Where I would retire today on $1000 month overseas?!

People ask me constantly whether $1,000 People ask me constantly whether $1,000 a month is a real number or YouTube a month is a real number or YouTube a month is a real number or YouTube You know, the kind I mean, the You know, the kind I mean, the You know, the kind I mean, the number that shows up in a thumbnail and number that shows up in a thumbnail and number that shows up in a thumbnail and quietly falls apart the second you read quietly falls apart the second you read quietly falls apart the second you read the fine print or land and the tropics. the fine print or land and the tropics. the fine print or land and the tropics. So, today I've done the actual work for So, today I've done the actual work for So, today I've done the actual work for 2026. Five countries ranked where $1,000 2026. Five countries ranked where $1,000 2026. Five countries ranked where $1,000 a month is not a fantasy. It is a a month is not a fantasy. It is a a month is not a fantasy. It is a documented visa eligible real life documented visa eligible real life documented visa eligible real life number backed by the actual retirement number backed by the actual retirement number backed by the actual retirement visa thresholds these governments visa thresholds these governments visa thresholds these governments publish as well as data from Numo, not publish as well as data from Numo, not publish as well as data from Numo, not Vibes. I want to set the rule before we Vibes. I want to set the rule before we Vibes. I want to set the rule before we start because the rule is what makes start because the rule is what makes start because the rule is what makes this list honest instead of clickbait. this list honest instead of clickbait. this list honest instead of clickbait. For a country to make this list, it For a country to make this list, it For a country to make this list, it needs two things. One, a real retirement needs two things. One, a real retirement needs two things. One, a real retirement visa with a real published income floor visa with a real published income floor visa with a real published income floor at or near $1,000 a month. Two, that at or near $1,000 a month. Two, that at or near $1,000 a month. Two, that floor has to be low enough that the floor has to be low enough that the floor has to be low enough that the average social security check, [snorts] average social security check, [snorts] average social security check, [snorts] which in 2026 is about $2,71, which in 2026 is about $2,71, which in 2026 is about $2,71, comfortably clears it with room left comfortably clears it with room left comfortably clears it with room left over for the rest of your life. If a over for the rest of your life. If a over for the rest of your life. If a country only works on paper for someone country only works on paper for someone country only works on paper for someone with a much bigger income, it does not with a much bigger income, it does not with a much bigger income, it does not make the list, no matter how pretty the make the list, no matter how pretty the make the list, no matter how pretty the postcard is. And I want to name that postcard is. And I want to name that postcard is. And I want to name that trap up front because the trap almost trap up front because the trap almost trap up front because the trap almost every other version of this video falls every other version of this video falls every other version of this video falls into. Somebody sees retire on $1,000 a into. Somebody sees retire on $1,000 a into. Somebody sees retire on $1,000 a month, click, click, click, and assumes month, click, click, click, and assumes month, click, click, click, and assumes that means survival mode, instant that means survival mode, instant that means survival mode, instant noodles, a room with no air noodles, a room with no air noodles, a room with no air conditioning, sweating bullets like conditioning, sweating bullets like conditioning, sweating bullets like you're apocalypse now, counting at coins you're apocalypse now, counting at coins you're apocalypse now, counting at coins on the bus. No, that is not what we're on the bus. No, that is not what we're on the bus. No, that is not what we're talking about here. Every country on talking about here. Every country on talking about here. Every country on this list done properly gives you a real this list done properly gives you a real this list done properly gives you a real apartment, real healthcare, real food, apartment, real healthcare, real food, apartment, real healthcare, real food, and a real social life. Cheap does not and a real social life. Cheap does not and a real social life. Cheap does not have to mean deprived. It just means have to mean deprived. It just means have to mean deprived. It just means better value. It means the arithmetic is better value. It means the arithmetic is better value. It means the arithmetic is different, not that the life is worth.

different, not that the life is worth. different, not that the life is worth. I've said this before. I will keep I've said this before. I will keep I've said this before. I will keep saying it until it actually sinks in saying it until it actually sinks in saying it until it actually sinks in because the single most important because the single most important because the single most important reframe in this entire reframe in this entire reframe in this entire in the entire retire abroad game. A in the entire retire abroad game. A in the entire retire abroad game. A cheap country isn't a downgrade you cheap country isn't a downgrade you cheap country isn't a downgrade you tolerate. Frequently, it is an upgrade tolerate. Frequently, it is an upgrade tolerate. Frequently, it is an upgrade that happens to cost a fraction of what that happens to cost a fraction of what that happens to cost a fraction of what you're used to paying back home. One you're used to paying back home. One you're used to paying back home. One more thing before the countdown starts. more thing before the countdown starts. more thing before the countdown starts. I'm going to give you the government I'm going to give you the government I'm going to give you the government published visa threshold for each published visa threshold for each published visa threshold for each country today and then I'm going to give country today and then I'm going to give country today and then I'm going to give you the actual comfortable monthly cost you the actual comfortable monthly cost you the actual comfortable monthly cost of living on top of that today because of living on top of that today because of living on top of that today because those are two different numbers and those are two different numbers and those are two different numbers and they're always changing and conflating they're always changing and conflating they're always changing and conflating them is exactly how people get burned. them is exactly how people get burned. them is exactly how people get burned. The visa threshold tells you whether you The visa threshold tells you whether you The visa threshold tells you whether you legally qualify. The cost of living legally qualify. The cost of living legally qualify. The cost of living number tells you whether you will number tells you whether you will number tells you whether you will actually be comfortable living once actually be comfortable living once actually be comfortable living once you're there. You need both numbers, not you're there. You need both numbers, not you're there. You need both numbers, not just the flattering one. Five countries, just the flattering one. Five countries, just the flattering one. Five countries, counting them down. Let's go right now. counting them down. Let's go right now. counting them down. Let's go right now. Number five, Nicaragua. Okay. It has the Number five, Nicaragua. Okay. It has the Number five, Nicaragua. Okay. It has the lowest published retirement income floor lowest published retirement income floor lowest published retirement income floor in the hemisphere, right around $600 a in the hemisphere, right around $600 a in the hemisphere, right around $600 a month, which is genuinely startling when month, which is genuinely startling when month, which is genuinely startling when you say it out loud. 600 bucks. Not a you say it out loud. 600 bucks. Not a you say it out loud. 600 bucks. Not a typo. It is an outlier. It is the actual typo. It is an outlier. It is the actual typo. It is an outlier. It is the actual pension auto threshold and it means pension auto threshold and it means pension auto threshold and it means almost any government pension or social almost any government pension or social almost any government pension or social security check clears it without security check clears it without security check clears it without breaking a sweat whether you're American breaking a sweat whether you're American breaking a sweat whether you're American or Canadian with CPP. Here's my honest or Canadian with CPP. Here's my honest or Canadian with CPP. Here's my honest problem with putting Nicaragua at five problem with putting Nicaragua at five problem with putting Nicaragua at five instead of higher. The low visa floor is instead of higher. The low visa floor is instead of higher. The low visa floor is real but it exists because the overall real but it exists because the overall real but it exists because the overall infrastructure, healthcare access, infrastructure, healthcare access, infrastructure, healthcare access, political stability, the on the ground political stability, the on the ground political stability, the on the ground expat support network is genuinely the expat support network is genuinely the expat support network is genuinely the thinnest of any one of the countries on

thinnest of any one of the countries on thinnest of any one of the countries on this list. A low number on a government this list. A low number on a government this list. A low number on a government website does not automatically mean a website does not automatically mean a website does not automatically mean a low stress life. once you're actually low stress life. once you're actually low stress life. once you're actually living there daytoday. I'm not telling living there daytoday. I'm not telling living there daytoday. I'm not telling you Nicaragua is unlivable. I'm telling you Nicaragua is unlivable. I'm telling you Nicaragua is unlivable. I'm telling you that the reason it is number five you that the reason it is number five you that the reason it is number five and not number one is that the cheapest and not number one is that the cheapest and not number one is that the cheapest floor and the easiest life are not floor and the easiest life are not floor and the easiest life are not always the same thing. And this list is always the same thing. And this list is always the same thing. And this list is ranking the whole package, my friend, ranking the whole package, my friend, ranking the whole package, my friend, not just the entry price of admission. not just the entry price of admission. not just the entry price of admission. So, if you're the kind of retiree who So, if you're the kind of retiree who So, if you're the kind of retiree who wants the rock bottom number and you're wants the rock bottom number and you're wants the rock bottom number and you're willing to do serious homework on the willing to do serious homework on the willing to do serious homework on the specific region and community you're specific region and community you're specific region and community you're moving to, Nicaragua definitely deserves moving to, Nicaragua definitely deserves moving to, Nicaragua definitely deserves a real second look. Just don't go in on a real second look. Just don't go in on a real second look. Just don't go in on the headline number alone. Practically the headline number alone. Practically the headline number alone. Practically speaking, that means real time in speaking, that means real time in speaking, that means real time in Grenada or San Juan delSur before you Grenada or San Juan delSur before you Grenada or San Juan delSur before you commit to anything permanent. Talking to commit to anything permanent. Talking to commit to anything permanent. Talking to expats who've actually been there expats who've actually been there expats who've actually been there through a full year, not just a dry through a full year, not just a dry through a full year, not just a dry season visit or a holiday. Building your season visit or a holiday. Building your season visit or a holiday. Building your own honest picture of the health care own honest picture of the health care own honest picture of the health care access in whatever specific town you're access in whatever specific town you're access in whatever specific town you're considering because it varies more from considering because it varies more from considering because it varies more from town to town here than almost anywhere town to town here than almost anywhere town to town here than almost anywhere else in this list. Right? $600 number is else in this list. Right? $600 number is else in this list. Right? $600 number is real. What you do with the rest of your real. What you do with the rest of your real. What you do with the rest of your due diligence is what determines whether due diligence is what determines whether due diligence is what determines whether that number buys you a good life or a that number buys you a good life or a that number buys you a good life or a stressful one. Number four, right next stressful one. Number four, right next stressful one. Number four, right next door to me, not Vietnam, Cambodia.

door to me, not Vietnam, Cambodia. door to me, not Vietnam, Cambodia. Cambodia runs its retirement visa Cambodia runs its retirement visa Cambodia runs its retirement visa completely different than anywhere in completely different than anywhere in completely different than anywhere in Southeast Asia. instead of an income Southeast Asia. instead of an income Southeast Asia. instead of an income threshold is a renewable ER visa threshold is a renewable ER visa threshold is a renewable ER visa available to anyone 55 and older and the available to anyone 55 and older and the available to anyone 55 and older and the ongoing cost is closer to $300 a year ongoing cost is closer to $300 a year ongoing cost is closer to $300 a year for the visa itself with a comfortable for the visa itself with a comfortable for the visa itself with a comfortable monthly life running well under $1,000 monthly life running well under $1,000 monthly life running well under $1,000 in cities like Sam Reap or parts of Non in cities like Sam Reap or parts of Non in cities like Sam Reap or parts of Non Pen where I was recently on pure Pen where I was recently on pure Pen where I was recently on pure affordability this might be the cheapest affordability this might be the cheapest affordability this might be the cheapest functioning setup on the entire list and functioning setup on the entire list and functioning setup on the entire list and here's the honest friction because I here's the honest friction because I here's the honest friction because I don't want to sell you a fantasy don't want to sell you a fantasy don't want to sell you a fantasy Cambodia's enforcement around the ER Cambodia's enforcement around the ER Cambodia's enforcement around the ER visa has been tightening and the rules visa has been tightening and the rules visa has been tightening and the rules that were loosely applied a few years that were loosely applied a few years that were loosely applied a few years ago are being checked more carefully ago are being checked more carefully ago are being checked more carefully now. That's what I hear. That does not now. That's what I hear. That does not now. That's what I hear. That does not mean the visa is disappearing. It means mean the visa is disappearing. It means mean the visa is disappearing. It means the era of nobody really checks is the era of nobody really checks is the era of nobody really checks is likely ending soon. And you need to go likely ending soon. And you need to go likely ending soon. And you need to go in with your paperwork and genuinely in in with your paperwork and genuinely in in with your paperwork and genuinely in order, not just a plan to wing it the order, not just a plan to wing it the order, not just a plan to wing it the way some old expat forum guy told you way some old expat forum guy told you way some old expat forum guy told you that you could on Facebook. Cheap and that you could on Facebook. Cheap and that you could on Facebook. Cheap and easy are not permanently the same thing easy are not permanently the same thing easy are not permanently the same thing in this part of the world. And Cambodia in this part of the world. And Cambodia in this part of the world. And Cambodia is the clearest live example of that is the clearest live example of that is the clearest live example of that shift happening in real time. I want to shift happening in real time. I want to shift happening in real time. I want to be specific about what well under $1,000 be specific about what well under $1,000 be specific about what well under $1,000 a month actually looks like there are a month actually looks like there are a month actually looks like there are here because the number only means here because the number only means here because the number only means something with details attached something with details attached something with details attached comfortable one-bedroom in sim a scooter comfortable one-bedroom in sim a scooter comfortable one-bedroom in sim a scooter groceries from the local market the groceries from the local market the groceries from the local market the occasional restaurant meal basic health occasional restaurant meal basic health occasional restaurant meal basic health insurance like the one I use from safety insurance like the one I use from safety insurance like the one I use from safety wing all in you're frequently looking at wing all in you're frequently looking at wing all in you're frequently looking at somewhere between $500 and $750 a month somewhere between $500 and $750 a month somewhere between $500 and $750 a month for a genuinely pleasant life it's not a for a genuinely pleasant life it's not a for a genuinely pleasant life it's not a stripped down number that includes going

stripped down number that includes going stripped down number that includes going out having beers having lunches, cafe. out having beers having lunches, cafe. out having beers having lunches, cafe. It includes a decent apartment. It is It includes a decent apartment. It is It includes a decent apartment. It is simply what the cost structure allows in simply what the cost structure allows in simply what the cost structure allows in Southeast Asia. Number three, Colombia. Southeast Asia. Number three, Colombia. Southeast Asia. Number three, Colombia. Colombia's pension auto visa threshold Colombia's pension auto visa threshold Colombia's pension auto visa threshold sits close to the minimum wage linked sits close to the minimum wage linked sits close to the minimum wage linked floor and social security income floor and social security income floor and social security income qualifies cleanly. But the real reason qualifies cleanly. But the real reason qualifies cleanly. But the real reason Colombia lands at number three instead Colombia lands at number three instead Colombia lands at number three instead of lower is the lifestyle math once of lower is the lifestyle math once of lower is the lifestyle math once you're actually there. Medí specifically you're actually there. Medí specifically you're actually there. Medí specifically gives you a genuine spring-like climate gives you a genuine spring-like climate gives you a genuine spring-like climate year round, modern private healthcare at year round, modern private healthcare at year round, modern private healthcare at a fraction of western pricing, and a a fraction of western pricing, and a a fraction of western pricing, and a couple can live comfortably somewhere in couple can live comfortably somewhere in couple can live comfortably somewhere in the $1,800 to $2,500 a month range for a the $1,800 to $2,500 a month range for a the $1,800 to $2,500 a month range for a genuinely good life, not any barebones genuinely good life, not any barebones genuinely good life, not any barebones scraping by. The honest trade-off here scraping by. The honest trade-off here scraping by. The honest trade-off here is language and adjustment. Colombia is language and adjustment. Colombia is language and adjustment. Colombia rewards a little Spanish and a rewards a little Spanish and a rewards a little Spanish and a willingness to live more locally than willingness to live more locally than willingness to live more locally than say a heavily English-speaking retiree say a heavily English-speaking retiree say a heavily English-speaking retiree bubble in somewhere like Thailand. If bubble in somewhere like Thailand. If bubble in somewhere like Thailand. If you're willing to make that small you're willing to make that small you're willing to make that small effort, the payoff is one of the best effort, the payoff is one of the best effort, the payoff is one of the best cost to quality of life ratios on this cost to quality of life ratios on this cost to quality of life ratios on this entire list. If you're not willing to entire list. If you're not willing to entire list. If you're not willing to make that effort, you'll find the make that effort, you'll find the make that effort, you'll find the adjustment period rougher than the adjustment period rougher than the adjustment period rougher than the marketing suggests. And I'd rather tell marketing suggests. And I'd rather tell marketing suggests. And I'd rather tell you that now than have you discover it you that now than have you discover it you that now than have you discover it after you've signed a lease. Medí after you've signed a lease. Medí after you've signed a lease. Medí specifically deserves its reputation.

specifically deserves its reputation. specifically deserves its reputation. And I say that is someone who is And I say that is someone who is And I say that is someone who is genuinely suspicious of overhyped genuinely suspicious of overhyped genuinely suspicious of overhyped places. Elato Lorles both give you places. Elato Lorles both give you places. Elato Lorles both give you walkable neighborhoods, a genuinely walkable neighborhoods, a genuinely walkable neighborhoods, a genuinely strong health care system with private strong health care system with private strong health care system with private clinics that would not embarrass a clinics that would not embarrass a clinics that would not embarrass a midsized American city. And the midsized American city. And the midsized American city. And the spring-like climate means that you're spring-like climate means that you're spring-like climate means that you're not fighting either brutal heat or not fighting either brutal heat or not fighting either brutal heat or brutal cold at any point in the year. brutal cold at any point in the year. brutal cold at any point in the year. For a couple willing to learn even For a couple willing to learn even For a couple willing to learn even conversational espanol no manes. This is conversational espanol no manes. This is conversational espanol no manes. This is one of the best quality of life per one of the best quality of life per one of the best quality of life per dollar arrangements anywhere on earth dollar arrangements anywhere on earth dollar arrangements anywhere on earth not just on this list. Next up number not just on this list. Next up number not just on this list. Next up number two one of my buddies from here is there two one of my buddies from here is there two one of my buddies from here is there in Ecuador. I want to be precise here in Ecuador. I want to be precise here in Ecuador. I want to be precise here because Ecuador is a slightly different because Ecuador is a slightly different because Ecuador is a slightly different case than the others. And that's the case than the others. And that's the case than the others. And that's the whole point. Ecuador's actual pensioner whole point. Ecuador's actual pensioner whole point. Ecuador's actual pensioner visa threshold is around $1,446 visa threshold is around $1,446 visa threshold is around $1,446 a month. three times the country's basic a month. three times the country's basic a month. three times the country's basic salary, which is technically above the salary, which is technically above the salary, which is technically above the $1,000 line I set out at the start. I'm $1,000 line I set out at the start. I'm $1,000 line I set out at the start. I'm including it anyways cuz I'm allowed to. including it anyways cuz I'm allowed to. including it anyways cuz I'm allowed to. I can break rules. Here's why. Ecuador I can break rules. Here's why. Ecuador I can break rules. Here's why. Ecuador is fully dollarized. There's no currency is fully dollarized. There's no currency is fully dollarized. There's no currency conversion, no exchange rate, no spread conversion, no exchange rate, no spread conversion, no exchange rate, no spread eating into your social security check eating into your social security check eating into your social security check every month, the way a weakening local every month, the way a weakening local every month, the way a weakening local currency can quietly erode your budget currency can quietly erode your budget currency can quietly erode your budget elsewhere. Your dollars land as dollars elsewhere. Your dollars land as dollars elsewhere. Your dollars land as dollars and spend as dollars, which is a kind of and spend as dollars, which is a kind of and spend as dollars, which is a kind of stability that a lower headline number stability that a lower headline number stability that a lower headline number in a volatile currency can't actually in a volatile currency can't actually in a volatile currency can't actually match. Once you're in, the average match. Once you're in, the average match. Once you're in, the average social security check of just over social security check of just over social security check of just over $2,000 clears that 1,46 threshold with $2,000 clears that 1,46 threshold with $2,000 clears that 1,46 threshold with genuine room to spare, while a genuine room to spare, while a genuine room to spare, while a comfortable life in a city like Quanka comfortable life in a city like Quanka comfortable life in a city like Quanka can run somewhere around 1,800 bucks a

can run somewhere around 1,800 bucks a can run somewhere around 1,800 bucks a month. Run the two numbers against each month. Run the two numbers against each month. Run the two numbers against each other, and Ecuador is not a stretch at other, and Ecuador is not a stretch at other, and Ecuador is not a stretch at all. It is one of the most comfortable all. It is one of the most comfortable all. It is one of the most comfortable margins on the entire list. Dollarized margins on the entire list. Dollarized margins on the entire list. Dollarized predictable, which is exactly why it predictable, which is exactly why it predictable, which is exactly why it earns second spot, even with a headline earns second spot, even with a headline earns second spot, even with a headline threshold slightly higher than the threshold slightly higher than the threshold slightly higher than the others. Quanka is the city where almost others. Quanka is the city where almost others. Quanka is the city where almost everyone lands for good reason. It sits everyone lands for good reason. It sits everyone lands for good reason. It sits at altitude, so you can get a permanent at altitude, so you can get a permanent at altitude, so you can get a permanent spring-like climate without the humidity spring-like climate without the humidity spring-like climate without the humidity you get closer to the coast. It has you get closer to the coast. It has you get closer to the coast. It has genuinely large established expat genuinely large established expat genuinely large established expat community, including a bunch of teachers community, including a bunch of teachers community, including a bunch of teachers I know who used to be in Asia, which I know who used to be in Asia, which I know who used to be in Asia, which matters more than people expect in year matters more than people expect in year matters more than people expect in year 1. Having friends and people you know 1. Having friends and people you know 1. Having friends and people you know around other people who've already around other people who've already around other people who've already solved the problems you're about to run solved the problems you're about to run solved the problems you're about to run into is worth real money in avoiding into is worth real money in avoiding into is worth real money in avoiding mistakes. The health care system there, mistakes. The health care system there, mistakes. The health care system there, both the public auction available to both the public auction available to both the public auction available to residents and the private backup most residents and the private backup most residents and the private backup most expats also carry is modern enough that expats also carry is modern enough that expats also carry is modern enough that people fly in from other countries in people fly in from other countries in people fly in from other countries in South America specifically to use it. As South America specifically to use it. As South America specifically to use it. As always, if you want the real line by always, if you want the real line by always, if you want the real line by line version of this, actual visa line version of this, actual visa line version of this, actual visa paperwork help, actual neighborhood paperwork help, actual neighborhood paperwork help, actual neighborhood level rent numbers, actual healthcare level rent numbers, actual healthcare level rent numbers, actual healthcare comparisons for each of these countries, comparisons for each of these countries, comparisons for each of these countries, that is exactly the kind of detail I go that is exactly the kind of detail I go that is exactly the kind of detail I go into in my Southeast Asia field guides, into in my Southeast Asia field guides, into in my Southeast Asia field guides, inside my cost of living abroad inside my cost of living abroad inside my cost of living abroad membership, or we can talk about if we membership, or we can talk about if we membership, or we can talk about if we get on a call and put together a plan get on a call and put together a plan get on a call and put together a plan for you to move to one of my favorite for you to move to one of my favorite for you to move to one of my favorite countries in Southeast Asia. Can't help countries in Southeast Asia. Can't help countries in Southeast Asia. Can't help you though if you're going to number you though if you're going to number you though if you're going to number one. Panama has by a wide margin the one. Panama has by a wide margin the one. Panama has by a wide margin the most generous and best structured most generous and best structured most generous and best structured retirement visa program in the retirement visa program in the retirement visa program in the hemisphere. [snorts] The Pensionado

hemisphere. [snorts] The Pensionado hemisphere. [snorts] The Pensionado threshold is exactly the number we threshold is exactly the number we threshold is exactly the number we started this whole video with. Exactly started this whole video with. Exactly started this whole video with. Exactly $1,000 a month in lifetime pension $1,000 a month in lifetime pension $1,000 a month in lifetime pension income or $750 a month if you also buy income or $750 a month if you also buy income or $750 a month if you also buy at least $100,000 of property. Social at least $100,000 of property. Social at least $100,000 of property. Social Security qualifies as pension income Security qualifies as pension income Security qualifies as pension income without complication. This is a without complication. This is a without complication. This is a no-brainer, folks. And unlike almost no-brainer, folks. And unlike almost no-brainer, folks. And unlike almost every other country on the list, Panama every other country on the list, Panama every other country on the list, Panama grants permanent residency immediately, grants permanent residency immediately, grants permanent residency immediately, not after a multi-year temporary stage not after a multi-year temporary stage not after a multi-year temporary stage you have to renew and worry about. You you have to renew and worry about. You you have to renew and worry about. You get the visa and you're done worrying get the visa and you're done worrying get the visa and you're done worrying about visa renewals for the rest of your about visa renewals for the rest of your about visa renewals for the rest of your life, which is worth more than people life, which is worth more than people life, which is worth more than people give it credit for the first time they give it credit for the first time they give it credit for the first time they hear it. Panama is also dollarized hear it. Panama is also dollarized hear it. Panama is also dollarized exactly like Ecuador. So, the same exactly like Ecuador. So, the same exactly like Ecuador. So, the same currency stability logic applies here, currency stability logic applies here, currency stability logic applies here, too. And on top of all of that, Panama too. And on top of all of that, Panama too. And on top of all of that, Panama layers in legally mandated retiree layers in legally mandated retiree layers in legally mandated retiree discounts, real enforcable reductions on discounts, real enforcable reductions on discounts, real enforcable reductions on dining, domestic flights, on hospital dining, domestic flights, on hospital dining, domestic flights, on hospital bills, on a long list of everyday costs bills, on a long list of everyday costs bills, on a long list of everyday costs that most other countries on this list that most other countries on this list that most other countries on this list simply do not offer at all. $1,000 a simply do not offer at all. $1,000 a simply do not offer at all. $1,000 a month gets you a real permanent dollar month gets you a real permanent dollar month gets you a real permanent dollar stable legal status in a country that stable legal status in a country that stable legal status in a country that then goes out of its way to make your then goes out of its way to make your then goes out of its way to make your money stretch further once you're there.

money stretch further once you're there. money stretch further once you're there. on pure structure. The income floor, the on pure structure. The income floor, the on pure structure. The income floor, the speed to permanent residency, the speed to permanent residency, the speed to permanent residency, the currency stability, the retiree perks currency stability, the retiree perks currency stability, the retiree perks stacked on top. Nothing else on this stacked on top. Nothing else on this stacked on top. Nothing else on this list beats it. Bokeeti up in the list beats it. Bokeeti up in the list beats it. Bokeeti up in the highlands has become something close to highlands has become something close to highlands has become something close to the unofficial capital of this whole the unofficial capital of this whole the unofficial capital of this whole idea. I've been binging YouTube videos idea. I've been binging YouTube videos idea. I've been binging YouTube videos on it. Cool mountain air instead of on it. Cool mountain air instead of on it. Cool mountain air instead of tropical heat, a large and wellorganized tropical heat, a large and wellorganized tropical heat, a large and wellorganized expat community, and a genuinely expat community, and a genuinely expat community, and a genuinely functioning small town infrastructure functioning small town infrastructure functioning small town infrastructure built up over two decades of exactly built up over two decades of exactly built up over two decades of exactly this kind of retiree arriving. I'm this kind of retiree arriving. I'm this kind of retiree arriving. I'm hoping to go visit next summer. Panama hoping to go visit next summer. Panama hoping to go visit next summer. Panama City itself is the other obvious option City itself is the other obvious option City itself is the other obvious option if you want a real international airport if you want a real international airport if you want a real international airport hub, better hospitals, city amenities, hub, better hospitals, city amenities, hub, better hospitals, city amenities, and a slightly higher but still very and a slightly higher but still very and a slightly higher but still very manageable cost. Either way, you're manageable cost. Either way, you're manageable cost. Either way, you're looking at a comfortable life somewhere looking at a comfortable life somewhere looking at a comfortable life somewhere around $2,000 a monthish uh for a around $2,000 a monthish uh for a around $2,000 a monthish uh for a couple, maybe $2,400, well above the couple, maybe $2,400, well above the couple, maybe $2,400, well above the pension out floor, but still a fraction pension out floor, but still a fraction pension out floor, but still a fraction of what the same lifestyle would cost of what the same lifestyle would cost of what the same lifestyle would cost anywhere in North America or Western anywhere in North America or Western anywhere in North America or Western Europe or of course Australia. The Europe or of course Australia. The Europe or of course Australia. The honest counterarmament of course and honest counterarmament of course and honest counterarmament of course and argue with myself as I love to do for a argue with myself as I love to do for a argue with myself as I love to do for a second here because a ranking that never second here because a ranking that never second here because a ranking that never pushes back on itself is just a pushes back on itself is just a pushes back on itself is just a highlight reel and you folks deserve highlight reel and you folks deserve highlight reel and you folks deserve better than that from me which is why better than that from me which is why better than that from me which is why you should subscribe, comment and share you should subscribe, comment and share you should subscribe, comment and share this videos. None of these videos this videos. None of these videos this videos. None of these videos countries are Vietnam on purpose, not by countries are Vietnam on purpose, not by countries are Vietnam on purpose, not by accident. Vietnam does not have a accident. Vietnam does not have a accident. Vietnam does not have a dedicated retirement visa the way any of dedicated retirement visa the way any of dedicated retirement visa the way any of these five do. It is simply a fact. I'm these five do. It is simply a fact. I'm these five do. It is simply a fact. I'm here because I worked and then I got here because I worked and then I got here because I worked and then I got married. I'm not going to pretend married. I'm not going to pretend married. I'm not going to pretend otherwise to make my own life look otherwise to make my own life look otherwise to make my own life look tidier. It is what it is. What Vietnam tidier. It is what it is. What Vietnam tidier. It is what it is. What Vietnam gives me instead is an even lower cost gives me instead is an even lower cost gives me instead is an even lower cost floor than almost [snorts] anything on floor than almost [snorts] anything on floor than almost [snorts] anything on this list. A food and health care

this list. A food and health care this list. A food and health care quality I genuinely prefer and a life I quality I genuinely prefer and a life I quality I genuinely prefer and a life I built specifically around my own built specifically around my own built specifically around my own situation, my own visa runway, my own situation, my own visa runway, my own situation, my own visa runway, my own risk tolerance. That is a real risk tolerance. That is a real risk tolerance. That is a real trade-off. I gave up a clean published trade-off. I gave up a clean published trade-off. I gave up a clean published income threshold visa in exchange for a income threshold visa in exchange for a income threshold visa in exchange for a lower cost of living and a life that lower cost of living and a life that lower cost of living and a life that frankly I just like better dayto-day. It frankly I just like better dayto-day. It frankly I just like better dayto-day. It is not a trade everyone should make and is not a trade everyone should make and is not a trade everyone should make and I'm not telling you to make it. I'm I'm not telling you to make it. I'm I'm not telling you to make it. I'm telling you honestly why I did it. So, telling you honestly why I did it. So, telling you honestly why I did it. So, what you want is the cleanest, most what you want is the cleanest, most what you want is the cleanest, most predictable, most bureaucratically predictable, most bureaucratically predictable, most bureaucratically simple path to a large retirement abroad simple path to a large retirement abroad simple path to a large retirement abroad legally on close to $1,000 a month, this legally on close to $1,000 a month, this legally on close to $1,000 a month, this list of five is the honest answer, and list of five is the honest answer, and list of five is the honest answer, and Panama is my best bet and single option Panama is my best bet and single option Panama is my best bet and single option for you. If what you want is the for you. If what you want is the for you. If what you want is the absolute lowest cost of living on Earth absolute lowest cost of living on Earth absolute lowest cost of living on Earth with the highest quality and beauty, with the highest quality and beauty, with the highest quality and beauty, you're willing to manage a messier visa you're willing to manage a messier visa you're willing to manage a messier visa picture the way I do, that is a picture the way I do, that is a picture the way I do, that is a different video and a different kind of different video and a different kind of different video and a different kind of person watching than this one. Both are person watching than this one. Both are person watching than this one. Both are legitimate. Both are real. Just know legitimate. Both are real. Just know legitimate. Both are real. Just know honestly which one you're actually into honestly which one you're actually into honestly which one you're actually into before you sign up for life because before you sign up for life because before you sign up for life because picking the wrong one for your actual picking the wrong one for your actual picking the wrong one for your actual risk tolerance is how people end up risk tolerance is how people end up risk tolerance is how people end up disappointed in a place that was never disappointed in a place that was never disappointed in a place that was never actually wrong for them. Just the wrong actually wrong for them. Just the wrong actually wrong for them. Just the wrong version of what they're looking for at version of what they're looking for at version of what they're looking for at that moment. There's also a version of that moment. There's also a version of that moment. There's also a version of this decision that has nothing to do this decision that has nothing to do this decision that has nothing to do with the visa at all and everything to with the visa at all and everything to with the visa at all and everything to do with what your day actually looks do with what your day actually looks do with what your day actually looks like once the paperwork is settled. My like once the paperwork is settled. My like once the paperwork is settled. My buddy Justin, Army Guy, hated Colombia, buddy Justin, Army Guy, hated Colombia, buddy Justin, Army Guy, hated Colombia, right? A clean, permanent income right? A clean, permanent income right? A clean, permanent income threshold visa in a country where you threshold visa in a country where you threshold visa in a country where you never quite build a life is worth less never quite build a life is worth less never quite build a life is worth less than a messier legal picture in a place than a messier legal picture in a place than a messier legal picture in a place where you wake up genuinely happy every where you wake up genuinely happy every where you wake up genuinely happy every day. I would rather you weigh both sides day. I would rather you weigh both sides day. I would rather you weigh both sides honestly than chase the tidiest honestly than chase the tidiest honestly than chase the tidiest bureaucracy and end up somewhere that

bureaucracy and end up somewhere that bureaucracy and end up somewhere that looks perfectly good on a government looks perfectly good on a government looks perfectly good on a government website or paper or YouTube video but is website or paper or YouTube video but is website or paper or YouTube video but is empty and soulless. So there you have empty and soulless. So there you have empty and soulless. So there you have it. Nicaragua at the rock bottom with it. Nicaragua at the rock bottom with it. Nicaragua at the rock bottom with the roughest edges. Cambodia cheap and the roughest edges. Cambodia cheap and the roughest edges. Cambodia cheap and simple in Southeast Asia. Colombia, a simple in Southeast Asia. Colombia, a simple in Southeast Asia. Colombia, a genuine reward for little Spanish and genuine reward for little Spanish and genuine reward for little Spanish and little patience. Unoito little patience. Unoito little patience. Unoito Ecuador, dollarized and steady and Ecuador, dollarized and steady and Ecuador, dollarized and steady and beautiful and comfortably above the beautiful and comfortably above the beautiful and comfortably above the $1,000 line, but worth every extra $1,000 line, but worth every extra $1,000 line, but worth every extra dollar. And Panama sitting right on the dollar. And Panama sitting right on the dollar. And Panama sitting right on the number with the best structure of anyone number with the best structure of anyone number with the best structure of anyone on the list. $1,000 a month is not a on the list. $1,000 a month is not a on the list. $1,000 a month is not a fantasy. It is a real document, fantasy. It is a real document, fantasy. It is a real document, governmentpublished number in real governmentpublished number in real governmentpublished number in real countries right now in 2026 where you countries right now in 2026 where you countries right now in 2026 where you can retire. The only question left is can retire. The only question left is can retire. The only question left is which version of cheap and legal which version of cheap and legal which version of cheap and legal actually fits the life you're trying to actually fits the life you're trying to actually fits the life you're trying to build? And that is a question only you build? And that is a question only you build? And that is a question only you can answer honestly friend. One can answer honestly friend. One can answer honestly friend. One practical note before you go do your own practical note before you go do your own practical note before you go do your own research because this is the part people research because this is the part people research because this is the part people skip. Every one of these visa thresholds skip. Every one of these visa thresholds skip. Every one of these visa thresholds changes over time. Sometimes a small changes over time. Sometimes a small changes over time. Sometimes a small annual adjustment, occasionally a bigger annual adjustment, occasionally a bigger annual adjustment, occasionally a bigger policy shift like what happened in policy shift like what happened in policy shift like what happened in Malaysia a few years ago. The numbers in Malaysia a few years ago. The numbers in Malaysia a few years ago. The numbers in this video are accurate as of today, but this video are accurate as of today, but this video are accurate as of today, but treat them as a starting point for your treat them as a starting point for your treat them as a starting point for your own verification, your own plan, not a own verification, your own plan, not a own verification, your own plan, not a number to build an irreversible decision number to build an irreversible decision number to build an irreversible decision on without checking the current figure on without checking the current figure on without checking the current figure yourself directly with the consulate yourself directly with the consulate yourself directly with the consulate [snorts] before you commit to anything.

[snorts] before you commit to anything. [snorts] before you commit to anything. Of course, if you want help running that Of course, if you want help running that Of course, if you want help running that number against your own specific income, number against your own specific income, number against your own specific income, your own specific country needs, your own specific country needs, your own specific country needs, desires, budgets, short lists, that is desires, budgets, short lists, that is desires, budgets, short lists, that is exactly what my membership and the exactly what my membership and the exactly what my membership and the country guides inside it are built for. country guides inside it are built for. country guides inside it are built for. If you're curious about Southeast Asia, If you're curious about Southeast Asia, If you're curious about Southeast Asia, if you're at the stage when you're if you're at the stage when you're if you're at the stage when you're seriously planning this and you want to seriously planning this and you want to seriously planning this and you want to work through your specific situation work through your specific situation work through your specific situation with me rather than have a general map with me rather than have a general map with me rather than have a general map that I can give you in a 10 or 15 minute that I can give you in a 10 or 15 minute that I can give you in a 10 or 15 minute YouTube video, we can look at your YouTube video, we can look at your YouTube video, we can look at your actual numbers, your actual timeline, actual numbers, your actual timeline, actual numbers, your actual timeline, and you can go back and watch all these and you can go back and watch all these and you can go back and watch all these other conversations I've had with other other conversations I've had with other other conversations I've had with other members and I can point you in the right members and I can point you in the right members and I can point you in the right direction if you need a real direction if you need a real direction if you need a real professional. If you're serious enough professional. If you're serious enough professional. If you're serious enough that you want a focused, personalized that you want a focused, personalized that you want a focused, personalized conversation about your whole plan right conversation about your whole plan right conversation about your whole plan right now, the timing, the numbers, all of it. now, the timing, the numbers, all of it. now, the timing, the numbers, all of it. Again, that's what I offer inside of my Again, that's what I offer inside of my Again, that's what I offer inside of my membership linked below with full membership linked below with full membership linked below with full service plans to help you move and service plans to help you move and service plans to help you move and retire early abroad. Now, thanks so much retire early abroad. Now, thanks so much retire early abroad. Now, thanks so much for watching. Again, I'm Evan A, retired for watching. Again, I'm Evan A, retired for watching. Again, I'm Evan A, retired early in Vietnam. You can comment news early in Vietnam. You can comment news early in Vietnam. You can comment news if you want my newsletter, or you can if you want my newsletter, or you can if you want my newsletter, or you can watch this video where I interview an watch this video where I interview an watch this video where I interview an expat. Check out what $1,000 rents in expat. Check out what $1,000 rents in expat. Check out what $1,000 rents in Vietnam right now or this one where I Vietnam right now or this one where I Vietnam right now or this one where I break down my own investments and break down my own investments and break down my own investments and savings and path to retirement. Thanks savings and path to retirement. Thanks savings and path to retirement. Thanks so much.