Reviewing GlobalPost’s Affordable Places to Retire Abroad Part 1

Many publications, institutions, specialists and experts have formed opinions about where in the world we should all be retiring – basing their decisions on everything from affordability to healthcare standards, from safety and security to the standard of living and the way of life available in various nations overseas. 

However, the final decision will always be a personal one, so one should only ever review these opinions with that fact in mind – and rather than opting for Outer Mongolia because allegedly some think tank or other says you can achieve a harmonious balance in your life if you live there, you should read everything from the point of view that it is just valuable research, rather than dictatorial fact.

The latest opinion about where in the world may suit you in retirement has been brought to the fore by GlobalPost, which has focused on budget and affordable destinations specifically.  So, if you’re seeking the right country for you, we’re going to be reviewing GlobalPost’s affordable places to retire, but pointing out the pros as well as the cons so you can use all of the information as you continue to do your research into which nation is right for you.  As there are 10 nations to review, we’re dividing this article into two sections for ease of review…

Costa Rica – Cheap Enough or Just Corrupt?

Costa Rica is listed by GlobalPost as being both relatively high on the UN’s Human Development Index Scale and relatively affordable according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Cost of Living Index.  The fact that it is a stunningly beautiful country with a wonderful tropical climate and it’s improving in terms of its stability and transparency means it does rate a mention – but it is also a country that has been corrupted on many levels.  What you see, hear, sign up for and are told is the truth may not necessarily be so – as demonstrated by a comment left on Reuters’ website when they featured GlobalPost’s original article.  “If one is to consider retirement DO NOT buy property in Costa Rica.  The government is so corrupted by foreign NGO money, mainly from eco organizations that have no interest in the welfare of the country, but only their agendas.  Land is subject to the whims of the government and can be either expropriated without fair compensation or rendered useless by ridiculous restrictions.  In addition anyone can file a recourse against your property to usurp your rights to reasonable utilization.  This starts an open-ended long delay to access to your property.  This occurs regardless of legal processes including free and clear title.

“Unfortunately I speak from experience having bought beachfront property eight years ago with no likelihood that either I or the numerous others like myself will ever be able to use their retirement properties.  This occurred in spite of obtaining all permits, strictly adhering to ecological protection laws and common sense rules.”  This opinion does not necessarily reflect those of the Shelter Offshore staff!

Ecuador – Paradise on Earth or a Step too Far Off the Beaten Track?

The cost of living in this fascinating country is very definitely cheap – yet, the pay off is perhaps the standard of living.  Some retirees may be looking for a Western standard of living (malls, hospitals, sophistication) but at bargain basement prices.  And whilst you can buy or rent a fabulous home for a fraction of what it would cost you in many of the more ‘common’ retirement destinations, you won’t necessarily find the sophisticated way of life you’re after in Ecuador.  The compromise can be well worth it for the adventurers among us…but for others, the cheap cost of living is not enough to make it a country they could ever call home.

Thailand – Totally Terrific - But Don’t Scratch The Surface?

Thailand is indeed an affordable nation – everything from healthcare to the luxuries in life are very affordable even if you relocate there with a weakened pound in your pocket.  The nation seems to achieve a decent enough balance between the cost of living and the Human Development Index findings – but if you scratch a little below the surface you will come across injustice and inequality that could leave you reeling.  This is not a side that any of the tourism or retirement brochures, sites and promoters will want you to be aware of, but from the sex trade to the abject poverty some people survive in, you need to be aware that Thailand is not as beautiful as it appears at first glance.

Mexico – Magical Landscape, Magnificent Climate – Much Crime?

We Brits tend to have a very different opinion of Mexico than our American cousins.  Americans understand that Mexico can offer a really high standard of what is usually termed ‘Western’ living, the cost of living is relatively affordable, (though less for us Brits with the pound wallowing against the dollar), and you can ‘buy’ and afford everything from amazing homes in fabulous locations, to very high standards of medical care for example.  But to us Brits, it’s still a country associated on some subconscious level with bandits!  Mexico is therefore definitely worthy of your revaluation – it could well surprise you – in a good way!  There are far fewer bandits these days, and crime levels are potentially tolerable if you remain well on the beaten track!

Uruguay – Cultural Heaven or Bureaucratic Hell?

Uruguay is a very mixed nation – expats’ opinions of it are so divided.  On the one hand you have those who embrace the relatively laid back way of life and the fact that nothing ever really changes.  They love the culture, the beauty and the old world charms of the capital city for example.  And perhaps you have to be of a certain mindset to survive in this fascinating and affordable country that is also a bureaucratic hell to live in.  Taxes are high, services and utilities are poor – yet no one seems bothered enough to want to change anything.  So, if you can absolutely accept the very laid back pace of life and there is just something about Uruguay that you love, don’t question it, go with it.  If on the other hand a first glimpse, a little look or a short holiday has you tearing your hair out with frustration as you observe the poverty and the indifference to it for example, Uruguay’s cheap cost of living will not be enough for you to call it home!

Next time we’ll be zipping our way through South Africa, Panama, Malaysia, Argentina and Bulgaria for all those who’re seeking facts and information about potential retirement destinations.