Cheap, nice, safe… these are some essentials… friendly would be up there too…
So many Americans and Canadians retire in Mexico, Panama and Ecuador… but are they safe?
What about Nicaragua? I hear it’s maybe the safest country in Latin America, and a nice place to live (but not the capital city Managua) - is this right?
What about Asian countries? Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia… or someplace else?
Are there any nice, clean places in India, or maybe not?
Hi AJ,
I spent a few months in Nicaragua, Panama, and Ecuador among other countries last year. All of these countries are safe, beautiful, and have a lot to offer. All of these countries are also very inexpensive.
Yes, Nicaragua (except Managua) is the safest country in Latin America. One drawback in my mind is that the healthcare system in Nicaragua is not good. Outside of Managua you will not find any hospitals that are up to Western standard. In Panama and Ecuador, however, good healthcare is available in the major cities.
Also, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines are good countries to retire.
And here’s one of my favorite, regardless of what everybody else thinks, and that is Colombia. I spent a couple of months in Colombia last year and will go back this August for about 6 months time. Colombia is a very beautiful country, has different climate zones (something for everybody’s taste), has the friendliest people in South America, and if you like women, Colombia also has some of the most beautiful women in the world.
Even though you hear bad things about Colombia what safety is concerned, most stories are pretty old, and Colombia has become a relative safe country.
Before you decide where you want to retire you need to spend at least a few weeks in several countries to narrow it down to maybe 2 or 3.
Have a great time.