Best Retire Early Cheap Places in Entire World in 2022

[@VagabondAwake]

☆★☆ 𝐋𝗜𝗡𝗞 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗩𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗢☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/top-15-places-in-entire-world-to-retire-early-cheap-in-2022/ ☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘-𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞→ 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 ☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ ☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗽 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/ ☆★☆ 𝗗𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 $$$ 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲☆★☆ vagabondbuddha.com/courses/the-hobby-income-course/

[@charlesmcgowen7238]

Dan if you see this, let me know what you think about Argentina? I am thinking about an extended trip there. It will be there ot Philippines. If it's Argentina, will need to brush up on my Spanish!

[@danielsnook5029]

My #1 requirement in retirement is warm dry weather year round. To that end I spend April-Nov in the Med, Dec-Mar in SE Asia. Don't tolerate poor weather in retirement. Weather affects our mood and our outdoor activities. Off to Crete in 2 weeks!!😎

[@wheretoretire3315]

Isn’t that rainy season in SE Asia?

[@darrylknight2675]

65 just retired , single, have assets and that is exactly what I am going to do now. Follow the sun.

[@amaliahightower]

April-Nov in the Mediterranean? I thought they only give 3 months visa then leave for 3 months?

[@BasedInBrazil]

Agreed also far less businesses have air-conditioning and even fewer heat here in South Brazil unlike say The USA.

[@danielsnook5029]

@@amaliahightower That rule applies to countries that are members of the Schengen Zone, Croatia and Cyprus aren't members for example.

[@royroy1685]

I am currently in the Philippines exploring this beautiful country. I went to CDO and am now in Davao. Great information as always! After Davao I am going to have to go try your #4 location of Dumaguete. Thanks for always giving such usable and interesting information.

[@samiam8114]

I hear it's quite hot and humid in April. Higher altitude places like Baguio or Valencia sound nice though.

[@VagabondAwake]

Glad it was helpful!

[@onehappykamper]

Great video. Thanks. I'm leaving Bangkok and heading to guanajuato tomorrow. I disagree on Bali. I wouldn't put that in my top 15 at all. Terrible infrastructure. So so beaches and the food is average. Terrible local air pollution and trash EVERYWHERE. Visas are crazy expensive for 1 year.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Luckily we don't all love the same places. It would get crowded. :-)

[@jeffyeah4256]

what are your favorites?

[@pameladeleone135]

All beautiful countries! You have good taste. I agree with you about your GUT feeling. Anytime I went against my gut, it turned out very bad. Thanks for another great video!

[@brianpan6453]

What a fantastic video, Dan. This week, I fly from JFK to Tbilisi, Georgia to restart (post- COVID) my worldwide travels. I am planning maybe a year in Europe but my bucket list includes almost all of the places you described in this video. I cannot emphasize enough the deepest soul satisfaction that you get from being on the road. Thank you for being such an amazing inspiration to me! 😃 As a point of interest, from your list, Penang, Malaysia and KL are highest on my list of places to see followed by the cities in Mexico you named.

[@vgshwk]

I’ve heard the price in Tbilisi has jumped because many Russians have flocked there.

[@brianpan6453]

@@kippsguitar6539 , I'm here, you're not. It is a fascinating city. I've been to 20 countries and Georgia is definitely one of the tops. And I haven't even seen the country yet, just the vibrant, somewhat crazy capital city.

[@robertmeade1892]

Bali is awesome for sure. I have been here now two years in a row. What Dan said about leaving like an expat verses a local is more noticable here than most places. I have lived as a local and integrated into the culture, laguage and food. Love it.

[@pepeee548]

Not sure about Bali, i find it dangerous, i didnt feel safe when there, also many expats get always stolen stuff by locals, i heard so many stories, my friend one week ago in the motorbike was stolen the bag and she fall off.

[@Falconlibrary]

You felt physically unsafe or just at risk for theft (or both)?

[@brianpan6453]

The problem with anecdotal evidence like this is that it may just be people who refuse to be aware of their surroundings. In Athens, Greece, I always had hands slip into my pants pockets while on the metro. It was a daily occurrence. Fortunately, I knew from extensive travel always to wear a neck pouch and keep nothing in my pants .... that is unless I am in a very dangerous city in which I'll keep a phony wallet in my pants with $20 in local currency and an expired credit card which I can throw onto the ground if I'm being mugged.

[@tonyp2601]

Heck. I got pickpocketed in Paris, and not in Manila.

[@VagabondAwake]

Here are my thoughts on safety all over the world: vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-travel-the-world-safely/

[@vgshwk]

Good video. In Colombia I would pick Santa Marta but would probably visit Cartagena a lot. Dumaguete although nothing wrong just didn’t give me that vibe but I would visit again. Up until a few months ago a KZbinr was praising Tbilisi Georgia but I’ve heard a lot of Russians have flocked there driving up the price. One place I like is Phnom Penh Cambodia it is inexpensive and has easy entry requirements and long stay visas.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for the tips!

[@aidaladang8113]

Enjoy travel in the Philippines to choice 9 camigen Mindanao.and 3camiguin god bless stay safe I'm waching from Riyadh Saudi

[@hygravity]

Another great video. It's a shame about Vietnam. I found the people too be wonderful, but as you said the visa situation makes it very difficult to stay long term.

[@Falconlibrary]

The Vietnamese government is right to be suspicious of foreigners. Foreigners have never done anything but harm to their country, including other Asians.

[@Falconlibrary]

I have to disagree on Portugal as a cheap retirement destination. It's a lovely country, but it's being overrun right now by British and other European expats who are driving the cost of housing sky-high. I've seen British expats pay £180,000 for a shack. The reason so many Brits want to live in Portugal? You can get permanent residency (and eventually citizenship) and that gives them a way back into the EU. I considered Portugal for a long time, but being part of Europe made it inevitable that it would be "colonized" by rich folks from other countries. Some Americans are going there now, too, and have paid double or triple the price a Portuguese would pay for the same property. Gringoflation: It's the same thing that happened to Panama.

[@donh5794]

It is too bad that is happening in Portugal and it seems to be happening worldwide. I still bargain reasonably even though I could afford more. I do not understand why people go to reasonable priced cities and spend like they do at home, including overpaying by huge amounts just because it's cheaper than where they lived in London, NYC, San Francisco, etc.

[@Falconlibrary]

@@donh5794 My go-to example is a young Trustafarian couple (living off the Bank of Daddy) who paid $120,000 for a small piece of undeveloped property in Panama. No road, no running water, no electricity. Not on the beach but in central Panama. They neither knew nor care that they paid 20 times the property's true value, because it's daddy's money, after all. Gringoflation is not only financially foolish, but worse, drives up the cost of living for the indigenous population. As someone who was driven out of the San Francisco Bay Area partly by foreigners buying up properties at inflated prices, I take such people personally. Part of it is that they don't know the true value of the property they're buying and part of it is they want to overpay to feed their egos. They know the locals can't afford that price so it becomes a status symbol. It's the same reason people buy $100,000 cars when a $25,000 car will get you around equally as well. Portugal IS a lovely country, though: friendly people, European charm, low crime, cost of living reasonable compared to the rest of Western Europe. It's just not what I would consider a low-cost retirement place, although that was true pre-Brexit. Brexit has changed a lot of things, and not just for Brits.

[@Falconlibrary]

@@donh5794 When you bargain down to "local prices", you're doing the locals a favor as well as yourself. Paying inflated prices hurts the indigenous population of whatever country you're in. Don't do it.

[@donh5794]

@@Falconlibrary That go-to example in Panama is bizarre. Shame about the status symbols. Around 10 yrs ago I saw expats overspending in Panama, must be worse now. Interesting what you said about leaving SF. When I previously visited SF, I rode in a taxi there and I remarked how high the home prices were and the taxi driver said it was cheap. I asked what he means it's cheap. The taxi driver said the Chinese and other foreigners had no problem buying real estate there because it's cheap to them. That was hard to believe.

[@donh5794]

@@Falconlibrary Agreed 👍

[@wavemaker2077]

Palawan is a lovely place. Home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world. Their capital, Puerto Princesa, should be given some serious attention. Who wouldn't want to be just a short distance away from the world class islands sprinkled all over Palawan?

[@VagabondAwake]

Both El Nido and Coron Palawan are already in our playlists for the Philippines: kzbin.infoplaylists

[@wavemaker2077]

@@VagabondAwake You didn't include Palawan (or Puerto Princesa) in best places to retire early. Is it really not a good place to retire there?

[@MR-zy9ff]

Wow! Thanks for the updates guys, much appreciated!

[@VagabondAwake]

You bet!

[@pbristow]

This is an excellent video - thank you! However, it positively *begs* to use the new KZbin chapters feature, so that I can remember where you're talking about as it's on screen. Maybe I'm just daft, but I quickly lose track of which town you're talking about as you describe and show it, then I'm rewinding back trying to find the frame the name was in so that I can research it. Food for thought :) Keep up the great videos!

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you for your constructive criticism Patrick Barranis. That is how we get better. And thanks for commenting, Best, Dan

[@courtenaymckee7491]

I live in Medellin, Colombia. Perfect climate and inexpensive. I’m thinking about returning to Southeast Asia every other year for some beach time.

[@VagabondAwake]

They are both great choices Courtenay McKee!

[@filetmignon96]

Great resources as always. Glad to see Thailand made the list, especially since I'm heading there and Bali for a couple of months in June. Been to Thailand but not Indonesia, I'm really looking forward to it since it made number 1 two years in a row. Stay safe, travel well and enjoy the journey.

[@VagabondAwake]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dustinpoe5303]

The best place to retire is where your lover is…everything else is secondary…

[@martypoll]

I retired to Bangkok 5 years ago. You described it perfectly!

[@VagabondAwake]

Great to hear! Your positive attitude and help explaining the retirement visa put Thailand back in my top 15 Martin.

[@wavemaker2077]

When you make a new list of best places to retire early, I think the ease of getting permanent residence visa and the availability of medical care should be on the highest list. Those beautiful sightseeing tours will only be secondary for the retirees. Like going to the top of the Empire State Building is nice but once you have done it, you are not going back there again as it is already boring. Maybe the beaches are the exemption since you can always go back to the beaches and you will not get bored.

[@VagabondAwake]

Wavemaker, We travel all over the world and write reports about each place. This video just ranks our favorite places in the world. The details from the reports would not fit into this video. The detailed reports are here. vagabondbuddha.com/ You can also view our country playlists that show you detailed videos about each city in each country. kzbin.infoplaylists Thaks for watching and commenting, Dan

[@hump1953]

Thank you for this informative video….I was surprised Bangkok was as high as it was…was there in 1998 and it was very crowded and polluted…admittedly, I would spend on the high side as I eat out a lot and drink a lot….

[@donh5794]

I was there around the same time, before and after the Skytrain and subway which made a big difference in reducing the smog, crowded roads and crowds. I did not think of it as a place to live although extended stay would have been nice. The way they shutdown and also changed visas adds too much uncertainty.

[@martypoll]

I retired to Bangkok 5 years ago and love it.

[@donh5794]

@@martypoll What type Visa do you have? Any problems with changing requirements?

[@martypoll]

@@donh5794 I came in 2017 on an OA. They added an insurance requirement but I already had qualifying Thai insurance so that didn’t effect me. They changed the time to hold 800,000 baht in the bank but I already just kept the 800,000 in the bank all year so that didn’t effect me either. If I had to do it today then I would come as a tourist, convert to a 90 day non-O, and then extend that yearly. There is no insurance requirement. There had been no significant changes to the non-O in many years.

[@donh5794]

@@martypoll Great how you planned well and know what's going on.

[@Spy359]

Living in Sibulan, right next to Dumaguete City!!!!

[@davidtiredofthebullshit4510]

I love your video's so well done and full of great information!!

[@hughjass1044]

Another great one, Dan! Thanks so much.

[@margarette5680]

Hi, saw both of you last Thursday in Puerto Princesa Baywalk. I was taking video while strolling and coincidentally got you on cam ✌🏻

[@HoboVentures]

Mabuhay @Margarette

[@margarette5680]

@@HoboVentures Hello again, I'm seeing you now at Las Cabanas beach 😁✌️

[@VagabondAwake]

Say hello next time. :-)

[@margarette5680]

@@VagabondAwake why do I feel like a stalker, saw u again this lunch here in El Nido town 😁✌🏻was with a group so I couldn’t say hi

[@paynalward6921]

Another great one.....I do have to question how two cities in Malaysia made the list with such ridiculous residency requirements! Even expats already living there had o leave because many could no longer qualify. And the visa run thing, is that still workable? In Mexico or Vietnam its no longer possible with computers keeping your history. I do fully agree with your Mexico list. I'm actually headed to Guanajuato city this week for a day trip! Can't get enough of it! Anyway, thanks as always. Yours is the only site I still pay attention to.

[@VagabondAwake]

All vis rules are subject to change. But everytime I enter Malaysia they satmp me with 90 days. So it is not for everyone so thanks for pointing that out.

[@paynalward6921]

@@VagabondAwake it’s probably your honest face….

[@truthhurtsalways4u]

You should visit Veracruz Veracruz, Im going there next weekend ,my 7th time . Ive been to numerous places is Mexico ,including Leon ,San Miguel de Allende .Ive been to close to 50 countries and literally the entire US .Im contemplating of retiring in Mexico ,although my birth country is the Philippines .I live i right on the border of Tamaulipas and Mcallen Texas ,so I travel to Mexico almost every 2 weeks .

[@johnsranchlife8634]

Now I can’t decide where to go! I like all of them.

[@wavemaker2077]

The best thing to do is to visit them. Then you will know their differences. It is important to know the people. As you will be interacting with them a lot.

[@sjj7236]

So informative. That's great to hear Bali as your No1 choice, we recently bought a small villa there and plan to retire in 4 years... Will be renting it out when the build is complete later this year. The cost of living here in Australia has us all concerned even though we have good jobs etc we don't plan to be a slave to our jobs in order to live here so early retirement (early 50s) with a much more affordable lifestyle is on our mind.

[@suphatrachaiyasit7531]

Agree mate no way is it the lucky country anymore for a start only half the people are actually Australian

[@VagabondAwake]

S JJ, thank you for being part of our community :-) Dan Do you get my free eBook yet? vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@LJ-jq8og]

Thank you Dan. 🙏 I learn every time I watch your great work ! Love the simple crisp reality "Integrate v. Ex-pat Bubble," says it all ! 😊

[@VagabondAwake]

My pleasure!

[@DanielSmith-sl3pv]

Dan - great video and I really enjoy your long-term travel tips! FYI - get Qiang to make more videos, she's pretty good!

[@VagabondAwake]

On it!

[@TheChristopherBlake1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video ! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@VagabondAwake]

You are so welcome!

[@seamusp5991]

Great rundown! Thank you. :)

[@martinhall932]

10:10 Love that classic BMW 2002 parked on the street in Porto!

[@jeffjordan3806]

Excellent! Loved it. Thanks

[@farmerboy8659]

Thanks for the info ! Great photos, too !

[@victorvictor5539]

Keep safe and take care, best regards from Catalonia-Spain.

[@dennishassler605]

Thank you for an excellent summary of some of the best economical locations for retirement. I like many of those choices!!! My brother is in Dumaguete (Valencia) and I most likely will retire in Mexico soon - I like Puerto Vallarta and Guanajuato - also, Huatulco.

[@goutfromfriedokra7099]

how much u planning on spending per year to live in MX?

[@dennishassler605]

As you may know, it's not expensive if you live in a popular area if you don't mind living a few blocks further from the tourist area or beach. I will spend from 2,000 to 3,000 per month to live in Puerto Vallarta. I will have my car with me, because I like to take day trips and travel to other places, too. Rent is the highest cost item and I'd pay 700/mo. for that unless I get a better place my wife would like better - then, maybe up to 1K. If I sell the big house, I'd love to visit my brother in Valencia (PH), but I hate to leave my Mex. street dog for that long - she has some phobias and stays close to me all the time.

[@goutfromfriedokra7099]

@@dennishassler605 3k, USD--you must be living it up. how safe is that area, and medical care?

[@dennishassler605]

I have been spending summers in Puerto Vallarta or traveling in Mex., but I'm in Phx. Az. most of the year, but hope to move abroad for most of the year when my house sells.

[@dennishassler605]

PV is very safe. There are some places less safe, but I've never had a serious problem in Mex. Most place are safe, but the news seems to highlight neg. news abroad - Like anywhere, there can occasionally be issues. If you are street smart, you handle all of that and avoid issues.

[@afg3643]

insightful and informative. i lived for years in asia (PI and TH) but now in lima, peru. this (repetitive) "ex-pat" bubble phrase is a bit unique. i mean here is lima i live in a "nice" condominium (bubble) near the ocean ($550 per month/included). but 80% of my time is eating, and socializing with "locals". part of the "higher" apt. expense is safety (part of). so, possibly, i am a hybrid of both...but with a specific "purpose" for safety and community. living "expat" is not (usually) one-extreme or the "other". everyone has their own "likes" of what they feel most comfortable with. it is as unique as "each" person is and should be. for me asia. nothing came close to the tranquility/calmness and personal relationships (women) than in asia (TH). i would joke with the persons i worked with in the middle east each time i got on the plane (to bangkok). when you land your BP immediately goes to 120/80 and stays at that "rate" no matter what. for me i would not retire (nor live extensively) in a mulim nation. if one thinks that is "discriminatory" great; i could care less. i worked/lived in the middle east for years and that is "my" knowledge and fact. for all the differences of south/north america. too similar. (for me). yes 60% less expensive to live and unique cultural aspects. but again it is the "america's" either south or north. now for the "other" side of the world.. . swa-de krup for "I".

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you AFG364! Thanks for watching and commenting. :-) Dan Do you have my free eBook yet? That is here: vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/

[@kellyhill4410]

As usual excellent information. QUESTION: Have you done a video of Palawan Island Philippines? I've been looking through your Philippine Island videos . So far no success

[@VagabondAwake]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYW5d2WHrLaroNU

[@frankbruno6714]

Dan, Your videos are inspiring. Can I ask where you met your companion? You are very lucky that you are involved with someone that has the same zest for living and travel. Good luck in your roaming and exploring. With the amount of population growth, air travel increasing and internet, these make believe places are fading. Looking forward to more of your discoveries. Thank you.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you Frank Bruno, Thank you for watching and commenting. I have interviewed Qiang and she has her own KZbin Channel. Make sure to watch her video about how we met and subscribe to her channel. How we Met: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmi3qImnbpWfd5I Qiang Interview: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmWmkHidZqulia8 Qiang's Channel: kzbin.info%E8%96%94%E8%95%99/about Thank you, Dan

[@Ashengard111]

Great video, thanks!

[@StevenGrahamHypnotherapist]

Good stuff as always Dan. Thanks!

[@kieranloftus7945]

Hi Guys, often jump in and out of your vloggs, however more concentrated now as my girlfriend and I (both late 50's) are looking to make an adventure to travel through South America. A couple of questions. Are the cost of living estimates you give applicable for just one person or a couple? Have you made a video as to the best travel route to start and finish to decide your favourite country and new home. Dan, your girlfriend always has lovely, but different attire wherever you both travel to...Surely you can't travel light with the ever increasing amount of clothes. Does she ditch them in different countries or give to charity shops. Great, innovative and informative vloggs. Cheers Kieran (UK)

[@VagabondAwake]

Some of my earlier reports were for one person, but mentioned costs of a second. Lately our estimates have been for two people. Cheap travel routes and trciks are covered on my KZbin playlist for Slow Travel here: kzbin.info/aero/PLkkrWgjrjsUw8kJkq2HsxDg71idh5M3ZE That is a great question for Qiang: kzbin.info/door/mXq0ZRIyR3eX9OhTrNHisA Best, Dan

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

My criteria would include excellent, stable internet. I've been in places where the wifi constantly froze up. Extremely frustrating. Oaxaca used to have that rep but like much of Mexico the internet has greatly improved with deregulation. The street I was on had fiber optic internet and was better than or as good as in the States. That is something to look for, if a place has fiber optic and where it's available. Another consideration is if you like the food. Have never been to the Philippines but certainly the English usage and the likelihood of finding female companionship makes it very attractive. However I used to be on some huge Philippines expat groups and they consistently complained about the food. It isn't like Thailand, Malaysia, or Vietnam. I'm sure all these places have their plusses but how is Argentina left off?

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

Thought I had replied but anyways Argentina's peso has crashed due to default on their debt. And Americans can get close to double the official rate by sending themselves money through Western Union. Argentineans want dollars to save their wealth as the Peso is quickly eroding in value. So much cheaper than a few years ago.

[@wavemaker2077]

Long time foreign vloggers in the Philippines enjoy the Filipino foods. I'm not sure where they are eating to complain about the food. Besides, the variety of food choices in the Philippines is so diverse and cuisines from all over the world are available. There are always western restaurants all over the country as comfort food. So you can always eat whatever food you fancy. If you don't like Filipino food (which I highly doubt) then eat something else. It's not like only Filipino foods are available in the country. The US also has terrible food choices. But no one is complaining about it. If you say but we have steaks. Well, the Philippines also have steaks. Whatever food the US have, the Philippines also have.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

@@wavemaker2077 I was on those groups 20+ years ago so the availability of international foods may have expanded. But I think it's telling that while the U.S has a large Filipino population Filipino food hasn't caught on like Thai or Vietnamese. I'm sure they do seafood well but a major complaint was the kind of things eaten, like balut. Ask an average American to try a fermented duck fetus in the shell! Or durian. Another complaint was the burgers at Jollibee tasted strange. I saw enough of this with many agreeing to decide not to go. Not a fan of heat and humidity either. Others love the beach and don't mind. To each his own!

[@wavemaker2077]

@@kennethkilpatrick3758 Balut belongs to the exotic food category that is not eaten on a daily basis. A lot of Filipinos also don't eat balut. It's not like you will starve if you don't eat balut. The lack of Filipino restaurants in the US can be attributed to the lack of entrepreneurial spirit of the Filipinos. Filipinos simply aren't business minded. There are also very few Filipino grocery stores. It's not like there are no Filipinos who will buy Filipino products in the US. Before you listen to their complaints, try the food first and then decide for yourself. Why are you deciding whether you like the food or not based on the opinion of others? Go to Jollibee and try the chicken and the burgers. Then decide for yourself whether you like them or not.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

It's the combination of food, climate, and poor internet that made me decide to look elsewhere 20 years ago. Things may have improved. I look at pictures of their beaches and think if you're a beach person you might not do better than there. I'm a cool weather, dry air in the mountains person. But the biggest reason I didn't go is at 51 I married a woman in the U.S. I used to date in college. That eliminated the biggest reason I was interested in the Philippines. But certainly many are happy living there.

[@goguled]

One big risk factor that plays a big role for digital nomads is visa-risk. A good example of this is Mexico and Thailand which are fantastic countries for digital domads and tourists but their visa policies is less than desirable for most travelers.

[@VagabondAwake]

True. And they change all the time.

[@thegringocast7328]

@@VagabondAwake Glad you mentioned the issues also with regard to Vietnam. I lived and worked there for 7 years so I know it pretty well. Unfortunately, a lot of expats abused the "business visa" period which meant mostly people sitting around and drinking beer for 10 years...very limited really, unclear and no retirement visa.

[@KarmaKoming]

Love your content!!! I and my wife would love to buy you dinner when the... insanity goes away!... preferably in Thailand... lol

[@VagabondAwake]

😀

[@George-hd7tl]

Thanks for the great video.

[@enjoylife4528]

What about Cambodia/Laos? I've heard some great things about these countries. Keep up the good work Dan!!

[@VagabondAwake]

I really enjoyed both. Not in top 15 though. Here is the full list: vagabondbuddha.com

[@DocJaeBass]

Thanks for the timely update as the world comes out of the Covid hysteria.

[@nazanihakobyan7488]

Hi ...love your videos... can you please make a video about best affordable beach-cities in the world to retire or live... also wondering why Thailand didnt make in your list... :) thanks !

[@VagabondAwake]

Stay tuned. Thailand goes back on the list soon.

[@DrCarlo]

correct me if I'm wrong, landing in the Philipines requires quite some paperwork to get in right, not just a passport?

[@VagabondAwake]

Here is what the entry requirements where when we entered about 10 days ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2qxhGujZdCHrKs

[@littletravelmonkey6727]

The blogger didn't mention how difficult it is to obtain long-term resident permit in some countries such as Portugal, Thailand, Malaysia Indonesia etc. Beaches and mountains and charming colonial towns look nice but if you live there year round, infrastructure and medical facilities are probably more important for retirees. Some countries are very difficult to get a driver's license if you have to drive, getting older and having to drive to places aren't necessarily fun.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thank you for your constructive criticism Little Travel Monkey. That is how we get better. The sorts of details you requesting are in many of our location reports at VagabondBuddha.com. We considered adding all factors relevant to retirement in this video for all 15 places mentioned but the video would have been about 6 hours long. So this is just an introduction of our subjective favorites. More details in individual reports. Thanks for commenting, Best, Dan

[@littletravelmonkey6727]

@@VagabondAwake Thank you, wishing you and Qiang happy travels.

[@thecobra...1716]

as always excellent assessment. I'm an expat who has worked in SE Asia for 25 years so respect your vast knowledge. as an Aussie there is obviously a bias for locations close to Australia. so KL Malaysia Thailand and Bali at are preferred perhaps an idea is working to a specific budget say usd2k a month and see what and how you can live.

[@totallyraw1313]

Thanks, Dan. Do you know where the best places in Turkey might be to retire?

[@VagabondAwake]

I really enjoyed Antalya.

[@wheretoretire3315]

You need some info on Bali!

[@VagabondAwake]

True. Stay tuned.

[@christinec.2376]

hi guys! thanks for the updates!

[@VagabondAwake]

Our pleasure!

[@BillGreenAZ]

I'm surprised Bangkok is rated so highly. I like the variety of experience it provides but it's also a busy city. When I go to retire, I prefer it to be on a secluded beach town or a smaller city in the mountains.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for sharing Bill. We love beaches, mountains and cities. To love a city it must be culturally rich. Bangkok is. But some people just don't like being in scities. Nothing wrong with that. Just skip the cities on the list and stay with the smaller communities near nature. :-) Dan

[@johnway9853]

Thanks Dan!!

[@VWApachey]

Hi Guys, would love to see you check out some places in Eastern Europe like Bulgaria and places in the Caribbean like Dominica Republic. Thanks

[@VagabondAwake]

They are both on the travel list. Stay tuned.

[@VWApachey]

@@VagabondAwake fantastic and definitely looking forward to it because I am in a bit of a dilemma. I retire in 8 and a half year and although I live in the UK (London), I want somewhere nice to retire. What matters for me is are as follows: (1) cheap cost of living (2) low taxes (3) warm weather (4) good healthcare (5) ease of owning land (6) stable democratic government (7) fast Internet (8) less red-tape (9) foreigner friendly rules/laws and culture (10) easy residency Looking forward to some feedback. Regards Mark

[@DrDaleWagner]

Interesting video. I've been to about half of these places. No Caribbean islands...Dominican Republic?

[@VagabondAwake]

These are just the top 15. Here are all the reports: vagabondbuddha.com/

[@sommmeguy]

Have you ever investigated any of those places in small towns in Europe where they sell property for next to nothing with certain strings? Sicily and Spain come to mind.

[@VagabondAwake]

Not yet. I have read about them. If I were ready to settle down for 6 months plus per year I may look into them.

[@mikec8057]

Great job as always

[@yohanceamir224]

Just found you, good job

[@nh154321]

Hi Dan, I didn’t save the link to your accommodations search engine, and now I can’t find it. Would you be so kind to direct me where to find it again. Thank you!!!

[@VagabondAwake]

Skyscanner.net

[@diegoyanesholtz212]

What do you think of Tbilisi Georgia? Or Uruguai? Or even Southern Brazil? I lived in Curitiba for 14 years. It cheap there.

[@VagabondAwake]

I haven't been to Georgia or Uruguay but love Brazil !

[@lientran1550]

I've watched some of your videos but haven't seen one where you talk about best credit/debit card for international travel or what's the best way to pay overseas or get cash. Could you make a video talking about it? Thanks

[@VagabondAwake]

Hi Lien Tran, I have two reports that are relevant to your question. My international banking mistakes, and my free Ebook both cover topics on this subject. Here you go! vagabondbuddha.com/top-banking-mistakes-i-learned-living-internationally/ vagabondbuddha.com/fire-your-boss-travel-world/ Thanks for watching and commenting! Dan

[@lientran1550]

@@VagabondAwake thank you!

[@donh5794]

Nice coverage of the top 15 places. As resident Visas change, are expats usually still covered by the existing system when they moved in or forced to go by the new rules?

[@martypoll]

I can tell you that Thailand changed their rules for extending their OA visa by adding a health insurance requirement. It was retroactive to anyone who ever entered in that visa category.

[@donh5794]

@@martypoll Thanks for the info, that's good to know.

[@Falconlibrary]

I've seen KZbin videos about the MM2H visa (Malaysia My Second Home) that the new, much higher financial requirements were applied retroactively to people who already had a residency visa, which forced them to leave the country. If the Malaysian government is going to stick with this new program, then permanent residency in that country is off the table for most folks. I'm not sticking $236,000 into a Malaysian bank account when their currency keeps getting devalued and their interest rates are at rock bottom.

[@donh5794]

@@Falconlibrary It's obviously unfair to retroactively apply changing Visa requirements. Seems like they are catering to high rollers - getting just a few of them might balance the budget.

[@VagabondAwake]

Sadly, each country can apply laws in whatever way they please. We don't care because we don't buy real estate we rent. If a country goes sideways we leave. But if you really love a place and have no plans to travel, then pick a place that has a citizenship available to you eventually. Once you are a citizen, then that can't mess with you anymore. We don't do that because we don't want to get so attached to one place. We are slow travelers.

[@GERARDOLOZADA]

Thank you!

[@zeckul]

Those all sound like pleasant travel destinations, but that doesn't make them great retirement destinations. Camiguin Island, for instance, probably doesn't have the healthcare you need as an older person, nor the options in terms of lodging, dating, education etc. if you're younger. Things like old towns or cultural attractions do not matter as much when you're staying somewhere for years.

[@VagabondAwake]

The pros and cons like these are covered in the individual reports. The fact is people have different needs and priorities as you correctly point out. These are our subjective favorites not a list of places closes to schools or hospitals. Thanks for the great question.

[@4nrgy]

Bali in 2022??? say whaat? have Indonesian friends there. Bali is unlivable now. Ok you won't be escorted from beach but that's about it - rules are changing daily. It's not as bad as China but pretty bad as far as covid hysteria

[@VagabondAwake]

I have two friends living there now. They are having fun.

[@philipjanek3864]

Always good content. Now, get yourself and Qiang to Bagiuo City 👌 😆

[@VagabondAwake]

That's the plan!

[@bertlouis6082]

Interesting list but highly biased to your recent travels. There are lots of places in the Mediterranean that are excellent year round retirement spots.

[@Falconlibrary]

Which Med places would you put on the list?

[@bertlouis6082]

South coast of Spain and Portugal, southern Italy and Sicily, coastal towns of Turkey, some areas of Greece, Croatia and Albania.

[@goutfromfriedokra7099]

@@bertlouis6082 what are your top 5 towns?

[@vickyagnew1651]

Hi Dan. I continue to appreciate your videos. I have a quick question. How often have you been asked by immigration officials upon entering a country to show proof that you plan to leave when your tourist visa expires? I am planning long term, slow travel next year throughout Latin America and plan to move based on the average tourist visa length of stay. I’d hate to have to step out of line at every border to buy a departure bus or plane ticket just to be able to enter a country. Thank you.

[@VagabondAwake]

Great question vicky agnew, I am only asked for proof of onward flights in two places. Boarding an international flight, and arriving at immigration. Never just walking around once I am in a country. You have probably heard we don't buy round trip tickets. We move forward slow traveling the world. But some countries require a return ticket or onward flight. If so, when you try to board your flight going to the country, with a one-way ticket, the airline will ask for proof of a return flight or an onward flight. We handle this three possible ways. If you can find a refundable ticket a few hours before you board your flight, buy that, and cancel after you clear customs at your destination. If not, buy an onward flight from one of the online companies that offer onward flights. They cost about $12 USD. Just Google the words "Onward Flights" and a few will pop up. But if you decide to buy the $12 onward flight, show up at the airport 3 hours early. We had one refused by the airline once. So that brings up the third way. When your $12 onward flight is refused, step out of line, and log on with your computer or smartphone and buy the cheapest flight you can find exiting the country. For example, we search online for the cheapest ticket to a nearby country, leaving that country. Then you lose much less money than you would if you bought a roundtrip ticket to your home country. Skyscanner is the best place to find cheap tickets in our experience. Some countries will also let you buy an onward train or bus ticket to another country which can be even cheaper. Use RometoRio.com to find those. Best, Dan

[@SuperHfhgfh]

Thank you Dan.

[@codywy5579]

Enjoyed this video..... Curious ...are you a US citizen?

[@VagabondAwake]

I am American.

[@suphatrachaiyasit7531]

Come on Dan I normally like your channel a lot but there is no way Bangkok is cheap the weather 10 months of the year is for most people way to hot and humid and the traffic is nearly as bad as manila great place for a few days but not to live

[@martypoll]

I’ve lived in Bangkok for 5 years as a retiree and love it. Yes it is hot but I now prefer it to the cold and damp of San Francisco. Yes there is traffic but I don’t own a car and I use trains and motorbike taxis to get around. It is both modern with lots to do as well as gritty and interesting. The food here is outstanding. It can be cheap if you don’t live in an expat bubble. I was wondering if it was going to make his list because of cost. At least he mentioned Chiang Mai as well which is cheaper and has a cooler climate though it is plagued by smoke pollution 5 months of the year.

[@VagabondAwake]

We love it there. Are you looking for a hill station Suphatra? Try Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, or Pai in the north.

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

Not sure I would agree with Bangkok or Chiang Mai Thailand as a place I could ever live. The air pollution in both cities is horrible more so in Chiang Mai and just too many foreigners packed into a small area. The province is great but as far back as 2005 I stopped visiting the city just too many foreigners and over time it only has gotten worse. Having said that both Bangkok and Chiang Mai are far better than Phuket, Koh Samui, or Pattaya. I am blessed to have two homes one in southern Thailand and one in the north. My #1 advice is if you are unwilling to learn to speak Thai you really should not live here most who are unwilling are miserable.

[@destinationsroadslesstraveled]

@Darcy Webb Besides the pollution I did not move here to live with other foreigners many of whom are obnoxious to the Thais. The constant scowls and rude behavior gets old fast. I don,t want to be seen anywhere near them.

[@martypoll]

I’ve lived in Bangkok for the past 5 years. I love it here but it is a city and has big city traffic, noise, and pollution. The pollution season is about mid-December to March. The rest of the year the climate is wonderful. The countryside gets it’s fair share of smoke pollution too.

[@Falconlibrary]

@@destinationsroadslesstraveled From what I've seen, most are drunken "sexpats" and I want nothing to do with their kind. Many of them adamantly refuse to learn Thai, too.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@xavierkoolat6926]

Thanks for your experience RE: learning Thai language. Was considering the place Thailand. But on language alone, I may choose the Philippines instead. Although I might be willing to learn another language, learning a new alphabet may be too much for me at 81 years old.

[@viktor.egelund]

No comment/evaluation on the personal security aspect of living in Latin America?

[@VagabondAwake]

Hi Viktor Egelund, It felt safe to us overall. But we have pretty good travel Karma. Here are my thoughts on how to travel safely all over the world, even in your home country: vagabondbuddha.com/how-to-travel-the-world-safely/ Thanks, Dan

[@viktor.egelund]

@@VagabondAwake Valid wisdom you provide. But when advising on places to live around the world I believe personal security in Latin America is a factor you must seriously consider. Karma is cool until it runs out. Even if most people are okay most of the time, the street-smartness and continuous vigilance that must be applied in Latin America is a burden compared to say South-East Asia.

[@littletravelmonkey6727]

@@viktor.egelund Yes, constantly worrying about being mugged or robbed in Central/South America can get old especially if you live there full-time.

[@richardfernandez106]

I thought the Phil's is the best place to retire

[@VagabondAwake]

Definitely one of the best.

[@remurraymd]

Great list updated for 2022. Might add #VILCABAMBA valley of longevity and Loja Ecuador stable on US dollar Cheaper land and rents than Cuenca great colonial flavor.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for sharing!

[@magnoliahampton7298]

Hello, been following you for a while, and I see no place where you put whether the health care system in these many countries are good or not. Old people like myself would be interested in know if the health care system in these counties are good or not. Would you help us by letting us know? Thank you!

[@VagabondAwake]

Great question Magnolia Hampton, I have one report where I explain what I do about health care and another where I show you how I search for health insurance. What I do about health care: vagabondbuddha.com/two-biggest-risks-of-retiring-early-overseas/ Report where I search for health insurance: vagabondbuddha.com/best-health-insurance-for-ex-pats-in-philippines/ By the way, once you search for health care you will start seeing more offers for health insurance and travelers insurance when you are online. Health insurance is one of the most dynamic or changing industries in the travel world because so many people around the world are deciding to live or retire outside their home country. So do a search every year before you renew to make sure you have the best available for your personal circumstances because new ones come out every few months. Thanks for asking so I could answer this for many people! Dan

[@magnoliahampton7298]

@@VagabondAwake Thank you. God copy of download on computer. Am going to be a solo traveler looks like everyone wants me to test the water first. I appreciate you. Thank you again.

[@mickeygarcia1876]

Thanks !!!

[@celtosaxon]

After nearly 3 decades as an expat, ‘home’ is kind of a foreign concept - if I am in bubble, which one?

[@VagabondAwake]

Here is my Bubble talk: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp_Vdqetrc94bZY

[@jaymeez]

Love your channel, you are just like me.

[@cavemansee7110]

Have you a go to place/ county in mind if we end up in a WW111 Scenario ?

[@VagabondAwake]

Here you go Caveman. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX-rYYWnist-e9k

[@drew8935]

"if Singapore and Bangkok had a baby they would name it Kuala Lumpur" that made me laugh...... Well said.

[@bobandlucas]

As a citizen of 1 of the safest Country in the world in terms of crime rate Natural disaster Political stability with Free education Free medical care No guns ownership I cannot fathom retiring anywhere but home. Of course I'm biased. We have problems sure... But who doesn't.???? I like to visit these places but not to stay. Tq for a great video.

[@VagabondAwake]

Finding your path is what matters. Sounds like you have done that.

[@capacitacionyconsultoriaes6319]

Free is the wind and the sun

[@christopherhouse7937]

Nicaragua wasn’t mentioned!?

[@thegringocast7328]

Hasn't it been kind of closed off due to extended COVID/economic fallout and an aversion to the politics since 2016?

[@VagabondAwake]

We really enjoyed our time in Nicaragua. But it wouldn't make out top 15 in the world.

[@vincenth3267]

What would be the best place in the Philippines, if you have a 12 year old son who needs a good school? Cebu, Manilla?

[@VagabondAwake]

I don't really know. I just googled to find this: world-schools.com/top-american-schools-in-philippines/

[@ricardomerluza687]

Best schools. international school manila, Brent, (comparable to top US prep schools in the northeast). La Salle, Ateneo (top for local elites)

[@vincenth3267]

@@ricardomerluza687 Thanks, I will check it out!!

[@thanatu76]

Every place is roughly $1k to $2.5k a month

[@mickeygarcia1876]

I'll Take Your Word For It!!! LOL!!!

[@VagabondAwake]

You better! lol.

[@saintluke2nd]

What about Indiia, Dan? Such as Bangalore. 🙂

[@VagabondAwake]

Bangalore is the city of eternal spring in India. I lived in India for 3 years from 2007 to 2010. One of my best freinds in the USA is from there. For most people, India will be a place you should explore as far as retirement goes, when you have some other more beginner friendly countries under your belt. But you may be the exception. I suggest doing what I suggest for any country. Do an exploratory visit there before deciding if you could retire there. While there check out some of the other cool spots we visited in India. Here is my old travel blog: www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/A-Travel-Story/

[@saintluke2nd]

@@VagabondAwake thanks for the advice!🙂

[@lizziedove1364]

The cost ranges, e.g. $800 to $2000, is for a single person or a couple?

[@VagabondAwake]

Hey Lizzie Dove, thanks for the great question. The low end of the range is for single. But when you start moving up the scale, it is easier to feed two people. But it all depends on you . These are just my estimates for the 4 kinds of expats. Here is my report on the 4 kinds of people that retire internationally and the estimated levels of cash each type needs. vagabondbuddha.com/why-philippines-living-costs-range-from-800-to-5000-usd-per-month/ Thanks again for the great question, Dan

[@gotaaron1644]

What a nice couple

[@azhardav]

Youre lists have a common theme, as I have been to many of the places you site. Your list is where "Old men go to die". Too much emphasis on historic or ancient sites.Take the bars out of the equation and ill put Angeles City as #1. Yup, its central to everything in Asia, Arguably the largest airport in Asia, Clark, that can get you or will get you to many of the Asian locals you site, Growth is projected to skyrocket once the Railroad is built, 1 hour to Subic region, 2 hours to Manila, largest waterpark in Asia, wake board park (Deca) many diversity with eateries. Angeles gets ALL the girls from every province to come- either working or relatives of those who work. Most American Vets retire in AC, and that brings a certain type not found anywhere else- much like a local that supports digital nomads. For those reading this there is NO PLACE as Good as Angles City for SINGLE MEN- In the WORLD. Women come to AC just because there are many single men there. Furtheromore, I do Appreciate and Respect your other Vlogs and viewpoints.

[@VagabondAwake]

Thanks for sharing you ideas azharley.

[@phmiii]

I am ready but my wife is not. Maybe someday she will be.

[@VagabondAwake]

Lets hope so.

[@keithstevens7290]

Are the prices quoted per person or per couple?

[@VagabondAwake]

Each report will state whether it is for 1 person or a couple.

[@werneramstutz6786]

what about the language ??

[@VagabondAwake]

What language do you prefer?

[@jamesbond926]

Thailand is not cheap.you need mony in the bank for visa. +the rip off.

[@VagabondAwake]

Hey james bond, We love Thailand. Cost of Living depends on so many factors. Here are my thoughts on that. Here is my report on the 4 kinds of people that retire internationally and the estimated levels of cash each type needs. These expenses in this report are for a stationary life here I explain the other three types in this report and their estimated cash needs. vagabondbuddha.com/why-philippines-living-costs-range-from-800-to-5000-usd-per-month/ Thanks again for the great question, Dan

[@IaintTheHerb]

11:10 it's fine if you're not into crypto, but for those if us who are, it's been pretty rewarding and provides serious income that can be earned anywhere. It's not without a serious level of learning effort, though. Not for the passive approach.

[@Falconlibrary]

Crypto investment assumes that you're able to out-think the market. You can't.

[@VagabondAwake]

I don't own crypto. I think the closer you get to retirment age, the less risk you should take. i AM 61. I listen to older investors that have lived through a few cycles and survived. Like Warren Buffet.