Ready to ESCAPE the TOXIC POLITICS?! Here’s how to LEAVE the United States (or Canada)!

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  • čas přidán 14. 06. 2023
  • We ditched the U.S. in 2017, and honestly, our only regret is that we didn't leave sooner.
    The thought of moving abroad was daunting for us at first. It seemed like a logistical nightmare, but after we broke it down into small chunks, it was much more manageable.
    So, if you're ready to start planning your move abroad, we're here to help! We’ve broken down the process into a simple 7-step process to help you get focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
    Here's a link to the full article on our website where you can also download the Move Abroad Checklist and the Expat Country Selector: ameliaandjp.com/how-to-leave-...
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Komentáře • 414

  • @300rivers7
    @300rivers7 Před rokem +55

    So long america. You've got all your getting from us.

    • @TINASAMRA-zr8lj
      @TINASAMRA-zr8lj Před 12 dny +1

      Im praying for things to workout to move permanently out of america!!!😢 it's So Terrible here!!!!!!!! The Government is very very very Corrupt and I'm praying to move soon....please pray for me..I'm trying to save..

  • @scottturner6139
    @scottturner6139 Před rokem +45

    Great info. Been living the dream in Santa Marta Colombia for 1.5 years. The smart ones are getting out of US.

    • @tankeryankernomore6499
      @tankeryankernomore6499 Před 3 měsíci +3

      Any opportunities there for an expats children’s future? I work remote so I don’t need to worry about income but looking for tropical country that my son would have opportunities.

    • @ParisianThinker
      @ParisianThinker Před měsícem +2

      Out now for 18 years. I am AWAKE!

    • @danielm.1599
      @danielm.1599 Před 12 dny +1

      @@tankeryankernomore6499what do you do? That sounds soooo amazing!

    • @tankeryankernomore6499
      @tankeryankernomore6499 Před 12 dny +2

      @@danielm.1599 I dispatch fuel tankers for a company in the NE it’s not a bad gig

    • @danielm.1599
      @danielm.1599 Před 12 dny +1

      @@tankeryankernomore6499 I went I Colombia a few
      Times and nearly got mugged every time but that was bogota. I’m sure there’s much much better places, but if I had to judge only Bogota because that’s all I know, I would never stay long-term in Colombia and probably will never visit again. Also, I think it’s super important to understand that getting mugged in Columbia means getting stabbed possibly multiple times. People let to deny it, but I was followed several times, but kept my wits about me and escaped in on the airplane ride home there was an American sitting next to me who had gotten stabbed three times in the back so words to the wise.

  • @marytica123
    @marytica123 Před rokem +29

    TO ALL WOULD-BE EXPATS: do your "homework" before making a "leap of faith", selling everything, and moving abroad !
    We lived in Costa Rica for 5 years (2004-2009), and LOVED it. Home prices were reasonable, the cost of living was low, and crime was negligible outside the capital. NOW, everything has changed - and NOT for the better ! Home prices are equal to or higher than USA; living expenses have soared; and crime has spread even to the smallest towns. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP !

    • @jamescalifornia2964
      @jamescalifornia2964 Před 11 měsíci +1

      Good advice 👍

    • @GoLongAmerica
      @GoLongAmerica Před 11 měsíci +7

      I think most of South America will follow this trend. I heard that Ecuador is getting more expensive, as more and more expats are seeking to relocate there.

    • @Chriscovelli1
      @Chriscovelli1 Před 2 měsíci +4

      Thank you so much for the forewarning. I'm starting to think that I have to face facts. I'm trapped in greedy America. Relocating is simply unaffordable because of the greed here. In fact, the problem isn't greed itself. It's humans. They are just naturally selfish. So here's to our extinction! 🥳

    • @Sammiejomitchell
      @Sammiejomitchell Před měsícem +3

      This is 100% true. CostaRica used to be nice, but now I would not recommend it. I left there in 2018 and moved to Nicaragua. Never regretted that move.

    • @tday2870
      @tday2870 Před 27 dny +1

      I mean, a lot changes after 5 years anywhere and you can’t really “plan” for that, just as I’m sure you didn’t expect that to happen when you moved there in 2004. Js.

  • @michaelsix9684
    @michaelsix9684 Před rokem +121

    so many people are leaving CA now, the state govt. wants to impose an exit tax, this tax would follow you for several years possibly a decade! this is nuts, many people are learning from you to leave the USA, you can live better overseas now

    • @voiceyourresilience209
      @voiceyourresilience209 Před rokem +22

      We moved from CA to TN (no State tax). The last stop before the move to Italy.

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +16

      Exit taxes and 10 year continuing taxes after you leave California are both being discussed
      Folks need to make that move fast

    • @voiceyourresilience209
      @voiceyourresilience209 Před rokem +7

      @@RetireandGo gross.

    • @marytica123
      @marytica123 Před rokem

      For expats who want to renounce their US citizenship, the State Department will hit you with a FEE - last time I checked, it was over $2500 ! Can anyone say "Land of the Free" - LOL ?

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +4

      @@voiceyourresilience209 I know right ! These new tax laws are yuk

  • @paulsteinberg521
    @paulsteinberg521 Před rokem +39

    Excellent advice. We moved to Spain 4 years ago, the best decision we made.

    • @houserental5424
      @houserental5424 Před měsícem

      Spain? Taxes, political currupt ion, north African invasion. No thanks

    • @danielm.1599
      @danielm.1599 Před 12 dny

      How did you do it? I’m not rich nor do I have a skilled profession

    • @houserental5424
      @houserental5424 Před 11 dny

      @@danielm.1599 than you better enter from the south for benefits and asylum.

  • @ddavidson5
    @ddavidson5 Před rokem +37

    Great tips! One other thing I would add is don't jump into buying a house right away in your new location, rent for a good long while first (at least a year or two). Real estate abroad is not necessarily as easy or quick to sell as real estate in the US if you should decide that you want to be a different neighborhood, city, or even a different country. I have seen many many times people come for a 2 week visit, buy a house, sell up back home, move lock stock and barrel only to find a year or two later that the new location isn't for them. Remember, a 2 week vacation somewhere isn't like living there. Take your time before putting down roots, there's no rush.

    • @marytica123
      @marytica123 Před rokem +1

      EXCELLENT ADVICE ! We lived in Costa Rica for 5 years, and things CHANGED a LOT by the time we returned to the USA. It took us a YEAR to sell our home, and thank God we had ONE lady who bought the house - but for about $25,000 LESS than we wanted !

    • @mactravel112
      @mactravel112 Před rokem

      in all Canadians famously suffer from analysis/paralysis. And fear of the unknown keep them locked up at home with an overpriced and low quality of life. There is no rush to choose. But there is a rush to stop wasting your life in the dumpster fire that Canada has become. Life is way too short for that

    • @YogaBlissDance
      @YogaBlissDance Před 10 měsíci +2

      Totally I notice middle class American's getting in trouble with the obsession of owning..why own you know nothing really about this new place- YOU NEED FLEXIBILITY! Rent, move around, what are the odds you'll find your ideal place right away???

  • @MacMorningwood
    @MacMorningwood Před 11 měsíci +35

    At first I got out of my hometown Los Angeles almost 5 years ago to Nevada. But lately I’ve been thinking I want out of the US. You guys the last couple of days discovering your videos has me seriously considering Ecuador. I’m going to be following you and your resources for a long time I think.

    • @Ahsar_bek
      @Ahsar_bek Před 11 měsíci

      Так много людей сейчас мечтают попасть в Лос-Анджелес, а вы наоборот уезжаете от туда)

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried Před 11 měsíci +5

      If you are not already fluent in Spanish, or can at least communicate / understand basic conversational Spanish, start studying now.

    • @PatJones-jz9rs
      @PatJones-jz9rs Před 2 měsíci

      ​@@What_If_We_Tried,
      Between Babble, Google Translator and numerous spanish language television channels broadcast in Metro-Atlanta, I'm catching on.

  • @scottlevine7646
    @scottlevine7646 Před rokem +58

    I literally just paid a lawyer 50% of the visa application fee to relo to Ecuador. THANK YOU, JP and Amelia; I’d probably not have gotten this far (or even known of Cuenca) without you. ❤❤

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +1

      Wow! This is great!
      Good luck on this and keep us updated :-)

    • @brettfairweather5609
      @brettfairweather5609 Před 11 měsíci +1

      can I get the lawyers contact info please ?

    • @jeanbean6745
      @jeanbean6745 Před 3 měsíci

      Yes I would like a visa agent as well.❤

    • @ParisianThinker
      @ParisianThinker Před měsícem

      Bonjour,! I managed my own visa to France. Why would you need anyone to help you with a visa in Ecuador? They don't require much of anything.

    • @user-wk8mw6to2g
      @user-wk8mw6to2g Před 14 dny +1

      What do you mean? A lawyer can do it for you cheaper?

  • @manoffire786
    @manoffire786 Před rokem +17

    im 37 disable on ssdi. i would love to live in equador or guatamala. in the mountains where its cool.

    • @Sammiejomitchell
      @Sammiejomitchell Před měsícem +2

      Nicaragua in the mountains has very comfortable weather, no earthquakes, no volcanoes, no hurricanes. The people are very friendly. Cost of living is cheap. Getting cédula is easy. Free health care. I love it here.

    • @manoffire786
      @manoffire786 Před měsícem

      @@Sammiejomitchell noted o7

  • @QuinnPrice
    @QuinnPrice Před rokem +32

    Agree. I wish I would have moved sooner. And I got lucky in selecting Ecuador, later Cuenca. For me, it's all worked out well.

  • @philipransbottom8965
    @philipransbottom8965 Před rokem +21

    I would like to add:
    For those currently living in Canada or the USA... a good way to "keep" your phone number is purchasing VOIP, like Google Voice. It's easy to setup and uses internet to operate and can be used on the pc. It's quite convenient. WhatsApp is a DEFINITE MUST when traveling outside the USA. There is a growing number of people who use Signal also.
    A couple of other things that makes Ecuador convenient is the
    + 120 VAC with same electrical plugs (A, B) in North America and
    + the use dollars
    Great video as usual :)

    • @intergalacticbnb
      @intergalacticbnb Před 5 měsíci

      You can receive text messages too? Like two-step verification codes for example?

    • @Isaac-ev3nq
      @Isaac-ev3nq Před 3 měsíci

      @@intergalacticbnb You could look into google fi, it works internationally

  • @w_w_whitey
    @w_w_whitey Před rokem +23

    Good video, as always. I will always be very thankful for you both, for giving me the courage to take our first nomad trip to Mexico for 6 months in 2020. You were the first couple that showed me we could do it and looked like us (Amelia working remotely at a "normal" job) - not rich, not retired, and not 20-something influencers. Thank you!

  • @MekongRick
    @MekongRick Před rokem +19

    I have lived in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Best advice? Slowly, slowly. My first visit to Thailand was in 2004, then on my 4th vacation trip in 2007, it was then I thought I could retire here, which happened in 2010. A year later, due to horrendous floods and declining store supplies (Bangkok was surrounded by flood waters), I moved to Cambodia. You just never know. So only carry stuff you don't care if you lose or leave behind. Spend a couple of vacation periods in your final selection nation. Then follow Amelia and JP's guide. Hardest part leaving home? Parting with books and some furniture. Be tough. I only have a tiny storage unit back in Canada. After 13 years, I still maintain official connections.

  • @GreenEnvy.
    @GreenEnvy. Před 12 dny +1

    I left in my 20's and it was the best thing I ever did. When you see the light, you don't go back to the dark. Greetings from Morocco!

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před 11 dny

      Exactly! Congrats on your escape! 🥳

  • @martypoll
    @martypoll Před rokem +25

    All good advice. I moved to Thailand in 2017. I recommend you prepare for the possibility that your international move may not work out and you may want to move back home. This may include continuing to pay taxes. Not selling your house. Keeping bank and phone and mail service. I only stopped paying California taxes 2 years after moving away.
    Also, about selecting a country. Many Americans expect to go to a foreign country and buy land and have a path to citizenship. I wouldn't put this too high on your list. In low cost of living countries, home/land, ownership seems, to me, to not have so much importance. As a retiree, citizenship isn't important to me either. I don't know the country well enough to want to participate in voting and some other things.
    If you are single then, as recommended, go ahead and get rid of all your stuff. Some people have strong attachments to some stuff such as vintage cars, guns, tools, audio equipment, hobby materials. Now is the time to let that stuff go. Shipping stuff to foreign countries is expensive and all that stuff will weigh you down in the early years when you are trying to get settled. I finally got a chance, a couple of weeks ago, to ship to myself, some of my dad's artwork which included 2 painting and a sculpture. It cost $1,500 to ship. I've now got a house to put it in and it has sentimental value but this was a one time indulgence.

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +2

      Good information thank you
      In live Thailand and it sounds like you are well set up there
      Nice about the family art work

    • @fdm2155
      @fdm2155 Před rokem +1

      Yes, having dealt with my mother's estate, I'd recommend downsizing as you approach retirement even if you aren't planning to move away. My mother lived in the same house for more than 40 years. She had a TON of stuff that nobody else wants or really has a use for so getting rid of things took a LOT of time. I didn't want to just dump things on Good Will or other charities.

    • @mynickname4884
      @mynickname4884 Před rokem +3

      @@fdm2155 Very good advice. We've embraced minimalism. Weekly, I go through cabinets and get rid of stuff. There is no reason to have so much junk. It is liberating. We have a scandi style minimalist apartment, which we love, that makes keeping things clean and clutter free easy peazy.

    • @mynickname4884
      @mynickname4884 Před rokem +2

      Wanted to add that we have two kinds of expat friends, the ones who came with a couple suitcases apiece and the ones that shipped all their junk. The latter made big mistakes. For example, whatever price the shippers to ecuador quoted you, it is 50% higher every.single.time. The crooked authorities at the docks will fine you to oblivion. And all those collectibles you carefully packed? They will be thrown directly onto the dock, stepped on, and then thrown into a box with zero regard. You can get just about anything you need right here. For whatever else, mule them in when you go to north america to visit your grands.

    • @fdm2155
      @fdm2155 Před rokem +1

      @@mynickname4884 I'm far from minimal but I see the value in unloading stuff. My mother collected ceramics and glass for many years. However, nobody wants all that vintage glass. Most of it isn't particularly valuable. A friend is a librarian at a public library. People often dump old books on their doorstep. Then the library is stuck getting rid of it because they don't need 30 year old paperbacks and biology textooks! One time somebody dropped off a bunch of old textbooks in a foreign language. 🙄

  • @markmobley3472
    @markmobley3472 Před rokem +21

    Amilia and JP, You guys are doing a great job!!! I was a little worried about you. I had not seen a new video from you for a while. I feel confident your course is going well but keep putting out beginning stuff like this. They help people find you. And THEY NEED TO FIND YOU! You are one of if not THE best.

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před rokem +4

      Thank you so much!

    • @markmobley3472
      @markmobley3472 Před rokem +1

      @@AmeliaAndJP 👍

    • @dlwilliamson5644
      @dlwilliamson5644 Před rokem

      They are most definitely the best. I have lived in Spain and in China totaling six years. Amelia and JP know how to communicate important points. I am so grateful.

  • @eternitywithjesus777
    @eternitywithjesus777 Před 10 měsíci +1

    This is a well-made and thought out video. You covered everything.

  • @dbarb0813
    @dbarb0813 Před 3 měsíci +1

    This information was SOO helpful. thank you for sharing all of your insights

  • @stevenwomack9574
    @stevenwomack9574 Před rokem +4

    Another amazing and useful video with tons of information! Thanks so much! You guys rock!

  • @ADONAIsays-so
    @ADONAIsays-so Před 2 měsíci +1

    Y'all brought up many great pointers! Thanks 😊

  • @prematureoptimism7125
    @prematureoptimism7125 Před rokem +4

    As usual, very informative & motivational. Lots of thanks. 😎

  • @berkeleygang1834
    @berkeleygang1834 Před rokem +4

    Great video. I'm bookmarking it to refer to it often as I plan and execute my USA exit strategy. Thank you very much!

  • @RetireandGo
    @RetireandGo Před rokem +5

    Great information
    Thank you for this video
    I am happily living abroad permanently and I hope others find the same peace I have

  • @thomasclancy4502
    @thomasclancy4502 Před 11 měsíci +1

    This is a great video! You covered a lot in 13 minutes. Thanks!!!😊

  • @cindyk3076
    @cindyk3076 Před rokem +2

    Thank you for the wonderful information!

  • @user-ch1nn6wf8r
    @user-ch1nn6wf8r Před rokem +10

    I've been watching your videos for the past 8 months, and you guys are awesome! I've learned so much from you. My wife and I recently spent a week in Merida, MX as that is one of our potential retirement destinations. We're in our early 50's so we have time to visit a number of destinations including Valencia, Spain and Cuenca, Ecuador. We lived like the locals in Merida and learned a lot during that time. We especially learned how hot it is. We're from Texas so we thought we knew what hot was. haha! But we were wrong. I guess it didn't help that we walked around for 6 hours in 103 degree weather...with my wife suffering a mild case of heat exhaustion on day 1. Anywho, thank you so much for providing us with the inspiration to get out of our comfort zone. You are both very inspiring. BTW...I love my wife, but Amelia is smokin' hot and smart. Way to go JP! You and I both won the lottery with our wives. hehe!

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried Před 11 měsíci

      One advantage of moving to Spain, is that you are living in Western Europe, with all the benefits that entails.
      Moving to Latin America will take some getting used to for many North American expats. Having said that, if you do move to an economically sound Latin American country, you'll never have to worry about medical bills forcing you into bankruptcy.
      Sure, the hospital may not have marble floors in the foyer, a lavish gift shop, or an espresso bar, but your medical costs are going to be reasonable.

  • @pamelahaskin9738
    @pamelahaskin9738 Před rokem +4

    Some really great tips! Thanks so much. We really enjoy your videos.

  • @havsum98107
    @havsum98107 Před 11 měsíci +2

    Great video!! One of the better ones I have seen and very helpful!!

  • @MrHacross
    @MrHacross Před 2 měsíci +1

    Excellent video, Thank You!

  • @kristiG5259
    @kristiG5259 Před 11 měsíci

    Great general info with plenty of affiliate links (good for you!) You put a lot of work into these informative videos!

  • @hanslueschen5190
    @hanslueschen5190 Před rokem +2

    Very informative. Thank you!

  • @OllieCat7
    @OllieCat7 Před 10 měsíci +2

    Amelia and JP you are very very good at what you are doing. Thank you

  • @francois3475
    @francois3475 Před rokem +1

    Helpful video with lots of info! Thank you.

  • @allanbacon2977
    @allanbacon2977 Před rokem +12

    More awesome information overload. This channel is incredible.

  • @deant007
    @deant007 Před 8 měsíci

    Thanks Amelia and JP. Cheers

  • @chandrabarrett2344
    @chandrabarrett2344 Před 6 dny

    Great information. Thanks for sharing

  • @Andrew-cg2zl
    @Andrew-cg2zl Před rokem +2

    amazing video, great details

  • @marjoriehall9984
    @marjoriehall9984 Před rokem +2

    Thank you! Great info.

  • @rioscueva1899
    @rioscueva1899 Před rokem +1

    Heading there soon too!

  • @sarah5304
    @sarah5304 Před 3 měsíci +1

    I lived abroad in Central America for 1.5 years and this video is SO informative of the real things expats deal with. Really helpful content!

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před 3 měsíci

      Thanks! And congrats on living abroad!

  • @2muchmedia
    @2muchmedia Před rokem +1

    Great advice!

  • @PatrickIrelandsentienti
    @PatrickIrelandsentienti Před rokem +3

    A great video, I have been following your channel for a long time. I moved from Canada ten and a half years ago to the Philippines, with my Filipina wife who I married in Canada. We built our first house in the first year that we were here and my wife sold it to purchase our new property where we have now built our permanent home. We have been very happy living in this country, and we have no regrets about moving from Canada.

  • @chrisgillings537
    @chrisgillings537 Před rokem +8

    Huge logistical challenge but absolutely worth it!

    • @dlwilliamson5644
      @dlwilliamson5644 Před rokem +1

      Break it down into small step by step increments. Moving to another country is not wholly unlike finishing your last two years of university. Be patient and diligent and you will be rewarded with a wonderful new life.

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried Před 11 měsíci

      Logistics / expense of shipping a container of goods is NOT worth it for most people.
      My recommendation is digitize all photos, and except for a few keepsakes, or hand tools (if you're a craftsman), sell / donate everything.

  • @chasesquiresecuador
    @chasesquiresecuador Před rokem +5

    The best advice in this video is right at the start: break it down into little chunks. It can seem overwhelming. So make a list of smaller bits, and do them one at a time. Before you know it, it's done. Nobody runs a marathon, they run the mile they are on, and together, that makes up the marathon.

  • @DinoMaRenAlva
    @DinoMaRenAlva Před rokem +1

    Enjoyed this video..thank you!

  • @fdm2155
    @fdm2155 Před rokem +1

    Yes, I'm off to Colombia this summer for a month. Want to spend some time there to see how I like it. Plan to check out a few cities.

  • @LiMuBai
    @LiMuBai Před rokem +2

    Great Video! Thank you!

  • @scotmatheson1109
    @scotmatheson1109 Před rokem +6

    I still have 2 years before I retire, and plan an exploratory visit to Ecuador this fall, going to the short-term rental you recommended. Thanks for all the great information. I noticed that with your more recent postings, you actually both seem to look younger.

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +1

      Great idea to go look first, 2 weeks or one month. Get a feel for the place
      What other countries are you considering?

    • @scotmatheson1109
      @scotmatheson1109 Před rokem +2

      @Retire and Go Ecuador. Was considering Costa Rica, but was there last year and it's on the back burner for now.

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem

      @@scotmatheson1109 2024 I will be visiting several Latin American countries. I appreciate all the feedback

    • @scotmatheson1109
      @scotmatheson1109 Před rokem

      @Retire and Go I went to Costa Rica last November, but didn't plan trip well. Went with somebody who was a dental tourist.

  • @michaelsix9684
    @michaelsix9684 Před rokem +4

    thanks for giving us a basic plan, so very helpful -- you can publish an ebook on this and sell it online

  • @clinicallykenai3
    @clinicallykenai3 Před 2 měsíci

    I'm starting university in august and have been thinking of leaving the US immediately after i finish higher education once im stable. This was really helpful, thank yoy for making this video, this really helps me understand where to start in the long run.

  • @posttoasty7552
    @posttoasty7552 Před 2 měsíci

    Good info. We moved to Sicily a year ago.

  • @TheFlairGuy
    @TheFlairGuy Před 3 měsíci

    Love it, thank you very much!

  • @davidanderson762
    @davidanderson762 Před 10 měsíci +2

    Thank you so much for your content. I've been watching you for a few years now (from Denver) and you've helped me realize there are better options for retirement😁

  • @sparklemotion86
    @sparklemotion86 Před 11 měsíci

    7:53 wow super great tip! Thank you!

  • @elvdell5582
    @elvdell5582 Před 6 měsíci +1

    It is indeed a daunting task. One of the challenges I'm struggling with is while you are exploring. You have mail to deal with, a home to figure things out for. Grass has to be cut; plants need to be cared for animals etc. I'm slowly grappling with the idea of letting the plants go, but they are my babies 😞.... I really hoped to find a country with perpetual summer / spring where I could eventually move my plants. But keeping them alive while I'm exploring... I know I know, first world problems. It's an exciting journey.

  • @MichelLiv
    @MichelLiv Před rokem +3

    i love how much you love Ecuador, I hope my birth country is a good host for you and thanks for all the good things you speak about Ecuador. I hope your best years are in Ecuador!

  • @faisal-ca
    @faisal-ca Před rokem +6

    Thanks for including Canada :)

  • @annformeller8698
    @annformeller8698 Před rokem

    Hi there we met at Los Algarrobos...great video.

  • @honeybeejourney
    @honeybeejourney Před 11 měsíci +1

    Super helpful. I've just subscribed to your blog. :-)

  • @cherylhedric3045
    @cherylhedric3045 Před rokem +18

    Is it crazy that I have been planning to move to Ecuador for the past 5 years and I haven't even had my exploratory trip yet? 😂

    • @robfleku
      @robfleku Před rokem +4

      Umm same here lol 5 years of planning and still no trip 😂😂. We are hoping finally next spring.

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +5

      I’m glad to read you are planning an exploration trip.
      Good for you and I hope the eventual move goes well :-)

    • @robfleku
      @robfleku Před rokem +3

      @@RetireandGo thank you my friend😀

    • @mactravel112
      @mactravel112 Před rokem +2

      obviously, yes. Hop on the plane and enjoy

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +3

      @@mactravel112 I agree
      Make a plan, grab that passport and go

  • @maryrosa6119
    @maryrosa6119 Před 11 měsíci +1

    All good advice 👍👌👏

  • @davidbensonii8007
    @davidbensonii8007 Před rokem +6

    This is hard!! I just wanted to pack up and go and leave everything behind. Let the bank have the house and everything in it.

    • @stop_and_smell_the_roses
      @stop_and_smell_the_roses Před rokem +2

      I feel the same way, but a country will not open their doors to a person for a visa without a specific amount of money.

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried Před 11 měsíci

      @@stop_and_smell_the_roses 100% this! You need to show a minimum monthly income to get beyond a tourist visa in many countries, and some even demand you enter with XX dollars in the bank.

  • @Exploring_With_Sean
    @Exploring_With_Sean Před 11 měsíci +4

    I showed one of your videos to a family member of mine and the first thing they said was, "it's not safe". Cartels and crime, blah blah blah. 🤦🏻‍♂️
    You don't seem to be dealing with that. You should do a video on safety for expats and how safe is it for expats or which places to avoid.

  • @mustbesaid6649
    @mustbesaid6649 Před 6 měsíci

    Yikes I didn't think there was so much involved. Maybe I'll stay put for a while longer. Thanks for the info.

  • @robertresendes9818
    @robertresendes9818 Před rokem +13

    We just arrived in Cuena after a week in Loja. IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT!! 😂❤ Quit making all these compelling videos!!
    JK. You've, obviously, been inspirational to many!! Thank you!

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před rokem +1

      Haha! Great! 🥳🇪🇨

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem

      Oh wow
      Enjoy your stay there :-)
      I hope to visit next year

  • @anthonybutler3157
    @anthonybutler3157 Před rokem +3

    Great video. Moved to portugal 5 years ago. Haven't looked back. Videos like this didn't exist when we moved. Did force me to learn the skills to navigate the transition.

    • @blue18404
      @blue18404 Před měsícem

      I can't speak Portuguese. Will it be hard for an American to move there

    • @anthonybutler3157
      @anthonybutler3157 Před měsícem

      @@blue18404 i have learned enough to communicate. Didn't start learning until I moved here at 58. My wife dpeaks very little portuguese and gets by quite well

    • @anthonybutler3157
      @anthonybutler3157 Před měsícem +1

      @blue18404 i retired here at 58. I have, through classes and an app, gained the ability to communicate in a rough manner in portuguese. My wife does not speak the language. We are able to navigate, make friends and live a good life here.

    • @blue18404
      @blue18404 Před měsícem +1

      @@anthonybutler3157 I live in Pennsylvania. It is a disgrace. Pollution and the health care is abomination.

    • @anthonybutler3157
      @anthonybutler3157 Před měsícem +1

      @blue18404 we came to portugal after 34 years in Brooklyn. A good place, but our new adventure fits us so well at this time of life. Fyi, my wife is a cancer survivor and is very pleased with the health care here

  • @honeyspringshomestead1411

    Good tips and such for making the move. I am probably one of the fortunate ones in that my wife is from Ecuador. She is an amazing woman and introduced me to a lot of new foods and such, especially when we went there back in I think 2017. We are headed back the end of July for 2 weeks and I cannot wait. One thing I highly recommend to anyone even traveling out of the country is this, get at least comfort class for the flight. :) I am a tall one, and those standard seats have no leg room lol.

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před rokem +2

      Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your visit!

    • @jerrym3261
      @jerrym3261 Před rokem

      I'm 6'3" and haven't flown in close to 30 years. I keep hearing I'm in for a rude awakening.

    • @asahel6575
      @asahel6575 Před rokem

      @@jerrym3261 At the very least, get an aisle seat. I'm 6'3 also and my domestic flight last year was pretty bad even though it was only a few hours haha

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem

      True
      I use a butt pad for flights bus and train as I travel the world, I get pain in my legs with long sits otherwise ouch

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried Před 11 měsíci +1

      @@jerrym3261 Oh, I feel bad for you, and like someone else mentioned "comfort class" is a necessity, and even then things are a bit cramped, especially if you do NOT have an aisle seat.

  • @natgirrl672
    @natgirrl672 Před rokem

    Thank you so much!

  • @ambrosejoseph4843
    @ambrosejoseph4843 Před rokem +4

    I'm planning a trip to Medellin based on your experience in April '24.

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před rokem +2

      We hope you like it as much as we did!

    • @ambrosejoseph4843
      @ambrosejoseph4843 Před rokem +1

      @@AmeliaAndJP Part of the trip is to go to the cinema complex to see a live broadcast from the Met Opera on April 20. It was either Bogota or Medellin. Bogota looks too big. It's not offered in Ecuador. (yet)

  • @whiteorchid5412
    @whiteorchid5412 Před 8 měsíci +1

    I live in Los Angeles where the quality of health care is second to none if you have good health insurance. I soon realized how important that is after an older couple who were former business associates of mine moved to Santa Fe, NM. About a year later they were back because they said the medical are in Santa Fe left s lot to be desired especially in their advancing years where medical problems become more likely to occur.

    • @GreenEnvy.
      @GreenEnvy. Před 12 dny

      I noticed you didn't mention the cost of good health insurance. 🤔

    • @whiteorchid5412
      @whiteorchid5412 Před 12 dny

      @@GreenEnvy. I'm a CA native. My older brother an dI grew up in a single parent household in the 1960's and 70's when the salary and benefits of a single average middle class worker like my mother who worked full time as a secretary at a local utility company earned enough to raise a family, own a modest home, buy a new car every 7 or 8 years and receive company pension, full medical insurance.
      Thats all began to change after Ronald Reagan was elected in 1980 and busted all the labor unions, then Republicans gave us Supply Side "trickle down" economics Reagan said would spread wealth and prosperity to ALL but incrementally made the richest of the rich richer in the exact same amount the middle class became poorer and poorer. Reagan also ignored Anti-Trust laws and deregulated Wall St. which then used junk bonds to fund hostile takeovers and form monopolies and cartels who then looted employees pension funds and outsourced millions of jobs to third word sweat shops creating Americas Rust Belt during Reagans two terms in office.
      Recently I was talking to a friend of mine who moved from San Diego because he got a job offer for $18/hr when he was previously earning $16/hr. Then it dawned on me I earned $16/hr in 1982 as a construction laborer over a quarter of a century ago. Thats why the middle class has been destroyed. Working class wages and benefits have been frozen at 1980's levels while the price of everything else has increased. Meantime the people at the top ha increased their salaries over 1000% by cheating the working class out of what they have earned.

  • @whacked00
    @whacked00 Před 11 měsíci +2

    I wish we could fly direct from Denver to Cuenca....

  • @kellyhayes1618
    @kellyhayes1618 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Love your channel. Can you please do a video about bringing a dog from Candada to Equador. Merci beaucoup.

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před 11 měsíci

      As Americans, we don’t have any experience with bringing pets from Canada but some things are probably similar. We shared all the details in this article: ameliaandjp.com/traveling-with-dogs-or-cats-to-ecuador/

  • @seanobrien2306
    @seanobrien2306 Před rokem +5

    Hi, Amelia and JP..., Excellent, excellent video and very informative, and this is your ( BEST ) video and information, so far ! ! * I am impressed and totally "agree" with your recommendations and suggestions, and excellent information... I am very proud of you two..., your ( research and experience ) are worth a million words ! ! It would take me hours and hours and years' to gather all of the important information in this one video... * "Thank you for sharing this video and important information." "Semper Fi" Mike in Montana P.S.: JP..., you need a new watch... Only kidding... Great video and one of your finest... :)

    • @RetireandGo
      @RetireandGo Před rokem +1

      This video was packed with great information I agree.
      What watch do you think he would look best with?

  • @wondrwoman25
    @wondrwoman25 Před 11 měsíci +1

    I’d love to see a video about getting your pets (especially dogs) to Ecuador!

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před 11 měsíci +1

      All the details here: ameliaandjp.com/traveling-with-dogs-or-cats-to-ecuador/

    • @wondrwoman25
      @wondrwoman25 Před 11 měsíci

      @@AmeliaAndJP You’re the best! Thanks so much!

  • @ericsmith1801
    @ericsmith1801 Před rokem +3

    Recently I read an article in Google News that the US Ambassador gave a statement to the press two years ago that a narco general was named to head the security forces in Ecuador. I guess that would make an ambassador uneasy. Just something else to think about, huh ?

  • @Cptkaos972
    @Cptkaos972 Před rokem +1

    Ecuador makes the best Panama hats according to everyone. Since you have lived there for awhile, any idea who makes the best one? Thanks.

  • @johnlile3010
    @johnlile3010 Před rokem +4

    Can you tell more about how you made the "move" to a state without income taxes?

  • @PatJones-jz9rs
    @PatJones-jz9rs Před 2 měsíci +1

    The United States that My paternal grandparents immigrated to from Portugal, and that I grew up in, no longer exists.
    Portugal's D7 visa is interesting.

  • @musiccreation1198
    @musiccreation1198 Před rokem +2

    Absolutely love your channel. I'm currently in San Miguel de Allende Mexico....looking to move to Ecuador next year. How did you "move" to Texas for taxes?

  • @arelysthompson2771
    @arelysthompson2771 Před rokem +2

    Hi JP &Amelia, what is the best way to schedule an appointment with you to talk about my personal situation and moving to Ecuador?

  • @christopheradkins9724
    @christopheradkins9724 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Hi Amelia and JP we are considering a trip to Ecuador to visit Quito and Galapagos. Is it safe to travel around Quito? The videos you guys have shared have inspired my wife and I to consider Ecuador. Thanks for any feedback Chris Adkins

  • @beththomas6514
    @beththomas6514 Před 10 měsíci +2

    Hi Amelia and JP, very informative video! I'm wondering if you could put the Expat Country Selector into a Google Sheet link so users don't have to download an Excel file, or if that's not practical. Thank you.

    • @AmeliaAndJP
      @AmeliaAndJP  Před 10 měsíci +1

      Great idea! That’s actually been on my list but I haven’t had time to convert it and the other files. 👍

  • @keithpatterson9040
    @keithpatterson9040 Před 4 měsíci +1

    BEEN TO PHILIPPINES 8 TIMES ..MARRIED TO A FILIPINO FOR 12 YEARS. GETTING READY TO RETIRE THERE ...

  • @curioustravelers1
    @curioustravelers1 Před 7 měsíci

    What steps did you take to establish your new State residency? We are fellow Coloradans looking to make that move abroad in the next 2-3 years. Thanks for sharing your journey.

  • @DavidToback
    @DavidToback Před rokem +4

    Regarding the phone, the top tier AT&T plan gives you free unlimited talk, text, and high speed data for 18 countries in LATAM and Canada. Landed in Colombia yesterday morning and got a text informing me. It’s been AMAZING!!

  • @janajoujan7658
    @janajoujan7658 Před rokem +4

    In Canada, you cannot renew your passport earlier than one year to expiry.

    • @sinnombre3855
      @sinnombre3855 Před rokem +1

      Then you report it lost, not complicated. 😁

  • @amylee9
    @amylee9 Před rokem +3

    Do you have any videos about the drug war in Ecuador, the increasing murders etc? Is good to hear from Americans there how safe it is for expats there?

  • @Sonorus52
    @Sonorus52 Před rokem +5

    A couple things to bear in mind for those who might be thinking of moving for retirement ...
    (1).Create you My Social Security account before leaving. You can't do so once your home address is no longer in the US. Using My Social Security from abroad is also difficult ... look into creating an account with the third-party authentication service used by the SSA.
    (2) International financial regulations prohibit financial advisors, including employees of firms like Fidelity, from giving advice to individuals whose home address is not in the US. Get advice on changes in investments, distributions from IRAs, etc.,while in the US if you can.
    Also make sure your US bank also provides services to those with non-US addresses. For example. Wells Fargo has now adopted a policy that has forced closure of general banking account (though not credit cards) for those outside the US.

    • @TS-rd7oy
      @TS-rd7oy Před rokem

      How is using your social security difficult if it is just deposited into your bank account?

    • @Sonorus52
      @Sonorus52 Před rokem

      @@TS-rd7oy I was referring to the web site My Social Security, not the functioning the disbursement system. IP addresses outside the US are blocked from accessing it

    • @dr.michaellittle5611
      @dr.michaellittle5611 Před 11 měsíci

      @@Sonorus52
      I’m able to access it with NordVPN and a virtual address. In the US.

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried Před 11 měsíci

      @@dr.michaellittle5611 How does the virtual address work? Do you have to have this virtual address tied to someone living in the US?
      Because accessing My Social Security outside of the US, is very hit and miss, and most of the time not functional, e.g., trying to retrieve the yearly SSA form for US Federal Tax returns.

    • @dr.michaellittle5611
      @dr.michaellittle5611 Před 11 měsíci

      @@What_If_We_Tried
      If you have a VPN, you can select which country location you wish to be seen in by the site you’re visiting. I can’t access my Bank of America account that way as they don’t allow VPNs (something about money laundering was what I was told), but I am able to access all other sites, including SSA.
      If you don’t have a VPN, it’s worth the investment as it also allows you to access Netflix and other content as if you lived in the US. This is important because Netflix doesn’t have licenses on all the shows they have to permit it’s broadcast in other countries.

  • @FOHguy
    @FOHguy Před 2 měsíci

    We recently moved to a small principality in Europe. Do have to say that politics had nothing to do with it. We're loving it here.

  • @usernameb752
    @usernameb752 Před měsícem

    thank you i got to get out of usa

  • @monicadzisiak7291
    @monicadzisiak7291 Před rokem +1

    I need to take a lover and get to Ecuador.

  • @narendraswamy4649
    @narendraswamy4649 Před rokem +2

    Any links for visa agents? Also, how did you establish TX residency?

  • @jerrym3261
    @jerrym3261 Před rokem

    I am not tech savvy in a lot of ways, telephone being one. I don't know how easy it is to keep a US phone number for free but, I got Google Voice. You do have to have a US number to set it up but, I think you're OK after that. The best part for me, you get to pick your phone number from a list of numbers. Mine is 50* 50*-50** so I only have to remember 50 and 4 numbers. It works well because I don't remember my "real" phone number and I give my Google Voice number when asked. I get an email when I get a voicemail or text and my "real" number doesn't do that.

  • @cfb8960
    @cfb8960 Před rokem +4

    How did you get an address in Texas? Is it just a PO box?

  • @martin22336
    @martin22336 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Yes I want out I would rather live in Germany or the Netherlands this is nuts am disabled ( particularly blind ) live in a tough area. I finished my bachelor degree in biology I am so done with this country its such a joke people are tough now a day. Am not gonna lie am happy you got out.

  • @zeppafloyd
    @zeppafloyd Před rokem +2

    You guys are a wealth of information. I will be retiring in 3 years, I'm 64 now. My challenge is that my family is young. I have twin 15 year old daughters and their mother is 46. I want them to come with me and get them the hell out of the USA. I'll have SS and some savings, but they will have to find work of some kind.

    • @What_If_We_Tried
      @What_If_We_Tried Před 11 měsíci +1

      Start learning the language now with your daughters, if you haven't done so already.

  • @mpnewell10
    @mpnewell10 Před rokem +2

    Have you guys ever been to Guayaquil?

  • @lucchese20
    @lucchese20 Před rokem +4

    Another great summary video. Much appreciated. 🙏🏻
    Apologies if you’ve covered this before but can you elaborate on “moving” to a (low-tax) state? Did you change your U.S address from CO to TX after your relocation to Ecuador or before? Was a simply virtual mailbox in TX good enough? Did you also change your driver’s license?
    Thanks so much.

    • @siasia3376
      @siasia3376 Před rokem +2

      I have the same question!

    • @eternitywithjesus777
      @eternitywithjesus777 Před 10 měsíci +1

      I had a virtual mailbox in Nevada when I lived two years in my rv. You can open one online and it gives you a street address. I would recommend doing it before you move. I didn't change my driver's license but for tax purposes you might ought to. I'm no JP and Amelia but I've lived in Ecuador for a year so that's what I recommend.

  • @marcusdevito5939
    @marcusdevito5939 Před 8 měsíci

    Love your channel :Quick question:do you know what are the income requirements to live as an expat in Italy ?…..I am concerned that my SS will not be enough…..
    …..many thanks,marcus

  • @Dream-bebe
    @Dream-bebe Před 9 měsíci

    Wow ! So many people are leaving.