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Researching different Countries to retire in?
Looking to retire in the short term future. What countries have the best cost of living vs qualify of life. Seriously considering the Philippines.
Philippines is about 1/5th t of the cost of living in the U.S. The weather is similar to Hawaii. You can retire with one or two maids, and a driver. The cost of a maid is approximately $40 monthly and the cost of a driver is about $60 monthly. Not only does the maid take care of the residence, but she will also navigate the weekly market shopping needs for the best and lowest purchase price for you. Having this kind of value added to one's life for this small monthly amount of money is unheard of in the western world.
Open to suggestions - What country would you like to retire in? Why?
Open to suggestions - What country would you like to retire in? Why?
The one I did retire in. It has the most amenities, the people speak my languaqge. It's the land of my birth and most of my life. It's the land I served and fought for. It's where my friends, children and grandchildren live. I've lived in three other countries and while the stays were, for the most part, enjoyable, it was always nice to come home.
My observation is that men retire to the Philippines for sex reasons. Not to have two maids and a driver help them in an English-speaking country. Let's be honest about this. Though foreign countries interest me and I've thought about moving abroad at retirement, the closer I get to that date the better the USA looks to me.
Looking to retire in the short term future. What countries have the best cost of living vs qualify of life. Seriously considering the Philippines.
Philippines is about 1/5th t of the cost of living in the U.S. The weather is similar to Hawaii. You can retire with one or two maids, and a driver. The cost of a maid is approximately $40 monthly and the cost of a driver is about $60 monthly. Not only does the maid take care of the residence, but she will also navigate the weekly market shopping needs for the best and lowest purchase price for you. Having this kind of value added to one's life for this small monthly amount of money is unheard of in the western world.
Open to suggestions - What country would you like to retire in? Why?
I'd like to retire in America.
There's a book that was written in the early sixties called the "Ugly American". It recounts difficulties that the USA had during the Cold War seeking to secure the support of populations of Third World Countries because of the image we portrayed abroad. That image was one of greed, exploitation, and genuine lack of empathy or concern for the vast majority of people in this world that do not have anywhere near the standard of living that we do.
Perhaps, some people are willing to abandon their native country because it doesn't offer them the sort of "soft life" with a chauffeur and servants that they feel entitled too. Leaving this country to pursue this type of lifestyle does not exemplify what is best about America for certain.
Living in America isn't easy for everyone. Unlike many Third World countries we impose burdens on our citizens in the form of taxes and responsibilities in the form of laws and regulations. Those are what define the difference between a First World country like the USA and a Third World country like the Philippines. However, we are able to give the vast majority of our people as a result makes it more than worthwhile.
We don't make any person stay in this country. There is no "Berlin Wall" here. If you want to leave, than leave. We wouldn't want you to miss out on that $40 a month maid service or that $60 a month chauffeur. After all, that's all that's important isn't it?
We don't make any person stay in this country. There is no "Berlin Wall" here. If you want to leave, than leave. We wouldn't want you to miss out on that $40 a month maid service or that $60 a month chauffeur. After all, that's all that's important isn't it?
Ya forgot Gomex's astute observation regarding the compelling reason to retire in the Philipines. He must have a singular circle of male friends much different from mine. Or perhaps that why he likes to go [to] Mexico!
I've looked at SW France, Uruguay, Argentina and Spain, less so at Italy.
France is still No.1 for me, because of amenities I will need as I age. For example, I want a country where I can have my SS direct deposited which leaves out many places. Also I hate tropical climates and bugs.
There are many factors to consider, as you may know. Search for expat boards for the country that interests you, and you will learn much more than here on City-Data which is US oriented.
Last edited by Windwalker2; 01-02-2012 at 12:26 PM..
Reason: quote messed up
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia are all in my top 10 (I need healthcare availability... which at this time leaves out the USA) 32 yrs of service to an ex-great USA company... axed 6wks before retirement eligibility. Remaining 50 yrs of life w/o healthcare will be a challenge.
Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia are all in my top 10 (I need healthcare availability... which at this time leaves out the USA) 32 yrs of service to an ex-great USA company... axed 6wks before retirement eligibility. Remaining 50 yrs of life w/o healthcare will be a challenge.
How do you arrive at 50 years of life without healthcare ... when you are 65 you will be eligible for Medicare and whatever secondary coverage you choose Medigap or Medicare Advantage.
Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia are all in my top 10 (I need healthcare availability... which at this time leaves out the USA) 32 yrs of service to an ex-great USA company... axed 6wks before retirement eligibility. Remaining 50 yrs of life w/o healthcare will be a challenge.
Won't you have Medicare at 65?
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