Retire Overseas – Is It Safe?
Retire Overseas? Americans are more frightened than ever when they travel abroad. They don’t dare think about retiring abroad. I guess it’s a legacy of the war on terror. However, I have not heard of an incident among the lots of people I know who’ve lived abroad when they were harmed or injured. I guess if you are alert & aware of your circumstances at all times, you shouldn’t have any dangerous encounters. The advice that I offer here is common sense, but I will mention it anyway because common sense isn’t always so common. Now, here are my words to the wise:
Other expatriates should be able to tell you where high-crime areas are so that you can avoid them. Locals can also tell you about places where you shouldn’t go. We generally develop an instinct that tells us when we are in neighborhoods that are dangerous. Don’t wear flashy clothes or costly jewelry when you’re on public transportation. A cheap plastic watch will work well enough to help you know the time.
Don’t take too many things with you when you travel, but carry a travel wallet that fits inconspicuously under your clothes. Don’t wear a big fanny pack or purse, and don’t flash lots of money because that will make you a target for pickpockets anywhere that you go. Entire busloads of foreigners can be attacked when on public transportation in some countries. Stay alert and vigilant.
Confirm things with the State Department and the CDC regarding possible safety concerns or bulletins on health issues health advisories in the district that you plan to retire abroad in. However, as usual, there are some things you can do to protect yourself. You should also stay away from performing any behavior that would be risky. Refrain from remaining out in town late at night, particularly if you are by yourself. You should always go places with a friend or with some other twosome. Above all, don’t drink too much and go crazy. Stunts like that will only become your worst bad dream if you aren’t cautious. Another thing important is to remember to only to ride in secure public transportation or with known, trusted drivers.
Be prepared in case of emergencies, and know what to do. There should be no surprises. Where is your local hospital? Who do you call in case of emergencies? You should have medical coverage that insures you even when overseas. For safety, get 24-hours emergency assistance including emergency evacuation back into the states. Before leaving the states, make sure to get a complete medical and dental checkup. This insures that you won’t need medical services that early in your retirement.
If you want to live abroad and want to blend in without looking like a tourist, you will have to learn how to get around the city on your own. You should always keep a local cell phone or an international cell phone on you because you never know when you will need it. Soon you will be dressing and blending in with the locals and will be able to spot a tourist in a heartbeat.
These suggestions might seem extreme. On the other hand, contrast the previous points to the consequences of continuing to live in the US. You might find it preferable to work harder and for longer to compensate for the events of the last 18 months. However, I would find it preferable to retire to Mexico. Mexico has statistically lower crime than the US, and I do not relish the thought of continuing to work (and commute for two hours a day) at the age of 65.
Sometimes bad things happen to good people. Life is just that way. But you can still retire if you think outside of the box.
You could move to Mexico for example. It is close by, and you won’t be the only one who speaks English because a lot of Americans and Canadians are already enjoying expatriate living there. You don’t even have to change citizenship.
Why would you want to retire in another country? Because you’ll be able to live well on $2000 or less each month. That includes a cook or maid to help with housework. You can really benefit from lower costs of living when you retire overseas.
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Tags: baby boomers, boomers, Destinations, expat, expatriate, live abroad, live overseas, move abroad, move overseas, retire abroad, retire early, retire overseas, retire young, retirement, seniors
March 27 2010 03:06 am | Destinations