Retiring to a third world county? (crime, transfer, neighborhoods)

[pigeonhole]

Does someone here know where real estate (longterm rentals) are cheaper?
Mexico (Lake Chapala region for instance) or Costa Rica 's interior?
(the seaside in CR is probably way more expensive)
Thanks for a clue (????)

[ana2012]

I know of many Americans and Canadians (and also Europeans) living in Mexico (Lake Chapala, San Miguel to name a few) on a budget - and happy as ever! You can find nice rentals from U$400/month (studio/1 bedroom) to U$1000 (2-3 bedrooms) which include weekly maid and gardener.

[ako]

Here in Taiwan there are lots of these people you talk about. They're mostly down south in Taichung which is smaller than Taipei but also much more relaxed. Every time I go down there I see foreigners (not sure what to call them) on the streets jogging, rollerblading or just sitting around with a cup of coffee in their hands reading newspapers.

Taiwan isn't a third world country, but things are a LOT cheaper here.

[Teak]

Originally Posted by ana2012

I know of many Americans and Canadians (and also Europeans) living in Mexico (Lake Chapala, San Miguel to name a few) on a budget - and happy as ever! You can find nice rentals from U$400/month (studio/1 bedroom) to U$1000 (2-3 bedrooms) which include weekly maid and gardener.

US$1000 per month rental is considered cheap??!! I think that the OP was asking about places for a total cost of US$500 per month, or less. Mexico probably has too many American retirees in the nice locations be cheap anymore.

[rarch]

Originally Posted by mikec34

I agree. YOu REALLY have to stay for a month or more to get at least a general idea if you actually want to buy property and/or live there. Staying in a 5 star hotel does not count as living there either. YOu have to try and do normal things: buy groceries, do transportation, eat at the 'normal' restaraunts. Unless, of course, you are so filthy rich you can eat ham and eggs every morning in Manila.

no foreigners are allowed to buy land or property in philipines or thailand. thats why those places are short term only for foreign visits other wise they would be overrun by greedy millionaires and ruined in no time.

[crisanto24]

Originally Posted by rarch

no foreigners are allowed to buy land or property in philipines or thailand.

In the Philippines, you can.. as long as you can provide a little bribe for the government agency that will handle the transaction for legitimacy issues and titles, you'll get a property in no time..

that's how it goes in a third world country.. bribes and the guts to initiate it..

[Teak]

Foreigners can buy property outright in Malaysia in their own names, and no bribes are required.

[FlyingDutch]

I have been reading an online magazine, which talks about people leaving the US, UK and other western countries to retire in third world countries.

Just stay at home and wait a few years and you can have your third world country experience at home! ( for all N-Americans and Western Europeans in relation to the economic depression that's going on)

Little crude joke.

Seriously, i heard that many Americans go to Costa Rica these days.
Many Western Europeans,especially Dutcha nd Germans find places in Turkey. Not really third world, but ....the Turkihs Southcoast is populair and many houses where built and bought for these nationalities and many retirees. For livingconditions, i am affraid it's not that good.
Mexico is often attacked for it's living conditions, but the healthcare in Mexico for example is pretty good, the same can be said about Thaiiland, wich has a far above average healthcare for a country in that stage of development.

[Philfun]

Originally Posted by Tiger Beer

philfun,

"Says Dumaguete...are you actually in Valencia? Quite a few foreigner end up in Valencia...and I've heard it is quite nice. I went to Dumaguete once myself, I like the waterfront, just wish there was a nice air-conditioned mall in that town (similar to most other cities in the Phils!)

"

No, I actually live in Dumaguete, on the beach in Bantayan area.
There is a Robinsons mall currently being built and scheduled to open in October. Also an SM mall is rumoured for 2011.

[rarch]

mexico is the best third world place for retirement by a mile