This is The Country I Told My Parents to Retire Abroad

All right, so I'm on the phone with my All right, so I'm on the phone with my parents the other day. My dad just says parents the other day. My dad just says parents the other day. My dad just says straight up, "I'm too old for long-haul straight up, "I'm too old for long-haul straight up, "I'm too old for long-haul flights. I can't retire in Vietnam flights. I can't retire in Vietnam flights. I can't retire in Vietnam again. Your mother just had her second again. Your mother just had her second again. Your mother just had her second hip replacement. I'm 80. We're done with hip replacement. I'm 80. We're done with hip replacement. I'm 80. We're done with those long-haul flights to Asia. So, those long-haul flights to Asia. So, those long-haul flights to Asia. So, Evan, where should we go next winter?" Evan, where should we go next winter?" Evan, where should we go next winter?" My first instinct was to fight back and My first instinct was to fight back and My first instinct was to fight back and say, "Come on, you can do it one more say, "Come on, you can do it one more say, "Come on, you can do it one more time, right? It's just 24 hours. I'm the time, right? It's just 24 hours. I'm the time, right? It's just 24 hours. I'm the Vietnam guy. I built my whole life over Vietnam guy. I built my whole life over Vietnam guy. I built my whole life over here. I have a family here. I run a here. I have a family here. I run a here. I have a family here. I run a membership about the cost of living membership about the cost of living membership about the cost of living abroad. Half my material is specifically abroad. Half my material is specifically abroad. Half my material is specifically about Southeast Asia. I talk to people about Southeast Asia. I talk to people about Southeast Asia. I talk to people every week. Say it's the best-kept every week. Say it's the best-kept every week. Say it's the best-kept secret to living abroad and early secret to living abroad and early secret to living abroad and early retirement, and I believe every word of retirement, and I believe every word of retirement, and I believe every word of it because I'm living proof of it. But, it because I'm living proof of it. But, it because I'm living proof of it. But, honestly, if I was listening and being a honestly, if I was listening and being a honestly, if I was listening and being a good son, good son, good son, I probably wouldn't fly my parents here I probably wouldn't fly my parents here I probably wouldn't fly my parents here again next winter. They came three again next winter. They came three again next winter. They came three times. That's enough, right? Not right times. That's enough, right? Not right times. That's enough, right? Not right now. Not at this stage of their lives. now. Not at this stage of their lives. now. Not at this stage of their lives. Uh let me explain to you because the Uh let me explain to you because the Uh let me explain to you because the factors that make retirement in Asia factors that make retirement in Asia factors that make retirement in Asia hard on them matter more than any single hard on them matter more than any single hard on them matter more than any single country on this list, and they're country on this list, and they're country on this list, and they're probably really relevant to a lot of you probably really relevant to a lot of you probably really relevant to a lot of you watching who are older. My Dom and Dad watching who are older. My Dom and Dad watching who are older. My Dom and Dad spent three winters in Da Nang, real spent three winters in Da Nang, real spent three winters in Da Nang, real ones, back-to-back-to-back. They had a ones, back-to-back-to-back. They had a ones, back-to-back-to-back. They had a place near My Khe Beach. They got to place near My Khe Beach. They got to place near My Khe Beach. They got to know the coffee lady on the corner, the know the coffee lady on the corner, the know the coffee lady on the corner, the juice bar. They did the whole thing.

juice bar. They did the whole thing. juice bar. They did the whole thing. They loved it. It was one of the best They loved it. It was one of the best They loved it. It was one of the best decisions our family ever made. Watch decisions our family ever made. Watch decisions our family ever made. Watch them get off that plane, fall in love them get off that plane, fall in love them get off that plane, fall in love with the beach, with Vietnam, meet my with the beach, with Vietnam, meet my with the beach, with Vietnam, meet my wife, hang out with their grandkids was wife, hang out with their grandkids was wife, hang out with their grandkids was beautiful, man. It's [ __ ] great, you beautiful, man. It's [ __ ] great, you beautiful, man. It's [ __ ] great, you know? I'm blessed. I appreciate it. But, know? I'm blessed. I appreciate it. But, know? I'm blessed. I appreciate it. But, a couple things changed. First, a couple things changed. First, a couple things changed. First, you may notice I moved to Ho Chi Minh you may notice I moved to Ho Chi Minh you may notice I moved to Ho Chi Minh City now, down in the south. The whole City now, down in the south. The whole City now, down in the south. The whole reason they came was to be near me. Da reason they came was to be near me. Da reason they came was to be near me. Da Nang made sense when I was a Da Nang Nang made sense when I was a Da Nang Nang made sense when I was a Da Nang guy. Doesn't make the same sense anymore guy. Doesn't make the same sense anymore guy. Doesn't make the same sense anymore with us living in a massive Asian with us living in a massive Asian with us living in a massive Asian megacity. It's not the same kind of megacity. It's not the same kind of megacity. It's not the same kind of retirement vibe. Second, and this is the retirement vibe. Second, and this is the retirement vibe. Second, and this is the one that actually keeps me up at night, one that actually keeps me up at night, one that actually keeps me up at night, they got older. The flight that felt they got older. The flight that felt they got older. The flight that felt like an adventure at 65 feels like an like an adventure at 65 feels like an like an adventure at 65 feels like an ordeal at 72. Uh when my mom has had ordeal at 72. Uh when my mom has had ordeal at 72. Uh when my mom has had both hips replaced, can't stand sitting both hips replaced, can't stand sitting both hips replaced, can't stand sitting and getting stiff on a long-haul flight. and getting stiff on a long-haul flight. and getting stiff on a long-haul flight. At 80, my dad just isn't able to At 80, my dad just isn't able to At 80, my dad just isn't able to navigate Asia the way he could even a navigate Asia the way he could even a navigate Asia the way he could even a few years ago. You know, the sidewalks few years ago. You know, the sidewalks few years ago. You know, the sidewalks are rough, the bikes are everywhere. Two are rough, the bikes are everywhere. Two are rough, the bikes are everywhere. Two connections are brutal, time zone flip, connections are brutal, time zone flip, connections are brutal, time zone flip, 20-something hours, did I say that? 20-something hours, did I say that? 20-something hours, did I say that? Something goes wrong back home, you Something goes wrong back home, you Something goes wrong back home, you know, a sibling in the hospital, friends know, a sibling in the hospital, friends know, a sibling in the hospital, friends dying, winter plumbing emergencies at dying, winter plumbing emergencies at dying, winter plumbing emergencies at their house. Uh they're a full day or their house. Uh they're a full day or their house. Uh they're a full day or more away from being able to do anything more away from being able to do anything more away from being able to do anything about it, from being able to go back. I about it, from being able to go back. I about it, from being able to go back. I did what I do, I went deep, I researched did what I do, I went deep, I researched did what I do, I went deep, I researched like it was like it was like it was the most important thing in my life cuz the most important thing in my life cuz the most important thing in my life cuz I knew every one of my viewers and I knew every one of my viewers and I knew every one of my viewers and commenters who can't make it out to commenters who can't make it out to commenters who can't make it out to Southeast Asia like my parents can't Southeast Asia like my parents can't Southeast Asia like my parents can't anymore would really appreciate it. So, anymore would really appreciate it. So, anymore would really appreciate it. So, where would I actually tell my where would I actually tell my where would I actually tell my 80-year-old dad and 72-year-old mother 80-year-old dad and 72-year-old mother 80-year-old dad and 72-year-old mother to spend their winters now? It's got to to spend their winters now? It's got to to spend their winters now? It's got to be somewhere warm, right? It's got to be

be somewhere warm, right? It's got to be be somewhere warm, right? It's got to be somewhere affordable because they're on somewhere affordable because they're on somewhere affordable because they're on a fixed government income. It's got to a fixed government income. It's got to a fixed government income. It's got to be somewhere with healthcare they can be somewhere with healthcare they can be somewhere with healthcare they can actually trust. It's got to be somewhere actually trust. It's got to be somewhere actually trust. It's got to be somewhere safe. And crucially, somewhere they can safe. And crucially, somewhere they can safe. And crucially, somewhere they can actually get back home from in a actually get back home from in a actually get back home from in a worst-case scenario cuz you're always worst-case scenario cuz you're always worst-case scenario cuz you're always planning for that. So, these are five planning for that. So, these are five planning for that. So, these are five countries I genuinely tell my parents to countries I genuinely tell my parents to countries I genuinely tell my parents to snowbird in. Real numbers, real snowbird in. Real numbers, real snowbird in. Real numbers, real healthcare, real talk about the healthcare, real talk about the healthcare, real talk about the downsides, too, cuz you know I'm not downsides, too, cuz you know I'm not downsides, too, cuz you know I'm not going to just sell you the brochure going to just sell you the brochure going to just sell you the brochure [ __ ] That's not what we do on this [ __ ] That's not what we do on this [ __ ] That's not what we do on this channel. I'm having a retired early in channel. I'm having a retired early in channel. I'm having a retired early in Vietnam. Let's get into it. Number five Vietnam. Let's get into it. Number five Vietnam. Let's get into it. Number five is Belize. I'm starting here because is Belize. I'm starting here because is Belize. I'm starting here because it's the one that I think surprises it's the one that I think surprises it's the one that I think surprises people and because it has the single people and because it has the single people and because it has the single biggest advantage on this entire list biggest advantage on this entire list biggest advantage on this entire list for a North American family, for a North American family, for a North American family, they speak English. Belize is the only they speak English. Belize is the only they speak English. Belize is the only country in Central America where English country in Central America where English country in Central America where English is the official language and for a is the official language and for a is the official language and for a 70-something who doesn't want to fight 70-something who doesn't want to fight 70-something who doesn't want to fight through Spanish paperwork at a pharmacy through Spanish paperwork at a pharmacy through Spanish paperwork at a pharmacy or bureaucracy, it's not a small thing. or bureaucracy, it's not a small thing. or bureaucracy, it's not a small thing. It's enormous. It's a short hop from the It's enormous. It's a short hop from the It's enormous. It's a short hop from the US, from Canada. You can get to Belize US, from Canada. You can get to Belize US, from Canada. You can get to Belize City from a lot of American hubs in just City from a lot of American hubs in just City from a lot of American hubs in just a couple hours, often without even a couple hours, often without even a couple hours, often without even leaving your home continent's time zone leaving your home continent's time zone leaving your home continent's time zone in any painful way. For an aging parent, in any painful way. For an aging parent, in any painful way. For an aging parent, the simplicity of that flight, the the simplicity of that flight, the the simplicity of that flight, the connection to back home is worth a lot.

connection to back home is worth a lot. connection to back home is worth a lot. The retirement program in Belize is The retirement program in Belize is The retirement program in Belize is genuinely friendly. It's called the genuinely friendly. It's called the genuinely friendly. It's called the Qualified Retired Persons Program, the Qualified Retired Persons Program, the Qualified Retired Persons Program, the QRP. You qualify from age 40 with about QRP. You qualify from age 40 with about QRP. You qualify from age 40 with about 2,000 a month in income from outside the 2,000 a month in income from outside the 2,000 a month in income from outside the country. I thought about it. I thought country. I thought about it. I thought country. I thought about it. I thought about it. Foreign income isn't taxed about it. Foreign income isn't taxed about it. Foreign income isn't taxed under the program. You get duty under the program. You get duty under the program. You get duty exemptions on bringing your stuff in. I exemptions on bringing your stuff in. I exemptions on bringing your stuff in. I could do it. I love Belize. I love Caye could do it. I love Belize. I love Caye could do it. I love Belize. I love Caye Caulker. Cost of living, okay, a couple Caulker. Cost of living, okay, a couple Caulker. Cost of living, okay, a couple can live comfortably in the range of 2 can live comfortably in the range of 2 can live comfortably in the range of 2 to 3,000 a month. Modest, simple life to 3,000 a month. Modest, simple life to 3,000 a month. Modest, simple life inland can come in lower, but the purse, inland can come in lower, but the purse, inland can come in lower, but the purse, honest piece of friction, the coastal honest piece of friction, the coastal honest piece of friction, the coastal towns like Ambergris Caye, Placencia, towns like Ambergris Caye, Placencia, towns like Ambergris Caye, Placencia, those aren't really that cheap. A lot of those aren't really that cheap. A lot of those aren't really that cheap. A lot of goods are imported. Imported means goods are imported. Imported means goods are imported. Imported means expensive. The brochure shows you the expensive. The brochure shows you the expensive. The brochure shows you the turquoise water, the blue hole. turquoise water, the blue hole. turquoise water, the blue hole. you $4 for a box of cereal. And a bigger you $4 for a box of cereal. And a bigger you $4 for a box of cereal. And a bigger caveat, the one that I'm not going to caveat, the one that I'm not going to caveat, the one that I'm not going to try and soften is health care. Belize try and soften is health care. Belize try and soften is health care. Belize has decent everyday care, lots of US and has decent everyday care, lots of US and has decent everyday care, lots of US and UK trained doctors, bilingual clinics, UK trained doctors, bilingual clinics, UK trained doctors, bilingual clinics, but for anything serious, anything but for anything serious, anything but for anything serious, anything specialized, people fly out, you know, specialized, people fly out, you know, specialized, people fly out, you know, to Mexico, to Mexico, to Mexico, back to the States, back to Canada, back to the States, back to Canada, back to the States, back to Canada, whatever, right? For a younger expat, whatever, right? For a younger expat, whatever, right? For a younger expat, that's a manageable plan. For an older that's a manageable plan. For an older that's a manageable plan. For an older parent with real medical needs, you have parent with real medical needs, you have parent with real medical needs, you have to be honest with yourself about whether to be honest with yourself about whether to be honest with yourself about whether will fly to Mexico City for the big will fly to Mexico City for the big will fly to Mexico City for the big stuff is a system you actually want to stuff is a system you actually want to stuff is a system you actually want to depend on or whether it means flight depend on or whether it means flight depend on or whether it means flight homes. Belize is number five. Easiest homes. Belize is number five. Easiest homes. Belize is number five. Easiest language, easy flight, warm, friendly. I language, easy flight, warm, friendly. I language, easy flight, warm, friendly. I love the spot, but the health care love the spot, but the health care love the spot, but the health care ceiling is real and it's why it's not ceiling is real and it's why it's not ceiling is real and it's why it's not higher up on this list. Number four, you higher up on this list. Number four, you higher up on this list. Number four, you probably thought I would have mentioned probably thought I would have mentioned probably thought I would have mentioned it already. Panama. If Belize wins on

it already. Panama. If Belize wins on it already. Panama. If Belize wins on language, Panama wins on the visa, baby. language, Panama wins on the visa, baby. language, Panama wins on the visa, baby. Flat out, the Pensionado Program is one Flat out, the Pensionado Program is one Flat out, the Pensionado Program is one of the best retirement deals on the of the best retirement deals on the of the best retirement deals on the planet. I don't say that lightly. I planet. I don't say that lightly. I planet. I don't say that lightly. I consider all of these places all of the consider all of these places all of the consider all of these places all of the time cuz I might just want to go over time cuz I might just want to go over time cuz I might just want to go over there in 5 or 10 years cuz I speak there in 5 or 10 years cuz I speak there in 5 or 10 years cuz I speak Spanish, amigos. Spanish, amigos. Spanish, amigos. Si se puede. Hablo español. Here's the Si se puede. Hablo español. Here's the Si se puede. Hablo español. Here's the headline. You need a guaranteed lifetime headline. You need a guaranteed lifetime headline. You need a guaranteed lifetime pension of about a thousand bucks a pension of about a thousand bucks a pension of about a thousand bucks a month to qualify, which is nothing. month to qualify, which is nothing. month to qualify, which is nothing. Social Security counts. That's it. You Social Security counts. That's it. You Social Security counts. That's it. You get permanent residency more or less get permanent residency more or less get permanent residency more or less immediately. And then the discount kicks immediately. And then the discount kicks immediately. And then the discount kicks in. They're written into Panamanian law. in. They're written into Panamanian law. in. They're written into Panamanian law. So, we're talking 25% off airline So, we're talking 25% off airline So, we're talking 25% off airline tickets, 50% off entertainment, 25% off tickets, 50% off entertainment, 25% off tickets, 50% off entertainment, 25% off restaurants, 15% off hospital bills, 20% restaurants, 15% off hospital bills, 20% restaurants, 15% off hospital bills, 20% off prescriptions. This is a place with off prescriptions. This is a place with off prescriptions. This is a place with massive in like huge incentives for massive in like huge incentives for massive in like huge incentives for retirees For someone on a fixed income, retirees For someone on a fixed income, retirees For someone on a fixed income, they're not gimmicks. It's the real they're not gimmicks. It's the real they're not gimmicks. It's the real deal. Those compound month after month, deal. Those compound month after month, deal. Those compound month after month, year after year into real money, real year after year into real money, real year after year into real money, real savings on your burn rate. Panama also savings on your burn rate. Panama also savings on your burn rate. Panama also uses the US dollar, no exchange rate uses the US dollar, no exchange rate uses the US dollar, no exchange rate roulette, no watching the currency, roulette, no watching the currency, roulette, no watching the currency, converting every morning, no mental math converting every morning, no mental math converting every morning, no mental math at the grocery store. For an older at the grocery store. For an older at the grocery store. For an older couple, that simplicity is a gift. Cost couple, that simplicity is a gift. Cost couple, that simplicity is a gift. Cost of living, a retired couple lives of living, a retired couple lives of living, a retired couple lives comfortably in the mountain town of comfortably in the mountain town of comfortably in the mountain town of Boquete or the beach community of Boquete or the beach community of Boquete or the beach community of Coronado for around $1,500 to $2,500 a Coronado for around $1,500 to $2,500 a Coronado for around $1,500 to $2,500 a month. Yes, Panama City costs more, but month. Yes, Panama City costs more, but month. Yes, Panama City costs more, but you're paying for a genuinely you're paying for a genuinely you're paying for a genuinely cosmopolitan capital, which is in itself cosmopolitan capital, which is in itself cosmopolitan capital, which is in itself a banking hub. Healthcare is where a banking hub. Healthcare is where a banking hub. Healthcare is where Panama definitely pulls ahead of Belize.

Panama definitely pulls ahead of Belize. Panama definitely pulls ahead of Belize. The hospitals in Panama City are The hospitals in Panama City are The hospitals in Panama City are excellent, several of US affiliations, excellent, several of US affiliations, excellent, several of US affiliations, and costs run somewhere between 40 to and costs run somewhere between 40 to and costs run somewhere between 40 to 70% below what you pay in the United 70% below what you pay in the United 70% below what you pay in the United States. The part that matters for aging States. The part that matters for aging States. The part that matters for aging parents specifically, elder care exists parents specifically, elder care exists parents specifically, elder care exists in Panama and it's affordable. A in Panama and it's affordable. A in Panama and it's affordable. A full-time living caregiver runs $400 to full-time living caregiver runs $400 to full-time living caregiver runs $400 to $800 a month. Assisted living with $800 a month. Assisted living with $800 a month. Assisted living with English-speaking staff is $1,500 to English-speaking staff is $1,500 to English-speaking staff is $1,500 to $3,000 a month, which is roughly half of $3,000 a month, which is roughly half of $3,000 a month, which is roughly half of what an equivalent US facility costs. what an equivalent US facility costs. what an equivalent US facility costs. And to be honest, you can't really get And to be honest, you can't really get And to be honest, you can't really get those facilities in Vietnam yet. I've those facilities in Vietnam yet. I've those facilities in Vietnam yet. I've looked, but there's a massive language looked, but there's a massive language looked, but there's a massive language barrier for most people. Unless, of barrier for most people. Unless, of barrier for most people. Unless, of course, you're Viet Kieu. The only real course, you're Viet Kieu. The only real course, you're Viet Kieu. The only real friction though, Panama is hot, it's friction though, Panama is hot, it's friction though, Panama is hot, it's humid, really humid on the lowlands. humid, really humid on the lowlands. humid, really humid on the lowlands. Boquete sits up in the mountains Boquete sits up in the mountains Boquete sits up in the mountains precisely because that's where you precisely because that's where you precisely because that's where you escape the heat. So, location matters a escape the heat. So, location matters a escape the heat. So, location matters a lot, especially for older folks. And lot, especially for older folks. And lot, especially for older folks. And while it's safe in the expat hubs, it's while it's safe in the expat hubs, it's while it's safe in the expat hubs, it's a country you do still pay attention to a country you do still pay attention to a country you do still pay attention to which neighborhood you're in and what which neighborhood you're in and what which neighborhood you're in and what hour of the day it is. hour of the day it is. hour of the day it is. But the math is just straight up hard to But the math is just straight up hard to But the math is just straight up hard to argue with. Best retiree visa in the argue with. Best retiree visa in the argue with. Best retiree visa in the hemisphere, dollar economy, serious hemisphere, dollar economy, serious hemisphere, dollar economy, serious health care, a flight home that's only a health care, a flight home that's only a health care, a flight home that's only a few hours. Panama's number four and few hours. Panama's number four and few hours. Panama's number four and honestly on a different day or for a honestly on a different day or for a honestly on a different day or for a different person is probably higher.

different person is probably higher. different person is probably higher. I've gotten flak from people including I've gotten flak from people including I've gotten flak from people including uh uh uh recent friend who gave me we did an recent friend who gave me we did an recent friend who gave me we did an interview and he was like, "Why do you interview and he was like, "Why do you interview and he was like, "Why do you [ __ ] on Panama?" I was like, "Bro, I [ __ ] on Panama?" I was like, "Bro, I [ __ ] on Panama?" I was like, "Bro, I don't [ __ ] on Panama. I just don't live don't [ __ ] on Panama. I just don't live don't [ __ ] on Panama. I just don't live there." there." there." But maybe you should. Number three, But maybe you should. Number three, But maybe you should. Number three, Mexico. I did live there. I do love it. Mexico. I did live there. I do love it. Mexico. I did live there. I do love it. I think about it all the time. We're I think about it all the time. We're I think about it all the time. We're talking about the ones I have real talking about the ones I have real talking about the ones I have real history with here that goes back deep. history with here that goes back deep. history with here that goes back deep. My own path abroad started in Mexico, My own path abroad started in Mexico, My own path abroad started in Mexico, Guanajuato, D.F. when I was young and Guanajuato, D.F. when I was young and Guanajuato, D.F. when I was young and broke figuring it out. I have such a broke figuring it out. I have such a broke figuring it out. I have such a soft spot for Mexico. I'm not going to soft spot for Mexico. I'm not going to soft spot for Mexico. I'm not going to try and let it bias me too much, but try and let it bias me too much, but try and let it bias me too much, but Mexico just has to be high on a list Mexico just has to be high on a list Mexico just has to be high on a list specifically about parents because of specifically about parents because of specifically about parents because of proximity. Nothing else on this list can proximity. Nothing else on this list can proximity. Nothing else on this list can come close. There are direct flights to come close. There are direct flights to come close. There are direct flights to Mexico from basically every major North Mexico from basically every major North Mexico from basically every major North American city every day. Often it's just American city every day. Often it's just American city every day. Often it's just a couple hours. You can island hop time a couple hours. You can island hop time a couple hours. You can island hop time zones without wrecking your body. If zones without wrecking your body. If zones without wrecking your body. If there's a family emergency back home, a there's a family emergency back home, a there's a family emergency back home, a home emergency, a parent in Mexico can home emergency, a parent in Mexico can home emergency, a parent in Mexico can be a bed time the same day. If you have be a bed time the same day. If you have be a bed time the same day. If you have kids at home that you want to be able to kids at home that you want to be able to kids at home that you want to be able to visit you or you want to visit, this is visit you or you want to visit, this is visit you or you want to visit, this is the entire reason Mexico ranks where it the entire reason Mexico ranks where it the entire reason Mexico ranks where it does for me, not just because I love it, does for me, not just because I love it, does for me, not just because I love it, because it is like so so invaluable to because it is like so so invaluable to because it is like so so invaluable to have that access for so many older have that access for so many older have that access for so many older retired people who do still want to retired people who do still want to retired people who do still want to connect with kids, with grandkids, with connect with kids, with grandkids, with connect with kids, with grandkids, with family, with friends back home. So, family, with friends back home. So, family, with friends back home. So, there are an estimated 1.6 million there are an estimated 1.6 million there are an estimated 1.6 million Americans living in Mexico. I'm jealous Americans living in Mexico. I'm jealous Americans living in Mexico. I'm jealous of all of them. The largest expat of all of them. The largest expat of all of them. The largest expat community in the world. It means places community in the world. It means places community in the world. It means places like Lake Chapala, San Miguel de like Lake Chapala, San Miguel de like Lake Chapala, San Miguel de Allende, Merida, Allende, Merida, Allende, Merida, Veracruz, Puerto Vallarta.

Veracruz, Puerto Vallarta. Veracruz, Puerto Vallarta. English-speaking doctors, communities, English-speaking doctors, communities, English-speaking doctors, communities, people who have already solved every people who have already solved every people who have already solved every problem your parents are about to have problem your parents are about to have problem your parents are about to have and can help you with it. The cost of and can help you with it. The cost of and can help you with it. The cost of living, yes, it's a bit higher. Retired living, yes, it's a bit higher. Retired living, yes, it's a bit higher. Retired couple's going to live comfortably on I couple's going to live comfortably on I couple's going to live comfortably on I would say 2 to 3,000, 4,000 if they like would say 2 to 3,000, 4,000 if they like would say 2 to 3,000, 4,000 if they like life a little higher class. Housing, life a little higher class. Housing, life a little higher class. Housing, health care, food, the works. That's for health care, food, the works. That's for health care, food, the works. That's for a lifestyle that would easily cost 7,000 a lifestyle that would easily cost 7,000 a lifestyle that would easily cost 7,000 a month in most US retirement markets. I a month in most US retirement markets. I a month in most US retirement markets. I can put up the Numbeo data to prove it can put up the Numbeo data to prove it can put up the Numbeo data to prove it to you. Health care in Mexico genuinely to you. Health care in Mexico genuinely to you. Health care in Mexico genuinely impressed me when I lived there. Quality impressed me when I lived there. Quality impressed me when I lived there. Quality private hospitals in every major expat private hospitals in every major expat private hospitals in every major expat city cost 20 to 30% less than what they city cost 20 to 30% less than what they city cost 20 to 30% less than what they do at home. Short wait times, often do at home. Short wait times, often do at home. Short wait times, often English-speaking doctors. You know, a GP English-speaking doctors. You know, a GP English-speaking doctors. You know, a GP visit's 25 bucks. Most retirees use a visit's 25 bucks. Most retirees use a visit's 25 bucks. Most retirees use a hybrid of private and public major hybrid of private and public major hybrid of private and public major medical policy stuff for the big stuff medical policy stuff for the big stuff medical policy stuff for the big stuff or they just fly home. The honest or they just fly home. The honest or they just fly home. The honest friction, the visa situation's harder friction, the visa situation's harder friction, the visa situation's harder than it used to be when I lived there. than it used to be when I lived there. than it used to be when I lived there. Mexico tightened income requirements. Mexico tightened income requirements. Mexico tightened income requirements. Depending on the consulate, the Depending on the consulate, the Depending on the consulate, the temporary residence benchmark is now temporary residence benchmark is now temporary residence benchmark is now around $4,400 a month. Thank you to around $4,400 a month. Thank you to around $4,400 a month. Thank you to whoever corrected me when I got this whoever corrected me when I got this whoever corrected me when I got this wrong in an old video. Uh it's a real wrong in an old video. Uh it's a real wrong in an old video. Uh it's a real jump up from a few years ago when I jump up from a few years ago when I jump up from a few years ago when I lived there. It's pushed some people lived there. It's pushed some people lived there. It's pushed some people towards starting with temporary towards starting with temporary towards starting with temporary residence and converting later. Uh residence and converting later. Uh residence and converting later. Uh Medicare does not travel. So, your Medicare does not travel. So, your Medicare does not travel. So, your parents are buying into the Mexican parents are buying into the Mexican parents are buying into the Mexican system one way or another. That said, if system one way or another. That said, if system one way or another. That said, if they want to sell a home and go there they want to sell a home and go there they want to sell a home and go there permanently, probably their best option.

permanently, probably their best option. permanently, probably their best option. But, for sheer get home fast peace of But, for sheer get home fast peace of But, for sheer get home fast peace of mind combined with low-cost strong mind combined with low-cost strong mind combined with low-cost strong health care, Mexico earns its spot at health care, Mexico earns its spot at health care, Mexico earns its spot at number three. Quick pause here, folks, number three. Quick pause here, folks, number three. Quick pause here, folks, cuz it's a natural place for it. If cuz it's a natural place for it. If cuz it's a natural place for it. If you've been nodding along in some part you've been nodding along in some part you've been nodding along in some part of this video, if it's lighting up for of this video, if it's lighting up for of this video, if it's lighting up for you, not for your parents, but for you, you, not for your parents, but for you, you, not for your parents, but for you, that's the whole reason I make this that's the whole reason I make this that's the whole reason I make this stuff. Thank you so much for watching. stuff. Thank you so much for watching. stuff. Thank you so much for watching. Questions underneath this video, how Questions underneath this video, how Questions underneath this video, how much do I need, where does your money go much do I need, where does your money go much do I need, where does your money go for this, what does the health care for this, what does the health care for this, what does the health care actually look like when you're the one actually look like when you're the one actually look like when you're the one in the waiting room, yada yada. in the waiting room, yada yada. in the waiting room, yada yada. Uh those are the questions I go deep on Uh those are the questions I go deep on Uh those are the questions I go deep on every single week here and in my every single week here and in my every single week here and in my membership as well at the membership as well at the membership as well at the costoflivingabroad.com. costoflivingabroad.com. costoflivingabroad.com. You can get my free newsletter where I You can get my free newsletter where I You can get my free newsletter where I share the unfiltered version and all the share the unfiltered version and all the share the unfiltered version and all the updates, just comment news below. We'll updates, just comment news below. We'll updates, just comment news below. We'll make sure you get connected. That's it, make sure you get connected. That's it, make sure you get connected. That's it, one word. Okay, top two countries I'd one word. Okay, top two countries I'd one word. Okay, top two countries I'd send my parents to. This is where we send my parents to. This is where we send my parents to. This is where we cross the ocean because for the right cross the ocean because for the right cross the ocean because for the right parent, the right kind of comfortable, parent, the right kind of comfortable, parent, the right kind of comfortable, settled, doesn't need to be cheap, and settled, doesn't need to be cheap, and settled, doesn't need to be cheap, and Europe changes the conversation Europe changes the conversation Europe changes the conversation entirely. So, you can hate me for this, entirely. So, you can hate me for this, entirely. So, you can hate me for this, but number two is Spain. It's the honest but number two is Spain. It's the honest but number two is Spain. It's the honest tension I have to name up front. Spain tension I have to name up front. Spain tension I have to name up front. Spain breaks my own easy flight home rule, breaks my own easy flight home rule, breaks my own easy flight home rule, sort of. It's a transatlantic flight, 6 sort of. It's a transatlantic flight, 6 sort of. It's a transatlantic flight, 6 to 9 hours, okay? Objectively further to 9 hours, okay? Objectively further to 9 hours, okay? Objectively further and harder than Mexico or Panama, but it and harder than Mexico or Panama, but it and harder than Mexico or Panama, but it is not Vietnam. So, why is it number is not Vietnam. So, why is it number is not Vietnam. So, why is it number two? Because for some parents, mine two? Because for some parents, mine two? Because for some parents, mine included, on certain days, the quality included, on certain days, the quality included, on certain days, the quality of daily life is worth a slightly longer of daily life is worth a slightly longer of daily life is worth a slightly longer flight. And because a transatlantic flight. And because a transatlantic flight. And because a transatlantic direct flight, as long as it is, is direct flight, as long as it is, is direct flight, as long as it is, is still just one flight. No connection, no

still just one flight. No connection, no still just one flight. No connection, no ordeal. You get on a plane in the ordeal. You get on a plane in the ordeal. You get on a plane in the morning, you wake up in Madrid in the morning, you wake up in Madrid in the morning, you wake up in Madrid in the evening, or you go overnight, right? evening, or you go overnight, right? evening, or you go overnight, right? It's not that big of a hot skip and a It's not that big of a hot skip and a It's not that big of a hot skip and a jump. What you get for that flight is jump. What you get for that flight is jump. What you get for that flight is extraordinary, you know, take a sleeping extraordinary, you know, take a sleeping extraordinary, you know, take a sleeping pill. Don't say I said that. Spanish pill. Don't say I said that. Spanish pill. Don't say I said that. Spanish healthcare consistently ranks among the healthcare consistently ranks among the healthcare consistently ranks among the top 10 systems in the world, ahead of top 10 systems in the world, ahead of top 10 systems in the world, ahead of the US on efficiency, accessibility by the US on efficiency, accessibility by the US on efficiency, accessibility by most measures. For an aging parent, most measures. For an aging parent, most measures. For an aging parent, that's the headline. It's not decent for that's the headline. It's not decent for that's the headline. It's not decent for the price. This is genuinely better in the price. This is genuinely better in the price. This is genuinely better in Europe than what you get at home, often Europe than what you get at home, often Europe than what you get at home, often for far less. The visa is the NLV, the for far less. The visa is the NLV, the for far less. The visa is the NLV, the non-lucrative visa. Since Spain closed non-lucrative visa. Since Spain closed non-lucrative visa. Since Spain closed its golden visa last year, this is the its golden visa last year, this is the its golden visa last year, this is the main retirement route now. It asks for main retirement route now. It asks for main retirement route now. It asks for about 2,400 euros a month in passive about 2,400 euros a month in passive about 2,400 euros a month in passive income, not that much, around 29,000 income, not that much, around 29,000 income, not that much, around 29,000 euro euros total a year, another 600 a euro euros total a year, another 600 a euro euros total a year, another 600 a month per dependent. You need private month per dependent. You need private month per dependent. You need private health insurance for the application. health insurance for the application. health insurance for the application. That insurance for a couple over 60 That insurance for a couple over 60 That insurance for a couple over 60 probably runs you 2 to 400 euros a probably runs you 2 to 400 euros a probably runs you 2 to 400 euros a month, a fraction of US pricing. Uh, you month, a fraction of US pricing. Uh, you month, a fraction of US pricing. Uh, you can use my link for SafetyWing Nomad can use my link for SafetyWing Nomad can use my link for SafetyWing Nomad Complete below. Cost of living, outside Complete below. Cost of living, outside Complete below. Cost of living, outside of Madrid and Barcelona, comfortable of Madrid and Barcelona, comfortable of Madrid and Barcelona, comfortable couple lives on 2,500 to 3,500 euros a couple lives on 2,500 to 3,500 euros a couple lives on 2,500 to 3,500 euros a month. Cheaper regions, Valencia, month. Cheaper regions, Valencia, month. Cheaper regions, Valencia, Alicante, smaller inland cities come in Alicante, smaller inland cities come in Alicante, smaller inland cities come in well below that. You're looking at well below that. You're looking at well below that. You're looking at roughly 30 to 40% below US cost for roughly 30 to 40% below US cost for roughly 30 to 40% below US cost for better weather, walkable towns, and that better weather, walkable towns, and that better weather, walkable towns, and that unhurried Mediterranean rhythm that's so unhurried Mediterranean rhythm that's so unhurried Mediterranean rhythm that's so good for people in their 70s. Keep them good for people in their 70s. Keep them good for people in their 70s. Keep them walking, keep them healthy. The oddest walking, keep them healthy. The oddest walking, keep them healthy. The oddest friction beyond the flight, Spanish tax friction beyond the flight, Spanish tax friction beyond the flight, Spanish tax residency means your worldwide income

residency means your worldwide income residency means your worldwide income can become taxable in Spain once you're can become taxable in Spain once you're can become taxable in Spain once you're there more than half the year. there more than half the year. there more than half the year. Though the US Spain treaty handles most Though the US Spain treaty handles most Though the US Spain treaty handles most of the double taxation worry, of the double taxation worry, of the double taxation worry, the NLV explicitly does not let you the NLV explicitly does not let you the NLV explicitly does not let you work, which for true retirees is fine, work, which for true retirees is fine, work, which for true retirees is fine, but worth knowing for someone like but worth knowing for someone like but worth knowing for someone like myself. Spain is number two because it's myself. Spain is number two because it's myself. Spain is number two because it's the place where an older parent doesn't the place where an older parent doesn't the place where an older parent doesn't just survive comfortably, they thrive. I just survive comfortably, they thrive. I just survive comfortably, they thrive. I know my parents would freaking love it. know my parents would freaking love it. know my parents would freaking love it. The food, the safety, the health care, The food, the safety, the health care, The food, the safety, the health care, the sheer civility of daily life. The the sheer civility of daily life. The the sheer civility of daily life. The only thing standing between it and only thing standing between it and only thing standing between it and number one is the Atlantic Ocean. Okay, number one is the Atlantic Ocean. Okay, number one is the Atlantic Ocean. Okay, which brings me to number one. So many which brings me to number one. So many which brings me to number one. So many Canadians, so many older folks, they're Canadians, so many older folks, they're Canadians, so many older folks, they're going to Portugal. If I could pick one going to Portugal. If I could pick one going to Portugal. If I could pick one place to set my own parents up for their place to set my own parents up for their place to set my own parents up for their winters knowing everything I know, it winters knowing everything I know, it winters knowing everything I know, it would still be Portugal. I don't care would still be Portugal. I don't care would still be Portugal. I don't care what anyone says bad about Portugal. I what anyone says bad about Portugal. I what anyone says bad about Portugal. I want to walk you through exactly why it want to walk you through exactly why it want to walk you through exactly why it beats Spain for me cuz they're close. beats Spain for me cuz they're close. beats Spain for me cuz they're close. Starts with the same European magic, the Starts with the same European magic, the Starts with the same European magic, the beauty, the world-class health care, the beauty, the world-class health care, the beauty, the world-class health care, the walkability, the food, the culture. It's walkability, the food, the culture. It's walkability, the food, the culture. It's gorgeous. Once your parents are legal gorgeous. Once your parents are legal gorgeous. Once your parents are legal residents, they can access the public residents, they can access the public residents, they can access the public system, the SNS, where GP visit costs system, the SNS, where GP visit costs system, the SNS, where GP visit costs essentially nothing. If you're a euros, essentially nothing. If you're a euros, essentially nothing. If you're a euros, an emergency room visit is only 15 or an emergency room visit is only 15 or an emergency room visit is only 15 or 20. Private insurance alongside it runs 20. Private insurance alongside it runs 20. Private insurance alongside it runs as little as 50 to 100 dollars a month as little as 50 to 100 dollars a month as little as 50 to 100 dollars a month for solid coverage. For people who have for solid coverage. For people who have for solid coverage. For people who have watched US health care costs terrify watched US health care costs terrify watched US health care costs terrify their friends, this is like landing on a their friends, this is like landing on a their friends, this is like landing on a different planet. The visa is the D7, different planet. The visa is the D7, different planet. The visa is the D7, you've probably heard of it. It's where you've probably heard of it. It's where you've probably heard of it. It's where Portugal pulls ahead of Spain and a lot Portugal pulls ahead of Spain and a lot Portugal pulls ahead of Spain and a lot of other countries on accessibility. The of other countries on accessibility. The of other countries on accessibility. The income requirement is tied to Portugal's income requirement is tied to Portugal's income requirement is tied to Portugal's minimum wage. For 2026, is about 920 minimum wage. For 2026, is about 920 minimum wage. For 2026, is about 920 euros a month. Very affordable for the

euros a month. Very affordable for the euros a month. Very affordable for the main applicant. That's it. Average US main applicant. That's it. Average US main applicant. That's it. Average US Social Security check clears that on its Social Security check clears that on its Social Security check clears that on its own. Where Spain wants around 2,500 own. Where Spain wants around 2,500 own. Where Spain wants around 2,500 euros a month, Portugal's asking for euros a month, Portugal's asking for euros a month, Portugal's asking for around 1,000. For a lot of families, around 1,000. For a lot of families, around 1,000. For a lot of families, that single difference is enough to that single difference is enough to that single difference is enough to decide everything. As I said, my parents decide everything. As I said, my parents decide everything. As I said, my parents are both on fixed incomes. Cost of are both on fixed incomes. Cost of are both on fixed incomes. Cost of living, a retired couple lives living, a retired couple lives living, a retired couple lives comfortably on 1,500 euros a month in comfortably on 1,500 euros a month in comfortably on 1,500 euros a month in Porto, you know, 2,000 in Lisbon, Porto, you know, 2,000 in Lisbon, Porto, you know, 2,000 in Lisbon, Algarve, Silver Coast, and somewhere Algarve, Silver Coast, and somewhere Algarve, Silver Coast, and somewhere between that. Central Portugal, Coimbra, between that. Central Portugal, Coimbra, between that. Central Portugal, Coimbra, cheapest of all, right? Western Europe cheapest of all, right? Western Europe cheapest of all, right? Western Europe at a price point that frankly most at a price point that frankly most at a price point that frankly most people don't think exists anymore people don't think exists anymore people don't think exists anymore outside of Eastern Europe. The thing outside of Eastern Europe. The thing outside of Eastern Europe. The thing that pushes it past Spain for my family that pushes it past Spain for my family that pushes it past Spain for my family specifically, Lisbon has direct flights specifically, Lisbon has direct flights specifically, Lisbon has direct flights to the US East Coast. It's one of the to the US East Coast. It's one of the to the US East Coast. It's one of the closest European capitals North America. closest European capitals North America. closest European capitals North America. The long transatlantic hop I complained The long transatlantic hop I complained The long transatlantic hop I complained about with Spain, Portugal is a little about with Spain, Portugal is a little about with Spain, Portugal is a little shorter, a little easier, and a little shorter, a little easier, and a little shorter, a little easier, and a little cheaper, a little bit cheaper. It's cheaper, a little bit cheaper. It's cheaper, a little bit cheaper. It's still an ocean, but it's the most still an ocean, but it's the most still an ocean, but it's the most forgiving ocean crossing on the whole forgiving ocean crossing on the whole forgiving ocean crossing on the whole list. So, the honest pushback, the list. So, the honest pushback, the list. So, the honest pushback, the honest friction, there's always some.

honest friction, there's always some. honest friction, there's always some. The old tax break for new residents, the The old tax break for new residents, the The old tax break for new residents, the NHR scheme ended and it's being replaced NHR scheme ended and it's being replaced NHR scheme ended and it's being replaced with something narrower. There's been with something narrower. There's been with something narrower. There's been some pushback from Portuguese locals and some pushback from Portuguese locals and some pushback from Portuguese locals and government. Don't move there expecting government. Don't move there expecting government. Don't move there expecting headline tax holiday people talked about headline tax holiday people talked about headline tax holiday people talked about a few years ago. Portugal's popularity a few years ago. Portugal's popularity a few years ago. Portugal's popularity has pushed housing costs up in Lisbon, has pushed housing costs up in Lisbon, has pushed housing costs up in Lisbon, Algarve, everywhere else. So, deals Algarve, everywhere else. So, deals Algarve, everywhere else. So, deals increasingly are in smaller towns, not increasingly are in smaller towns, not increasingly are in smaller towns, not the big city centers. But, if you put it the big city centers. But, if you put it the big city centers. But, if you put it all together, the lowest income bar to all together, the lowest income bar to all together, the lowest income bar to qualify, the lowest cost of living in qualify, the lowest cost of living in qualify, the lowest cost of living in Western Europe, healthcare that competes Western Europe, healthcare that competes Western Europe, healthcare that competes with anywhere on Earth, safety, with anywhere on Earth, safety, with anywhere on Earth, safety, cleanliness, beauty, 300 days of cleanliness, beauty, 300 days of cleanliness, beauty, 300 days of sunshine, one of the safest places in sunshine, one of the safest places in sunshine, one of the safest places in the world that I say that, a gentle the world that I say that, a gentle the world that I say that, a gentle flight home from Europe. That's why flight home from Europe. That's why flight home from Europe. That's why Portugal is still number one spot. If my Portugal is still number one spot. If my Portugal is still number one spot. If my dad called me again tomorrow and said, dad called me again tomorrow and said, dad called me again tomorrow and said, "Pick one." I'd say, "Just go to "Pick one." I'd say, "Just go to "Pick one." I'd say, "Just go to Portugal." I started helping them with Portugal." I started helping them with Portugal." I started helping them with the D7 that afternoon. That's it. the D7 that afternoon. That's it. the D7 that afternoon. That's it. There's one last twist. It's the thing I There's one last twist. It's the thing I There's one last twist. It's the thing I actually want you to take away from this actually want you to take away from this actually want you to take away from this video, right? I spent this whole video video, right? I spent this whole video video, right? I spent this whole video talking about flights, visas, dollars a talking about flights, visas, dollars a talking about flights, visas, dollars a month, cost of living, health care, month, cost of living, health care, month, cost of living, health care, ranking, income thresholds, and all of ranking, income thresholds, and all of ranking, income thresholds, and all of that matters, but none of it is the real that matters, but none of it is the real that matters, but none of it is the real biggest number one question. The real biggest number one question. The real biggest number one question. The real question, the one I had to face with my question, the one I had to face with my question, the one I had to face with my own parents, isn't where they can afford own parents, isn't where they can afford own parents, isn't where they can afford to go. It's what stage of life are they to go. It's what stage of life are they to go. It's what stage of life are they actually in, are you in? What do you actually in, are you in? What do you actually in, are you in? What do you actually need from a place right now?

actually need from a place right now? actually need from a place right now? Because the answer is always changing. Because the answer is always changing. Because the answer is always changing. When my parents were younger and spry, When my parents were younger and spry, When my parents were younger and spry, the answer might have been Da Nang, 20 the answer might have been Da Nang, 20 the answer might have been Da Nang, 20 hours away, was perfect. Now that hours away, was perfect. Now that hours away, was perfect. Now that they're older and I've moved and the they're older and I've moved and the they're older and I've moved and the calculus is different, the answer is calculus is different, the answer is calculus is different, the answer is probably a few hours from home or one probably a few hours from home or one probably a few hours from home or one clean flight across the ocean. Times and clean flight across the ocean. Times and clean flight across the ocean. Times and places changes, that's never really the places changes, that's never really the places changes, that's never really the point. The honest assessment of where point. The honest assessment of where point. The honest assessment of where you are in life, that's the point. You you are in life, that's the point. You you are in life, that's the point. You got to look in the mirror. The cost of got to look in the mirror. The cost of got to look in the mirror. The cost of pretending you're still the person you pretending you're still the person you pretending you're still the person you were 10 years ago, of forcing a plan were 10 years ago, of forcing a plan were 10 years ago, of forcing a plan that fit the old you onto the new you, that fit the old you onto the new you, that fit the old you onto the new you, that is the most expensive and terrible that is the most expensive and terrible that is the most expensive and terrible mistake there is. I've watched it happen mistake there is. I've watched it happen mistake there is. I've watched it happen a lot. I've nearly made versions of it a lot. I've nearly made versions of it a lot. I've nearly made versions of it myself. Nothing is permanent. I may be myself. Nothing is permanent. I may be myself. Nothing is permanent. I may be in a different country in a few years. in a different country in a few years. in a different country in a few years. If you're thinking about this for your If you're thinking about this for your If you're thinking about this for your own parents or quietly for yourself, own parents or quietly for yourself, own parents or quietly for yourself, start there, not with the spreadsheet, start there, not with the spreadsheet, start there, not with the spreadsheet, with the honest question of the what you with the honest question of the what you with the honest question of the what you need in this chapter of life to make need in this chapter of life to make need in this chapter of life to make your quality of life and living the best your quality of life and living the best your quality of life and living the best possible for the best price. If you want possible for the best price. If you want possible for the best price. If you want my help working through all of it, the my help working through all of it, the my help working through all of it, the costs, the trade-offs, the stuff the costs, the trade-offs, the stuff the costs, the trade-offs, the stuff the brochures leave out, it's exactly what I brochures leave out, it's exactly what I brochures leave out, it's exactly what I do. You can get access to my newsletter do. You can get access to my newsletter do. You can get access to my newsletter for free by commenting news. You can get for free by commenting news. You can get for free by commenting news. You can get into my membership by going to the into my membership by going to the into my membership by going to the costoflivingabroad.com costoflivingabroad.com costoflivingabroad.com if you want to go deeper or get my if you want to go deeper or get my if you want to go deeper or get my actual guided help. That's linked in the actual guided help. That's linked in the actual guided help. That's linked in the description. Thanks so much for description. Thanks so much for description. Thanks so much for watching. I'm Have a Day Retired Early watching. I'm Have a Day Retired Early watching. I'm Have a Day Retired Early in Vietnam. You watch this video, about in Vietnam. You watch this video, about in Vietnam. You watch this video, about five wonderful destinations five wonderful destinations five wonderful destinations or this video or this video or this video about some terrible destinations you about some terrible destinations you about some terrible destinations you should not move to. Thanks so much.