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Firsthand experiences
Please feel free to share your experiences retiring overseas, the pros and cons, tips, recommendations, etc.
Just joined,
Just joined this group, have about three or so more years till I retire from my government job.
Is anyone currently living in Italy? Hopefully next year will get to go to Italy and check out the people/country and what Italy may have to offer.
Thanks.
Is anyone currently living in Italy? Hopefully next year will get to go to Italy and check out the people/country and what Italy may have to offer.
Thanks.
Retire on the Cheap
We just posted some articles on how to save money and make retirement affordable. Cheap retirement starts with being frugal; from saving on groceries to health care and learning to make the best use of everyday things. Find our articles at Great Retirement Places - Retire on the Cheap
Best Places to Retire Overseas
Info on:
Argentina
Australia
Belize
Brazil
Costa Rica
Italy
Mexico
Spain
Thailand
view link
note: I'm not sure about the other countries, but the 'Cost of Living' for Thailand appear to be a year or two old.
Argentina
Australia
Belize
Brazil
Costa Rica
Italy
Mexico
Spain
Thailand
view link
note: I'm not sure about the other countries, but the 'Cost of Living' for Thailand appear to be a year or two old.
New passport requirements for U.S. citizens
New rules requiring passports or new high-tech documents to cross the United States' northern and southern borders are taking effect Monday, June 1, 2009, as some complain the tightening of security and others applaud it as long overdue.
The rules are being implemented nearly eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks and long after the 9/11 Commission recommended the changes. They were delayed by complaints from state officials who worried the restrictions would hinder the flow of people and commerce and affect border towns dependent on international crossings.
In 2001 a driver's license and an oral declaration of citizenship were enough to cross the Canadian and Mexican borders; Monday's changes are the last step in a gradual ratcheting up of the rules. Now thousands of Americans are preparing by applying for passports or obtaining special driver's licenses that can also be used to cross the border.
The new rule, which also affects sea crossings, is the final implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a security measure crafted from recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
Citizens traveling by land or sea will have to have a passport, passport car or other travel document that is approved by the Department of Homeland Security to get back into the country.
Travelers used to be able to use identification such as a driver's license or birth certificate. These will now not be accepted if you are coming into the country by car or boat.
Read More Information and requirements at:
view link
The rules are being implemented nearly eight years after the Sept. 11 attacks and long after the 9/11 Commission recommended the changes. They were delayed by complaints from state officials who worried the restrictions would hinder the flow of people and commerce and affect border towns dependent on international crossings.
In 2001 a driver's license and an oral declaration of citizenship were enough to cross the Canadian and Mexican borders; Monday's changes are the last step in a gradual ratcheting up of the rules. Now thousands of Americans are preparing by applying for passports or obtaining special driver's licenses that can also be used to cross the border.
The new rule, which also affects sea crossings, is the final implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a security measure crafted from recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
Citizens traveling by land or sea will have to have a passport, passport car or other travel document that is approved by the Department of Homeland Security to get back into the country.
Travelers used to be able to use identification such as a driver's license or birth certificate. These will now not be accepted if you are coming into the country by car or boat.
Read More Information and requirements at:
view link
Is Mexico Dangerous ? Mexico and US Media
Great Article by By Linda Ellerbee,journalist from New Youk.
I'm a journalist who lives in New York City, but has spent considerable time in Mexico, specifically Puerto Vallarta, for the last four years. I'm in Vallarta now. And despite what I'm getting from the U.S. media, the 24-hour news networks in particular, I feel as safe here as I do at home in New York, possibly safer. READ COMMPLETE ARTICLE AT:
view link
I'm a journalist who lives in New York City, but has spent considerable time in Mexico, specifically Puerto Vallarta, for the last four years. I'm in Vallarta now. And despite what I'm getting from the U.S. media, the 24-hour news networks in particular, I feel as safe here as I do at home in New York, possibly safer. READ COMMPLETE ARTICLE AT:
view link
Where to go ?
My husband and I are going to visit Ecuador this year to explore the area more in closely for our retirement. The weather seems perfect and the cost of living would allow our retirement fund to go along way. Has anyone visited this country and if so, are you willing to share your experiences. Cocatechi-Imburra is the city we are considering.
Sharing an Article by an American Retiree.
I have the privilege of meeting an American retiree who have chosen to retire here in the Philippines, in the island of Cebu, the condominium complex in the hills of Mt. Busay (500 meters above sea level) called the Citylights Gardens Condominium. His name is Mr. Forest Gerdes. He told me that he was a school teacher in the US before he retired. He frequents Thailand and other Asian countries but he choose to retire here in the Philippines for so many reasons. The few being, its much cheaper here in Cebu than most other places and of course the view, tranquility of the place and his favorite black beer locally known as Servesa Negra, which is also regarded as good for women for their menstruation.
I will share with you his article that he wrote about the place, Cebu City, Philippines. He have written at least 2 other articles previous to this and I will try to ask him to email it to me so that I can share it with you also. For now, here is the article:
How to Cross the Street with YO
If you sometimes attempt to cross the street in a Filipino city, or if you are a
driver watching out for those attempting a crossing, I hope to offer you a
few clues which might help you in getting to the other side or help you to
not hit someone.
Involved in the picture, somehow, is the Spanish concept of “Yo”, which
has found root and flourished in these islands. “Yo” can be translated
literally as “I”, but as practiced in traffic, and by some in Filipino life, it really
means “me first” . Put some ordinarily non-agressive Filipinos behind the
wheel, and they suddenly remember all the times they have had to be
submissive. You can expect some drivers to push to the front, cut you off,
park in the curb lane, turn left from the right lane, and generally act like the
drivers of the other cars do not exist. When you are crossing the street,
remember that some drivers are thinking “Yo”. You cannot expect them
to stop for a mere pedestrian. When you walk, you have no status. As
the sheep in Charlotte’s Web said of Wilbur, you are “Less than Zero!”
This being the case, how do you get across a street?
If you take a fatalistic outlook, you can just bolt across a two lane road like
a startled chicken, wearing dark shorts and flip-flops. But, tell your mom
before, okay?
When confronted with four plus lanes, the most popular option seems to
be what I call the Matador Strategy. It consists of waiting for a clearing in
the lanes nearest you, then darting out and standing, like a bullfighter, slim
side to the traffic, until the other lanes clear a bit, when you can complete
your dash. If you have no slim side, better think again. Following this
strategy, it seems to be important to show No Fear at all. (Now I know
what those T shirts mean!) You do this by not looking back, standing still,
and not appearing nervous; taking an “I dare you to hit me” attitude.
You lived the first 25 times you did this, right? This is Beginning “Yo”.
Even walkers can have it. Observe the bottled water vendors. But did
you ever see one over 25?
Sometimes it might help if you are holding the hand of a small child while
challenging the lanes, in which case you might wish to pick him up when
you arrive at the center. When you get really good, you can play Matador
in the company of those sun glass vendors who seem to lead charmed
lives. I fully expect to see one with a cape someday.
Then there is the American approach. I like to try this, but usually keep
one foot on the curb when starting. I step out with raised hand in a Peace
Salute V sign, try to make eye contact with the drivers , and generally act
like I actually expect them to stop for me. This works best when the traffic
is almost stopped and you are in a marked crosswalk. A few times, I have
gathered those around me at a busy crosswalk and taken the “Herd
Approach” which means I get us ALL to cross together, while leading the
group from a safe position three persons back. As we are victoriously
crossing, I have been known to say, but not too loudly, something about
Pedestrian Rights. Lot of smiles at the fun old guy!
Surprisingly, jeepney drivers are the most understanding of these last two
American approaches, or maybe they just enjoy a good laugh!
Recently Cebu streets have grown many more marked crosswalks; wide
white marks appearing on main streets. We also now have more streets
with new yellow center lines. This has helped the mental attitude of those
of us who appreciate order. So, I try to stay on my side, and I often stop
when there is someone in a marked crosswalk. However, this can be
dangerous, because the taxi on your tail does not expect it. I tell myself
that I am teaching Cebuanos one at a time to sometimes forget “Yo” and
think “Group” .
There are so many things to watch for when crossing the street. You
might check to see if crossing barriers have been erected since you last
played Matador at that spot. More seem to be sprouting up, and seem to
be getting higher. In Makati, they are everywhere, forcing walkers
underground into long, long, hot tunnels to get to that special store. But,
who walks in Makati? Another thing to watch for are lane straddlers,
who cannot decide which lane to avoid; the jeepney lane or the left turn
lane, so they take the middle. This can screw up the Matador Strategy.
It is especially important when crossing at night to remember that many
drivers are looking through darkly tinted glass, with or without sunglasses,
so may not see you at all, if you are not wearing a light color. Carrying a
small flashlight might be a good idea. When crossing in the rain, you
should carry a light colored umbrella, besides helping you balance on the
yellow line, it makes you look larger. But, remember to be on the
outlook for jeepneys with no lights and iron pipes sticking up from the
corners. Those hurt more than the Mickey Mouse mirrors sticking out
from a Ford Explorer. Jeepney or other diesel fumes are not avoidable,
they just arrive in your face. Maybe the gas will make you care a little less
if you make it across. Maybe you will vow to never buy Diesel brand
again. Likewise, motorbikes are everywhere. Always expect motorbike
drivers to practice “Yo” by passing on the right or anywhere there is 12
inches to spare. After all, he is not less than zero, he is on a motor!
Do not even think about texting to your stockbroker while crossing the
street! Just hang up and cross! That driver who is slowing down in front
of the tour bus in the lane nearest you? He is not slowing down to let you
have a go; he just got a call on his Nokia, and you are less than zero!
YO!
Crossing the street and watching for crossers is a challenge for the
retiree’s brain. I hope I have helped to keep it alive.
MR. FOREST
I will share with you his article that he wrote about the place, Cebu City, Philippines. He have written at least 2 other articles previous to this and I will try to ask him to email it to me so that I can share it with you also. For now, here is the article:
How to Cross the Street with YO
If you sometimes attempt to cross the street in a Filipino city, or if you are a
driver watching out for those attempting a crossing, I hope to offer you a
few clues which might help you in getting to the other side or help you to
not hit someone.
Involved in the picture, somehow, is the Spanish concept of “Yo”, which
has found root and flourished in these islands. “Yo” can be translated
literally as “I”, but as practiced in traffic, and by some in Filipino life, it really
means “me first” . Put some ordinarily non-agressive Filipinos behind the
wheel, and they suddenly remember all the times they have had to be
submissive. You can expect some drivers to push to the front, cut you off,
park in the curb lane, turn left from the right lane, and generally act like the
drivers of the other cars do not exist. When you are crossing the street,
remember that some drivers are thinking “Yo”. You cannot expect them
to stop for a mere pedestrian. When you walk, you have no status. As
the sheep in Charlotte’s Web said of Wilbur, you are “Less than Zero!”
This being the case, how do you get across a street?
If you take a fatalistic outlook, you can just bolt across a two lane road like
a startled chicken, wearing dark shorts and flip-flops. But, tell your mom
before, okay?
When confronted with four plus lanes, the most popular option seems to
be what I call the Matador Strategy. It consists of waiting for a clearing in
the lanes nearest you, then darting out and standing, like a bullfighter, slim
side to the traffic, until the other lanes clear a bit, when you can complete
your dash. If you have no slim side, better think again. Following this
strategy, it seems to be important to show No Fear at all. (Now I know
what those T shirts mean!) You do this by not looking back, standing still,
and not appearing nervous; taking an “I dare you to hit me” attitude.
You lived the first 25 times you did this, right? This is Beginning “Yo”.
Even walkers can have it. Observe the bottled water vendors. But did
you ever see one over 25?
Sometimes it might help if you are holding the hand of a small child while
challenging the lanes, in which case you might wish to pick him up when
you arrive at the center. When you get really good, you can play Matador
in the company of those sun glass vendors who seem to lead charmed
lives. I fully expect to see one with a cape someday.
Then there is the American approach. I like to try this, but usually keep
one foot on the curb when starting. I step out with raised hand in a Peace
Salute V sign, try to make eye contact with the drivers , and generally act
like I actually expect them to stop for me. This works best when the traffic
is almost stopped and you are in a marked crosswalk. A few times, I have
gathered those around me at a busy crosswalk and taken the “Herd
Approach” which means I get us ALL to cross together, while leading the
group from a safe position three persons back. As we are victoriously
crossing, I have been known to say, but not too loudly, something about
Pedestrian Rights. Lot of smiles at the fun old guy!
Surprisingly, jeepney drivers are the most understanding of these last two
American approaches, or maybe they just enjoy a good laugh!
Recently Cebu streets have grown many more marked crosswalks; wide
white marks appearing on main streets. We also now have more streets
with new yellow center lines. This has helped the mental attitude of those
of us who appreciate order. So, I try to stay on my side, and I often stop
when there is someone in a marked crosswalk. However, this can be
dangerous, because the taxi on your tail does not expect it. I tell myself
that I am teaching Cebuanos one at a time to sometimes forget “Yo” and
think “Group” .
There are so many things to watch for when crossing the street. You
might check to see if crossing barriers have been erected since you last
played Matador at that spot. More seem to be sprouting up, and seem to
be getting higher. In Makati, they are everywhere, forcing walkers
underground into long, long, hot tunnels to get to that special store. But,
who walks in Makati? Another thing to watch for are lane straddlers,
who cannot decide which lane to avoid; the jeepney lane or the left turn
lane, so they take the middle. This can screw up the Matador Strategy.
It is especially important when crossing at night to remember that many
drivers are looking through darkly tinted glass, with or without sunglasses,
so may not see you at all, if you are not wearing a light color. Carrying a
small flashlight might be a good idea. When crossing in the rain, you
should carry a light colored umbrella, besides helping you balance on the
yellow line, it makes you look larger. But, remember to be on the
outlook for jeepneys with no lights and iron pipes sticking up from the
corners. Those hurt more than the Mickey Mouse mirrors sticking out
from a Ford Explorer. Jeepney or other diesel fumes are not avoidable,
they just arrive in your face. Maybe the gas will make you care a little less
if you make it across. Maybe you will vow to never buy Diesel brand
again. Likewise, motorbikes are everywhere. Always expect motorbike
drivers to practice “Yo” by passing on the right or anywhere there is 12
inches to spare. After all, he is not less than zero, he is on a motor!
Do not even think about texting to your stockbroker while crossing the
street! Just hang up and cross! That driver who is slowing down in front
of the tour bus in the lane nearest you? He is not slowing down to let you
have a go; he just got a call on his Nokia, and you are less than zero!
YO!
Crossing the street and watching for crossers is a challenge for the
retiree’s brain. I hope I have helped to keep it alive.
MR. FOREST
Hello from Rosarito Beach
I've been living fifteen miles south of San Diego in the Baja California town or Playas de Rosarito for over fifteen years. I decided to live in Mexico while still working in California, but now retirement age is upon me and I've found this to be an ideal place to retire and be close to the US at the same time. Check out the publication wwwDOTmexicolivingDOTinfo for an overview of places to retire in Northwest Mexico for those of you that wanna be driving distance from the US. Any questions?
Costa Rica Retiree
I joined this group some time ago, but have never posted ... it seems that I have had a lot of other stuff to do, LOL.
I've been living in Costa Rica a little more than two years now ... I really love it!!! A friend of mine who's an old co-worker came to visit last week (Feb. 18, 2009) and he's sold on the country too. I took him to Quepos (Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio), up-and-down the Pacific coast and into the Tileran and Talamanca Mountains ... the choices of climates are huge ... you can actually pick the type of climate that suits your personal taste (and the climates are year-around consistent) ... it varies from coastal areas that are hot-and-humid to Alpine mountain settings where you can fish for trout in the streams. My friend will be moving down here before the year is out!!!
The cost of living is very reasonable (even though Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America). I am willing to share more about my new home ... just drop me a "Private Message".
I've been living in Costa Rica a little more than two years now ... I really love it!!! A friend of mine who's an old co-worker came to visit last week (Feb. 18, 2009) and he's sold on the country too. I took him to Quepos (Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio), up-and-down the Pacific coast and into the Tileran and Talamanca Mountains ... the choices of climates are huge ... you can actually pick the type of climate that suits your personal taste (and the climates are year-around consistent) ... it varies from coastal areas that are hot-and-humid to Alpine mountain settings where you can fish for trout in the streams. My friend will be moving down here before the year is out!!!
The cost of living is very reasonable (even though Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America). I am willing to share more about my new home ... just drop me a "Private Message".
