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Miscellaneous See other Miscellaneous Articles Title: 8 Great Places to Retire You've Never Heard Of (outside of the US) Worries about the stock market are leading some Americans to look outside U.S. borders for inexpensive places to retire. In many cases, retiring abroad offers the added draw of warmer weather, a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life. Whether it's South America, Europe or Southeast Asia, a number of destinations offer Americans the ability to stretch their dollars and still live the dolce vita. Calitri, Italy • Population: 5,685 The Draw: This town in southern Italy offers scenic vistas and low-cost real estate, and it's close to the Amalfi Coast. Tip: As a retiree with a residency visa, you may be able to gain access to the country's national health-care system. But many expatriates prefer to buy their own health insurance because private hospitals tend to be more upscale than their state-run counterparts. Chiang Mai, Thailand • Population: 1.6 million in the province; 250,000 in the city. The Draw: Far from the civil unrest in Bangkok, this city in northern Thailand offers cooler temperatures and a calmer environment. Renowned as a medical-tourism destination, it is home to an ample supply of private hospitals, state-run clinics and full-service pharmacies that provide high-quality health care at bargain prices. Tip: As an outsider, you cannot own land in Thailand without a local partner -- but you can buy a condo or an apartment. Coronado, Panama • Population: While Panama's population is about 3 million, one estimate puts Coronado's population at about 2,500. The Draw: Just over an hour's drive from Panama City, this beachfront town hosts gated retirement communities, a low cost of living and inexpensive medical care. Tip: As a U.S. retiree, you may be able to participate in Panama's generous pensionado program, which offers discounts on airline tickets, doctor bills, hotel stays, movie tickets and cultural events. Cuenca, Ecuador • Population: 467,000 (618,000 metro area) The Draw: Ecuador's third-largest city offers low-cost living, inexpensive real estate and affordable health care. And as a foreign retiree, you can get special benefits, such as discounts on utilities, public transportation and cultural events. Tip: The U.S. dollar is the country's currency. Istria, Croatia • Population: 206,000 The Draw: Expats say Istria is like Tuscany, only cheaper and less touristy. The mountainous region -- which, in fact, used to be part of Italy -- is across the Adriatic Sea from its former ruler. Istria has low-cost real estate and mild weather. As an expat, you may want to opt for private health insurance through a global carrier such as Bupa International (www.bupa-intl.com). Tip: Doctor visits are much less expensive than they are in the U.S., running as little as $50. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • Population: 1.4 million The Draw: This buzzing spot in southeast Asia just north of the equator offers inexpensive living for big-city types. If you meet the financial requirements (which means depositing roughly $150,000 in a Malaysian bank account), you can participate in "Malaysia My Second Home" (www.mm2h.gov.my), a program that includes a variety of tax incentives as well as property-buying and business opportunities. Tip: English, the second language, is widely spoken here. Punta del Este, Uruguay • Population: About 7,000 permanent residents. The Draw: You'll find inexpensive living, natural beauty and affordable homes near the beach in an area known as the Riviera of South America. Low-cost health care is a plus. Tip: As an expat, you can buy private hospital insurance, which covers you at specific medical facilities, for about $50 a month. Buenos Aires, Argentina • Population: 3 million The Draw: Okay, you've heard of this one, but if you retire to the capital of Argentina, you'll enjoy low property prices in a South American city with a European flair, a slow pace of life and a reliable health-care system. Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken widely. Tip: Doctors, dentists and other medical-care providers generally expect you to pay cash upfront.
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#1. To: F.A. Hayek Fan (#0)
Looks pretty good. George Bush bought 100,000 acres in Paraguay.
U.S. Constitution - Article IV, Section 4: NO BORDERS + NO LAWS = NO COUNTRY
FYI
Thanks, Chrissy. I saw this earlier just before I ran out. Cuenca is overall a nice big town -- not really a "city" by my standards since I don't think any "downtown Cuenca" can be pinpointed. Unfortunately, I hear crime is getting worse there. It's only 3 hours by bus from Guayaquil and a lot of riffraff from that city, where the worst crime in Ecuador can be found, has discovered it's easier pickings by hoping a bus to Cuenca for a weekend. So I may actually be in the best place in all of Ecuador right now in the suburbs of Quito.
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