Retired outside u.s. American pelicans

[59GS]

I'm investigating retirement outside the U.S. Looking hard at Ecuador, Uraguay, Thailand. Looks like the timing for Panama and Belize may have passed me by.

Where did you retire/where are you looking at retiring? Any particular problems you whipped or found unwhippable?

Since I am 67 and wifey is 66 health care/insurance looks to be a major item. How did you handle it?

TIA for any answers.

[krystar]

don't forget about paying US income taxes as an expat, in addition to any local income tax (if applicable)

[Dottore]

I have been to some big expatriate retirement communities in Thailand. (Chiang Mai) Lots of former Rhodesians and Australians. Thailand is good because medical services are very good there, and, as you say, that becomes a major factor. Goa in India is also becoming popular for this kind of play.

Life in Chaing Mai is very good. Cheap. Lots of golf. The Thais are very laissez faire. Climate is good. And the expat community is very cosmopolitan. It's certainly not for everyone. It helps if you have been abroad much of your life - as many expats have. It's much harder if you have deep emotional/ family ties elsewhere.

[Tishabet]

Chiang Mai is my favorite place in Thailand... Beautiful area and great food!