10 Most Suitable Countries for American Expatriates
As much as we may aspire toward expatriatism for the exotic and venturesome, there’s no question that our exhilarating lives abroad can also bring feelings of isolation. There are times when being far away from home, and distant from family and friends, can weigh on our minds and atrophy our intrepid spirits.
That’s why for many of us it may be helpful to consider expatriating to a country that has a healthy combination of exoticism and familiarity; a place that’s compatible with where we’re from.
So in this vein, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 most suitable countries for American expatriates!
10. Costa Rica
Costa Rica has perhaps the most stable government in Central America, and since it’s been premised upon a proven democracy for at least the last 60 years, things are run there in a familiar way for Americans. That might be what makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in the world for American expatriates. It doesn’t hurt that it’s not too far away from home either, not to mention the low cost of living.
In fact, if you’re ever feeling lonely, there’ll never be a shortage of Americans on vacation to remind you of home.
9. South Africa
South Africa has been steadily growing in popularity for American tourists, especially for students studying abroad. It’s far away from America, sure– but South Africa has that perfect combination of exoticism and familiarity. Of course, it helps that they speak english! You can start your day with an English breakfast and then finish it on a wildlife safari. It doesn’t get much better than that.
8. Mexico
Some might think Mexico is a little too close to home, but that’s also what makes it so convenient for Americans. In fact, Mexico undoubtedly houses more American expatriates than any other country in the world. Combined with the low cost of living and the intense familiarity of the culture to any American from the Southwestern United States, Mexico makes a cozy destination for the weary yankee.
7. Spain
Spain has a lower cost of living compared with central and northern Europe. Mix that with its dynamic location and lively culture and it’s clear why Spain has become a top destination for expats from around the world. The European culture will be familiar and accessible for Americans, and getting around speaking only english should be a breeze.
Spain also has historical and cultural wealth that’ll keep any expat’s mind afloat. Also, it’s become an extremely popular destination for college students.
6. Brazil
With Brazil’s burgeoning worldpower economy and the steady need for english teachers, it’s become a favorite location for American expats. That stable economy means jobs, and the cost of living in Brazil is still fairly low. The culture is diverse, yet remarkably friendly to Americans, and it’s another country with just the right mix of exoticism and familiarity.
Compared with most other South American countries, it’s easier to get around here speaking only english.
5. Italy
Italy’s appeal is similar to that of Spain’s on this list, but with Italy you get just a little bit more. The cultural history is magnificant here, there’s a stronger American expat presence, and in just about every city or town with a university you’ll find American college students studying abroad. And come on– it’s Italy!
4. Australia
Randy Newman once joked of Australia, “[America’s] building its own American amusement park there.” Indeed, Australian culture will easily be the most familar to the American among this list. English-speaking, BBQing, beer drinking Australia has a lot to offer the American. But with Australia you get a little more of the rugged and adventurous.
It also helps that the Australian dollar still comes at a good exchange rate. And they’ve got surfing too!
3. Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is among the cheapest places for Americans to live in Europe, and there’s always a high demand here for english teachers. Those factors alone might make it the most suitable country in Europe for American expats.
It doesn’t hurt that it’s a beautiful country with a rich cultural history. People here are particularly friendly to Americans, and positioned right in the middle of Europe, you’re just a train ride away from everything the continent has to offer.
2. Thailand
Thailand’s culture might be less familiar to Americans than any other on this list, but the country makes up for it in every other category. Thanks to the Amity Treaty of 1968, American companies have to jump through fewer hoops than any other nationality to operate here. The people are exceptionally kind and welcoming, cost of living is cheap and there’s a continuous and voracious need for english teachers. Thailand puts out a serious effort to lure the American expat. As much as you want to go there, they want you to stay even more.
It’s become one of the top places in Asia for American tourists, youth backpackers and, of course, expats. Admittedly, it also gets extra points for closest resembling paradise. You’ll instantly forget where you came from the moment you step off that plane.
1. Argentina
First and foremost, Buenos Aires made our list for one of the cheapest cities in the world for American expats to live in. That gives this beautiful, diverse, and inexorably friendly country major props on this list too. Among South American countries, getting around here speaking English is relatively simple, and the cultural wealth is the only thing that matches its landscape.
Argentina is receptive to Americans. It’s a top location for students, and the standard of living relative to the cost of living is unmatched. There’s no surprise why American expats are flocking here, and we recommend you do the same. Argentina strikes just the right balance among all the things considered among this list.
Here’s how we determined the list:
First off, we considered how receptive the locals were to Americans– is the local culture open to American values? Are they welcoming to yanks? Next, we looked at how popular the destination was for Americans who have already expatriated. Are there plenty of homegrowns who you can meet and befriend? Is there already a thriving community from the U.S. there? We also considered how easy it is to get around speaking only english, and also looked at similarities between the local culture and America. Do local customs overlap with American ones? Lastly, we considered certain practical necessities, such as how easy it would be for Americans to find jobs there, and whether the location was affordable (this is how we eliminated places like the UK, France, or Japan from the list– too expensive, despite doing well at all the other categories!). We also admit to a heavy dose of subjectivity involved in the rankings.
Thanks, I enjoyed your post. It’s nice to see someone writing something worth reading. Nice to see Costa Rica is #1
wow, i’m soo happy to find your blog. i soooooo agree, Costa Rica is a great place for expats! that’s where i am now, but making an expat move to Guatemala. there is a big community there, but nothing like costa rica. i would loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to be an expat in all the other places. gotta convince my hubby:)
The Travel Expert(a) and an Expat with a Twist
My husband and I (two Americans) lived in Prague, Czech Republic for five years, so we can vouch for how great it is to be an expat there. But, we got curious about the rest of the world so we started traveling it. Now we’re looking for our next “expat home” – several of the places listed here are on our list. Will keep coming back for more suggestions!
@marina: You should check out this awesome post by Audrey & Co. who posted the comment below yours. Very in depth coverage about Easter / Holy Week in Guatemala: http://www.uncorneredmarket.com/2009/04/holy-guacamole-its-semana-santa/
@Audrey: We’ll keep watching your updates. Really love what you two are doing and the content is incredible. Let us know if you are interested in doing a guest blog post about your Expat related experiences.
@Glenn um, I think CR was #10, not #1?
Have you been watching the news lately? Mexico is practically experiencing a civil war due to an uncontrollable violent drug cartel, Thailand’s government is on the verge of collapse and just recently opened fire on protesters in Bangkok, and South Africa has major problems with crime and disease. I recommend that you brush up on your current events before recommending people move to countries with major problems.
Love this list. I used to live in Mexico and in South Africa – both amazing, beautiful countries and the people area awesome!
JLG: I think this list is meant to be more of a permalink rather than something that is only immediately relevant. Yes, Thailand and Mexico are in strife, but in the long run these countries are good investments for Americans for all of the reasons stated.
Part of being an expat in more exotic locations is dealing with instabilities that you won’t find at home. People that are only looking for the safest, most stable lifestyle aren’t likely to become expats to begin with.
Furthermore, in both Thailand and Mexico it is not Americans who are being targeted. Agreed, traveling to Bangkok right at this moment isn’t recommended– but in the long run the atmosphere will still be receptive to Americans.
South Africa’s reputation of having trouble with crime and disease is steadily improving, and areas where it’s still a major problem are isolated and can be avoided without too much risk to the expat. Crime is, of course, a problem in many parts of America too. That doesn’t make the problem omnipresent. People living in quiet rural suburbs don’t fear for their lives every time there’s a drive by in Detroit.
Apart from a great demand for English speaking teachers in Thailand, what are some products/services that are American Centric that would be in Demand in Say Thailand and South Africa?
A was in shock from reviewing your list. I am an American and have experience in 8 of the 10 countries you listed. I differ in opinion with you greatly on Mexico as to safety and value. I know it well. A great place 20 years ago. Today, dangerous on kidnappings, drug wars and no value in cost of living. I would pass on the Check Republic due to too high cost of living and instead opt for Romania. Spain, Italy, and Auz are way too expensive. Have to be loaded for any of those. That leaves Thailand,and Costa Rica for the poor among us. The next best places will be VietNam, cambodia, and Nicaragua. For me, you missed the obvious THE PHILLIPINES.It has everything without coiupos.
What’s so great about the Philippines? It’s a little expensive there too – in Manila anyway. It costs just as much there as it does here in the States for a comparable standard of living. If you know of a great cheap city in the Philippines, let me know. I was thinking of going there until I found out it’s really not that much cheaper than the States.
What about Uruguay??? Yes it’s a very small country, but, very educated, very cheap, lots of english speaking natives, easy to get around, relatively stable government, heathy, and safe. Check it out, expats, it’s a long way south, but worth the adventure!
Priapolis is kind of like a miniature version of the Greek Mediterranean,Punta Del Este is a little more expensivend more jet-setty than ex-patty during thier summer, Colonia is a sweet town with a historic downtown that is post card piture perfect. Montevideo is like a small, quieter Buenos Aires. Great Backpacking, Hiking regions thoughout the “outback” of Uruguay. Like I said, check it out.
….forgot to mention; AWSOME beaches, not commercial at all, except, of course for Punta Del Este.
Absolutely wrong.! I have been to most Countries and english speaking westerners are a perpetual target for all sorts of crimes. Politeness=weakness in most.! The us
is the still the overall best place to live, the rest wished they lived there.!
For each of the countries listed, how difficult is it satisfy local laws and regulations regarding citizenship?
i.e., do you need to obtain green cards, apply for “social security” numbers, etc?
for those who want the low down on CR, this is the most up front site I’ve found that isn’t tied to some real estate firm.. http://www.therealcostarica.com/
I’m new at this, for I’m jus’ starting my R&D.. Have heard for years that CR was the escape hatch but after reading the truths on this site, it’s hard to think of “Having” to hire the locals to do everything for you, even cleaning your own house, for it’s illegal for you to do anything that locals can do.. buy a house and need to replace something that is broke? Sounds like you have to hire it to be done.. I’ve always been one to fix it myself, for it’s always a better job when completed..
Another come here and spend your money country ???.. Great if you want to retire in some retirmement community, I wish to live.. If I wish to change the color of my living room, I don’t need to hire it out..
Argentina? this is a first that I’ve heard, but hey I’ll check it out.. Is there really any American Friendly place to relocate ???
I’ve been living in Cancun, Mexico for 5 years. Yes, there are drug issues. However, the only people affected by them are people who are directly involved. I have never seen anything related to these issues other than what I’ve read on American websites. Overall, Mexico’s a beautiful place to live, and the people are very warm and receptive. I have had a wonderful time learning about their culture, and the Mexican people are very open about teaching me.
Just like in any country, the illegal issues (drugs, violence, etc) are only a problem if you’re involved in it, or if you take a walk at night in a bad neighborhood. Make smart decisions, and you’ll be fine.
If you have the opportunity to move to Costa Rica, this is an amazing place, love it, love it, love it. After spending a decade as a flight attendant throughout North & Central America but based in NYC, I agree with Lau’s post. Smart decisions are the crux of survival no matter where in the world you find yourself. I’ve circumnavigated our planet many times (perks of flying for an airline with “sister” carriers), and the one and only place I got mugged? New Orleans. Go figure.
Being retired airline, I have the advantage of flying at very low cost. We have a home in the Philippines besides the US and find it a great place. It is a long flight from the US [14-16 hrs] Someone ask about cities there besides Manila. There are lots and at much less cost than Manila. Look at the middle islands, Cebu, Negros,and Leyte. If you can live outside the larger towns it is better for enviroment but stay close enough to the towns for shopping. You don’t need a car but it helps to have a motobike. Public transport is fine and very cheap. Their interisland ships are very low cost but be careful when the weather is bad, they tend to sink!
I disagree with the list. It falsely assumes that many of us that have been expats and/or will be expats again A need English speaking people about and B get lonely for Americans. Puh-leez!
It’s extremely difficult for Americans to be expats in any EU country-hence,prague is loaded with americans,and the cost of living is now no longer cheap.
Italy and Spain,unless you have alot of money upfront to show solvency,you cannot get more than the 3 month standard schengen country visa. [or a student visa,but even then,you must show funds to support yourself.] And they are not cheap countries,in any case. As much as they are great choices,the lack of choice in actually being able to reside there,well,that kind of takes them off the list. It’s difficult at best to get a long term residency permit for those countries.
S. Africa’s crime problems are massive-and i’ts not just petty crime,rather,it’s voilent crime on behalf of a petty crime that takes no prisoners,this is the problem. Noone is immune. Pretoria is supposed to be pretty safe,but the other major areas are tough. I have heard that there’s a brain drain going on there right now,b/c of the crime and violence issue. I have lived in Africa myself,kenya,and even I would not go to south africa at the moment. Other areas I would visit,and even reside for a time: Uganda/kampala,tanzania [zanzibar island,too!],botswana,ghana…there are a few others: eritrea….
I would also add Bali to the list-i know it’s been done by so many,and has changed over the years,but overall it’s very safe [except for 3rd world and tropical health concerns],and very low cost of living,very receptive to americans,and a fair amount of english spoken. there are a number of private schools run by expats,as so many families live on the island with their children,from the US and other parts of the world.
Taiwan is also a great country to consider-taipei is a dynamic city,the people island wide are so friendly and genuinely helpful,plus very excited to have americans and tourists,and love to practice their english/few sentences they know [most have studied in school.] It’s got ancient culture-the mainland chinese fled to taiwan during the cultural revolution-so they brought traditional culture with them and it was not destroyed like in much of mainland china. lots of teahouses and surfing and hiking in the remote areas…cool place,and very affordable [probably on par with aregentina these days,i am guessing.]
Speaking of argentina,what about chile? that is a great choice for expats-first world standards,extremely safe,climates from CA to pacific NW rainforest,no corruption in the police,a stable economy and moderate prices…it’s really being eyed as a good spot right now,along with Panama and Singapore.
so,I guess that’s my top 10 list!(:
What about New zealand , I visted there and absolutely adore it .
I have been thinking about moving there but Im not sure about its economy.
I am a U.S. citizen who has been teaching in South Korea for over 18 months, and also lived in Germany and Japan, and have been to 22 countries. I must say, some of you here really need to do some research. I know Filipinos who have told me, “Don’t go to the Phillipines; there’s too much kidnapping and other crimes.” The same with most of Latin America, which I’ve visited about a dozen times. You need to research the political/criminal environment before you just go off into the wild blue yonder. I’ve known many horror stories against Westerners abroad, even a few here in Korea, although S. Korea is relatively safe. Do your research first. Don’t end up in the Tijuana Jail because a crooked cop asked for a bribe for a trumped-up charge.
Chase
I had to go for lunch, but to continue my last entry, did you all know that an Australian man is now doing 5 years in a Thai prison? Why? because he wrote one sentence in his book, that he didn’t approve of the Thai Prime Minister’s economic policies. In S. Korea, there an English man doing 2 years in prison because he slept with a married man’s wife (even though she told HIM she was single). The Korean court didn’t care if he was tricked or not: you get a mandatory 2-year prison sentence for ANY adultery. Also, many Korean hagwon owners (private English schools, where I first worked) “re-write” your contract when you arrive, and I got a whole week’s pay deducted (we get paid once monthly) because they said other foregners were scandalous, and they had to have assurance I would behave and not go back to the states. Some countries (S. Korea included) “keep” your passport until you leave. It pays to know the law about any country you want to live in. Another case in good ole S. Korea (who we rescued from Japanese slavery, and North Korean/Chinese takeover): I am married to a Korean woman, and I only paid about $20 U.S. for a doctor’s visit; my other American friend had to pay $400 for a visit; we both had the Korean flu. And guess what, when he brought it to the authorities’ attention, they laughed at him. Foreigners (waygookins) are not classified as “full human beings.” I’m lucky I have a Korean wife, because I am spared much agony. If I wasn’t married to her, I’d be on a plane back home. Every country has weird laws including mine. Know them before you live in that country.
Chase
Surprised Canada isn’t on here. Americans have been emigrating there since the Revolution.
Well, since Obama is screwing up America, it looks like I need to go.
What about South Pacific island? : American Samoa with USA’S banking,Post office, Medicare,currency,lenguage system ?..not to mention locals are friendly
You people forgot “The Kingdom of TONGA.” “The friendly island” in the South Pacific near the Samoas
I live in Ecuador and it is a wonderful country. Its people are so nice and kind, they will give you the most warming welcome. I have put together a helpful fact sheet, and also an article on Ecuadorian manners and customs.
I live in South Africa, in a rural area, far from the madness, yet even I feel unsafe here! My family has been here for over 100 years! To my way of thinking, it’s time to leave SA, not to settle!
By the way, I agree on South America, with Argentina topping my list – see ya there!
Sara, would like to get your contact information for the information on Ecuador. Am seriously thinking of moving there.
I currently live in Buenos Aires, Argentina and have been coming here on and off for 10 years (my first experience was a year of study abroad right before a major economic crisis–remember 5 presidents in 2 weeks?).
Visiting a country as a tourist and putting down roots are entirely different animals. If you do not have a steady source of income (rental, employment, pension etc.), life will be complicated anywhere. Even with that, inflation as well as import taxes can hike the price of everyday items to the stratosphere. Then there is (in Argentina) the lack of customer service, long lines for everything, 21% sales tax (IVA), and dog poo on the sidewalks (I love dogs but clean up after them).
Nonetheless, it is a beautiful country despite reports of crime in the poorer neighborhoods and political faction drama between Cristina Kirchner, her hubby Nestor (the former president), and the opposition. If one learns to deal with what everyone else deals with, i.e. live like an Argentine and not a European/Canadian/ American etc. deserving of special treatment, then things will work out. If you can’t fit into a country, perhaps, there is another place that will be a more suitable option. The planet is vast, there are many places–this list seems merely a guide. But, Argentina is still number 1! Just kidding.
Many people are bilingual here but not everybody. So, make an effort to learn the language, you will be proud of yourself and increase the quality of your interactions with others.
I don’t agree that Obama is running the US into the ground. Nor, was Bush that bad (I really did write that). They follow a common policy which is why despite being an expat, I recognize that many non-Americans are literally dying to go to the US. Left and Right (excluding fringe elements) do not really sway that much from the center. The US political machine makes it impossible to do that. This red/blue divide among us is merely a ploy to distract people from cooperating to really change things. Thus, the machine steam rolls on and on with CNN and FOX followers bickering rather than truly analyzing the socio-political panorama.
The US is not perfect, no place is, but it is great and I am proud of it. Actually, I like having the best of these two countries. So, if anyone is interested in relocating to Argentina, just let me know.
I lived in Spain for several years. Having come from the UK it was quite a cultures hock, and having to learn a little of a new language wasn`t easy. Most of those non-Spanish we met tended to come from Holland and Germany, but we did meet some Americans there.
We have lived in Nicaragua for the last year and we love it here. We are both in our early 60’s and retired. the Nica people are friendly and welcoming and for those looking for other expats to hang with, there are plenty of Americans, Canadians, Norwegians, etc here. There is some property crime, but little violent crime. The people are poor and there doesn’t seem to be a drug problem here. We feel at least as safe if not safer here than we did in the States.The government is leftist, but it doesn’t affect us. The cost of living is low and the healthcare is excellent and inexpensive. We recommend Nicaragua as an alternative for those looking to live offshore.
My husband and I are just starting to talk about moving out of the country (USA). All the posts here are great food for thought. We have heard so many wonderful things about Costa Rica, so are exploring that first. Please everyone…keep posting and sharing your first-hand info!
I love being an ex-pat in Brazil. If I could easily gain citizenship here, I would renounce my Amerikan citizenship, I imagine, principally because of Obamacare and US income taxes.
The people are super-friendly, unlike the Argentines and Chileans, for example. The musical culture is among the world’s richest and, of course, it competes well with the USA and Costa Rica for variety in flora and fauna.
The country is so vast that anyone is sure to find a place that suits him, from mountains to beaches, rainforest to pantanal.
Real-estate is still cheap here, in spite of the dollar’s fall. I bought a home in 2002 when the dollar traded at R$2.43. With Brazil’s growth, land values have appreciated, and, now that the dollar has fallen, the value of my original cash investment of $32,000 has quadrupled (while my compatriots have lost half their NASDAQ wealth).
My neighbor just sold her 5 bedroom, 5 bath two-storey home with a view and a pool, sauna, 600 sq ft game room and 3-car garage for R$250,000. That’s only some $140,000 for a home that in the USSA would probably cost 3 times that.
I just went to the local neighborhood clinic 4 blocks away to get a skin infection treated that I picked up in Texas. After waiting two hours to see the doc, I got a prescription for 28 tabs of cephalosporin that was filled right there.
In Texas, it would have cost me over $100 to see the doc and, thanks to Target, only $4 for 30 Amoxicillin tabs. Here in Brazil I can get a course of Mebendazole for a couple of bucks with no prescription. Can’t do that in Texas!
And a fifth of hard liquor costs $3.
I was born in the Midwest and grew up on the East Coast, having been living in South Africa for 18 years now and have never looked back – and in “big, bad Johannesburg” of all places! It’s a great town in which to work, particularly if you’re a creative type. What’s best? It’s affordable (I can eat out – and the food and wine are great -almost every night if I want); cosmopolitan (communities from all over the world, from Argentina and the UK to Russia and China and everywhere in between); a fascinating mix of first and third worlds (with all the attendent rewards and challenges); and I can make a real difference – fund-raising and volunteer work here is grittier, but it’s tangibly life-changing for the less fortunate and incredibly rewarding. And, South Africans are wonderful people (albeit a bit “moany” at times) – diverse, funny, friendly, straight-forward, complicated… But what I like most is the diversity of the country’s offering – from brilliant big city theater to outdoor sports; I love that I can whip through McDonald’s drive-thru and Cinnabon in the morning, hit a well-stocked supermarket similar to Wholefoods and then, two hours later, be in the middle of the African bush after driving on an excellent freeway. The only downside is the fear-of-crime factor – it’s real, esp in Jo’burg but if you’re “awaranoid” (super-aware, without being paranoid) you’ll be fine! “Lekker” as they say here!
Great posts.Misinformed article
I have been researching for a while.Been to six on the list.The list above is crazy wrong.
most you list wont let you in unless you married to native/ or are a rocket scientist or transfer a ton of monies in.Or all above.
lets look at some real possibilities for the unrich non nukuler physicists amung us.
#1 not even mentioned cant believe this.bias?
India—wonderful people.very cheep.easy visa rules.speak english.growing economy.Love Americans.
love Americans cant be said enough.500 month live like king.”Bush” word a-ok here.so is “Brown”
#2 “Oh” Canada same as above.still cheep.Cold {yuck}
tolerate Americans “Dont say the word “Bush” here.insert word “Obama”in most cases.
#3 Philippines cheep, semi dangerous but doable.
love Americans”sort of” the word.”bush” ok here better to use “MacArthur” though”Bush” word may bring unwanted sex advance.
#4 Isreal yes I said it do the research
Love americans{sorry obama} very safe. “Bush” word very safe.warning!!!DO NOT USE WORD “OBAMMA” HERE unles in palistine sector then sing it out loud.
you may insert word “Clinton” also here.
Costa Rica yes for now but wont last.
###warning!!!crazy adultery laws in Costa Rica.crazy paternity laws.big scams here watch out single men.{or married}This place is like mexico was 20 years ago.About the time you settle in there will be no difference between the 2.They learn fast.”Bush”word ok here no one will understand you except tons of angre expats who hate America .and you if you use “Bush” word.
### mexico ARE YOU KRAZY!!!!!realy AR U rly KRAZZZY
r-u-nuts R-U-NUTS
##South Africa “see note above”
### Australia–no way to get in. they don’t want you.unless rich{very very rich}even then you cant buy your way in here.”bush”word OK. but look to her sister newzealand
###Spain Italy Greece.not cheep no way to get in even with visa for any length of time.pending economy collapse.mostly hate Americans.
warning most countries you list will put you away for what we consider minor things,know the laws.even if you know laws they will use these laws to extort you even if innocent.NO RULE OF LAW
1 marijuana leaf in Philippines 12 years.death for more.
adultery no mater why.imprison in most you list.
Rape=death sentence or life in prison.
“rape is horrible crime death ok with me but these draconian laws will be used to extort you. even defending against false charge will break the biggist bank account.
###Brazil,Argentina don’t want you.tones of crime.extortion is the norm against Americans.
Eastern block countries so much corruption.Half to bribe for everything.kidnapping extortion.They invented it.
ok if you Marie local girl.her family will protect you.
you just pay them “sort of”.
same for Philippines
I am looking at Vietnam as real possibility if I go east.
seem to love Americans i not sure why.
I come full circle to INDIA.
worlds largest democracy–they want you–speek english
got JOBS-got nukes
can own property-can own gun–marijuana not illegal
terrorists=YES mombie massacre?
India is approaching terrorists different than US.they start at water boarding and go up from there.
Bush word ok.”obamma” word getting bad.will get worse.
If you think I am wrong on above please leave input.any input is better than dreamer, uninformed article above.”nice pictures though”
AlaskaBigfoot
RE: Post from SARA – Ecuador
Sara, you didn’t leave a link or webiste for your book on Ecuadorian facts ???? Maybe you could post that here for others to view.
good day pleas
i general David McKieman will like to have your full contact so i can meet with you in your country this is my email id for security reasons [email protected] .
i from Spain but work in Venezuela and Chile so i want to learn how to speak English please contact me in my email.
Who in the world would want to live in Mexico? It is a failed Narco-state with violent crime, corrupt goverment, and unbearable pollution. That is why so many Mexicans are slithering over to the USA in packs illegally, to get away from that hell hole.
Mexico is relatively a safe place. I’ve been going there since I was 4, so about 40 years. Its MUCH safer than it was before NAFTA. My last trip last year I got lost looking for my hostel. I asked 4 policemen at a corner, and they pulled out their MAPS! Not their guns haha. They helped me locate the street. Back in the day, I would have crossed the street to avoid them. They know now that Americans and all other tourists are good for standard of living. Again, avoid dangerous neighborhoods as you would in the US. Dont be a sucker for scams. In all poor countries, there are desparate people willing to do whatever to improve the quality of their lives. Be smart, not someone that thinks they are automatically safe because they are a tourist.
Thailand – Bangkok was the only major problem city, and that was only the downtown area. A few other towns had some issues, but nothing like the LA Watts riots, where innocent people were getting killed by gang members…
The rest of Thailand is unaffected and Thai people are the friendliest people I know, besides the Burmese, who are beautiful people. Its a culture thing, not that Thai people love americans. They are simply like this. The american dollar is the same there as in Mexico – 1:30.
These are the only two places I have experience in. I do feel the safest at my 120 acres in the mountains in northern california. But, the govt is always looking over the shoulder…..
Thanks for all the great info, especially AlaskaBigfoot, your honesty and attention to detail is very helpful. Got a couple more ideas, how about Columbia and Panama, I know a few buds who have places there and say they are awesome. Comments please!
I really want to move to Los cabos it’s very safe I have been there 5 times already.
I am American abd have been doing hair and managing a spa resort, I’m trying to figure out
if it would be impossible or possible to get a job doing so?
Is teaching the better option I’m learning spAnish now.
I really just wAnt to make enough to live and eat and go out somtimes.
Do you know what steps I wouldnerd to take to get a job?
And if Americans can get hair jobs there?
Hi-good list,but heres mine frome top to bottom: 1)Canada 2)Australia 3) New Zealand 4) Ireland 5) Great Britain 6) Germany 7) Dubai 8) Mexico 9) Thailand 10) Costa Rica
South Africa is an appalling hell hole. If doing the hundred yard dash with a burning tire around your neck after watching your wife being raped by the police the carjackers called to complain you were a racist, try South Africa. I’m an African American, but after visiting South Africa I’m more than willing to consider the possibility that slavery was the price my people paid for civilization.
Ok, what I’m looking for is a country/home with the following features: temperature range 10 to 30C; no hurricanes or at least they’re rare; breezy is nice but generally not windy (I don’t like a lot of wind); at least 1200mm rain annually (and not flood prone); pure air and water (i.e. relatively unpoluted); diversity of flora and fauna; beautiful scenery (I like lush tropical/mountains/and the sea/beaches); allowed to own property as an expat; low or no property taxes; other taxes are low including duties to import – expecially personal belonging); politically and economically stable; low cost of living; laid back friendly people (what I like least about the US is the fast pace which also tends to make people more shallow and impersonal); some cultural activities would be good (although not a really high priority for me); outdoor activity opportunities (e.g. hiking; biking; sailing; fishing) are much more a priority for me; low crime (I don’t look for trouble and I prefer trouble not find me either); access to international airport (in case I need to get the hell out of paradise for some reason – or receive visitors); also, nice but not “must haves” include good public transportation system (I’m the odd American who would enjoy NOT needing a car) and English speaking.
Sydney, Australia seemed to meet most of these requirements, and I loved the Aussie people (in general I mean – umm, in fact I married one actually – but she’s my ex now) – anyway, too bad the cost of living is too damn high there and it’s so difficult to gain residency, or I think I would be there. Any other suggestions for me?
To the post above me – there’s no place that exists like that. Heck, I want to live in a place that looks like Carmel, California and has the cost of living of Malawi. It ain’t gonna happen.
I’m from the U.S. and have lived in 7 different countries Thailand, Laos, Brazil, South Korea, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. And I’ll say this: I can’t think of a single place I’ve been do where you’re not a target to get parted from your money just because you’re not a local. You can have friends, you can make friends… in the end, unless you’re very rich (the guy who made Brazil sound like a paradise raises my eyebrows – if you’re a multimillionaire than a lot of places become easy to live in, including the U.S.).
If you’re hellbent on getting out of the U.S and don’t have a lot of money, I’ve heard good things about Costa Rica and Argentina. Despite the flaws of America, I’m back in California (the cost of living here is ridiculous, but still…) and I do like it better than any of the other places I’ve lived, though of all the countries I lived in, Thailand and Brazil were my favorites and Laos and South Korea were my least favorites.
I would like to thank all that contributed to this site & the site owner. It is informative.
Dear Gary, and other kind readers & contributors,
I have seriously been looking for another place to hang my hat for about 5 years now basically due to my disenchantment with U.S. policies, not because I have the travel bug. Well, a little of that too, But currently, with the U.S.A political atmosphere being so (negatively)charged, many U.S citizens may start looking to expatriate for political reasons too, so will visit this site as I have. But just as I have found, even with its turmoil here in the states, America will still look like home to them. But we are forlorn.
Washington D.C. has made mincemeat out of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. They have lost their way.
Exposed as a far left Democratic Progressive, Obama, our Hope and Change 44th President, made a revolting speech today stating the Statue of Liberty was bought and paid for through small donations made by Americans to France. Sorry Mr. Obama, your revisionist story is a blatant lie. Miss Liberty was a gift from the people of France in celebration of our Declaration of Independence. You have just gone over the deep end of the pool. There is no ladder. How long can you swim.
_____________
As you may know, Progressives have infiltrated both parties. They re-write history and have been doing it at every opportunity since one of the first Democrat/Progressives held office, the 28th President of the United States of America, Woodrow Wilson. He is the man who is responsible for segregating America. We were not racist. WHY did he do that?
Progressives need implosion to gain the ONE WORLD the seek. 100 years of transformation and their One World philosophy is nearly ready to launch. The world is currently in economic turmoil. So my traveling friends, quite soon wherever you wind up, you will soon discover you have landed in the same place you just left. The days of your wanderlust travels is coming to a quick closure.
_______________
The commonality of what all lovers of freedom in America should strive for is to have: their Republic be put back on the Capitalist free-market track, and be willing to swallow the economic bullet to accomplish it.
Become protectionists if that is what it takes to overturn the ONE WORLD agenda. Your wish list may differ from my truncated one:
Elect honest power brokers
Invest in American companies
Manufacture goods
Develop ingenuity
Demand term limits in Congress
Kick lobbyists out-of-Dodge [Washington D.C.]
Trash Pork Barrel spending
Audit the Feds
Demand Congress work within a sustainable budget due annually.
Abolish Executive powers that enable appointment of Supreme Court Justices. Instead, hold nominees up to a populist vote. Term limits to the bench
Slash caveats out of The Constitution and Bill of Rights
Open up state-to-state commerce laws
Correct historical books & information
Develop affordable off-the-grid technology
Secure our borders
Create an amnesty program for law biding undocumented immigrants
____________________________
Expatriates and would-be expatriates, I beg you to please stop chasing that rainbow. Ground yourselves. America needs HELP. America need YOU!
Alice what you say is correct but Washington will never change because they are the ones to make the changes and they will not give up their power. At least maybe in another country we will get a few years before they have reached the state we are in as Americans. It is sad what our own leaders have done to the very people they were elected to represent. It is so simple as you spelled out but all the wisdom that is supposed to be in Washington can’t figure it out!!!
I happened across this site while seeking information about other countries where 1) the cost of living for retirees is much lower than here in the U.S. 2)is relatively safe and 3) has decent medical care. I took note that there are some differences of opinion with regard to some of the ten countries mentioned. Thailand is the only one of the 10 where I have spent some time. The cost of living is 1/3 or less of what it is here in the states meets my wish list. I have a friend who lives there who advised me that the recent political uproar was confined to Bangkok and in no way endangered tourists or expats living in the city.
And then I got to the two postings just above mine, the one from Alice having next to nothing to say about the purpose of this site (that we should all stay home and, apparently, suffer together). I hope that on my next visit here some semblance of normality has returned, that people get away from political ranting about the U.S. (though I do admit puzzlement about “the caveats in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights”) and confine themselves to useful information about the 10 countries on this site’s list (or any other country that may be worth consideration).
I live in Thailand. It is the best place I have ever lived. Bangkok is cheap, safe and has almost everything a person can imagine. I can’t find my favourite salsa or my favourite cereal but I love Thai food!
The internet service is great.
The 2 countries that surprised me were the Czech Rep and South Africa. The others I would definitely move to. Thailand, Costa Rica and then Argentina would be my top 3. I love the mountains and the ocean! I like this site…it pushing me to do what I’ve wanted to do for a few years now.
Dearest Bonnie,
Thank you for commenting on my expatriation plea for Americans to stay grounded in the United States. America is not an island. We are part of the broader world economics, as the other states [countries]of the world are a part of ours.
But this current Obama administration is savagely cannibalistic, and to save our precious young, as well as all the children of the world, we MUST sacrifice ourselves. In its own way it is quite the adventure, yes? The U.S.A. is the last bastion of freedom on Earth. Where might the throngs run to if its freedoms were snuffed out?
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-lost to me.” ~ Lady Liberty
I propose we stay and be Clark Kent Supermen (and women) and fight for “Truth, Justice and the American way.” To make better use of a quite-out-of-context two word phrase from the Obama annals: ,it IS the “GOOD WAR”!
For God and Country, stay here with me and find the purple mountain majesties that await us; the reward of the true patriot: America, the beautiful. Land of the free, home of the brave. Stand with me, and to my dying day, I solemnly swear, I SHALL STAND WITH YOU!
____________
Peace be with us all, my compatriots.
With much affection,
Alice Liddell, through the looking glass
P.S. Bonnie, your name is in a Scottish folk song:
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
My Bonnie lies over the sea
My Bonnie lies over the ocean
Oh bring back my Bonnie to me
I sing it with every breath in my body to you now.
I have always dreamed of living in Italy and was doing a search when I came upon this website. I was reading the comments and I feel that ones personal political beliefs are out of place here. As an African American and supporter of President Barack Obama I am offended by the comments about his administration and I hope this website is not going to turn out to be filled with Obama haters who wants to make leaving this country all about who is now our current president.
Please do not spoil what could be a wonderful website with political hatred. You have the right to believe as you do, but I feel there are places more appropriate to air political views especially such strong hate filled ones.
Instead raise your consciousness Higher and see people as God sees people. The world would be a much better place.
Leaving America for another country for me is not about hating our government (even though it is far from perfect, but that didn’t start with President Obama), but about adventure and getting to know people of other countries in their own environment. It is also about the fun of travel and experiencing the world.
Peace, Love, Harmony!
What a wonderful website for potential future expatriates, seeking either adventure, a new culture, or a more affordable lifestyle, than can be found in the USA
Speaking for myself, I did not prepare for myself, well, during my younger working years, and find that Social Security alone just isn’t enough to get by on for any quality of life, and it was never intended to be so. Further, the weather climate in South Carolina, where I have lived for the past 16 plus years, has become too hot in the summer, and too cold in the winter…a clear disappointment.
As for the political climate…well, let’s just say that that has become as nasty and distasteful as the weather climate. I don’t totally disagree with either Alice or Xenia, in that we Americans probably should stand firm and fight the good fight for a return to normal American principles, and yes, to see our fellow man as God does see him, pure and perfect, made in His image and likeness.
But I am wearying of looking over my shoulder (so to speak) and watching a government do contemptible and unbelievably unAmerican things, and worrying whether or not we are forever slipping into an abyss of socialism and future totalitarianism. If traditionally free and opportunity laden America is slipping from our grasp, I would prefer to be somewhere where not only the weather is milder and more moderate year-round, but the political climate be more moderate and less electrically charged than it is here in the USA.
No…let’s not let this site become a forum for political debate, but let’s remember….if Americans were totally satisfied with life in a very rich and diversified country as the USA, they would not be thinking of becoming expatriates. I want to wake up in the morning, at long last, and not read or hear about awful things going on, and worse, perpetrated by my own government. I am long tired of that. I may not do it, but I am looking. No place on earth is perfect; but once, the USA came close. I can’t say that any longer.
Bob Simmons, South Carolina
I certainly got a kick out of Alice Liddell’s blustering. I find it interesting to note her use of the phrase “Truth, Justice and the American Way”. What that means of course, is that there is truth; there is justice; and there is the American Way, which, by definition, is NEITHER truth nor justice.
We retired in Nicaragua about 15 months ago and we love it here. Some of the things we like are: (1)the cost of living is easily 1/2 of that in the US, (2)our healthcare (including an International Health Insurance policy which also covers the US and Canada) is running 55%-65% less and the care is superior!(I know Americans find this hard to believe) in most areas, (3)the people are warm, happy and very friendly, (4)great, inexpensive food and excellent restaurants, (5)safety – this is a poor country, yet it is as safe or safer than any place we’ve been (including the US and the other 22 countries we’ve visited),(6)beautiful scenery, (7)easy access to visiting relatives in the US-direct flights to Miami, Houston and LA,(8)excellent internet access, TV (cable and satellite), vonage, etc. and (9)an active and engaging expat community. Yes, we have Daniel Ortega, but we find the government here has less impact on us than that in the US. The Sandanistas are all capitalists now with personal holdings in property, hotels, etc.-property ownership rights are not a problem. (but if you’re worried, just rent!) To summarize, if you are retiring and want to live a 1st class lifestyle at much less than you can afford in the US, check this out.
The wife and I are considering retirement in Ecuador, in fact we are planning a working vacation to Ecuador in Jan or Feb of 2011. I would like to find an North American expat to hold our hands during a 7 day visit, Please refer me to one who can do this for us. Thank You
Alice Lidell wrote:
“But this current Obama administration is savagely cannibalistic…”
Bob Simmons wrote:
“But I am wearying of looking over my shoulder (so to speak) and watching a government do contemptible and unbelievably unAmerican things, and worrying whether or not we are forever slipping into an abyss of socialism and future totalitarianism.”
Ha! You know, it’s funny. I was looking at this site to see if I could escape the systematic dismantling and disintegration of American society at the hands of Conservatives over the last thirty years and the lost of civil liberties to the neo-fascism of the Glenn Beck and the Tea Party. Guess it just goes to show ya, no matter where you’re coming from the grass is always greener.
LIVED IN SPAIN FOR 10 YEARS NOW,LEFT THAT HELL HOLE DETRIOT AND AMERIKA. GET MY SPANISH CITZENSHIP NEXT YEAR.
LIVE IN A SMALL VILLAGE AND AM MORE RELAXED THEN EVER…..
@Bob Simmons, sir:
Do you really think after all of your political statements, beginning your last paragraph with “No…let’s not let this site become a forum for political debate, but let’s remember….” excuses what you actually did?
Please let us know what country you end up in – I want to make sure I do not settle there!
Also, the world climate has changed and continues to do so. People may want to consider that in making their choices.
Can anyone provide knowledge about which ex-pat countries to avoid if you are an American who wants to escape the toxic environment of contemporary US emotionalism and reactionary politics?
Gotta love left.
I criticize liver.
I am critical of opera.
I criticize humid weather.
I mean, after all, CRITICIZING is the same as HATING, no??
By the end of this obama admin, whenever that may be, the word HATE will be SO OVERUSED that it will have little or no meaning.
I SAW CRITICISM IN THE OP’S POST, NOT HATE!!!! Grow up!!
Odd that Canada didn’t make the list. Can’t be many countries easier for Americans to adapt to than Canada. Supposedly among Canada’s 33 million residents are around a million Americans, many of whom have dual citizenship. Quite a few in French-speaking Quebec, which over the years has actually been fairly pro-American.
Second largest country in the world with one-tenth the US population. Highly respected worldwide. Plenty of natural resources, fresh water, arable land. Much more laid-back and civil than the US, especially outside Toronto. Very safe: one-quarter the US violent crime rate. One-sixth the US incarceration rate.
Winters are no worse than in the northern tier of the US; mild in Vancouver and Nova Scotia; and the winters are getting warmer.
Universal health care with better outcomes than the US for less cost. Two official languages, which gives Canada a more diverse and worldly feel than the US.
No problems with waves of illegal immigrants, yet Canada receives three times as many as the US on a per capita basis. Politicians know to keep religion out of politics if they are to have any chance of election.
On the other hand, the more people ignore Canada, the longer it will remain livable.
Why no mention of Canada, eh? Yes it isn’t cheaper, but its culturally very similar with very friendly and sound thinking folks especially in the west. Beautiful, uncrowded, open border. And close enough to quickly get down home if the socialists keep pushing. (Sorry to you who like the administration. it isn’t personal, its just that we are a nation of liberty and individual freedom and opportunity, and a nation under God, not a nation under a State.
I have been thinking about becoming an expat. I have never been outside the US before, but if the right wing takes over the country, I will be looking at finding a progressive country where I can be free from religous zealots/nut cases that seem to be knocking the current Democratic administration.
It is easy to see that “Alice” who posted a bit earlier is exactly the type of moronic idiot that I would be fleeing from. She represents everything that is wrong with this great Country, lack of a decent education of course. Maybe after the right wing completes it’s destruction of this great country, I may come back and help those progressives who tried to stay and keep the light of knowledge alive in this country.
Argentina and Spain sound like heaven…
Alice sounds like looney. The song at the end borders on surreal.
I loved Tally’s comment!
Oh… and this is Alison in Austin Texas… but I would love to move to Argentina or Spain soon! Anyone know a software company in either of those places that doesn’t care about my remedial Spanish? hahaha….
God bless Alice, and Ron, are you a socialist or what? Anyone that loves this country wants to get back the liberties guaranteed in our Constitution. Obama is turning this into a socialist country. If he succeeds, I suppose you will be happy. I pray he fails so no Patriot would want to leave this country. If he fails you are welcome to move to China or Russia or even Venezuela where socialism is waiting for you with open arms.
Canada? A place Americans used to think of as the land of the nice people. Then two things occured. One, Canada sold citizenship to anyone who had the cash. this meant that lots of people who could only get that kind of money was though corrupt practices, moved to canada and set themselves up in buisness. Two, Canada has embraced the citizen based security program even more loveingly than Americans have. Canada is no longer a nice place to live, sorry.
Neither is the U.S. and for similar reasons, but Canada put themselves on an accelerated pace to hell.
Me? An American who has been to Canada many times.
P.S. Thanks Jack, (Nicaragua) you told me what I really wanted to know.
looking for feedback on retiring in either boquete panama or southern costa rica. i have been to both and would like a local expats viewpoint.
thanks,
robin warga
I’m ready to move abroad for awhile. I am 5 years away from early retirement but I’m so tired of the rat race – having to work very long hours due to layoffs and more work being pushed on those that are still here. I’ve thought about Panama and Mexico. Where are there large communities of ex-pats? Will a single woman be accepted in these “retirement” communities? Will most of the ex-pat communities be married couples?
Thanks to all.
Just a note about Argentina. I’ve been living here for five years and english is not widely spoken here, even in Buenos Aires. I can’t tell you how many reviews I’ve seen over the years about the widespread usage of english in Argentina. Completely untrue. It’s not a big deal if you are a tourist, but if you are thinking about living as an expat in Argentina, better also think about learning spanish.
I would consider some place close to home anyways. Europe is too dirty and there is all that political turmoil, and all, and it is quickly becoming an Islamic caliphate.
So I would consider Latin America. Mexico is too violent as people in the US will always need their fix of drugs. So, I think that Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Uruguay and Argentina would be the best places.
And you know one reason I am opening my company offices in Sao Paulo and moving there? This pathetic Conservative x Liberal ridiculous debate. Tea baggers are nut jobs. Obamaniacs are retarded. And our “democracy” is a pathetic joke. Our political system is just a ridiculous joke that make all the civilized countries laugh on us. And now they don’t even need our money anymore as they prefer Chinese or Brazilian money. We became a pathetic third world butt-hole with a 25% unemployment rate, and that was GOP, Dems, and Tea retarded fault. All American politicians are guilty.
So, I am packing my bags and taking my money to Brazil.
Let the stupid that discuss politics kill each other.
Elizabeth in Houston, TX, I am also single and live in the DFW area. I’ll be going to Vilcabamba Ecuador for a visit last week of November. I have met some on the internet that will be meeting me. I am having the best financial year of my life and will be happy to turn my back on it to escape the rat race and live in (early) retirement. Things money can buy are not worth an early death due to a heart attack. I don’t CARE if there aren’t very many singles. I care about my own well being.
Elizabeth please look me up on skype at amberbear7779.
This is a great site. I spent some time in South Africa in 97-98, and unless there have been a lot of changes, I don’t care to live there. Although it is great to visit. All I know is I have had enough of this country. Enough of the mindlessness. And the regression from intelligence. Resigned from the Republican party last year. See ya to everyone that has made it so that one cannot even go to a site like this without running into superficial idiocity.
This site is great! Come for the simple, informative and interesting distillations then stay for the obsessive political bickering. What a blast!
I am surprise to see Argentina at the top of this list because I AM FROM ARGENTINA and live in NY!
The affordability case is overblown. It used to be very affordable when the economy in Argentina collapsed, but not anymore, prices in BA are similar to those in the States.
English is NOT widely spoken. Education is expensive if you have a family. You cannot rely on public education, good schools are private. Health insurance is expensive as well.
It is a beautiful country but the standard of living is not very good. Constant social unrest called piquetes and populism are rampid.
Australia?
Yes, beatiful country, I was there 2 months ago, but affordability… Clothes, electronics and food are extremelly expensive.
We stayed for 2 weeks, went to the supermarket with my Australian friends and spend 800 US dollar in groceries for a family of 5.
I don’t know who is doing this research.
I recently relocated to Brasil, having travled here 8 or more times in times past. After much deliberation, I decided to finally make the move. I am / was one of the hardest hit by the mortgage meltdown as a former Independent Mortgage Broker. The blame unfairly was placed squarely on the shoulders of brokers like myself. Anyway, I digress life here is a big adjustment, finding a wage that is satisfactory for a non-native is very complicated. I am told, this would be less of an issue if I had a larger network of acquaintences. We decided to settle in the area of Rio where my girlfriend/ fiancee is from originally. I met her in the states during her tenure as contract AuPair. Anyway, I look forward to a long fruitful life here in Brasil away from the chaos that is today’s US economic climate. I also anticipate a elongateg bell curve in my assumulation into the Brazilian workforce. My advice to all is no matter where you decide to go, be prepared for the worst and hope for the best and everything will work out as it should. God speed and God Bless to All.
Anyone considering moving, especially retiring, needs the locations and connections to groups of ex-patriots in all possible countries. The transition would certainly be much easier and quite possible for most. Lets start identifying locations, groups, connections, etc. so we can make contact and build relationships.
I love America. I love what it started out as, what it represents, what it became, and I hate what happened to it. It is now a monster. In America today there are two distinct groups of people. One loves America for what it started out as and the other says they also love America, for what they can make it into, a fascist totalitarian state. In truth they hate America. Can the two groups live in another place together in pease, harmony, and appreciate each other. I doubt that very much. By the way, the two political parties offer one choice. It is two bodies with one head. If you belong to one do not hate the other.
As for Canada, and I live on a border state, it has its pluses and minuses. Inexpensive government health care, but you may well die waiting. If you really need it better come to the USA. That said, our health care is pharmicutically based which means its expensive and reportedly kills 350 to 450 thousand people a year with these medicines. Illegal drugs kill less than 8 thousand, so beware. That is why you can get good health care much cheaper in many other countries. But what is it worth. You need to check it out carefully. Canada doesn’t trust anyone with firearms, except the government. Neither does Austrailia and Great Britain. Our Founding Forefathers would have said they have it exactly backward. The patriotic movement in Amerika today say the only thing preventing a fascist-totalitarian takeover is America’s constitutional right to bear arms, the 2nd Amendment and our the 9th and 10 Amendments preserving our individual and states rights. The states can back out of the Union based on the failure of the federal government to preserve those rights. Many states now are already headed in that direction. Nevertheless, the USA is the number one target for the New World Order and when it falls they feel they can easily take over the rest of the world. Very few knowledgeable on the subject would disagree. Canada would fall like a lead sinker.
Anyways, this information is very well documented and widely available. This is not new information. If you are not informed you need to be.
We were pleased to come across this site. Thank you.
For us, the States have lost their appeal due in large part to their social, economic and political divergence from reality and from our beliefs. We long for the days of less government and more personal responsibility, less intrusion and more innovation, but I’ll save that for another post/website.
We have liquidated all of our investments (save for a handful of mutual funds and a rental property that is on the market) and are now looking for investment opportunities in Central America.
If anyone reading this post has some experience in this arena I’d appreciate some feedback or advice.
Our interests include farm land (perhaps a going concern that could provide the basic necessities in the event of calamity), rental properties offering a steady rate of return, a small-medium sized business appropriate for a largely absentee owner, and finally any other idea that would allow us to cut the financial tether to the unstable American economy.
Also, regarding survival precious metals, I would appreciate any thoughts on the topic of whether or not CA countries would readily accept this as a form of currency should the local economy fail. I can’t imagine it would be a problem as silver and gold is silver and gold, regardless of country or culture.
Thank you.
This is a very interesting site.
I do not care at all for Ms. Alice Liddell pushy comments. She probably is a teabagger, convinced she has all the answers for everyone of us, and who would gladly try to impose tea baggers choices on all of us Americans.
There is no way my husband and I will be able to confortably retire in the USA with everything collapsing here at such a rapid rate.
We wanted to retire in Costa Rica. I noticed that it is n.10 on the list, could it be that prices are higher there now, compare to what they once were.
Does anyone knows?
Meant to say: does anyone know?
Somebody pls get me out of this North American nation turned extreme right-wing fanatical. Nowhere since the glory days of the Third Reich has the civilized free world experienced this flight of reason. Fascism here? In North America? Civic worship? Witch hunts as a cover for wealthy interests? Populist nuts voted in? Sarah Palin on GOP ticket in ’12? Bush-anointed corporate interests again chomping at the bit to run over the average American’s pocketbook? Are we in the Middle Ages being guided by decadent barons using religion and forced alliances to maintain control? Have we lost our national minds? A 700 billion tax credit to the top 2% as the “people’s mandate”? How can anyone maintain that argument as equitable? I cannot bear to stay here and will certainly do everything in my power to leave. My family left Cuba in 1960, but the U.S. is not what it once was: A progressive, innovative chunk of beautiful real estate where it was safe to develop the mind and cultivate the promise of a New World. This place has turned into a basket case — a new Roman circus. Making it is not about effort or getting out there and paying your dues — those days are gone. Author “Alice Lidell’s” credo characterizes the reasons for the collapse in this nation, and I do not appreciate being fed the garbage on this otherwise sane website.
My questions: Thankfully, I speak several languages, but am not close to retirement age, so I’d still have to work and do the footwork to become a dual national elsewhere. Input from anyone would be appreciated. I have lived in lots of places, but I have many questions about legal employment and residency requirements. As for the many questions people have, I would not consider any place before taking a clear and hard look at Amnesty International and State department reports. Some of the problems reported: Central America has a new wave of gender crime targeting women (“feminicide”) and huge crime problems are everywhere in Brazil. Argentina is getting somewhat better and Costa Rica is great although prices have climbed significantly. Spain is very approachable mostly in the out-of-the-way places — I lived there for quite some time and will probably return if I do not turn to New Zealand or its Pacific environs. Maybe overlooked crannies are the solution and all about finding the places other have not! Stay in touch.
Wow. I do not know if I should be inspired or depressed by all the posts on here. However, I do know how I feel deep in my heart and consciousness. America is being manipulated by corporate America. We have been warned by past politicians and candidates,for example;Ross Perot told us in 1992 that our country was heading in the position we are now in. And this week in Indonesia Obama declared that outsourcing American jobs is GOOD for us??? Really?? Every American President has thrown us under the bus. Including Ronald Reagan with deregulating policies that made it possible for US companies to leave. And tax breaks for corporations to depart.
I am a young uneducated man and I can see how unpromising it is here. People here are the most passive-aggressive and hateful who would rather judge you than treat you with respect. I cannot afford to move to an exotic country so I relocated to a state with a fraction more sanity than the rest…OREGON! This is the best I can do so I will wait here for the collapse of our country. I would prefer to go to Montevideo,UR Argentina,Peru or New Zealand.
BTW…It infuriates me to see NBC make a mockery with the sitcom ‘Outsourced’ How insensitive to those Americans who lost thier jobs.
Good luck to those of you who choose to check out the world. I envy you all.
About Thailand it’s really shit there all prostitutes and government in Thailand treat
foreigners very badly and if younger in troubles with a Thai always the foreigner is wrong even if the foreigner did nothing wrong. Latin America only good for very average man the love them there if you handsome then don’t go to Latin America.Spain very expensive same like Italy. Czech republic very expensive. Don’t belief what the wrote that is cheap there all what the wrote here all that countries are expensive.
I’ve lived and worked in several countries, and I have always found that moving to a country with the idea that everyone else should be speaking my language is a recipe for isolation.
There are always expat communities, but if you really want to make a go of it, learning the language and the customs of your new home is important.
Also, I noticed at least two of the countries on this list have either serious crime problems and/or government corruption (on a scale that makes the US seem like Mr. Smith has just been to Washington). They are great places to live IF you have money and if you expect to have it indefinitely.
Great info. Anyone know of an immigration atty who can help someone who doesn’t have a lot of money, kinda low on the job skills scale, is a high school graduate (did not finish college) and is interested in living in, oh, possibly Germany or the Czech Republic?
It is interesting to see someone throwing political epitaphs into a discussions that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand. Yes, I agree that those comments are from people that make our country what it is. I love the US and I think it’s the greatest country on earth but I can say that over the last several years things are slowly changing. As an African American I have noticed that the US is very racist and is becoming more and more that way. The current message is “hate” and I think a lot of it is fueled by greed and ignorance. As they say ignorance breeds fear and the decrease of good education in my opinion is the problem. We are so couped up with the believe that we are superior to any other country. I have not known that countries lime Poland or the Czech republic are even democratic and are actually livable. My perception was that all other countries are under developed in technology and are lagging so behind the US. I was in awe to find out how behind we are! Our politics don’t really work for us. Japan has the best health care, ours is only good if you have the money. We are introducing LTE when France has it all along and doesn’t need to upgrade. Other countries have us beat with green technology.
I am still finding out some of the things I was in the dark about other countries as I was living under the rock by listening to my fellow Americans.
America is great when you have the resources but it will eat you alive if you don’t.
This list is a made up joke. You can forget about the EU all together because the economy is jacked and guess what? You’re not friggin European so forget about getting a job! Austrailia has a strict rule banning all non-Aussies from earning money there full stop! Stop posting opinion from right out of your toilet for poor uneducated yanks to depend on. Oh, maybe actually leaving your mom’s basement and traveling would make for a better list.
Your website is nice but Argentina’s economy is worse than America by far.
If you want people to view this site and return, please remove all the hateful political attacks against the USA president Obama, who was elected by the majority of Americans. Some people just can’t get over it. Grow up people! or move!
I think it is wise to travel first and if you happen to feel more at home away then you do in your country of oregon then great. Once you get good at a new language you start to realize people everywhere are the same. You will always find political back biters no matter where you live. The best place to live is within your self. Searching for Shangri-La outside your self may wear you down and out. Remember the world is running out of resources while most grasp to materialize what their conditioning makes them dream of. The Earth can sustain a population of about 350 million people indefinitely. Currently we are 4.5 billion and exploding. No matter where you hide exploding populations and the hunt for natural resources will always ruin your sanctuary. By the end of this century the Earth will be Hell no matter where you run. Better to seek paradise from within than from without. There are people living today who are part of the last generation of humans and most other life forms on this dying planet. The age of living things is about to end and it is as good as bad. The Earth will be a much more peaceful place without us.
In your country of origin or Oregon.
How amusing that a site discussing expatriation should attact so many polarizing comments!
To the Liberals – if you dislike America so much, please choose another of the over one hundred countries (some discussed here) whose governments are more aligned with your anti-Right wing preferences, and move there ASAP.
To the Conservatives, if you love America so much, then WTF are you doing posting on a site discussing the options and benefits of leaving the country?
You’re all hypocrites, which explains why America is such a great place to be ‘from’.
More along the lines of the actual intent of the site, the posts (poorly worded or not) discussing how expatriots cannot work and how costs are not lower than in the US are more true than you know. Best strategy IMHO is (a) choose a country, (b) go there, and (c) seek out the expatriot community. They will know the score – just don’t be an idiot and start discussing politics back home…why do you think those people choose to leave America? Yes, it was because they were sick of the ranting and raving of people like … you!
Senator is right, right-wing and left-wing ravings are getting old, it’s not the place to do it here, the discussion is on which country is the best to be expatriated. There seems nowadays to be no room left for moderate, middle-of-the road independent people.
@ AlaskaBigFoot : highly interesting post. I’d never would have thought that India had such opportunities, I tend to think of it as a dirty, disease-prone third world country with shocking unequalities.
My plan as a soon-to-be retiree (2017) is to sell my real estate (200.000 $), and wifey and I (same age) would pack our Social Security pension (about 2500 $) and choose expatriation to :
1- CR
2-Panama
3-Mexico (PV)
-4 Thailand
We’d probably rent housing (not buy)
What do you make of it ? good planning or not ?
I moved to Medellin, Colombia SA over 3 years ago and truly love it here. When I wake in the morning it is around 65 degrees and when I watch the sun set on the Andes Mountains it is a beautiful 75 degrees (every day). I tried Brazil but required a waste of time and money to gain access (visa), when anyone can enter Colombia and stay for 60 days without any questions. And the infrastructure (water you can drink, stabile normal voltage electricity, internet that functions, USA television stations, natural gas – no bottled gas, economical transportation by metro, streets and highways that do not destroy your car) here is light years ahead of ANY country south of the border. We have a US constructed apartment condo with all the comforts of home and more luxury than we could afford there. But yet the prices are still 1/2 of the USA and I only pay $32 / month for a family health insurance plan. The health care is superior and still affordable – I paid only $25 for a filling in my tooth and my wife went to the emergency room for $2 deductible. you should check this out, it is beautiful here!!