Top overseas places to retire to in 2018

Retirement is something most overworked people look forward to. If you are approaching retirement, it’s time to start thinking about good overseas places to retire to in 2018. Now is the time to relax and leave a lifetime of struggles behind. You know you deserve that. And why not do it abroad? Now that you have a lot of free time on your hands, you can prepare for an international move adequately and carefully.

This is the criteria we took into consideration when picking the best overseas places to retire to in 2018:

It must be affordable
The quality of life must be decent
Its climate must be warm
Its nature must be gorgeous
It must be a popular overseas place to retire

Eight wonderful overseas places to retire

Spain

In Sapin, retirees get a first-world experience at one of the lowest living costs in Europe. With miles of beautiful beaches and a year-round temperate climate, no wonder Spain is one of the most popular vacation destinations, not only in Europe but also in the world. Among the country’s greatest perks are excellent telecommunications, great public transportation, and numerous cultural amenities, such as cinemas, theaters, and museums, in both larger and smaller cities. Residents over 60 years of age get 25%-40% discounts on train tickets. Spaniards are friendly, family oriented people, known for their laid-back lifestyle, good food, and rich culture.

A woman sunbathing on a bench, trees in the background

If you move to one of Spain’s charming southern towns and villages, you’ll have up to 300 sunny days per year.

Portugal

Spain’s first neighbor, Portugal, is both beautiful and affordable. Moreover, it is one of the most secure places in the world. Most Portuguese people speak English, plus, they are very friendly towards expats. The cities are well connected through buses, trams, taxis, and trains, so you do not need to have a car. People over the age of 65 get up to 50% discounts on train tickets. The capital city, Lisbon, is linked to all major world capitals. Just like Spain, Portugal is rich in history and culture. Since it is one of Europe’s most popular overseas places to retire, study and work, there are numerous organizations helping expats settle in Portugal.

Malaysia

Malaysia, a former British colony, is the best Asian retirement location. Over 878 islands with stunning beaches and ancient rainforests make Malaysia one of the most beloved tourist destinations in Asia. English is a widely-spoken language. With lower food, utility and rental prices, monthly living costs should not exceed $1,500 for two people in Kuala Lumpur. An extravagant lifestyle would cost about $1000 more. Malaysia has the best street food on the continent. There are many street stalls that sell Chinese, Indian as well as Malay food. When it comes to medical care, it is excellent and many times cheaper compared to the US.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has been one of Americans’ favorite overseas places to retire for three decades. The climate is tropical, the medical care excellent and cheap, the real estate and cost of living are also affordable. In addition, crime rates are low in the whole country. Jungles, forests, volcanic thermal springs, white sand beaches… nature has been very generous with Costa Rica. 25% of the territory is protected which shows how much Costa Ricans care about the environment. Costa Ricans are also hospitable, they value freedom, friends, and family.

Lush greenery, smoke and a volcano in the background

Tens of thousands of Canadians and Americans currently live in beautiful Costa Rica.

Although there’s no official retirement incentive program, it’s easy to qualify for residence. All you need is at least $1,000 of monthly income per couple to be in the pensionado program. Its biggest perk is joining the national healthcare system and having medical treatment provided free of charge after your monthly payment. Retirees over 65 can get 10-20% discounts on things like groceries thanks to the Gold Citizen program.

Panama

If you’re looking to retire in Latin America, definitely consider Panama – a country where both the climate and the people are warm. You can do your favorite summer activities on one of Panama’s clean, uncrowded beaches. In Panama, retirees enjoy numerous benefits. For example, there is no income tax on your overseas earnings. Moreover, you can get high-quality, inexpensive medical care.

However, medical care is not the only reason why expats are healthier in Panama. Panamanians have healthy eating habits and fresh food you can even grow yourself on Panama’s fertile soil. Retirees can join the Pensionado program if they earn at least $1000 per month. This program makes them eligible for considerable discounts.

Mexico

Mexico is also one of the best overseas places to retire this year. It’s close, it’s warm and affordable – what’s not to love? The climate is usually hot and humid but more temperate and dryer in the mountains. Expats can choose from large, metropolitan cities to small villages on the Yucatan Gulf Coast. Depending on the location, a couple needs between $1,500 and $3,000 per month to live comfortably.

A moving truck, boxes and woman carrying a heavy box while moving to one of the best overseas places to retire

Let professional movers take you to one of the top overseas places to retire.

If you are over 60, you can apply for an INAPAM card. With this card, you can get discounts on transportation, medical care, and entertainment. Residents of Mexico aged 60+ get free public healthcare, while the private system is about 50-75% cheaper in comparison to the US.

Brazil

This huge, exotic country is incredibly diverse and full of expats from all over the world. The indigenous culture has been mixed with Asian, European and African influences. One of its biggest benefits for retirees is its affordability. Finding a home in Rio de Janeiro or Sao Pulo will cost you more than buying or renting in the countryside but real estate prices are still lower than those in the US.

Another benefit for retirees is being allowed to import all their household belongings for free. International movers Brazil will be able to help you with your move. In order to retire in Brazil, you need an income of at least $2000 per month. This is enough for you and two dependants. In case you’re bringing more than two dependants, you must have additional $1000 for each of them.

Equador

Equador offers many lifestyle options. Its culture is a mix of indigenous, Incan, and Spanish. The nature in this small South American country is simply breathtaking. Like everything else, public transportation is affordable, which means owning a car is not necessary. Moreover, thanks to the mild climate, heating and cooling won’t be among your monthly expenses if you move to Equador after retiring. Retirees get property tax benefits, a free landline, and a 50% discount on utilities. Several thousand North Americans live in the colonial city of Cuenca. Here, you can enjoy a lot of entertainment options as well as cheap rent.