RETIRE in Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, or Colombia? | Best Place to Retire
Vložit
- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
- www.retirementtravelers.com
There are nearly 9 million US expats doing international living around the world. These past four months we have spent time in Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Colombia and have met many expats in each location. These are some of the best countries to retire in 2022 and we plan to show you more great potential locations as we travel the world. In today’s video, we discuss some pros and cons of a selected city in each location and why you might want to explore one of these locations for a visit or even a permanent relocation. We try to give some expat advice to help you make the best decision on the best place to retire and potentially living abroad.
If you choose to retire in Panama there are several good locations. Boquete is a beautiful mountain town with a vibrant expat community, cooler weather and significant expat discounts.
If you would like to retire in Costa Rica, you will find beautiful beaches, a laid back atmosphere and exotic wildlife. Costa Rica living may be for you if you like the “pura vida” lifestyle.
A favorite place of ours, if we were retire in Guatemala, is Lake Atitlan. It is a magnificent lake with volcanoes, surrounded by villages of friendly people. If you are trying to decide where to retire, Lake Atitlan Guatemala should at least make it on your list.
Our last place we visited was Medellin, Colombia. We may very well retire in Colombia based on the cost of living that is about 60% lower than the United States, great weather, good healthcare and a good expat community. It is one of the cheapest countries to retire, but still has a great infrastructure and modern conveniences.
As we travel the globe, we hope we will help you find the best place in the world to retire and share our experiences along the way.
Please join us for a 10-year journey and world travel vlog. Perhaps our world travel will give some ideas on what to do after retirement and where to travel in 2022. As older travel vloggers, we have different perspectives as we show you where to visit in 2022 and give you our experiences as we travel the world and show you where to travel now.
We hope you will subscribe, join us on our adventure, give us some likes and send us comments and suggestions. It means so much. Thank you and hope everyone has a wonderful travel 2022.
#retirementtravelers #Retirement #expats #expat #medellincolombia #boquetepanama #costaricaliving #lakeatitlanguatemala #medellin2022 #wheretoretire #internationalliving #livingabroad #cheapestcountriestoretire #Earlyretirement #retireabroad
00:00 Intro
00:13 Channel Trailer
00:20 Overview of 4 Expat Countries Visited
01:30 Boquete, Panama
04:50 Montezuma, Costa Rica
08:30 Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
13:13 Medellin, Colombia
19:00 Summary and Closing
Get a pair of ALLBIRDS, our absolute favorite travel shoes.
“Click my link for a free pair of socks with your purchase of shoes or apparel. Offer will automatically be applied at checkout if socks are added to your cart, you won't find this deal anywhere else!”
glnk.io/v3p7/retirement-trave...
Get Social with us:
Subscribe on CZcams at https:/ / retirementtravelers
Follow us on Instagram at / retirementtravelers
Like us on Facebook at / retirementtravelers
Connect with us on LinkedIn at / retirement-travelers
Connect with us on Pinterest at / retirementtravelers
ABOUT US:
As the retirement travelers, we have always dreamed of traveling, but we never in a million years thought we would become #travelvloggers and start a CZcams channel. But, that is what we did! We work hard every day to become better and create something that others will enjoy. Having a community of friends, old and new, follow our journey is fun and exciting to us.
In 2019, we achieved our goal of visiting every state in the union in our Airstream. We also visited every national park in the lower 48. We are big believers in lists, so of course we plan to see the remaining 12 parks in the next few years.
In 2021, we made the big decision to extreme downsize to just a suitcase and a small backpack, each. We started our journey around the world beginning in Central America. We hope that over the next ten years, we will have seen many beautiful things, made many memories and new friends, and shared the experience with our children and grandchildren.
We hope you enjoy the journey with us. Drop us a note in the comments and be sure to hit subscribe! 🗺 🎥 🌮
We have spent the past 4 months in Central America and Colombia and met many expats along the way. We wanted to share some pros and cons of living in four different wonderful cities in Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Colombia. Let us know if you have any questions about any of these places if you are considering a visit, longer stay or even moving to one of these cities. John and Bev
Thanks for visiting Guatemala, Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica and take away all of the stereotypes about these places. These are places where people can retire and live comfortably and where the fixed income will go a lot further. Security, you said it well is about common sense since no city is perfect. I live in California and just yesterday there was a mass shooting 6 people lost their lives. I am from Guatemala and I am glad you guys had a good time.
Thanks so much for the note. We loved Guatemala and so glad we didn’t listen to all the information about how dangerous it was supposed to be. EVERYONE we met there was so gracious and friendly. We will definitely be back to explore further. Many blessings and hope you can follow along on our journey through Europe this year. John and Bev
I’ve traveled in Guatemala twice… once on vacation and once on a medical mission trip.
I have friends who had teeth pulled for $12 in India. On the dentist wall were “ diplomas” for “American educated”. We now laugh at those diplomas could have been stolen identity and printed off internet.
I enjoy your videos. I loved Antiqua. So beautiful…
Thanks. So glad you are enjoying our videos and following along on our adventure around the world.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
This video was so great!!!! Bev gets soooo excited about sharing her experiences she talks right over John when he starts talking and then he gets so excited looking at her giant smile, it brings a smile to his face, too. Just darling! I love, love, love how excited Bev & John are in every single video they create together. What a major light in this world! Such wholesome and helpful content!
Oh, you’re too kind. I hate this video because I talk over John. I was excited and he is the most patient man in the world and he didn’t mind at all. BUT, I learned my lesson and I try not to do it now. With every video we get better and this was an earlier one. Thank you for not judging me and chose instead to see the positive. Bev❤️
Guatemala is the best contry to live in all Latinoametica.
Guatemala is so cultural peacefully and so so beautifull.
The people, the clime, food, cities, the Maya culture, the neture...
Guatemala is my favorite place in Larinamerica.
Thanks. We loved Guatemala 🇬🇹 and hope to return someday.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Love your video! My Wife is from Medellin, I am thinking of retirenent There. I have been visiting Medellin since 2016 and the first time I went I was worried because of the bad reputación from Pablo Escobar days but all that has changed, the city, people are beautifull. Cost of living is cheap, medical etc. I live on Florida , Miami Rand it is ridiculous expensive, RENT IS RIDICULOUS!! I was just telling my wife I stull have couple of years for full retirement and we are out of here to Medellin!!! Thanks for the video!!!
Thanks. We love Medellin and plan to go back each year for medical checkups, etc. John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Lo mismo en mi situacion mano. Suerte!
I researched for 2 years the best country to retire. My conclusion was, Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Also, its only 1:30 away from USA. Santiago is not a beach town, but its a nice city with spectacular neighborhoods, great plazas, supermarkets, good people and yes, just an hour away from the beach. It also has a good international airport with easy connectivity with the USA.
Thanks for sharing. We will definitely put Santiago on our visit list in the future. It sounds great! John and Bev
@@RetirementTravelers Also Las Terrenas in the Dominican Republic is an expat’s paradise as well.
Very helpful. Thanks. We wish we could go everywhere, every year!!! John and Bev
What if you are never going to be fluent in spanish? (which, to be honest, most of us will never be)
@@tonywalton1052 You dont need it to survive there. The DR is a worldwide tourist destination and a of people speak English.
Thank you guys for information!!! I've been to Honduras, Peru, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia is my favorite place so far. I'm heading to Guatemala next month and I"m super excited. Thank you for info again!!!!
Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed the info. We loved our time in Guatemala and know you will love it. Are you going to Lake Atitlan and Antigua? John and Bev
Good selection, Guatemala is so beautyfull and peacefully.
Fantastic video guys! You are our inspiration! Safe travels and have fun!
Thanks so much! Safe travels. John and Bev
This was a GREAT recap! Even though I previously watched all the separate videos of the places you visited, it was great to hear your comparative pros & cons lists! This was a really interesting overview and helpful!! 👍👍 Cheers! XX Dara
Thanks so much and glad you enjoyed it. 4 very different places and hopefully we planted some seeds of adventure for some people. Thanks for following along on our adventures. Many blessings, John and Bev
What a great summary of 4 interesting places that aren’t always on the radar. You guys provide so much helpful information. Thanks!
Thanks. Glad you found it helpful and hope you can check out some of these wonderful places. John and Bev
Great descriptions of the locations. Thank you.
Thanks so much. Glad you found it helpful. John and Bev
You gave some REALLY great feedback on these places. I am sure this video offered a ton of people some really great perspectives. Love that you are going to Europe next - 9 months is a good stretch of time!
Thanks for following along and we can’t wait to explore Europe. We are planning on visiting 22 countries. Enjoy your US trip. John and Bev
I agree with your assessments of Lake Atitlan/Panajachel as I have lived here for 3 years now. Good Vid...
Thanks. Lake Atitlan is still one of our favorite places. We hope to return one day. Enjoy your time there.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Love you both , thank you both for your great information,, Keep living your best life🥰🥰🥰
Thanks for your many kind comments. Glad you are enjoying our videos. John and Bev
Thank for the benefit of sharing the comparison. I have been to Panama and Costa Rica now I have a sense of two new places. Pleasant travels 🥾.
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the video and hope you can join us for more adventures around the world.
John and Bev
A very good video and very accurate. I have spent time in all 4 countries plus 24 years in Panama where I currently live. Thumbs up to them on their video.
Thanks for watching! We enjoyed our stay in Panama.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Thanks for the great content/insight. Can't wait to "follow" you to Europe!
Thanks so much for following along and hope you enjoy our Europe adventures! John and Bev
Thanks for all the wonderful information ❤️
You are welcome. Hope you like our channel.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Thank you for visiting my country! I wish you enjoy it and God bless you! 🙏
You are welcome. We had such a wonderful time these past 4 months. Many blessings and hope you have a wonderful 2022. John and Bev
So good to see you guys! What a very informative video! We’ve never really considered visited any of these countries! But think you’ve changed our mind! Looking forward to Europe & of course our favorite place…Greece! Safe travels guys! ~Cara 😊
Thanks. It is good to be back, but we had some wonderful times with the grandkids this past month and even picked up another one. 🥰 We are actually landing in Greece tomorrow. Can’t wait!! Be safe and stay in touch. John and Bev
STOP GENTRIFICATION. Go back to your country please. Gringos, green go!
Been watching you for a couple of months now, such good and accurate info, and I absolutely love your energy and enthusiasm. Thank you for sharing all this knowledge with us 👍🏻💥👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻
Wow. Thanks for the kind words and glad you are enjoying our channel.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Ugh. I just freakin love u guys! Thank you for this video and can't wait to follow you in Europe!
Thanks so much for following along and glad you are enjoying the channel. 😊 Have a wonderful day! John and Bev
I ❤️👍🏽🤗 you guy’s review Mr. John & Ms. Bev! You guys make such a Happy Lovely couple!! I look forward to Panama 🇵🇦 and more ✈️
Thanks so much. We had a wonderful time in Panama 🇵🇦. Hope you can follow along on our journey around the world! Many blessings, John and Bev
Another great video. Thank you. 👍👍👍
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Great idea for a video! 👍👍
Thanks. We have met a lot of expats along the way and thought we should discuss. John and Bev
GUATEMALA is Complete Safe and everybody speak Spanish , matter fact MANY SPANISH SCHOOLS There in the LAKE ATITLAN in ANTIGUA GUATEMALA , you have also the advantage of PACIFIC AND CARIBEAN COAST IN JUST FEW HOURS IN DIFERENT DIRECTIONS , rAIN fOREST , hIGHLANDS , perfect weather from 70 to 80 degrees and the Biggest Capital of the all Central America and the MOST BEAUTYFUL CITY IN ALL THE AREA ANTIGUA GUATEMALA , only 45 minutes from the CAPITAL, according to NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE
Thanks so much! We loved Guatemala 🇬🇹 ❤️ John and Bev
I am from Puerto Rico,,, I have been visiting Medellin for the past 14 years,, ans I LOVE IT. As you say,, the COST of living for people with US DOLLARS is incredibly cheap. And you have all the amenities of a MODERN CITY.
Thanks. We love Medellin.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
How does it compare to living in Puerto Rico?
So great that you are enjoying your retirement years. I am Colombian, but grew up in the USA (CA) since the age of 7. I love both Colombia and Los Angeles, but when the time comes, I plan to retire in Colombia as I don't think I can afford living in LA as a senior. So, glad you enjoy my country and got a taste of how wonderful my people are. Continue to enjoy life and I bet you are going to love Europe!!!!!
Thanks so much. We love visiting Colombia and are heading back in January.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Such an informative video. I'd never considered visiting Columbia but now it is in my bucket list. I may also research on getting prescriptions there too.
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the video. We have some specific videos from Medellin that you might find interesting. John and Bev
If you visit Columbia, don't miss Charleston and Myrtle Beach. There are some nice places to see in South Carolina.
STOP GENTRIFICATION. Go back to your country please. Gringos, green go!
Incredible show we will follow you around the world!
Thanks so much.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Nice videos. Thank you for sharing. Guatemala City is very similar to Medellin. In every aspect, people are very friendly. The food surpassed the food from Colombia. Well I have to decide where I'm going to retire. Thank you again. Enjoy your trips.❤
Thanks for sharing and good luck with your retirement.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Thanks for sharing ❤
Thanks. You are welcome.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
I’ve never been to central or South America; but, I’ve been wanting to go. During covid, I’ve been practicing my Spanish. Lots of good tips. Plus, glad you mentioned that most all the places you visited were safe with normal caution & care. Can’t image from abroad questioning our gun laws here in the U.S., as well as health care. Just saying you have a positive outlook. Thx for the informative vlog.
Thanks. We had a great experience in these countries and hope you get to go soon. Safe travels, John and Bev
Great video ❤
Thanks so much!
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
I forget to add about Canary Islands: amazingly beatiful with vulcano covered with snow in winter while you can take a swim on the beach and with good infrastructure
Colombia and pa'nama used to be one country, love your videos. Thanks
Thanks so much for watching and the info. We learned that Panama has 2 independence days! Pretty cool. John and Bev
Lots of great information especially since we've never been to either of these places. We're still hoping to visit Panama someday in the near future. But of course we've picked Umbria in Italy to live for awhile and still travel. Best of all Worlds💞
Safe travels and looking forward to your upcoming travels~Debbie and Stijn
Thanks. So many cool places in every corner of the world. We’re trying our best to see them all before we settle down! Can’t wait to see Umbria area. We may not leave! 😳 John and Bev
Thanks so much for this video. I think you should make more of this content in addition to your current travels. I really trust your opinion, and it is great to get a nice mix of expat opinion, cost of living commentary and overall vibe as an american. Really great to hear firsthand from "really cute old people".. which is what your kids say.. you are cute but clearly not that old ;)
Thanks for watching and commenting. We do plan to do more of this type of discussion about international living and help our subscribers visualize opportunities around the world. We hope you can follow along on our journey around the world! Thanks again, John and Bev
Nice info,, thanks
Glad it was helpful! Thanks
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Fantastic information! Something to ponder very seriously is the inexpensive medical care in Columbia. Top notch. Worth it for that reason alone to visit that beautiful country!
Thanks so much. We are actually planning to head back to Medellin at least 1 week a year and get all of our yearly checkups and all prescriptions for the year. The pricing and quality amazed us!! We have some great contacts now which will make things easier. Hope all is going well at the lodge. John and Bev
I agree.
In Columbia, South Carolina?
COLOMBIA!!!!!!!!
Brazil as well. These two countries are best for healthcare in South America.
Great job.
Thanks!
Happy trails,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Hey John and Bev. This is Mickey H. from HR. You guys are doing a great job with your channel. FYI, Cindy and I will be spending July through Mid-September in Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland. This is a beautiful part of the country, so if you're in the area, let's get together.
Mickey, Thanks and great to hear from you and hope all is well. We would LOVE to meet you there, but would be nearly impossible this year. Bummer!!! We will be in the Schengen zone for our 90 days, which ends in June. We then will spend 90 days in the Balkans, before we can return to the zone. Keep us in your future travel plans, because we would love to meet up somewhere. (Can Lagniappe come to Bali next year for a play date ?🤣🤣) John and Bev
Heeeelllloooo! Welcome back. None of those destinations are on our radar just yet, BUT....there's a chance of us visiting you during one of your long stays in the future. We are very excited to see yoir European series. Safe travels, Darren & Sharon PS 450 days to go....tick tock
Thanks so much. We’ll keep you posted on our Aussie schedule next March!! Off to Greece now! Can’t wait til the 450 is OVER!!! John and Bev
@@RetirementTravelers have fun. 😃
STOP GENTRIFICATION. Go back to your country please. Gringos, green go!
Lake Atitlan in Guatamala sounds like a wonderful retirement destination if you want to live like Gilligan, the Skipper and the rest of the castaways from Gilligan’s Island, lol.
🤣 Love it. We aren't interested in full-time living there (or anywhere for that matter), but it was magnificent to visit.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
@@RetirementTravelers Yeah, I’m a slow-traveler in Cambodia for now. Lived here and Thailand and the Philippines. Next stop I think is out of southeast Asia all the way to Albania!
I love following your adventures. Could you address people who may be traveling solo? You are so fortunate to have one another! Thanks for what you are doing!
Thanks for following along. We have encountered so many solo travelers around the world, both men and women. They are probably most common in the backpacking areas. Safe travels and many blessings.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
25% senior discount in Panama is HUGE! 🤑
They have done a great job of attracting expats. It brings a lot of revenue into a country!!
@@RetirementTravelers I can imagine!
Nice 👍 cheaper and peaceful weather and food 😎
Thanks. We liked the cost and the food!! John and Bev
Super saludos desde Gainesville Florida
Thanks 😊
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
So enjoy this and your other videos. I especially appreciate the beautiful content shared so genuinely from your experience. Wishing you both continued joy in travel!
Thanks so much for the kind words and following along on our journey. Many blessings, John and Bev
*Colombia: País más Biodiverso del Planeta por Km², y 2º por extensión, después de Brazil.*
*Colombia es llamada "El País de los 1,000 Ritmos", porque son 1,025.* and the list goes on and on.
We love Colombia!
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I think you have done a great job of realistically presenting the difficulties that many if not most people over 65 with the usual mobility problems and difficulty adapting to environments usually reserved for people who grow up there or are young enough to be flexible. Thus the number of true locations is seriously curtailed. The overwhelming factor is the tropical weather. I just wouldn't want to spend most of my time either being uncomfortable because of the heat and humidity, of under air conditioning indoors.........And what you are left with is the serious air pollution of Medellin or Bogota! And El Poblado would just not work out either. For most of us over 65 the most realistic option would be to spend a couple of months in the winter as snowbirds from the US or Canada.
Thanks. Many challenges facing retirees these days. We like to give people ideas and inspiration and let them decide on their own.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Ha, Montezuma is definitely hippy, but that laid back attitude is why we love it and bought a house down there.
Thanks for watching! It is a beautiful area and we met some awesome “hippies” 🤣 down there. Enjoy your Pura vida lifestyle and we certainly hope to return someday during our 10-yr journey around the world. John and Bev
P.S. Excited to follow you across Europe! 🙌
Thanks. We are excited. 22 countries planned over 9 months. Enjoy your time in the Alps. We will be in Romania during that time. Hopefully we can stop by the UK in 2023 summer if you guys are still around. John and Bev
@@RetirementTravelers we will be there in the summer for sure! Let’s do it! 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧
I am an Expat Sampler too! I sample the life by spending in each summer in Britain… but can’t commit to living their full time. I gotta be with my American family and friends part of the year too 🙌
It is fun to be samplers 🤣 We had so much fun with the grandkids this past month we are going to shift our plans next year to roughly 4 months travel and 1 month visiting in US and keep repeating. John and Bev
@@RetirementTravelers sounds PERFECT!!!
Can't wait to visit Colombia
Most of our time has been In Medellin. We love it there.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Guatemala's food is the best. And the Maya culture is magnificent.
Guatemala is wonderfull.
Wonderfull wheather all year long. Wonderfull people, very peacefully.
Guatemala have it all.
We agree. The weather, food, natural beauty and people are all wonderful.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Absolutely I stay in Medellin lovely place but about food i love the variety of food that they have in Guatemala. 👍.
Medellin it is then. Thank you.
And liked and subscribed.
Thanks so much. It is a nice city. John and Bev
Ok! Seriously thinking about living in Medellin for a year and learning Spanish and just taking it easy. Crazy idea? Only thing I worry about is the lack of English. However, the people seem to be very nice there! Great video!
Not a crazy idea at all. Don’t worry about the lack of English. There are people there that help expats with all sorts of things. Good luck and keep us posted. John and Bev
@@RetirementTravelers ok! I want to travel columbia as well. I just checked on airfare and very more reasonable than here. I want to rent a decent apartment there in Medellin with a view!
Great. Poblado neighborhood is where we have stayed and like it. We think it is safe, you will find more English speaking and also probably find some views up the hillside. John and Bev
Bienvenidos a Guatemala. Deseo que gosen de todos los lugares turisticos y que esten contentos
We love Guatemala!
John and Bev
Atitlan, Antigua Guatemala, Ciudad Cayalá are my “favoritas”
Awesome places!!! Thanks
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Great video. Thank you as I have considered living in retirement abroad and watch videos on Panama and Philippines as well. Also Costa Rica and Ecuador has been thought about from reading. As for medical, what about Thailand?
Thanks. We are heading to Thailand later this spring. Who knows?
Safe travels.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Medellin looks so clean and safe compared to any American big city. USA is just getting disgusting.
We have loved our visits to Medellin. Like any big city, there are some not so great areas, but where we stay in Poblado is nice and less than half the price of the US.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Hmmmmm…..we’ve never really ever considered living abroad. We would miss our grandkids too much!
We do like the flexibility of coming back and visiting with those sweeties. We’ve spent the past month with them and loved it. We also hope to take them along on some trips as they get older. John and Bev
You really should add Ecuador to your list. We’re very happy here and it’s very affordable.
Oh it is definitely on our list, we just haven’t been able to get there yet. Everything we hear is good. John and Bev
Ecuador’s healthcare is not good anymore. Too many horror stories lately.
You should go to Cartagena , Colombia, you would like it too, it's really nice.
We spent a week there in 2018 and loved it. Fun City.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Don’t say “cheap” please. Different economy different income base …. and I’m thankful especially if we need to live on SS! Thank you for what you do and awesome content and fun delivery👏
Thanks. Good feedback. Glad you are enjoying our content. John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Revista VOGUE eligió a Guatemala como uno de los 12 mejores destinos turísticos del mundo para 2023. Otros son Roma Málaga Japón Edimburgo Singapur Portugal el Yucon canadiense la Patagonia chilena Groenlandia 🇬🇹
It certainly deserves that high honor!!!
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
So amazing place grabe para ako na tour sa magandang lugar mga alon ng dagat napakaganda po enjoy po keep safe
love alice
Thank you so much. John and Bev
Great to hook up with other expats. Stick together.
It has been a pleasure meeting expats in each country we visit. Thanks. John and Bev
I have travelled to Colombia several times to several cities. Regarding safety, you just use common sense and keep your eyes and ears open. I love it there and found the people to be friendly. If you visit Colombia, a good idea is to lock your credit and debit cards in a safe and carry only the cash you need for whatever you will plan to do. I think this is best because you limit anything that can be stolen. If you can do without a smart phone then put it in a safe if one is available.
Well said! We have have the same experience. We love Colombia.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
The only thing is that you have to carry small amount of money with you and the rest keep it in your packets, or pocketbook so when you pay people don't see that you are carrying 'big money"
Lived in CR for a year but would not go back. Expensive and dramatically increasing violent crime. Panama has limited cool weather cities and Boquete is to small for us and we like to stay away from tourists and big expat groups so we can really blend into the culture.
We are currently in Matagalpa, Nicaragua and been here almost 9 months and like it but it isn’t cool enough, but much prefer Nicaragua over CR.
We will be moving to Xela, Guatemala in January and doing short trips to Antigua and Lake Atitlan. But Xela aka Quetzaltenango, checks all our boxes. We will be there 6-12 months, then heading to San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico for 6 months.
Colombia is also interesting to us and we are looking at the coffee triangle like Armenia and Manizales.
Thanks for sharing your experience. We didn't get to Nicaragua due to cancellation issues during the pandemic, but it is definitely on our list.
Safe travels,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
How’s San Cristóbal?
@@amylee9
Still in Xela and really enjoying it. We will probably be here at least another year. After that we still aren’t sure…maybe Argentina ?
@@therehastobesomethingmoore Thank you. Sounds exciting.
How much are you working with for annual money budget versus what you are getting in income from your different sources? Just trying to see how much I can afford to do if I want to travel some months around other places. Thank you for any info.
Guatemala I have not been there, but is it safe or one of the dicier ones these days? Heard very mixed reviews.
I am Colombian and glad to see positive things about it. I grew up in Medellín in a house right in the centro … in 1981
Thanks for the comment. We are planning a video in the near future on our money saving ideas for world travel.
We felt safe in Guatemala and had no issues during our 2 weeks there. We’re sure there are unsafe neighborhoods in Guatemala City, but no different than many US cities.
Medellin is one of our favorite cities and will definitely go back.
Thanks again and stay tuned for cost saving info in future videos. John and Bev
Dental is cheaper in Guate though
Thanks so much. That is good to know. We love Guatemala and can’t wait to explore even more places. John and Bev
Whatch Videos about Ciudad Cayala, closet to Guatemala city.
You Will love that.
Thanks for the tip. We will do that.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
You are not using AIRBNB anymore....how are you finding places to stay now? Do you trust VRBO for all of these overseas/far away places? Do you have a video on securing a place to stay ahead of time in these far away countries and have you ever put a deposit down and shown up to a non existent rental? Inspired by your channel and hope to do the same! Thank you!
Thanks so much. We use a variety of methods. If you saw our travel credit card video, we many many free nights at Hyatt hotels by transferring Chase points. We also use booking. com for hotels or STR's. They are just better to deal with than Airbnb. We also stay with our viewers sometimes and stay with our children mostly when we are in the states. Good luck with your travels.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Hey hey so I’m only 25 and I’m looking to use my military bonus to invest in property in Panama, Colombia or Mexico I do plan on spending time abroad while I’m in the military and when I get out, which countries would you suggest ? I’ll be working in Cyber security once Im out so I’ll be remote. Love the channel, thanks guys 🌹
Check out this video we did on "Flexpatting". We like the idea of living abroad, but not investing the money to actually buy a place overseas. So many things can change in your life. This gives you many options.
Best of luck and safe travels,
John and Bev
czcams.com/video/3qIKOCImvo4/video.htmlsi=J4a2lVvnnfrHs4lE
Retirement in Costa Rica, you can get a High Standard Health Care from a fraction compared to USA. Senior Citizens don't pay Public Transportation.
Thanks so much for the additional info. John and Bev
Guatemala is the Country with the Eternal Spring.
Medical tourism in Costa Rica has been going on since 1980s
Healthcare in important. What coverage do you care and through whom?
We currently have a BCBS policy, but looking for something cheaper. Colombia is so cheap that we will probably just pay out of pocket there. John and Bev
In Panajachel is the Internet reliable as well as having more restaurants and markets? Thank you
We were in an Airbnb a short boat ride from Panajachel and the internet was poor. We would to a nearby hostel, and it was a little better. There are some expat groups on Facebook that could probably give you some good feedback about internet and more. John and Bev
PS Even with poor internet, we loved the Lake Atitlan area. SO beautiful
Guatemala is My favorite country in Latinamerica.
It is a great place. 👍😊
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
❤
Thanks
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
😍😍😍😍
Thanks 😊. John and Bev
It cracked me up when you mentioned that Montazuma had a sort of hippie feel to it. This might have something to do with the fact that Montazuma is easily the biggest hippie town in all of Costa Rica. I really like Montazuma, but it isn't very representative of Costa Rica overall.
Thanks and great point. We liked Montezuma as well and agree with you on comparison with the rest of Costa Rica. Thanks for commenting and hope you can follow along on our journey. John and Bev
@@RetirementTravelers you are welcome, and I just started checking out your other videos as well, and they are great so far.
Thanks. That put a smile on our faces!
Best Guatemalan
Love Guatemala 🇬🇹❤️
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Been to Panama and lived in Costa Rica long ago…those two are not for us.
Currently living in Nicaragua but heading to Guatemala in February to check out Antigua, Lake Atitlan, and Xela. Then after 6 months in Guatemala we are off to Mexico for 6 months before heading to South America.
Colombia, we are interested in Manizales. Smaller, safer, 75% of the cost of Medellin, in the coffee triangle, and cooler temps.
Oh, and Eliquis here in Nicaragua is $39/month.
Thanks so much for the comment and great suggestions. We are excited to visit Manizales now. Thanks. We had issues with cancelled flights (during Covid) and couldn't make it to Nicaragua, but we definitely want to go there as well. What city in Nicaragua are you living?
Thanks again,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
@@RetirementTravelers
We are living in Matagalpa, in the mountains
Safe travels in Europe guys!
Thanks so much. Hope you can follow along.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
But Expensive I went to France, Spain, and Portugal, in all those places people told me the same thing carefully with your cell and your cameras. Not different from LATAM.
Please COM VISIT Chinchina, Colombia, will
you???
We would love to. Thanks for sharing. We will try to do that the next time we visit Colombia.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
What was wrong with the Parquellos area of Medellín?
Nothing by day........but at night (all night) the boombox's and parties are VERY LOUD! We didn't go there for the nightlife, so we picked the wrong area. There are lots of nice places just a few minutes away that we have since stayed in.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAGAZINE ,declares ANTIGUA GUATEMALA The most Beautyful City of All cities in Central America .
We agree! Guatemala is awesome. John and Bev
@@RetirementTravelers Revista VOGUE eligió a Guatemala como uno de los 12 mejores destinos turísticos del mundo para 2023. Otros son Roma Málaga Japón Edimburgo Singapur Portugal el Yucon canadiense la Patagonia chilena Groenlandia 🇬🇹
How about spanish Canary Islands? Absolutly best climate in the world (not so hot, humid or rainy), affordable and very safe (safer as most south American)... you should come here to test it as well 😉 I am expat on Tenerife and cannot recommend suficient
Thanks for reaching out. We are actually heading there for 4 days in December to check it out. It looks amazing. John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
Any place in Europe is not cheap like LATAM
Sorry but it's the truth.
In Medellin Colombia I will probably get residency there. Question about medical insurance? Can I purchase insurance in the country? Or is it so cheap I can pay out of pocket if I get sick! I’m currently healthy, and in my mid 40’s. What should I do for health insurance.
We are planning to get a very high deductible coverage for a catastrophic condition, otherwise we plan to pay out of pocket in Colombia or other cheap country should the need arise. Also, ALL prescriptions in Colombia. About 1/10 the cost of in the US. Hope this helps, John and Bev
It's a good idea to get insurance. There are several companies that offer coverage.
What about Nicaragua?
This was during the pandemic and we had several flights cancelled going into Nicaragua. We decided to go to Nicaragua at a later date. We can't wait.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I was looking to go to Guatemala because my husband got deported and I was wondering if it’s nice there
We love Antigua and Lake Atitlan.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
How about Ecuador? According to expats this is number 1 for retirement.
We definitely want to visit Ecuador, we just haven’t had time yet. We have heard similar things.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com
Great! I visited Ecuador and really liked there, I never been in Panama and Colombia, spent vacation in Costa Rica, liked hotel a lot but not so much outside. Maybe I was in wrong place.
How did you choose your dentist and doctor?
We just got lucky and found a great english speaking dentist on the internet. The doctor was a referral from a local expat. We are currently exploring other parts of the world, so that we don't always have to return to Medellin for care. More to come.
John and Bev
retirementtravelers.com/
I just have my implants in Medellin they did an excellent job the name of the clinic is ODONTOSUR
In Building Complex las Vegas. Dr. Daniel Moncada. I paid a lot cheaper than here in NY.
Medellin 🇨🇴🤍
We love Medellin, too! John & Bev
Why not Nicaragua?
We weren’t able to make it to this Nicaragua this trip, but we definitely plan to go in the future. John and Bev
If you move permanently to any country, you are an IMMIGRANT. Often, an immigrant is seen as someone who has moved to another country permanently, and an expat may be seen to have moved to a country temporarily. Expats may be more likely to move around than an immigrant.
Thanks
🍞
🧈