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Living Abroad After You Retire

from: Kyle Besser

Once you have reached your senior years and you know that you want to retire while your are young enough to enjoy life, why not retire abroad? Currently, 4 million Americans, including military and embassy personnel, are estimated to be living abroad. These 50-something citizens look at living outside the US as one of their retirement options.

Here are some tips on how you can make the most out of your senior years by retiring abroad:

Plan ahead and research.

Do your homework and learn everything about the locations available for retiring abroad. Better yet, spend a week or two in the country where you are considering for retiring abroad so that you will get to have a feel of the place. See whether or not you will like the climate for one thing. If you have lived your life where there are four seasons, it could be a big adjustment to live in a more tropical climate and the humidity that comes with it.

Choose a country with a lower cost of living.

Living abroad is not always cheaper. Take Mexico, for example, where more than 600,000 Americans reside. Retirees in Mexico are offered residency permits which they can renew annually if they earn about $1,500 per month. Retirees can also import household goods and other personal items duty free. Those with a monthly income of $2,000 are eligible for permanent residency status. For those who have their own homes, the income requirement is halved.

Belize offers a similar deal for 40-something citizens who earn more than $1,000 in pension. You will see other opportunities advertised, but do your research and learn about all the details before investing any money.

Another factor to make a note of before retiring abroad is that when the value of the dollar slides, so does your spending power. Also look into the not-so-minor details like health care and social activities.

Consider your health when choosing a location.

Your goal is to enjoy life so the main factor to consider is climate. Try to learn about the seasons in the country where you plan to reside and see if your health can bear them. A senior who is not so healthy, for example, would not feel too comfortable on a tropical island where the climate changes drastically.

Also take note of the health care facilities available in the area you are thinking about. In the US health care is readily available in most areas, but if you are planning to move to a developing area, health care may not be as readily available.

Think of the lifestyle that you really want.

Several countries besides Mexico and Belize have become popular retirement destinations. For Americans who prefer more exotic retirement destinations, Panama, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland or Spain are popular choices.

No matter where you decide to spend your retirement years, make sure that you have planned ahead and you know everything about the country that you have chosen for retiring abroad.

Once all the details are completed you will be able to relax and enjoy the tropical country or exotic retirement destination of your choice for retiring abroad.

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