALLY over tourists and expats. Portugal is also tiring of them quickly. You might not be welcomed with open arms. Especially in the big cities. Argentina. Yes, it is inexpensive, but the financial system is in turmoil. Massive devaluation of the local currency is a plus for expats, but the country is in shambles and living lavishly while a quarter of the country is subsistence through soup kitchens might kill your spirit. As a result, crime is on the rise 😢 Japan? OK, but far fewer speak English, and they're also getting a little fed up with westerners. I've heard good things about Vietnam, but it's still early and evolving. It should be noted that Italy might be a good choice? The thing to keep in mind is there's a rift in Italy. The North part of the country is more affluent and has a high cost of living. While the South is poorer and more economical. The downside of Italy is notorious red tape!

[@amyyates8273]

@@watchchimp3102 agree re: Spain, I wouldn’t even try to go to Barcelona at the moment but the smaller towns aren’t so bad. And the Portuguese are definitely better. I think with the financial benefits for foreigners ending, Portugal won’t see quite as many expats moving forward.

[@amyyates8273]

Also we are targeting Italy but at ten years out, must still be flexible because as you pointed out, things change.

[@flashoflight8160]

Of all those choices, the only one I like is Vietnam and I'm not hot about that choice either. I can see Vietnam messing up in 10-20 years. I do not like any of the EU countries.

[@timisaac8121]

brother, where did you end up? still in USA? I live outside states in a common enough location to find Americans: But... big Butt, idk?... in my town, there is only me. No other white or Americans. Sure, I go a few km away & find some. But here on a day to day basis? We are seen as "too poor" for nice American people to consider. Probably, it is the same everywhere you mention. Best.

[@kennethboehnen271]

Good insight.

[@samhavoc1066]

Spain is starting to have people harassing tourists, spraying them with water, and telling them to leave. Can't say I'd put that on my list.

[@HolySchmidt]

Welcome to every city in the US :)

[@rudfil]

that was a one time occurrence not a normal thing

[@redgree1645]

That’s in big cities only, not in small towns or villages.

[@Jeff-zs2pq]

@@rudfil It had happened in Barcelona and it made the news because it was in the Summer time, peak season for tourism.

[@steviehandsome4712]

@@HolySchmidt No one does that in any US city… wtf are you talking about.

[@prieten49]

I have been living in Japan for twenty years now. Unless you can find a nice Japanese woman to marry, there is no retirement visa that I am aware of. The Japanese tax system is very similar to the USA only worse! You have to pay income tax on all your American investment income. When I inherited some money in the USA, the Japanese tax man demanded 10% of it. If I ever decide to leave Japan, there is an "exit tax" around 15% of the increase in assets you experienced during your time in Japan. The national health care is good but I am paying $600 a month for two people and there are 30% co-pays. The Japanese Yen is very weak against the dollar right now, 153 Yen to the dollar, but who knows what it will be in the future. While I have been here, it was as strong as 72 Yen to the dollar. It defintiely wouldn't have been on your list then! Last, I worry that some of the countries on your list are culturally too different for American retirees to assimilate. Japan is definitely a wonderful place to visit. But even after living here so long, I only speak the language at about the fourth grade level. I can imagine that Vietnam also would be a challenge culturally. Argentina, Spain, and Portugal might be a little easier. Those are my two cents. I wish everyone a happy retirement!

[@ErsatzMcGuffin]

Health care is always an issue. Moving from one state to another is sometimes like moving to a new planet. Can't imagine moving to another country.

[@DanielFernandez-jv7jx]

Spain: major drought, high taxes. Japan: you'll never be accepted by the Japanese as a real friend. Portugal: drought, and the locals are sick of tourists and Americans. Argentina: yes! but a bit backwards in the countryside. Vietnam: visa challenges; no retirement options, hot, but very friendly and great healthcare.

[@puravida5683]

I could not agree more! Overall, Americans are not looked upon favorably in several countries. In some cases, it can be a detriment! I am fortunate, I have a German and U.S. passport.

[@shiningoutlight]

Spain is having floods

[@Eric-Marsh]

Global climate change is affecting the entire world. No place is immune.

[@lw3427]

Mendoza Argentina sounds beautiful.

[@NunyaBusiness33]

Argentina? I thought there was massive inflation?

[@stevegunn9971]

Very informative, thanks!

[@JedRothwell]

I have spent a lot of time in Japan. I do Japanese translations and I watch the daily news . . . and melodramas. Some comments: It is cheap now, but for the past 30 years it has not been. I know nothing about economics so I do not know why the yen is so cheap, but it may not stay cheap. I think it would be difficult to live there if you do not speak Japanese. That is what people say. I wouldn't know; I learned to speak before I lived there. I guess if you live among expatriots it would be okay. Yes, healthcare is cheap and good, and yes a foreigner can sign up for national health insurance. You have to pay for it. About $150 a month, means tested. (Less at today's exchange rate.) I have heard you can now get a visa if you are retired, but it is difficult to get one to work. (I don't know. I have not worked there. I only went to college.) It is very safe and orderly, but not perfectly safe. Do not be lulled into a false sense of security. I strongly suggest you learn something about the country, society, and so on. You might have terribly embarrassing and even dangerous experiences otherwise. Japan is VERY DIFFERENT from the U.S.

[@jacqueandrew1033]

Worked there, yes you need to learn to speak Japanese and hard to develop a network of friends if you don't speak Japanese. Apartments are small but great skiing in Nagano.

[@trainguy55-f6q]

It sure is. They are closet racists. Here in the US we carry our racism proudly.

[@maryrudelich9000]

Good video. Enjoy knowing their are opportunities of travel to these lovely countries for those of us on a budget. I’m thinking Spain or Argentina.

[@karlolander367]

My wife and I just wrapped up a year in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Inflation just during that year was enough to make it a less than ideal destination. Prices are at EU levels, but without the infrastructure. Aside from that, CABA (Buenos Aires) was the best place we’ve ever lived, and with the most emotionally balanced people of all the countries in which we’ve lived. Wonderful place!

[@maryrudelich9000]

@ thank you. Good to know.

[@NWMT]

Would have liked to see a category on local governments and political stability (or instability), as well as a category on banks and/or money as it relates to the top 5. Thanks.

[@biff5856]

Sicily, or the Adriatic coastal towns. Bari for one. Not popular with tourists. Most have never heard of it. Very affordable on a small retirement income.

[@freeheeler09]

Where I am in the US we have so many desperate migrants from so many places in that there is zero social cohesiveness. And, the have nots have knives out for the haves. Property crime keeps increasing and increasing and increasing and increasing.

[@Eric-Marsh]

IMHO the lack of social cohesiveness in the US is caused more by politics than immigration.

[@lesliemorrison9242]

I’m moving to Bulgaria in 2026!

[@Eric-Marsh]

We have friends there and have heard good things from them.

[@Wog68]

Would Japan give visa to live there permanently? I doubt that.

[@blurrylights6344]

If you haven't already, (I'm new here and will check out your previous videos) would you consider a similar analysis for places in the U.S.? If you've already done it, just ignore this comment. Thank you for an informative video!

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

the USA misses a key index ... we are 132 out of 162 on the global peace index.

[@blurrylights6344]

@iyamwhatiyam547 The United States Peace Index, produced by the same organization that produces the Global Peace Index, identified a peace index for each state. That would be the appropriate tool which I'm sure the content creator is aware of. Thank you.

[@MontyVerde]

@@blurrylights6344 what is the peace index? Is peace>>contentment or is peace the probability of being physically harmed?

[@blurrylights6344]

@MontyVerde The peace index is a score from 1-5 with 5 being high violence based on 23 separate indicators developed by the Institute for Economics and Peace. As they define it, peace is the absence of violence or fear of violence. There's tons of information about this online. This is just the short answer. Have a good day.

[@tomdrewenskus8167]

One criteria I did not see was how likely it is to get a long-term visa, and the cost of the visa. I don’t understand why Thailand is not on the Peace Index, but Vietnam & Laos is. And thanks for not putting Thailand in your top 5, as there are enough expats here already.

[@noreenp.9858]

Great information but I could never pick up and move to another country away from my family and friends and not speaking the language.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

So a journey is not for you, but this is a great place to dream. A new start, a new culture to adapt to, new friends and enough money to enjoy life.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

So don't!

[@noreenp.9858]

@@busterbiloxi3833 it’s a comment, not an intention???

[@brentonharvey2404]

Popular Subject! Nice, safe and peaceful presentation. However, much of your data is old, or just wrong, Holy Sheet, Thanks For Playing...

[@bargell]

What about weather danger-like hurricanes, floods and earthquakes? How do these five rate is that category?

[@13thBeatleJr]

All over America.,we are the worse in all categories.

[@pjfreeman4789]

Isn’t Argentina currently undergoing major socioeconomic problems with the cost of food, extremely high and medical attention diminished?

[@marshahampel1645]

I’m surprised Ecuador was not #1! Shhhh I’ll keep that my Lil secret

[@paulkoza8652]

Ecuador has had a crime problem as of late. Perhaps it scored low on personal safety.

[@alrent2992]

Yes, keep it quiet. I was their during the peak at that time. But no issues. Stay out of a bad neighborhood in quayaquil. Northwest coast no go.

[@jpny4750]

Ecuador has power most of the day. For several months already. The economy will collapse there if they are unable to fix it fast.

[@iyamwhatiyam547]

I think that WE are waiting for the political dust to settle in Ecuador as our own dust starts to rise here in the USA :/

[@alrent2992]

@iyamwhatiyam547 let's hope that ecuadorians vote for a different leader next year.

[@michaelc5769]

Some good points but missing something most obvious: how can you retire in a country that doesn't allow some form of long term or retirement visa? Japan doesn't offer a retirement visa. Neither does Vietnam. If you want to live in Vietnam you need to do a visa run every 90 days, which means going through immigration and hoping they'll stamp and let you back in. A more logical approach would've required that the suggested country have a retirement visa program of some sort, as it provides great legal protections for foreigners who want to live there. Your videos usually have lots of sound reasoning but I'm finding this misses a truly fundamental requirement: a retirement or long term visa. Thus, as mentioned in some comments, Thailand would've been worthy of considering if it met the criteria. Or Panama. Or Costa Rica. There's a lot of low cost of living options for retirees where they offer retirement visas.

[@robford3211]

@mcmicharl If you think CR is cheap then you will have no problem living in SF