International Destinations

Although it sounds too good to be true, thousands of retirees are enjoying life for much less money than they could have ever done in the United States. In Latin America, you can choose to live in the style you are accustomed to for a lot less money, or you can choose to live a more luxurious lifestyle for less than you ever dreamed possible.

Fromglittering resorts on the Mayan Riveria to world-famous destinations like Cabo San Luas on the Pacific coast, Mexico has long been a popular place to vacation. But with an estimated one million Americans now living and/or working there, Mexico has the highest number of U.S. expats. Monthly living costs can vary in Mexico depending on location, with the modern resort areas being slightly higher. But the services and conveniences available in those regions make them an acceptable trade-off for most retirees and are still significantly lower than in the U.S.

Costa Rica is a politically stable democracy and a model of economic success in Central America. For decades, the country has been a world-class eco-tourism destination that offers pristine beaches on both coasts and a lush tropical interior that’s protected by law. As a result, tens of thousands of former visitors from the U.S., Canada, and Europe now make their homes in Costa Rica.

Most realize after just a short while that they feel better, breathe better, and are just all around healthier. It is thought to be due to breathing air no longer filled with pollution, eating fresh food that is grown locally, as well as a slower pace and stress-free lifestyle. When someone tells you they will do something mañana, which means tomorrow in Spanish, you might not see them for two or three days. That can take a little getting used to, but people in Latin America have been voted to be the happiest people in the world.

Healthcare: It is the opinion of many expatriates that healthcare is better in many Latin American locations than in the U.S. Most clinics have many doctors with different specialties under one roof. Also, healthcare is amazingly inexpensive, and health insurance is extremely low cost. However, many people forgo insurance because of the low cost of doctor’s visits and medications. Many U.S. citizens travel to Latin American countries to have medical, dental, and cosmetic procedures, as well as major surgeries performed, because of the quality of care and huge savings.

Climate

Most parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean are mild year-round with no summer or winter temperatures, rather temperatures ranging from around 72 to 89 degrees. There is typically a dry and wet season, with the dry season starting in December and ending in April.

Taxes

In many areas of Latin America, taxes are almost nonexistent. One of many examples is Belize, which is a tax shelter haven. Property taxes are very low, and there is no inheritance tax or capital gains tax. In Costa Rica, there is also no income tax on income made outside the country.