Retire Overseas – Tips for a safe expatriate life
Retire Overseas - Relaxing on remote beach
When thinking about the option to retire overseas, many Americans are apprehensive about the prospect. They worry that traveling in general with the current political situation as it stands might make their plans difficult or challenging. It is infrequent, however, that an American living or retiring abroad has a dangerous encounter with local people or the government. Being aware of your surroundings is an important step toward safety. Other practical advice can help ease your mind and make your retirement comfortable. Here are some tips and tricks to help:
- Stay away from places with high crime rates. If you have neighbors, ask them about areas that you should avoid, and they will be glad to help you. The locals are also a good source of information. A lot of us can sense when we’re approaching a violent area. Don’t make yourself a target – be sure you are dressed conservatively. No flashy or expensive jewelry should be visible when you’re out in public areas. If necessary, a cheap plastic watch is sufficient.
- Refrain from flashing lots of cash when you are out and about in the community. Keep minimal cash on you at all times. Make use of a specialized billfold made especially for traveling. These are skinnier than regular ones, and you can wear them beneath your clothes. This means no bulky waist carriers and no handbags. Those items just beg the crooks and others who pick people’s pockets. Skilled crooks live everywhere you can think of all across the globe. I was once told a story about how these thieves managed to clear out a whole bus full of visitors without them even knowing what had happened! For God’s sake, watch what you are doing!
- Confirm things with the State Department and the CDC regarding possible safety concerns or bulletins on health issues health advisories in the district that you plan to retire abroad in. However, as usual, there are some things you can do to protect yourself. You should also stay away from performing any behavior that would be risky. Refrain from remaining out in town late at night, particularly if you are by yourself. You should always go places with a friend or with some other twosome. Above all, don’t drink too much and go crazy. Stunts like that will only become your worst bad dream if you aren’t cautious. Another thing important is to remember to only to ride in secure public transportation or with known, trusted drivers.
- When you retire outside the United States, make sure you’re ready for any emergency. Find out ahead of time where the nearest hospital is located and what numbers to call for tricky situations. You’ll have to check with your insurance provider to see if you’re covered overseas. You might have to add a rider that allows you to be evacuated back to the US if that’s necessary. See your doctor and dentist before you leave for your new home so that you don’t have to find those medical professionals as soon as you arrive, and in that way your early days of retirement will be stress free.
- If you want to live abroad and want to blend in without looking like a tourist, you will have to learn how to get around the city on your own. You should always keep a local cell phone or an international cell phone on you because you never know when you will need it. Soon you will be dressing and blending in with the locals and will be able to spot a tourist in a heartbeat.
At the age of 65, rather than working in the US, commuting for 2 hours a day, I would like to be retired in overseas to a country with less crime than the US. This is certainly something many Americans can achieve if they put their minds to it. It is up to you whether you work longer to compensate for a poor economy.
Did you think you had your retirement all paid for, with a good sum of money stashed away only to have it cut in half by an economic downturn? Okay, here is a solution. Think about how to retire early outside the United States, perhaps in Mexico, Ecuador, or Panama, where you can find many, many citizens from the United States and Canada living out their retirement years in comfort.
With Mexico located right next to the United States, you can still visit often. And, guess what? Your U.S. citizenship will not have to be relinquished. Personally, I say start working toward your retirement goals today. You may be able to achieve your dream of an expatriate life sooner than you think.
Why consider retiring overseas? Well, let’s look at one example. You can live very well on less than $2000 a month (and in many cases you can live comfortably on $1000 a month) in many Central American and South American countries. You might never have to do housework again because on that budget (in some countries) you can also hire a maid and a cook are included