Comments on: Top budget retirement destinations abroad

By: bangkoktimes

bangkoktimes — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 05:04:27 +0000

Nice blog. I'm surprised Panama isn't mentioned with it's long list of pension incentives. How to make the most of your pension abroad. For more infomation on banking in Thailand. Also for UK expats who wish to avoid paying UK tax on their existing pensions and qrops specialist advice, see this blog on qrops pension transfer

By: mastershakejb

mastershakejb — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:47:57 +0000

Costa Rica and Mexico are too dangerous. Thailand has got that red shirt revolution still goin on. Uruguay’s the best choice. They also should have mentioned Chile.

By: cldickerson

cldickerson — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:40:30 +0000

I’ve been visiting potential retirement locations for a number of years. Even creating a list of possibilities is a real job. That’s why I created my own “Expatriate Index” to help with narrowing down choices. It’s completely free! Take a look at http://www.nationalcyberservices.com/exp at.html and let me know what you think.

By: Cocomo1

Cocomo1 — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:45:58 +0000

We wonder how long the “Mexico, Central & So. America Promote” can keep on going ? If you are tired of considering these Spanish-speaking countries for whatever reasons, take a fresh approach and consider the Kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific !

Residency requires only US$5,000. “assured income” ANNUALLY (not like many Caribbean countries) and a positive Police report; citizenship is available after 5 years of residency !

This Kingdom’s official languages are Tongan & English, as with other So. Pacific island nations and if you need a “city fix” just travel to New Zealand, Australia or Fiji where English is obviously spoken.

Retire affordably now/later, have a 2nd home or “Escape” location at our private island village in the Vava’u Group of islands, in the Paradise of Tonga !
http://www.TongaIslandProperties.com

By: GringoJeff

GringoJeff — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:48:23 +0000

Hello PWBW:
I am sorry to hear about your problems, and I assume they are in the Playa Grande region of Guanacaste in the northwestern section of Costa Rica. I have lived in Costa Rica now for 16 years, and worked in real estate in Guanacase for 2 years, but 11 years total now.
I have always warned people against purchasing land that is not 100% titled, that is found in the “Concession Zones” of Costa Rica, and thats over 90% of the country. Although your land was titled, it is located in a highly controversial area as to whether it is a National Park Baulas, and a Turtle Reserve. Costa Rica does not expropriate land indiscriminately, but it attempted to do that in this region. It’s a terrible situation, as I have friends that purchased there and they have been fighting for 8 years. The government doesnt have the money to pay the correct price of the land, nor does any of this help to protect the Leatherback turtle whose main problems are from the fisherman killing them, not the residents in that area who are mostly of the “Environmental” persuasion. It still is not resolved, and I’m sorry for you, and embarrassed by the government action. Its one of the reasons I moved.
However I sell real estate in the Central Pacific,from one hour north of Jaco to Manuel Antonio to the South. Jaco and one half of Hermosa Beach are 100% titled, fee simple, and there are absolutely no problems of ownership for a foreigner in Costa Rica. With the new highway that just opened last week, our area is primed for new growth, and for homes, condos, lots, developments where one’s purchase is 100% safe. If you care to know more, email me jeff@crbeach.com,or check out http://www.crbeach.com
thanks. Jeff

By: pwbw

pwbw — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:03:37 +0000

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 occured in spite of obtaining all permits, strictly adhering to ecological protection laws and common sense rules.