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Hi, I just joined this group and would like to hear from anyone who has already tried living overseas and how it went. I am interested in New Zealand but not sure I could make the adjustment to starting over in a foreign country. Plan to try a long visit first (as I have a family member living there) to see what I think, but that is still not the same as taking the big step of actually moving there. Thanks!

For those interested in what I consider to be the best information available on Central American retirement, check out these two sources:
1. Panama - The Owner's Manual (through International Living)
2. view link - the guy who runs this site is named Richard, and he has an incredible online publication for potential settlers

I am looking closely at the Lake Atitlan area in the Guatemala highlands. Spent a month there this past summer, and decided it is as close to a natural paradise as I can find. It is not as developed as Costa Rica, Mexico, or Panama; but I am looking for a slower pace with an economy that won't break the bank. If anyone is interested in finding out more about this "land of eternal spring," hit me up!

this is a great resource for international retirement.

I thought you all might be interested in this upcoming real estate conference in San Jose, Costa Rica on February 10-12. This is a great venue for anyone interested in retiring overseas.
Log in to: www.AmericasRealEstateExpo.com for more info.

If anyone wants to retire to NZ, maybe I can help.
Narena
New Zealand Birds
http://nzbirds.com

Is there a reasonably "easy" way to get an Australian VISA to immigrate as a retiree? All that I am reading indicates their government is looking to restrict those of us who are retired from moving there because they are worried about limitations on fresh water for their population AND we won't give them enough taxes.

Of all the places in the world that I have worked in or traveled to, Australia is by far, my favorite.

Any comments on this would be greatly appreciated.

Please let us know what you'd like to see discussed related to overseas retirement. Examples - legal requirements, tax consequences, real estate rental or purchase, visa requirements, retiree benefits, where to retire, etc.

But I live, love and do a little "work" (in my T Shirt and shorts), here in gorgeous Costa Rica. I have a friend in Panama who recently moved there from Canada and I was originally from Britain (via the Caribbean and the US)...

But this place is really easy to be, warm and friendly as well as having almost all the comforts of "home". Happy to chat!

Thanks to rocketmittens for "guiding" me here :-)

I became interested in Panama while in Iraq for 13 months. I started researching and found a great site, International Living (internationalliving.com). They email free newsletters and, of course, you can purchase as much info as you desire and attend their "gatherings" to obtain even more info. They also cover several other countries. I found Panama to be the place where I would love to invest and eventually retire to.

They have a great retirement visa program geared to Americans (for a single....$500.00 income per month to qualify, for married, $600.00!). In fact, they are one of the few countries who truly still like Americans! They use our currency and speak our language. 2 people can live there in a wonderful home, with household help even, easily for $1000.00 per month! No earthquakes or hurricanes. Just tropical or mountainous living year round. It's a very diverse country.

If you are interested in retiring or investing in another country, I highly recommend checking out International Living as they are VERY knowledgeable and VERY helpful. I have gained tons of knowledge just from reading all they have to offer.

If anyone has been to or goes to Panama I would really appreciate a first hand report. I was hoping to go in Feb but things have changed so my dream of going there will have to wait for a while longer...unfortunately. Some day.......

I have heard great things about retiring in Panama. I am particularly interested in Red Frog Beach. The plan is to go in two years.

Many thanks.