Retire Overseas - It can be cheaper and safer
Author: Rebecca Johnson |
Americans are more frightened than ever when they travel abroad. They don't dare think about retiring abroad. I guess it's a legacy of the war on terror. However, I have not heard of an incident among the lots of people I know who've lived abroad when they were harmed or injured. I guess if you are alert & aware of your circumstances at all times, you shouldn't have any dangerous encounters. The advice that I offer here is common sense, but I will mention it anyway because common sense isn't always so common. Now, here are my words to the wise:
Americans are more frightened than ever when they travel abroad. They don't dare think about retiring abroad. I guess it's a legacy of the war on terror. However, I have not heard of an incident among the lots of people I know who've lived abroad when they were harmed or injured. I guess if you are alert & aware of your circumstances at all times, you shouldn't have any dangerous encounters. The advice that I offer here is common sense, but I will mention it anyway because common sense isn't always so common. Now, here are my words to the wise:
Other expatriates should be able to tell you where high-crime areas are so that you can avoid them. Locals can also tell you about places where you shouldn't go. We generally develop an instinct that tells us when we are in neighborhoods that are dangerous. Don't wear flashy clothes or costly jewelry when you're on public transportation. A cheap plastic watch will work well enough to help you know the time.
Refrain from flashing lots of cash when you are out and about in the community. Keep minimal cash on you at all times. Make use of a specialized billfold made especially for traveling. These are skinnier than regular ones, and you can wear them beneath your clothes. This means no bulky waist carriers and no handbags. Those items just beg the crooks and others who pick people's pockets. Skilled crooks live everywhere you can think of all across the globe. I was once told a story about how these thieves managed to clear out a whole bus full of visitors without them even knowing what had happened! For God's sake, watch what you are doing!
There are some things you can do to protect yourself when you live abroad. Don't stay out late in public, especially when you are alone. Don't get drunk and lose control. Check with the State Department and the CDC concerning any safety issues or health advisories in the area you will retire abroad in. Avoid High-Risk Activities. Travel only on public conveyances that are safe or with drivers you know and trust. Travel with a buddy or another couple. That can turn into a nightmare if you are not careful.
You need to be prepared if an emergency comes. So you should know who to call if something goes wrong and where the nearest hospital is. You should buy a health insurance policy that will cover you wherever you live; additionally, make sure you have 24-hour emergency assistance that will take you back to the USA in the case of a severe problem. Before you leave America, get a complete physical and dental exam so that you're less likely to need medical assistance right after you've retired.
You should get a cell phone that works in your new home city, and know how to get around the city on your own. Always carry your cell phone because you may need it at any time. Also, you should try to fit in, as it's easy to spot tourists. You'll become especially adept at tourist-spotting once you have lived outside the country for some time. Know how to dress so that you match the locals because you need to be able to blend in with the people in your new home. That's all part of acclimating to the culture.
These suggestions might seem extreme. On the other hand, contrast the previous points to the consequences of continuing to live in the US. You might find it preferable to work harder and for longer to compensate for the events of the last' months. However, I would find it preferable to retire to Mexico. Mexico has statistically lower crime than the US, and I do not relish the thought of continuing to work (and commute for two hours a day) at the age of 65.
With Mexico located right next to the United States, you can still visit often. And, guess what? Your U.S. citizenship will not have to be relinquished. Personally, I say start working toward your retirement goals today. You may be able to achieve your dream of an expatriate life sooner than you think.
Why would you want to retire in another country? Because you'll be able to live well on $2000 or less each month. That includes a cook or maid to help with housework. You can really benefit from lower costs of living when you retire overseas.
Americans are more frightened than ever when they travel abroad. They don't dare think about retiring abroad. I guess it's a legacy of the war on terror. However, I have not heard of an incident among the lots of people I know who've lived abroad when they were harmed or injured. I guess if you are alert & aware of your circumstances at all times, you shouldn't have any dangerous encounters. The advice that I offer here is common sense, but I will mention it anyway because common sense isn't always so common. Now, here are my words to the wise:
Other expatriates should be able to tell you where high-crime areas are so that you can avoid them. Locals can also tell you about places where you shouldn't go. We generally develop an instinct that tells us when we are in neighborhoods that are dangerous. Don't wear flashy clothes or costly jewelry when you're on public transportation. A cheap plastic watch will work well enough to help you know the time.
Refrain from flashing lots of cash when you are out and about in the community. Keep minimal cash on you at all times. Make use of a specialized billfold made especially for traveling. These are skinnier than regular ones, and you can wear them beneath your clothes. This means no bulky waist carriers and no handbags. Those items just beg the crooks and others who pick people's pockets. Skilled crooks live everywhere you can think of all across the globe. I was once told a story about how these thieves managed to clear out a whole bus full of visitors without them even knowing what had happened! For God's sake, watch what you are doing!
There are some things you can do to protect yourself when you live abroad. Don't stay out late in public, especially when you are alone. Don't get drunk and lose control. Check with the State Department and the CDC concerning any safety issues or health advisories in the area you will retire abroad in. Avoid High-Risk Activities. Travel only on public conveyances that are safe or with drivers you know and trust. Travel with a buddy or another couple. That can turn into a nightmare if you are not careful.
You need to be prepared if an emergency comes. So you should know who to call if something goes wrong and where the nearest hospital is. You should buy a health insurance policy that will cover you wherever you live; additionally, make sure you have 24-hour emergency assistance that will take you back to the USA in the case of a severe problem. Before you leave America, get a complete physical and dental exam so that you're less likely to need medical assistance right after you've retired.
You should get a cell phone that works in your new home city, and know how to get around the city on your own. Always carry your cell phone because you may need it at any time. Also, you should try to fit in, as it's easy to spot tourists. You'll become especially adept at tourist-spotting once you have lived outside the country for some time. Know how to dress so that you match the locals because you need to be able to blend in with the people in your new home. That's all part of acclimating to the culture.
These suggestions might seem extreme. On the other hand, contrast the previous points to the consequences of continuing to live in the US. You might find it preferable to work harder and for longer to compensate for the events of the last' months. However, I would find it preferable to retire to Mexico. Mexico has statistically lower crime than the US, and I do not relish the thought of continuing to work (and commute for two hours a day) at the age of 65.
With Mexico located right next to the United States, you can still visit often. And, guess what? Your U.S. citizenship will not have to be relinquished. Personally, I say start working toward your retirement goals today. You may be able to achieve your dream of an expatriate life sooner than you think.
Why would you want to retire in another country? Because you'll be able to live well on $2000 or less each month. That includes a cook or maid to help with housework. You can really benefit from lower costs of living when you retire overseas.
Information:
Before you retire overseas, follow these tips to guarantee you experience safe expatriate living
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